AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Mm-hmm.” I nod, take another sip. “With Jolie’s help, of course.”
“I especially like their hashtag.” He waves the paper napkin in the air, chuckling, and I can’t quite tell if he’s serious or not.
“Full disclosure:#cavitywas not my idea. I can’t take the credit there.”
“Thank god.” He jokingly swipes at his brow. “I get the dental angle, but still?—”
I laugh, relaxing a little as we sip our bubbly and make small talk. Everything’s easy between us, not like the forced conversation between me and Bentley during our entire relationship.
Maybe this could work…
I push the thought out of my head before I get swept up in another romantic daydream. It’s a bad habit of mine and I intend to break it, once and for all.
The emcee for the evening taps the mic, getting everyone’s attention. “Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the bridal party!”
Spence winds his arm around my waist, his hand splaying across my hip. He pulls me closer to him as other wedding guests gather around to watch the wedding party’s grand entrance. I relax into him, trying to act natural. Like we’re a real couple. His thumb moves across the silky fabric of my dress and a swirl of heat unfurls low in my belly.
“And for the first time ever, introducing Dr. and Mrs. Peterkin!” The emcee’s voice booms over the microphone. Several of Cavill’s fraternity brothers whoop and cheer as the bride and groom jog through the room, arms stretched high overhead. Cavill looks like he was just named Homecoming King as Charity beams over at him, then waves out at the crowd.
At least they seem happy. Unlike Bentley, who’s standing in the bridal party line-up off to the side, arms crossed over his chest, scowling at me.
Huh. Strange behavior from a guy who cheated and humiliated me in front of the entire town.
Spence catches my gaze as I stare across the dance floor at Bentley.
“Your ex can’t stop staring at you,” he whispers in a gruff voice. His warm breath skates over my skin, sending chill bumps cascading down my neck. The two men make eye contact across the room, Bentley squaring his shoulders while Spence pulls me in closer to him, squeezing my hip possessively.
“Just ignore him.” I nod, my breath hitching as the frosty stare-down continues.
“Oh, I will. I’ve got you now.” Spence laces his fingers through mine and warmth blooms in my chest, spreading through my entire body.
Spence is the polar opposite of Bentley and I am here for it.
Maybe this could work…
“Please take your seats for dinner.” The band begins to play “The Way You Look Tonight” while guests make their way to their designated tables. Spence and I head over to our table near the edge of the room. I strategically placed myself close to the kitchen to supervise the dinner service—and to avoid Bentley.
Spence slides my chair out and waits for me to sit before taking his own seat.I could really get used to this sort of chivalry.
“You good?” He slants his gaze at me, gauging my mood.
“I’m great, thank you.” I smile at him as the salad course is served.
We make conversation with the other wedding guests, Spence telling a funny story about losing a golf ball in the woods to a mischievous raccoon.
“I thought about fighting him for it—the ball was a Pro V1X—but didn’t feel like running that fast. Raccoons are surprisingly speedy.”
The men at the table guffaw, then each share their best lost golf ball stories. I sit back and marvel at the way Spence easily entertains the entire table without making every single story about himself. A skill Bentley definitely lacks.
Dinner flies by, waiters circulating and refilling wine glasses. So far, so good, zero issues. The emcee taps the mic, announcing the first dance for the bride and groom. Charity and Cavill take the dance floor, the spotlight shining on the happy couple as they glide across the parquet. My cousin glows, caught up in bridal bliss, and I’m truly happy for her.
The last notes of the song fade and the emcee invites everyone to join the bride and groom on the dance floor. Spence stands, offering me his hand.
“May I have this dance?” His dark brows arch and I smile at him.
“Absolutely.”
Together, we make our way across the ballroom and out to the dance floor. Spence rests one hand on the small of my back as we sway to the familiar notes of a Michael Bublé song. I gaze up at him, butterflies fluttering around wildly in my gut as I take in his strong jaw, the dimple in his cheek as he smiles down at me.
