Page 42
After a chuckle, Beckett gestures for me to speak first and I point up toward the crowd, much like he did earlier. “We should probably go,” I tell him, keeping my voice light while disappointment fills me. I could stay here all night.
“We should.” Beckett dips his chin in a nod, his expression completely unreadable. I can’t tell if he’s happy about it or feeling like I am. “Are you okay getting up the hill?” he asks and I frown, confused, until his eyes drop to my ridiculous high heels and I remember telling him I hated stilettos.
I laugh through gritted teeth. “I truly hope so because I’d rather not embarrass myself.”
“You won’t. Most of the guests already have their eyes glued to the bride and groom.”
“I meant you. I’d rather not embarrass myself in front of you.”
Beckett bites his lip and fixes me with a soft gaze. “That’s not possible.”
“It’s not?”
“No.”
Without offering an explanation, he gestures for us to walk and I move ahead of him, feeling his warmth settle behind me, imagining his touch.
The second I’m visible to the crowd, Henley waves from across the dance floor, beckoning me over. I turn to say goodbye, only Beckett’s no longer there, as though I imagined our entire interaction.
“Did you walk up that hill?” Henley’s lips part and I huff out a laugh.
“I did and I survived.”
“I’m proud of you. Maybe we’ll make a heel girl out of you yet.”
“Hmm…unlikely. I know my limits. And I’m not far from reaching them. Especially considering we’re about to hit the dance floor.”
“I may have packed you some flats for later.” Henley presses a finger to her mouth to signal it’s a secret, and I swallow my laugh, pretending to zip my lips.
“And that’s why you're my bestie. Among other reasons.”
“Because you want my brother?”
“What?” I choke on air as it grows thicker around me, then level Henley with a stare as her shoulders shake from suppressed laughter.
“I’m kidding.” She waves me off. “Let’s go and snag ourselves a good dance partner before the first dance begins. I call dibs on Dean.”
“Don’t you mean—”
“Say his name and so help me God.”
I seal my lips and bite back a smile, the crinkles around my eyes giving me away. I don’t need to mention Atlas for the burn to sting. “I’m kidding.” I bounce my voice innocently, and it’s Henley’s turn to glare my way.
Now we’re even.
If I thought my feet hurt before, it’s nothing compared to the throbbing I’m feeling now. It’s been two hours and I’ve barely left the dance floor. Held hostage by Henley and the other bridesmaids—I’ve deemed them the formidable four—if I so much as look in the direction of the gardens, one of them is there, stopping me in my tracks.
“It’s a party, Lily. It’s time to let loose.”
“Come on, Lil, look at all the gorgeous men eyeing you.”
“It’s one night. You can do it.”
The thing is…I can do it. I’d just rather be sitting in a quiet bar sipping water and talking about life. With no one in particular.
Definitely not a tall, handsome, slightly broody football star who seems to care for my daughter, and looks at me like I’m the only woman in the room, even though he doesn’t mean to.
My heart races at the thought, and I almost clutch at my chest to try and slow it down.
