“Okay,” I breathe, trying to convince myself more than anything. “I’m here.”
And for a moment, all feels right in the world when Owen leans down and seals his lips to mine, out in the open where both Drew and Holly can see.
TWENTY-FOUR
Meadow
The music coming from the DJ’s speakers pounds through the floor beneath my heels, vibrating up my legs as I laugh breathlessly, my arm resting over Owen’s shoulder as he spins me beneath the twinkling lights.
The reception has fully come alive.
I hardly know any of these people, but damn, they know how to party.
I’ve attended countless weddings where the reception was either awkward, boring, or a complete doozy. But this feels like a club with everyone packed onto the dance floor.
The deck is glowing beneath the golden bulbs strung overhead, gently swaying in the night breeze. The ocean is barely visible beneath the onyx sky, just the faint outline of white waves hitting the shore in the distance.
Upbeat music pulses through the air, blending with guests singing along, feet stomping back and forth from the bar to the dancefloor, and the occasional shout from someone who’s definitely going to be in hangover hell in the morning.
And for the first time since cocktail hour… I feel okay again.
More than okay, actually.
A soft buzz hums through my veins, loosening every tight edge until all that’s left is laughter and bliss.
Owen pulls me into his chest, his hand sliding to my waist as I stumble into him, giggling as the world tilts just a little from the cocktails.
“Careful, Mrs. Brooks,” he murmurs against my ear, his voice low and amused.
God,I never want him to stop calling me that.
“Me?” I grin up at him. “You’re the one who keeps spinning me.”
“Can’t help it,” he rumbles, his hand tightening on my hip. “You look so damn sexy in that dress. I need the full view.”
My skin tingles as I feel a blush creep along my cheeks.
“I can’t fucking wait to take it off you tonight,” he promises, voice low and hungry as he nips at my earlobe.
Fuck.
I press my thighs together to push down the ache in my core. I lean into him, my arms looping loosely around his neck as we sway to the music, his body warm and hard against mine.
Owen’s signature scent of cinnamon and leather mixes with the salty air, centering me in a way no one else can.
I briefly close my eyes and inhale, soaking up the moment.
Stay here,I tell myself.
Just stay here.
The DJ’s voice suddenly cuts through the music, loud and animated.
“Alright, alright, everybody! It’s that time. Let’s get our single ladies out on the dance floor. If there’s no ring on it, you’re up here—no excuses!”
A chorus of cheers and claps erupts around us. I laugh under my breath as Owen’s chest rumbles against mine.
“It’s your moment,” he teases.
