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.
Breathe in. Breathe out.
I have to keep reminding myself. Cole is the definition of sexy. He’s tall, lean—and that hair. I hate to admit that I’m envious of his brown locks. My hands are resting on his shoulder, itching to pull that elastic band holding his bun at the top of his head, letting it fall around his shoulders. I’m not ashamed to admit that I’ve spent many nights fantasizing about running my fingers through his hair, holding on tight when he . . . Focus, Stacy.
I laugh nervously at his comment and focus on the other couples around us. Logan and Kacen are blissfully happy, doing their thing, and from the looks of it, Lauren and Tristan are as well. Gavin and Cassidy are in deep conversation. None of them are aware of my inner turmoil.
Soft yet firm lips press against my neck, capturing my attention.
Cole.
Sexy.
Relentless.