AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Regina stops walking and turns to her future husband. “What do you mean not important?”
While pointing to the barn, Alex says, “They are waiting to announce your entrance. Walk down the path and go into the barn.”
They listen to Alex and walk together down the path without any more complaints.
When they are out of earshot, Alex turns to me and says, “Fuck. It’s worse than I imagined.”
I laugh softly and move closer to him. “I know. I expected your mom to have some of your self-sufficiency and problem-solving skills, but apparently, it skipped her generation. Or you inherited it from your father’s side.”
His eyes narrow. “No, he was worse. He played the victim in every instance and refused to take responsibility for anything.”
His well-fitted formal suit looks incredibly handsome. His aftershave or cologne reminds me of seduction with notes of cedarwood and bergamot. If I were a guest at this event, I’d be interested in him. And that would be a mistake. Alex Stern is not interested in long-term or commitment.
I smile. “I don’t know where you’ve come from then.”
There is chemistry between us. I feel it down to my toes. When I catch his gaze, every coherent thought leaves my mind. I look away to avoid his gaze and his touch.
He touches my elbow, and his deep voice becomes seductive. “Maybe we can disappear for the evening and let the caterer handle everything.”
I tilt my head and think about how nice that would be. But it’s not practical. “You would be missed. Your mom hangs on your every word.”
He holds out his arm. “Well, let’s do this then.”
I tuck my hand into his elbow. Walking next to him in silence, I think about the lines we are crossing. I’m not treating him like a boss. And he acts as if he wants a brief affair. Something that will take his mind off of his family’s dysfunction.
I’m not that person.
I don’t want something brief. I want to explore the world yet have someone to share that with. Alex is not that person. He is more than independent; he is the definition of a lone wolf. I need someone reliable and sweet who wants to stick around.
The thought comes out of nowhere that Josh was sweet and reliable. Until he wasn’t. Until he decided that domestic bliss wasn’t in his future.
Alex steps into the barn and whispers close to my ear, “I’ll see you after this shit show ends.”
“Good luck.” I offer him a reassuring smile.
I discreetly slip through the crowd of guests and head to the kitchen. By staying near the wall, I avoid servers coming out with plates loaded with more hors d’oeuvres.
Gabby is adjusting a towel on a server’s arm. “You’re fine. Take it slow.”
“Is everything okay?”
She smiles. “Yes. Luckily, there are less than fifty people. But they are an entitled lot. Everyone has a food sensitivity yet demands top-notch alcohol.”
I shrug. “We have the wedding tomorrow, brunch on Sunday, and then everyone will leave.”
“I hear the bride wants different vows. Are you going to do a Google search?”
I shake my head. “That is outside of my job description. Maybe one of her friends can help her?”
Gabby redirects a server to get more cocktail napkins. “My guess is that yummy son of hers will figure it out.”
I nod. It’s not the first time I’ve heard someone on staff refer to Alex as yummy. He has the sulky, handsome, bad boy vibe down.
I look at the notes on my phone. “I have to make a few announcements. Let me know if you need anything.”
Gabby nods. “I have it under control. Don’t worry.”
I step into the main part of the barn and take a deep breath. It looks fabulous in here. The heavy white linen tablecloths set with gold plates add elegance, while the ornate lanterns throw off a soft light that creates a romantic atmosphere. The florist did a brilliant job with all the evergreen branches, white roses, and pinecones.
