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“I’m not usually,” she says. “But I don’t want to be way over there when you’re over here. We spent enough time apart.”
God damn, I love this woman.
“You were fucking amazing up there,” I whisper.
“That was more nerve-wracking than convincing a jury to acquit a guilty client,” she mutters. “Allegedly.”
My shoulders shake with laughter, and I try to hide my face in her shoulder.
“I’ll take your word for it,” I say. “I’m glad it was Linc and not me.”
My brother being the best man instead of me is something I harassed Luke about constantly in the months leading up to the wedding. Not that I really wanted the job. I hate public speaking, but I know my brother hates it more. So, watching him stand in front of this crowd of people and give a heartfelt toast to our best friend is payment enough for Luke not picking me.
By the time the toasts are done, and the cake is cut, I’m beyond ready to throw Layna over my shoulder and carry her to my room. Why the hell do wedding receptions last so long, anyway? I know it’s a celebration, but aren’t the bride and groom ready to be alone after all this? I know I would be. At that thought, I find my eyes drifting to Layna where she’s now seated in her own chair beside me talking with Harlow. I wonder if she wants a big wedding. I bet she’d make a gorgeous bride.
Whoa. Slow down.
We’ve only just decided to see where this goes. Granted, I’m madly in love with her and we’ve practically been a couple for the last year. Minus the actual dating part, of course. For some reason, the idea of settling down with her doesn’t scare me a bit. The only thing that scares me is the idea of life without her. When the hell did I grow up to be this guy? I’m not sure, but I think I like him.
“Can we sneak out now?” Layna’s voice whispers in my ear.
“I’ve been waiting for you to ask,” I say, moving to my feet as the words leave my mouth.
Layna puts her hand in mine, and I pull her to her feet. We’re both stifling our laughter as I lead her toward the exit. Before we can make it there, however, I hear Piper call her name. She pulls to a stop and we both turn to see Piper and Luke walking our way. Piper looks beautiful in her white gown. I smile at the happy couple as Layna and I walk toward them, hand-in-hand.
“Where are you two off to in such a hurry?” Piper asks, her gaze going to our joined hands before moving back to my face.
“We were just going to get some fresh air,” Layna says.
I nod in agreement.
“That’s weird,” Luke says. “Because the balcony is in the opposite direction.” He points behind him with one thumb.
“Is it?” Layna says. “I didn’t know that.”
“Liar,” Piper says with a grin.
“Bitch,” Layna says, her mouth turning up into a smile.
“I’m happy for you,” Piper says. Then, turning to me, her face turns serious. “If you hurt her, I’ll stuff you in my trunk and help the search party look for you. I’ll even work up some tears for effect.”
My mouth drops open as Luke bursts out laughing. I turn to him.
“You’re laughing? She just threatened to kidnap me!”
He just shrugs. “I don’t think they can make me testify against my wife.”
“He’s right,” Layna says, wrapping her arms around my waist. “It’s in the constitution.”
I look at her, eyes narrowed. “I guess I’m stuck with you, then.”
She gives me the biggest smile I’ve ever seen. “I guess so.”
“Lucky me,” I say, leaning down to kiss her.
It’s late by the time Layna and I can leave the reception. I’m not upset by the delay, though. It gives us time to dance again without me being an ass the whole time. I savor every second of her in my arms, holding her close to me as we sway to the music. I even manage to kiss her on the dance floor, complete with a dramatic dip that makes her laugh. I can’t seem to help myself. I’ll never get tired of touching her, kissing her, making her smile.
Being with Layna in public, where everyone can see us together, is such a novelty that it seems neither of us is in a real hurry to end it. We spent a year in the dark, hiding away with stolen touches and quick interludes. Now, we have all the time in the world. No more hiding. No more secrets from our friends and family. We’ll have plenty of time to be alone. Tonight, we get to enjoy showing the world how we feel.
