Page 33 of The Plus One

The driver loaded our bags into the SUV while Ace grabbed the heavier ones himself. I watched his shirt pull tight across his back before he glanced over his shoulder and caught me staring. “What?”

“Nothing.”

“You sure?”

“Load the bags, Ace.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

I rolled my eyes and climbed into the SUV. By the time we reached the resort, I had dozed off against Ace’s shoulder. He nudged me gently. “Kema.”

“Mmm.”

“We here.”

I opened my eyes, wiped the little drool from around my lips, and looked through the window. “Oh shit my bad. I didn't mean to fall asleep on you.”

Ace laughed. "You good love."

I ignored him and continued looking at the resort. The resort was beautiful. White stone, palm trees, open archways, and water so blue it almost looked fake. “This is nice.”

“You ain’t look at the pictures?”

“No. Because we really didn't have a choice this is the resort she's having her wedding at.”

He nodded. By the time I stepped from the SUV, Ace was already beside me with his hand out. I took it without thinking. Then I looked toward the entrance. Of fucking course. Sierra and Stephen were standing with part of the wedding party. So were Markel and Tiana. And they were looking directly at us. More specifically, at our hands. “Fuck.”

Ace leaned closer. “What?”

“They’re here.”

“I see.”

I started to pull my hand away, but Ace tightened his fingers around mine. “What are you doing?”

“What we came here to do.”

Before I could respond, his other hand settled against my waist. My body immediately remembered that hand. Traitor. “Relax,” he murmured.

“I am relaxed.”

“You squeezing the fuck out my hand.”

I loosened my grip. “Sorry.”

Ace looked down at me. “You good?”

I glanced at Markel. He was still staring. Tiana stood beside him looking exactly how I remembered her. Pretty as hell, unfortunately. I wasn’t about to lie just because I didn’t like the bitch. But seeing them together didn’t hurt. No knot in my stomach. No urge to cry. Nothing. Well. Look at God. “I’m good.”

Ace studied me for another second before nodding. “Aight.”

We walked toward them. Sierra saw us first, and the smile that spread across her face told me that bitch was enjoying this entirely too much. “Kema!”

I released Ace long enough to hug her. “Look at you, bride!”

“Oh my God, we’re really here.”

“We’re really here.”