Total pages in book: 109
Estimated words: 101622 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 508(@200wpm)___ 406(@250wpm)___ 339(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101622 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 508(@200wpm)___ 406(@250wpm)___ 339(@300wpm)
“I haven’t thought about it. There was no need to.” A desire suddenly arises as I stare at her and that ring on her finger. Would it be so bad if it were real?
CHAPTER 27
Warner
The magic of the sunset high on a terrace in the New York skyline is captured as the backdrop for the “I dos.” While the newly married couple kiss, my gaze gravitates toward the back left of the guests to discover Delaney’s eyes already on me.
The guests are clapping, pulling my attention back to the bride and groom as they make their way down the aisle. I follow with the maid of honor on my arm, wishing I were walking this aisle with my girl. I miss the heat between us, the electricity that sparks to life with each touch we share, and the magnetism that draws us together every time we’re in the same vicinity.
I lose sight of her as we’re shuffled off to the side while the crowd disperses to the bank of elevators that will take them to the reception on the second floor of this grand hotel. After taking too many photos and sharing a solid embrace with my friend on his special day, the wedding party is sent to enjoy the reception while the couple stays behind for a private moment.
The elevator took so long to return to the terrace that I considered taking the stairs down the twenty-five flights to reach Delaney sooner. But I hold it together and pretend to engage in conversation with the others. As soon as I enter the ballroom, I search for the light blue of her dress or any sign of where she might be.
The dim lights create a flattering ambiance, while music pumps through speakers around the room. And even though it’s classical jazz, it’s too loud to call out for her. Not that I would do that during an event like this, but it’s tempting. I search the dance floor and then walk along the longest wall toward one of the bars set up at the back of the room.
I stop to search the dessert bar just beyond the buffet line. That’s where she is. I cut through small groups standing in the walkway between tables and weave through the maze, losing sight of her. As soon as I finally make it there, she’s gone again.
“Looking for a date?” The sweet sound of her voice has me turning around.
“No thanks. I got one.” My ass is smacked in a roar of laughter when I start to walk off. I turn back in a flash and pick her up into my arms before she can escape. Our lips meet in the middle, but before the kiss deepens, because it could so easily, I set her down again. Running my hand over the soft skin of her neck, I say, “I have the most beautiful date in the room.”
“Only the room?” Her chest racks with laughter again as she reaches up to wrap her arms around my neck.
“New York City,” I reply, chuckling as my gaze wanders through the options I can think of. “The state, the country. The continent, and the world.” Looking into her eyes, I whisper, “You’re the most beautiful woman in the universe.”
“Is this another play for the blow job? Because this flattery is working.”
“Say the word, and we’ll ditch this place.”
She looks back at the buffet line, which is still growing. “Can we ditch it after we eat? I stole a brownie bite, but I’m starving.”
“I can eat,” I reply, taking her hand and leading us to join the back of the line.
“Is that an offer for later?”
“You don’t have to ask me twice.” When we get in line, I lean toward her ear. “You’re my favorite dessert, Sass.”
“Such a charmer tonight. I should bring you to weddings more often.”
Wrapping my arm around her shoulders, I kiss the top of her head. “What can I say? Love is in the air.”
We go through the buffet line and then find our two seats at a table in the far corner from the dance floor. I get drinks from the bar. Fortunately, my fingers are getting stronger, even with the cast on, so carrying a champagne stem is not a problem. It’s good to feel somewhat normal again. I take a sip of my bourbon just before I’m called up to give the best man’s speech.
I try to find Delaney’s eyes, but the room has gone dark with an empty spotlight waiting for me to fill on the dance floor. I set the drinks down on the nearest table before pulling my phone from my pocket and recalling memories from Jimmy’s and my past, landing a few good-natured jokes about his awful dating life, and sharing a few embarrassing stories to build up to the main event that led us here today. He talked to her on a dare because I knew she was the one for him. Before he did, I added for levity. It was quite the crowd-pleaser. When I wrap it up, I go straight to hug the lucky couple, wishing them luck before I grab the glasses and head back to find Delaney.