Page 20 of Bless My Body

Maybe I imagine it, but I’m pretty sure Celine’s eyes light up when she sees me approach. Maybe

I’m just seeing what I want to see, but for the sake of my ego, I’m going to believe she’s excited to see

me.

“Hello, ladies,” I greet them. I’ve met Hazel’s two best friends, Lexi and Caroline, a couple of

times, and they seem like pretty nice people. “Shall we go inside?” I hold my arm out for Celine to

take. She smiles and links her arm with mine.

“We shall.”

I lead the way until we find the private room in the back of the restaurant reserved for the

wedding party.

Surprisingly, or maybe not based on my first impression of the wedding planner, name cards are

set up around the table to let us know where to sit. I expected that for the wedding, but not the

rehearsal. Luckily, they put Celine and me next to each other. The evening would have been incredibly

boring if I didn’t get to sit next to this fireball.

“Who are you trying to impress in this little dress?” I whisper in Celine’s ear. I get satisfaction

seeing the chills pop up on her arms from my lips being so close to her.

“Maybe I’m not trying to impress anyone. Did you ever think of that big guy?”

“If you say so.” She looks good. Too damn good. The waiter pours everyone a glass of

champagne, and we start off the dinner with a toast from Wes.

He stands up to sing the praises of his wife-to-be and thank us all for celebrating with them. He

looks so damn happy and in love. It makes me a little jealous.

I want that.

Maybe not at this exact moment, but I want to find the person who sets my soul on fire. The person

I can’t live without.

Part of me thinks I’ve already found that person, but she’s too oblivious to how amazing we’d be

together.

I reach down under the table and put my hand on Celine’s thigh. Her dress is so short that her

entire thigh is basically on display for me. She wiggles a little in her chair but doesn’t move my hand

away.

This is new.

Celine is never one to shy away from being hugged or embraced, but we usually stay clear of