The touch is so casual it could almost be accidental… except nothing about Milo feels accidental anymore.
He leans in, his voice low against my ear. “Your knee is wandering again.”
I press my lips together to hide my smile, then turn toward him, lowering my voice. “I told you last night it has a habit of doing that.”
His lips curve into that almost-smile that makes my breath catch. “Lucky for you, I’m good at keeping things in line.”
The words are innocent enough on their own, but the way he says them—low, rough around the edges, his thumb still moving in lazy circles across my thigh—sends heat pooling low in my stomach.
I arch a brow and lean closer, our shoulders brushing. “Careful, Milo. You keep talking like that, and I’ll think you’re flirting with me.”
His thumb pauses for a beat, then resumes with a little more pressure. “Would that be so terrible?”
My mouth goes dry. Before I can answer, Aria’s voice rings out from the front of the pavilion.
“Okay, okay! Everyone, eyes up here!”
She and Ethan stand on the small, raised platform, both grinning as they hold identical A4-sized laminated cards. Beside them, a tall easel is draped in a cream cloth.
“Is everyone ready for what we’ve got planned?” Ethan calls, his voice booming with mischief.
The pavilion erupts in hoots, whistles, and scattered shouts of “let’s goooo!” Aria and Ethan laugh, lock eyes, and launch into a theatrical countdown as they each grab a side of the cloth and slowly tug.
“Three… two… one!”
They pull the cloth away, and it flutters to the ground, revealing a large “Wedding Week Bingo” card with twelve brightly colored squares, each with an activity.
I quickly scan the squares, heart already picking up speed. Sothisis the chaos Aria was talking about earlier.
Matching temporary tattoos (on visible skin)
Karaoke duet (full song, no lip-syncing)
Accept a surprise dare from the Bride and Groom
Give each other a couple’s massage
Selfie with a local animal
Sunset yoga
Couples painting (paint a portrait of your partner)
Slow dance to a song neither of you likes
Dress the other person in the most ridiculous outfit you can find (don’t hold back!)
Find the coolest waterfall
ATV treasure hunt (details announced before you do the task)
Write a poem about your partner
Aria claps sharply. “Wedding Week Bingo! Your partner is your partner—no swaps, no trades, no ‘my ankle hurts.’ I’m looking atyouin particular, Dad.”
Dad presses his lips together and raises both hands in mock surrender, earning ripples of laughter. “It wasonetime.”
“Photo or video evidence is required foreverysquare,” Aria continues, grinning. “The first team to complete the whole card wins a private sunset catamaran sail.”
