Isn’t that the worst thing you’ve ever heard?
december
CHAPTER FIFTY
carter
I shouldn’t have boughther that fucking dress.
When she stepped outside her apartment, her legs looking ten miles long in those strappy silver heels, my jaw almost hit the floor and shattered at her feet. The hem of it stops a little above her knee, giving me a look at skin that I don’t often get to see unless she’s getting ready for bed, andmy god.
She’s got freckles there, too. They kiss her body everywhere.
I had no words for her and she knew it. Her smile was confirmation enough that she was well aware of how good she looks. She pulled that shiny red hair back in a silver clip and let those wispy bangs hang loose in these big, voluminous waves.
I was leaning against my G-Wagon as she sauntered toward me, and I literally had to bring my fist up to my mouth and bite it to convey to her just how I felt about her entire fucking existence.
She looks that hot tonight.
She rolled her eyes and told me to get in the car.
Now, atIcebox, I can confirm that she’s the most beautiful woman in this room. Sweets looks great too, obviously. She’s the bride, so I can’t say sheisn’tshining like a beacon of light, but Red…Fuck.
She is soul-destroying.
I watch people watch her. I watch their eyes linger on her face or trail down to her legs. It stirs up that temper I’ve managed to keep at bay lately. My whole body itches to put her behind me and step in the way of anyone who thinks they can give her the once-over like that while I’m in the room.
“Fork! What’s up, buddy?”
I break my gaze away from Arden, who is talking animatedly with Penny and Avery by the bar. Seth and EJ stroll toward me, and I break into a smile at the sight of them. I hold out my hand and Declan’sotherbest friend smacks his palm into mine.
Seth Tyler is a good guy. I’m not at all jealous that he’s the best man, I promise. One conversation with this guy and you’d get it.
I nod at EJ, who always looks like one of those guys who you’d see on the front page of a magazine directed at people with old money. If I didn’t know him, I’d expect him to say his daddy has a yacht, and for him to wear his sweaters tied around his neck above his luxury polos.
But I do know him. Pretty boy is a hard-working, back-breaking miner.
I smack my hand into his, too. He’s also good shit.
“The boys!” I say, smiling widely at them. “How’s it going?”
“Ready to get the night started,” EJ says with a nod, glancing around the room. “I can’t believe this is happening. Those two idiots are really tying the knot.”
“About time, huh?” I ask, bringing my Jager and Coke to my lips.
Seth lets out a small scoff. “You’re telling me.”
“How was the wedding, Tyler?” I didn’t get a chance to ask him the night of Lowesy’s proposal.
A lovesick look sweeps over him, and I see nothing but genuine happiness on that face. He shrugs, resisting the urge to glance back at his wife. “The wedding was incredible. The rest of my life has been even better.”
Well, fuck. See what I mean? Who says that kind of shit? Seth Tyler was made to be a husband, a best friend, anddefinitelya best man. If anyone were to beat me out for the job, I’m more than happy to concede to someone as infuriatingly likeable as him. He takes care of my boy when he’s in Canada. I take care of him while he’s here.
“Happy to hear.” I nod toward the group of three girls. “Have you met Arden yet?”
I say it because I already noticed Dalton’s eyes on her. More than once.
Both guys glance over their shoulders to follow my gaze. When they look back at me, EJ is half a second slower. I catch thatinstantly. Don’t like it one bit.
