Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22470 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 112(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22470 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 112(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
I was dead on my feet when Tony met me at the hotel door, wrapped his arms around me, and told me Luke was on his way down. I’d winced until he told me Jude had to tell him what was happening. It’s hard to keep things quiet with a group this large, try as I might. Jude, Crew, and Matthew more or less let the cat out of the bag because their women are away from them. I get it. Now that I have Tony, it killed me. Okay, that’s a bit much, but I really did want to spend more time with him and couldn’t.
I’ve yet to hear exactly what went down between Luke and the wedding planner, but I’m sure I’ll hear about it soon enough.
The song ends before another starts, this one the father of the bride and mother of the groom dance. Tony slides his fingers down the side of my neck. Goose bumps appear on my flesh, and my eyes leave the dance floor and land on his.
“You did good, trouble. Real good, to pull off what you all did in the short amount of time. It looks fucking incredible, you look goddamn spectacular, and I can’t wait to get you on the dance floor and show you off.” He links his hand with mine, fingers lacing together, and gives me a soft squeeze.
“I had a lot of help. You never did say what Luke said to the wedding planner.” By the time I landed in his arms last night, tiredness took over. I had enough energy for a shower, to brush my teeth, and climb into bed, where I promptly conked out. My phone alarm blared to life entirely too early for hair and makeup. While none of us were standing up for Shae, we all still wanted to be there to see her through the whole process.
I also took it upon myself to make sure my sister had help getting dressed and praise whatever it is out there for the photographer because she and the entire crew she hired, including videography, are freaking amazing.
“He’s holding back until the end of the night, only to keep it from Shae. She still has no idea what went down, and I’m sure he’ll try to keep the majority of it away. I’m pretty sure finding another job in Whispering Oaks will be damn hard for her.” Wow, I’m kind of shocked Luke was able to hold back, but it makes sense. It would take some fast work to at least have someone oversee the festivities for today. I’d have done it if he had asked. The only problem with that is I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the winter wonderland of their wedding. And after being up to my eyeballs in fluffing Christmas trees, garland, and poinsettias for today, I think I’d rather not think about decorating my own house after the past twenty-four hours.
“I hate to say good, but for what they paid, I’m not sorry for having those thoughts,” I reply before taking the last sip of my peppermint delight, thankful that my winter drink of choice made it on the list. Clearly, I’m my sister's favorite.
“I think in this instance, you have every right to feel that way. Now, are you ready to take a spin with me on the dance floor?” It’s then that I’ve realized we’ve been talking through all of the obligatory dances a reception would have, and now they’re ready for guests to join in. This was the only traditional must-have that Shae insisted on: the dances. Other than that, she marched to the beat of her own drum.
“Yeah, I’d really like that.” Tony stands up, then he proceeds to help me do the same, keeping his hand on my lower back as we walk through tables with occupied guests. While a lot of them are friends from the guys’ group they grew up with, there’s also their parents, siblings, and the like. Then there are Tony and Luke’s work colleagues, who were invited, as well as extended family and friends. Hence the reason they rented the whole hotel.
“Come on, trouble,” he whispers in my ear, causing a shiver to skate down my spine. The dress I’m wearing is emerald-green velvet with a twist style front between my breasts, spaghetti straps, and maxi in length. The real show stopper is the figure-skimming skirt that ends with a center slit. I’ve noticed Tony glancing at my lap while we were sitting and his leg presses against mine.
“In case I didn’t tell you today, you look devastatingly handsome,” I tell him as he spins me in a circle, pulling me back in, and pressing us together so tightly nothing could slip between us, well, minus his firm thigh between my legs. Thank you, Shae, for telling me this dress is everything and more. As for Tony, he’s wearing a three-piece, black-on-black-on-black. The jacket, the pants, and the vest are all the same color, are the slim-style tie and button-down shirt. It emphasizes his dark looks and brings out his Italian heritage, making him that much hotter.