She smells fucking incredible. Leaning in to whisper in her ear might not have been my smartest fucking move. Not only did I get to breathe her in, but I tasted her skin. The little hitch in her breath, the rise and fall of her chest—fuck me, I’m sporting wood, standing up here with my boy on the biggest day of his life. Puppies. Kittens. Grandma Iris.
Finally, my cock starts to deflate. I focus my attention to watch the rest of our crew walking down the aisle.
Logan appears, and my man, Kacen, sways on his feet. “Holy fuck,” he whispers. I bring my fist to my mouth and pretend to cough to smother my laugh. It’s always been like this for him. I knew the first time I saw him look at her, even though he was confused at what she was doing in his house, that she was different for him. I don’t understand it, but I get it. Kacen has always wanted what Logan is giving him—to settle down and have a few kids. I like kids, but I’ve never thought much about having my own.
Hell, I’m living the dream right now. Maybe somewhere down the road.
Kacen shuffles his weight from foot to foot, and I realize that he’s losing his shit. Any time he’s in the same room with her, he has to be as close as possible. If I know my boy, he’s thinking about running down the aisle and throwing his bride over his shoulder, moving the ceremony along.
I lean in and whisper in his ear, “Chill, Kace She’s all yours. Just take a deep breath.”
I hear him suck in air and slowly exhale just as Logan steps in front of him. “You’re so fucking beautiful,” he says, not bothering to lower his voice. The guys laugh and the girls “Awww” over his declaration. Logan grins widely as tears shimmer in her eyes.
I have to hand it to him—he picked a good one. She’s gorgeous, down-to-earth, and she can cook. I’m sure that’s not what made him fall in love with her, but they’re all good qualities if you ask me.
The ceremony is quick and painless. Of course, I spent most of my time watching Stacy. She caught me a few times, but I just gave her a wink and kept staring. She knows I’m interested; now I just have to get her on board. But this girl is not making it easy on me. It’s kind of refreshing since I don’t usually have to work for it. She’s making it . . . fun.
As soon as Logan says I do, Kacen pulls her into a kiss. Lifting her off her fit and crushing her to him. “Fucking finally. Logan Warren,” his voice echoes throughout the room.
The room erupts in cheers, but by the looks of the happy couple you would never know it. Kacen has Logan pulled close with his forehead resting against hers. They are both wearing blinding smiles.
The crowd starts to dwindle as they head to the reception. The wedding party is still standing at the front of the room with the newlyweds. It’s not at all how we practiced in the wedding rehearsal last night. This is so much better.
The reception is in full swing and, just like I suspected, me being paired with Stacy is in my favor. I need to remember to thank Logan and Kacen. Currently, we are sitting at a long table, the six of us paired off and waiting for Mr. and Mrs. Kacen Warren to make their appearance. If I know my boy, he’s celebrating the fact that Logan is finally his, name changed and all that shit he was spouting off about earlier.
I sit back in my seat and rest my arm on the back of Stacy’s chair. She’s talking to Lauren, who is sitting beside her, and she doesn’t miss a beat in her conversation. Her words don’t falter; she doesn’t move an inch or even turn to look at me. I need to step up my game.
I lean toward her and begin to run my finger over her bare shoulder. Goose bumps break out against her skin.
Jackpot!
I trace her soft skin and sip my beer, acting as though it’s the most normal thing in the world. In my mind it is. Only I imagine tracing said skin with my tongue.
Tristan, who is on the other side of Lauren, asks her a question, which steals her attention from Stacy. Feeling brave, I lean in close and whisper, “Your skin is so soft.”
Again the goose bumps, only this time I can see a slight tremor in her shoulders.
Perfect.
“It’s not going to work, Hampton.” She laughs. It’s not her normal, “I’m cutting up with you, that’s funny” laugh. No, this laugh is . . . nervous. I’m making her nervous. Score, Hampton!
“What’s not going to work?” I feign innocence.
She glances over at me and smiles softly, shaking her head. I’m bringing my A game tonight. I want this girl, have for months. She’s not going to know what hit her.
“Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention.” The wedding planner’s voice rings through the reception hall. “I would like to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Kacen Warren.” The room breaks out in applause. “The bride and groom will take their first dance as man and wife. The wedding party will then join for the second dance,” she announces.
In any other situation, I would be irritated with this shit. But this is for my boy and Logan. Not to mention I get to hold Stacy’s tight little body next to mine, just like I told her I would.
Fucking finally!
Stacy reaches for her wine glass and slowly drains it. Liquid courage, I’m sure. I know my words from earlier are bouncing around in that little head of hers.
Kacen and Logan’s dance is over and guests break out in a chant of “Kiss, kiss, kiss.” Not having to be told, but willing to go with it, Kacen dips Logan over his arm and lays a smoking-hot kiss on her.
The wedding planner motions for us, and I stand and reach for Stacy’s hand. “That’s our cue, sweets.” I watch as she stares longingly at her empty champagne glass before relenting and placing her hand in mine. Gripping it tightly, I place my other hand on the small of her back. I’m taking every excuse I can think of to touch her.
As Steven Tyler’s voice comes through the sound system, I pull Stacy in to my chest and clasp my hands on the small of her back. I feel her try to take a step back, but I just tighten my hold on her. Not happening, sweetheart.
“Is it as good as you thought it would be?” I ask her.
She raises her head in confusion, those green eyes taking me in. “What?” she asks hesitantly.
Leaning close—one, so I can breathe her in and two, because I know the effect it has on her—I whisper in her ear. “This. Being in my arms.”
A smile lights up her face as she throws her head back in laughter. “You’re too much.”
You have no idea, baby.