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Dash and Paige are the image of what every married couple hopes to be. Wildly happy as they head toward the next chapter in their life.
That’s not something I ever expected for myself.
I still don’t. I need a practical marriage, not a picturesque one.
As my hand sinks into the stiff material of Charlie’s suit sleeve, I imagine what it would be like for he and I to officially walk down the aisle together.
Could he be the solution to all my problems?
ChapterTen
CHARLIE
Luna is staring. At me.
She’s been staring since the vows.
Admittedly, I only notice her attention because I’ve been sneaking my own glances. But I can’t help myself. Not when that suit fits her just right.
Why is she looking at me?
Do I have something on my face?
After they cut the cake, I duck into the bathroom to check.
Nothing stands out. I run my hand over my close crop and rub a palm against my jaw. Everything is in place, my face still clean-shaven from this morning.
Nothing spilled on my suit. Nothing untied or untucked.
All there is to stare at is me.
And that unnerves me all the more.
Maybe it’s the bet. I haven’t paid her yet, but I didn’t think she was so hard up for cash that she needed my five dollars immediately.
Heading outside, I aim toward the table where Dash’s friends Cole and Summer sit. Since Cole worked at the same animal rescue as Dash, the guy is on dog duty for the rest of the night. Pumpkin sits obediently next to him, and the two create an intimidating picture. A beefy pit bull beside a guy with more of his white skin covered in ink than not. But I know Pumpkin is soft as melted butter, and Cole is just quiet. Summer, his colorful, friendly girlfriend, also naturally softens Cole’s edges with her eager smile.
“Hi, Charlie! You did great.” Summer raises her wine glass to toast me, and I offer a bow.
“I try. Can’t believe you’re keeping Pumpkin so calm. I thought she’d be bored and causing mayhem by now.” I scratch the pittie’s blocky head, and she gives me a doggy grin, her tongue lolling out of the side of her wide mouth.
“That’s all bribery. Cole’s pockets are full of treats.” Summer reaches into her man’s pants, coming out a second later with a dog biscuit, and I pretend I don’t see how Cole stares at his girlfriend with hot eyes.
Must be nice to have an adorable woman inadvertently brush your junk ever so often.
“Hey, Summer. Cole.” Luna appears directly in front of me, nodding to the couple before training her focus on me. “Let’s dance.” She scoops up my hand and pulls me to a dance floor constructed in the middle of the yard just as a slow song starts.
Not that I needed any kind of forcing. I’m happy to be pulled along behind her.
Don’t screw this up, I tell myself.No more klutzy shit. You are smooth as syrup.
Unfortunately, when I move to wrap my arms around Luna’s waist, I somehow end up punching her in the boob instead.
“Ow.” She cups the poor abused boob, and I wonder if I’m about to spontaneously catch on fire. Because I have to be in hell right now.
“Shit, Luna. I’m so fucking sorry. Are you okay? What am I saying? Of course, you’re not okay. Do you need an ice pack? I bet I can get something from the caterers.”
Luna grabs onto my arm, keeping me in place. “I’m good. Best if I refrain from icing my tit in the middle of my brother’s wedding.”
