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“You’re cold. Here—have my jacket.” Spence shrugs out of his suit coat, wrapping it around my shoulders like a comforting hug. I snuggle into the warmth of the fabric, pulling it tight around me. The coat smells like Spence, clean and slightly grassy.
“It’s a nice night.” I tip my head up to the sky, peering at the smattering of white stars in the inky sky.
“No clouds,” Spence says.
The bass from the band thumps off in the distance and I concentrate on breathing, in and out, trying to decompress from the stress that’s inherent with Bentley.
“Listen—” Spence loops his arms around me, pulling me up against his muscular chest, and I relax for the first time all night.
“What?”
“You can hear the ocean all the way from here in the winter, if you’re quiet.”
I stand perfectly still and close my eyes, listening for the sound of the waves. He’s right—the crash of the waves is faintly audible from here.
“Lovely,” I whisper, calmness washing over me, my muscles unknotting.
“It’s one of the greatest things about winter here. Especially at night, when everything’s still and quiet.”
“It’s peaceful. Really nice.” I turn to face him, locking my eyes on his. Suddenly, the hyperactive butterflies make a reappearance and I lick at my lower lip. “Thanks for rescuing me.”
Spence steps closer, brushes a lock of hair from my eyes. “Anytime.”
We gaze at each other for a long second, waves smashing against the shore off in the distance, the thumping of the bass vibrating the ground beneath our feet. Cupping my face, Spence leans down, brushing his lips against mine. A warm tingle spreads through me, from my mouth all the way down to my stomach. I kiss him back, pressing my lips to his with more force, tasting the slightly sweet, peppery notes from the wine.
Winding his hands behind my neck, he brings me in closer to his body. Chests pressed together, I vaguely wonder if he can feel the hammering of my heart.
I want this man.
Opening my mouth to him, our tongues slide and tangle together in a perfect dance. Neither of us vies for the top position, we just taste and tease each other. My hand flutters to his chest, fingers curling in the crisp cotton of his shirt. Every inch of my body’s alight with need and I desperately wish I didn’t have to go back to the reception. I’d much rather stand out here with Spence the rest of the night.
Maybe forever.
After several long minutes, Spence pulls away. His thumb traces the contour of my cheek, leaving a fiery trail of desire in its wake.
“Better now?”
I nod. “Much. I guess we should go back inside.”
“You did promise me cake.” The corners of his mouth tip up in a smile and I giggle.
“I did, you’re right. It’s going to be delicious too, with buttercream icing.”
“Sounds good.” He reaches out, swiping his thumb beneath my bottom lip to wipe away a stray trace of lip gloss.
“Thanks again. For everything.” I blink, the tell-tale sting of tears pricking just behind my eyes.
“You don’t have to thank me. Trust me—I’m the big winner here.” He presses one last kiss to my lips and my heart flip-flops in my chest.
I know I shouldn’t rush into anything, but I don’t think I can help it. Spence is exactly the man I didn’t know I was looking for—and I couldn’t be happier about how this is all turning out.
10
SPENCE
By the timeMadison Leigh and I head back inside, the party’s in full swing. Most of the wedding guests are out on the dance floor, lined up and grooving to the Electric Slide.
Grabbing Madison’s hand, I usher her to the center of the floor and we join in the dance. By the end of the song, she’s smiling and laughing, whatever happened between her and Bentley forgotten. The band makes a smooth transition into “Unchained Melody” and I wrap my arms around her waist, bringing her in closer to me. Winding her arms around my neck, she gazes up at me through dark lashes and my heart rate about triples.
