Page 42 of About That Rule

CHAPTER16

TODAY WAS RAFEand Charlotte’s wedding reception. It felt like just yesterday they’d shocked the crap out of everyone when they’d announced their surprise Vegas wedding over breakfast. Samantha had literally almost fallen out of her seat. And she had been pretty sure her brother had almost choked on his omelet. Now though, she couldn’t believe there was any couple as happy as them.

Clearly, her and Nate didn’t count, she thought bitterly.

And it wasn’t just because of the no sex rule.

She marched around her apartment getting ready, annoyed her husband seemingly couldn’t wait to get their marriage annulled. It wasn’t like she was daydreaming about their happily-ever-after…okay, she was, but it wouldn’t taste so bitter if he actually had an emotion or two for her. Like they could go through their annulment together, both being upset.

Misery loved company and all.

The past few weeks since she’d gotten home from her last New York visit, their texting and calls had all been the same. She should have been relieved she hadn’t lost him as a best friend, but she wasn’t.

She slipped into her strapless champagne-colored dress that hit above her knees. It was form fitted and had a slit on the right side of her mid-thigh. It was new, and if there were such a thing as a revenge, make-your-husband-want-you dress, this was it.

There was a blow out bar up the street from her, so her hair was in wild, massive waves. Since the dress and hair were stealing the show, she did minimal makeup and wore white heels. Her phone pinged. Her Uber had arrived, right on time. She was ready to put on her happy face and celebrate the couple in love.

When she arrived at the reception, it was everything Charlotte had planned, a mix of understated and classy touches. She found Rafe talking to his parents so she went to him for the first congrats hug.

“Sammy, you look amazing,” his mom said, giving her smile.

His dad handed her a glass of red wine. “I agree. Your mom told us you’ve been traveling to New York a bit more. It agrees with you.”

Rafe shot her a confused look.

“Oh, you know how Nate and I love to cause trouble in the city,” she said off-handedly, like it was the norm. Used to be anyway. “Enough about me. Rafe, this is your night. Congrats, my friend. You and Charlotte are seriously glowing. Love looks good on you.”

The goofy smile returned to his face at the mere mention of his wife. “I’m a lucky fuck, that’s for sure.”

“Rafe, language!” his mom reprimanded.

He gave his mom a kiss on the cheek. “Sorry, Mom.”

“Samantha!” Charlotte said with excitement. “You look amazing!”

She waved her friend off. “This is about you and Rafe, not me. You’re the real showstopper here. Just like I told Rafe, love looks good on you. I can’t believe after all of these years you two finally got together.”

Charlotte did a spin, letting the fabric around her white dress flutter around her. “Sometimes, I’m still shocked I married my old nemesis. But I guess we knew, even as kids, we were made for each other.”

Rafe pulled Charlotte against him. “Ever since our first kiss.”

“No.” She giggled. “Our first pact.”

He gave her a kiss. “It was the kiss. Or maybe our first time—”

“Stop it right there,” his father demanded. “Your mother and I don’t need any more details about your firsts.”

“Unless it’s about the first baby.” His mom winked.

Rafe and his rakish smile smirked. “I was trying to tell you about how we practice enough, but Dad stopped me.”

Charlotte dropped her head into her hands. He was undeterred and kissed the top of her head. “We’re married now. They know we have sex. The best,” he told her, then bent down and whispered something into her ear that made her blush.

“Okay. We’re going to see the other parents at the bar.” His mom directed her and her husband away from the conversation—especially since it didn’t bother Rafe to talk about how much he loved seeing his wife naked.

“Congrats, you two,” Samantha said with envy. “Love you both.”

Rafe took a moment from ogling Charlotte. “Wait, don’t leave just yet. What were my parents talking about with you going to visit Nate more?”