Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 98524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 493(@200wpm)___ 394(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 493(@200wpm)___ 394(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
During the reception, I watched the bride and groom share a dance, holding hands and gazing into each other’s eyes. Deke said something that made Davina throw her head back and laugh. I prayed they’d continue laughing like that together for the rest of their lives.
They swayed to “Saving All My Love for You,” and as Whitney Houston belted out her lyrics, my eyes shifted to Octavia, who was sitting at one of the tables, with Aleesa on her lap. Both of them watched the newlyweds with stars in their eyes.
I smiled, and as if Octavia could feel someone looking at her, her eyes swiveled my way. Her lips quirked up, and she raised a hand to her lips to blow me a kiss. I caught it and tucked it into my pocket.
The dance came to an end, and everyone cheered for the couple. Then the DJ produced livelier music for everyone to join in.
Octavia placed Aleesa on her feet before grabbing her hand. “I’m going to run her to the restroom,” she said.
“Okay.”
She walked past me, but not without pushing up on her toes and laying a kiss on my cheek. I watched her walk away, her hips swaying in that orange dress. Seriously. She looked good. If Aleesa weren’t here, I’d have run her back to the main house, found one of the empty rooms, and had my way with her.
“You’re so smitten.” Catalina stood at my side.
I glanced sideways at her as she sipped from a champagne flute.
“Who even says that?” I laughed. “Smitten.”
“Um, you’re dating a bookworm. You might want to embrace that word.”
I couldn’t help my smirk. “Sure.”
“I’m going to take Aleesa to the hotel so you and your girlfriend can have some alone time.”
“You do not have to do that, Cat.” I waved a hand. “It is fine. Aleesa will probably not be tired for another hour or so.”
My sister turned her head to pin her eyes on me, planting a hand on my shoulder. “I wasn’t asking. Octavia deserves to enjoy her sister’s reception, and you deserve to have fun with her and your best friend without worrying about Leesa. You’ll thank me later.”
“But don’t you want to enjoy the reception?”
She scoffed. “I don’t think I’ve ever told you this, but I’m not a wedding person. In fact, I don’t even really like them. I just tolerate them. They’re overrated.”
“So why’d you come?” I laughed.
“Because only a fool would deny an invitation to one of the most famous basketball players’ weddings.”
“Understandable.”
“I’ll run to the ladies’ room to let Octavia know I’ll be taking Aleesa.” She gave my cheek a squeeze. She knew I hated when she did that, and I started to say so, until she said, “I love you, hermano. Have fun, okay?”
My face softened. “Te quiero, Catalina.”
She downed the rest of her champagne before placing the empty flute down on a nearby table. I watched her go until she rounded the corner for the restrooms.
I stopped by one of the open bars for a neat whiskey before making my way across the room to where Deke and Davina were speaking to a few of their guests.
Deke spotted me and excused himself from one of the people he was talking to, then he pressed a hand to Davina’s back and led her my way.
“Big J.” Deke greeted me with a dap and a brotherly hug. “You enjoying yourself?”
“I am. You did not have to stop your conversation for me, you know?”
“Oh, trust me, that was not for you,” Deke said. “That couple would’ve talked our heads off all night.”
“Really?” Davina asked, glancing over her shoulder at the older couple.
“Oh, yeah. They’re friends of my mom’s, and you know that woman can talk.”
“I can’t wait to tell your mom you said that.” Davina pretended to walk off, but Deke caught her by the arm and reeled her back in.
“You’re my wife now. You can’t snitch on me.”
She laughed as he hugged her around the waist and kissed her.
“I would never.”
They kissed again.
“Should I give you two some space or . . .”
Davina giggled, playfully pushing Deke away so he’d stop trying to kiss her.
“Deke Bishop!” someone called, and Deke peered over his shoulder to see his manager, Arnold. “Congrats, big guy!”
Arnold made his way toward us.
Deke sighed. “Let me chat him up really quick.” He dropped a kiss on Davina’s forehead this time. “I’ll be back for you, wifey.”
When Deke took off, Davina let out a dreamy sigh and shook her head.
“Congratulations, Davina.” I raised my glass her way.
“Thank you, Javier.” She faced me, clinging to a half-empty glass of champagne. “I’m really glad you’re here.”
“Of course. I would not have missed it for the world.”
She continued a smile, darting her gaze to Deke. “I just hope I can keep him happy, you know?”