Page 26 of Let Me Love You

“Well, it’s hard not to want to wrap my fingers around your neck and squeeze when I feel like I’m about to fail a pop quiz.”

“It’s just details for you to know in case it ever comes up in conversation. No one will rattle off questions about their history.”

“I get it. So, what about Rose, your ex?”

My jaw clenches. “We’ll try to avoid her at all costs.”

She’s biting her bottom lip in the most adorable way, smearing her red lipstick. “Fine, let’s go inside and get this over with before I die from asphyxiation.”

I tsk. “You aren’t a thoughtful girlfriend if you’re only concerned about yourself.” She starts toward the front entrance of Tinner Hotel, the most sought-after place to host weddings. But I tug her back to me, pulling her flush to my chest, and rub my thumb across her lower lip that was begging to be touched when between her teeth. My heart—which never seems to awaken except when I’m around Serenity—beats so rapidly it could win a hundred-meter dash. Her eyes widen so before she can lecture me on unnecessary touching, I whisper, “Mr. Tille and Rose are coming up behind us, so please don’t pull away.”

Her pupils dilate, and she clutches my suit jacket. “Uh, I—” she cuts herself off. This is the first time I’ve ever heard her stumble over her words.

Mr. Tille winks at me before disappearing inside the hotel, and if looks could kill, Serenity would drop dead from how Rose is glaring at her. I don’t think Mr. Tille cares about me not marrying his daughter as much as Rose does.

In order for everyone not to figure out I lied, this has to seem real. And the way Serenity is reacting to me, it definitely appears that way. Even Mrs. Frederick beamed when she saw Serenity and me enter the ceremony.

Serenity’s lips part slightly as her eyes narrow in on my mouth. Just like when she first moved into my house. I’d give her another million dollars for her to tell me she wants to kiss me right now. But I don’t push it. It’s better we keep some distance between us before we start blurring the lines.

I release her. She stumbles a step and shoots me a glare. “Next time, give me a warning you’re going to touch me.”

Quirking an eyebrow, I ask, “So, there’s going to be a next time?”

“Absolutely not.”

“You smeared your lipstick.”

“You probably did it when you touched my lips without my permission.” Her voice comes out breathless. The usual venom that laces her words is gone. “Let’s go inside.”

She turns to march off, but I grab hold of her hand, and when she turns to look back at me, I say, “People might think we were kissing.”

“Isn’t that what married couples do?”

Even though she fills my thoughts all the time, hearing her say “married couples” makes my heart do a flip inside my chest.

Her mouth turns down in a frown when I don’t respond. “Do you know where the bathroom is here?”

“Yes, I’ll show you.” My voice embarrassingly comes out huskier than intended.

I guide Serenity up the front stairs. She clings to my arm, and her fingers dig into my jacket so roughly I wouldn’t be surprised if she left a bruise. A memento for when I’m lying in bed later, definitely thinking about Serenity.

She keeps her eyes on the floor in front of us. This normally vibrant and outgoing woman is intent on hiding, and I ache to bring her back out, shine a light on her so the world can see how wonderful she is.

Soft classical music intertwines with chattering voices. A lot of familiar faces smile at me. I greet them with my own but keep moving. Everyone will talk to me in due time. It sounds cocky, but it’s just the truth.

The moment Serenity disappears into the bathroom, a woman steps out. We both freeze, but a smile snakes her mouth upward. Anastasia, my girlfriend before I was on Everlasting. The first stain on my relationship history, if you don’t count Rose when we were pretty much babies.

“Vic, hello.” She sashays over to me and gives me a peck on the cheek. “What a coincidence we’re bumping into each other here.”

I force a smile onto my lips. It feels foreign. I never have to feign a smile or a laugh. I always make the best out of every situation, but I can’t with Ana. Not after what she did. “We’re at Mrs. Frederick’s daughter’s wedding, so of course I’m here. She’s on my board after all.”

“Oh, yes, it must have slipped my mind.” She places a hand on my arm, and I suddenly feel like I can’t breathe. Like someone suddenly tightened my tie too much, and I’m left clawing at my neck to loosen it. There’s one thing I’m certain of: she didn’t forget. “It’s so nice to see you again.”

My jaw tightens, and I take a step back. “Yes, I’m just waiting for my wife to finish in the restroom. Maybe you’ll meet her later.”

Ana’s eyes widen. “Your wife?”

I force my voice to stay neutral. Show no weaknesses. “Yes, we were married this past weekend.”