“No reason,” Ash insists, but he’s blushing, and I’m very curious to know what’s got him so on edge. Before I can ask though, he turns quickly and heads back to the barn.
“That was suspicious, wasn’t it?” I nudge John, wondering what he picked up from that conversation.
“No,” he grumbles, but whatever, now is not the time to speculate. My best friend is about to walk down the aisle to the love of his life, and I couldn’t be happier for him.
“We should probably head to the altar in a minute,” I suggest to John just before a girl approaches him.
“Oh my God, John!” she calls out excitedly.
As I take her in, I realize she’s not just any girl. Nope. She’s covered in tattoos with a septum piercing, and long, black hair pulled back in a tight ponytail. She looks fucking flawless, and the longer I stare at her and her edgy vibe, the more I realize that she looks like the kind of girl who belongs next to him. Theperfect fit; a couple who turns heads with how cool and confident they are.
My stomach tightens as I wonder if anyone might ever see John and I that way.
I feel like I’m going to be sick.
“Faith, hey,” John says casually, and my stomach sinks further. He clearly knows her; that welcome was warmer than any welcome he’s ever given me.
Seriously, who is this horrible mystery woman?
“How are you?” she asks, stepping closer without hesitation, even going so far as to wrap her arms around his neck. The air feels like it’s completely stomped out of my lungs as she continues talking. “It’s been so long since I’ve seen you. I heard you were back in town; I’ve been meaning to reach out.”
She lets her arms fall, and I take a step closer to John, because even if he might not be ready to tell everyone, John is mine.
Except, now my brain is spinning out of control. Did he hook up with her? Is she an ex? Does she know more about John than I do?
“Yeah, been around for a few months now,” he replies easily. At least he didn’t tell her he was back when he first arrived. That’s a good thing, right? It’s got to be. She can’t bethatimportant then.
“Are you still doing custom work?” she asks. “Because I’ve got an idea I never finished.”
I have no idea what she’s talking about, but I hate her. I don’t want John doingany“custom work” for her.
“Sometimes,” he says with a shrug. “More focused on the electrician thing now.”
My jaw tightens, and I must let out a grunt because she finally glances at me like she just noticed I exist. “Sorry, I’m being so rude,” she says with a short laugh. “I’m Faith, and you are?”
“Chad. Blake’s best man. But you should find your seat, we’re about to head up to the altar. So great to meet you, bye for now,” I answer dismissively, pulling John away with me.
John comes willingly when I yank his arm away from her. She looks a bit taken aback, but I don’t care. I don’t want her claws anywhere near my man.
“What was that?” I question John when she’s out of ear shot.
“What was what? You’re the one acting strange, like a possessive boyfriend or something,” John says likeIdid something wrong. Does he not understand that he’s mine?
“Wrong. I acted like a possessivehusbandbecause that’s what I am, John. I amyour husband.”
“Jesus, Chad. You know I’m gay, right? She’s just an old neighbor.”
Oh yeah… that detail might’ve slipped my mind when I saw how happy she was to see him. “Uh, yeah, of course. Duh. Ready, Hubby? Our second time at the altar together, isn’t it romantic?” I waggle my eyebrows at him, playing off my completely unfounded jealousy.
“Chad,” he scolds, but no one is around to have possibly heard me call him my favorite nickname.
“You can go to the right side, and I’ll go to the left. I think those are the sides we were on last time. Just try to keep your hands to yourself.” I wink. “Or don’t.”
“Fucking hell,” John mutters as he starts walking to the front of the ceremony.
A few heads turn—as they should—and I love that everyone’s eyes are on him.You can look, people, but you can’t touch. He’s taken.I grin to myself knowing my man is such a heartthrob andI’llbe the one inourbed with him tonight.
Not stupid Faith.
