Page 73 of Maximum Bet

She shakes her head. “It couldn’t have been so long.”

“We’ve been busy.” I shift as Jaqueline tells me to lift my arm. “And living across the country from each other isn’t easy.”

“It will be easier now that you’ll be Mrs. Dominic Tariello.” She winks before whispering conspiratorially, “I heard he has a private jet! You can visit Charlotte whenever you want. I can’t believe you’re marrying such a successful entrepreneur.”

“Yeah,” I mutter, catching Sadie’s giggle. If my mother only knew.

“All right, ladies.” Natalie claps her hands, entering the suite. “We’ve got half an hour. Time to put on the finishing touches.”

“Perfect.” Jaqueline stands to admire her work. “Don’t you dare destroy this dress.” She warns. “I want pictures of you to show off in my portfolio.”

“I won’t, I promise.”

“Oh, I need my shoes.” My mother scurries away.

“How do I look?” Sadie jumps off her stool, her hands intertwined under her chin to frame her face.

“A lot better than you do when you’re on stage,” I tease. She rolls her eyes and runs off to fetch her dress.

Finally allowed to move, I cross the room toward Natalie, who is scouring her event planning checklist.

“Have you seen the men?” I ask.

She pauses the perusal of her never-ending chores and grins. “Just got back from their room. Most of them are drinking beer and playing billiards. Dominic was the only one ready to go. No cold feet from him.”

“None from me either,” I say as Jaqueline approaches with my veil.

“We can put this on downstairs. I don’t want to risk it getting caught and torn.”

Leaning over the bar sink to avoid any accidental spills, I take a few sips of the high-end champagne Natalie stocked in our suite. I at least remembered to eat before I started the primping process, so I shouldn’t starve before Dominic and I make our entrance to the reception.

As husband and wife.

I smile into my champagne glass.

One year ago, I was a destitute former ballerina, with a plan to move to Las Vegas, clinging to the only profession I had ever known.

Now, I’m marrying the love of my life, exploring new aspects of my career, and living a lifestyle I never dreamed of.

Things couldn’t be better.

I finish the champagne and place the flute on the counter.

My maid of honor, Sadie, and bridesmaids, Whitney and Amanda, are ready to go, excitedly chatting by the suite entrance. My mother finishes her second glass of champagne while shegoes over details with Natalie and Jaqueline, while our hair and makeup stylists enjoys the fruits of their labor.

“It’s time,” Natalie says as all eyes turn to me.

I smooth my skirts, set my shoulders, and smile so wide my cheeks hurt.

“Let’s get married!”

Chapter 26

Dominic

For the first time in my adult life, I don’t worry about looming threats.

I don’t scan my surroundings for enemies.