Islept fitfully all night, a part of me worried I’d wake in the night with my body wrapped around Chase’s and then I would have subsequently died of embarrassment, or begged him to fuck me. But neither of those outcomes would have been good. When I wake, the next morning though and find him lying flat on his back, one arm thrown over his face and the covers pulled down to his navel, I can’t stop myself from staring for a few minutes. His abs should really come with some kind of government health warning.
“Are you awake?” he groans and I snap my eyes closed, pretending I wasn’t gawking at him.
“I am now.”
“What time do you have to be at Brax and Eva’s for the hair and makeup stuff?”
“Eleven.”
He pushes himself up onto one elbow, his dark hair falling into his eyes. “So, we have time for breakfast then?”
I nod and he smiles and then we just stare at each other for the longest time, and it feels way too intimate, but I can’t help liking it. And I think about what it would be like if he leaned down and kissed me. How easily I would part my lips and welcome him inside. Or what if he had a total fuck-it moment, rolled on top of me and tore off my pj’s. I’d probably still part my lips and welcome him inside—that thought makes me giggle and it seems to snap Chase from whatever thoughts he was having.
“You are far too dangerous to be lying in this bed with, Addie Kinsella,” he says before jumping out of bed. “I’ll go make a pot of coffee if you promise to make me some of your delicious pancakes.”
I salute him. “You have yourself a deal, sir.”
He groans, muttering curses to himself as he slips out of the bedroom.
Everything about Braxand Eva’s wedding day has been truly perfect. There’s no better way to describe it. The champagne brunch with just me, Eva and our moms was perfect. Chase sneaking in to tell Eva how beautiful she was and how he was her best man too was perfect. Braxton and Eva’s vows were perfect. Her hair and dress were perfect. We laughed. We cried. We drank champagne. We posed for a bazillion photographs, and I didn’t even mind a little that Chase and I had to be in so many of them together. I didn’t even mind when the photographer suggested he pick me up for one of them, and instead of the scooping up she suggested, he threw me over his shoulder.
He has also been perfect today. A sight to behold in his tuxedo, but more than that he’s been charming and helpful and funny, and the Chase I always knew and loved.
The entire room is currently hanging on his every word as he delivers his best-man speech, which has thus far consisted of some hilarious stories involving Brax and Eva, and occasionally him, that have had all of the guests doubled over with laughter. “The truth is, I could tell you all a million more stories about Brax and Eva, and I know plenty more that are even funnier than the ones I’ve shared with you today. But I love them too much to dig up those skeletons. Not to mention incriminating myself.”
Everyone laughs again.
“So, I’ll just end with telling you all that they are two of my favorite people in the entire world, and I have never known two people more right for each other than they are.” Chase raises his glass and we all do the same. “To Brax and Eva, I’m truly honored to have been a part of your journey here, and a part of this incredible day. I love you both so much and I could not be happier that you’ve finally officially made me the third wheel.”
The entire crowd chants a toast and then erupts into cheers and wolf whistles. Chase simply smiles and takes his seat, always comfortable being the center of attention.
Unlike me. And I have to follow that.
My palms are sweaty. I take a long swig of my champagne and immediately regret it when the bubbles make my head spin. And now I’m in fifth grade again and Tommy Pierce is yelling at me to “hurry up and talk, fart-face”while I stand on the stage in front of the entire school.
I take a deep breath, but it doesn’t work. Dammit. I have three minutes before I have to make my speech and I abhor public speaking. Now I have no idea why I ever agreed to this. Pushing back my chair, I make a quick apology and dash for the ladies’ room.
I don’t make it that far when he’s behind me.
“Addie, are you okay?” Chase’s deep voice stops me in my tracks.
I spin around and shake my head. “No. I can’t do it, Chase. I’ve forgotten every single thing I was planning to say and I didn’t make notes, because I practiced it like a bazillion times.”
My heart is galloping in my chest and my breathing is getting heavier and faster. Sweat trickles down my back. Attractive!
“Addie.” He takes my hands in his and places one on my chest, right over my heart, and one on his. “You’re okay.”
I shake my head. “I’m not.”
“Yeah, you are.” He steps closer. “Breathe with me. Okay?” He tips my chin up with his finger until I’m staring into his eyes and then places both of his hands over mine. “Breathe, Firefly.”
I take a deep breath and then try to match the rise and fall of his chest. “What if I blow it and ruin their big day?”
“You won’t.”
It takes a moment, but my breathing evens out and my legs stop shaking. “I freaked out.”
He hums. “I know. God, I should have kicked Tommy Pierce’s ass.”
