Page 74 of House of Desire

He offers me his arm. “Let me show you to your seat.”

“Thank you,” I say, linking my arm with his.

There are five rows of five chairs, split in groups of two with the aisle going down the center, and I wonder how I’m so lucky to be here. Ignoring the awkwardness between me and Parker this has been an incredible getaway and I’m glad that I agreed to come.

Parker leads me to the fourth row and puts me on the seat farthest from the aisle Charlie will be walking down. He takes my hand from his elbow and keeps a firm grip on it until I’m standing steadily in front of my chair. I turn back to him and I’m almost struck stupid by how beautiful he is.

His hair is tied back in his low bun, but a few strands have freed themselves to frame his face. The straight nose and stubbled jaw line are softened by his full lips and the faint laugh lines around his eyes.

Our eyes don’t leave each other as the moment stretches, crackling like a fire between us. The wind blows, pulling my softly curled hair across my face, but before I can fix it, Parker’s fingers are there, pulling it back and tucking it behind my ear, his thumb running the length of my jaw.

My eyes fall to his parted lips and for a moment, I think he’s going to kiss me.

I want him to kiss me.

But before we can linger any longer, one of the guests I’ve not met calls his name and the moment melts like a snowflake on pavement warmed by the sun.

“Save me a dance?” he asks, giving the universal ‘one moment’ sign to the other guest.

“I’m sure I can find a slot for you,” I say, imagining his strong hands pushing me around the dance floor.

Without another word, he nods, turns, and leaves.

Time seems to be moving at a normal pace again. I look around at the beautiful venue Charlie and Alec have chosen for the ceremony. While a simple affair, the backdrop is anything but.

A custom arch flows like a cresting wave with pink and purple flowers covering every square inch. The sun is setting behind us, giving the altar, and the sweeping view, a beautiful glow. Waves crash below the cliff, adding to the ambiance of the day. Lorelei mentioned the official, as well as Charlie and Alec, will be wearing small microphones that will play to speakers hidden discreetly below a few of the rows of chairs so everyone will be able to hear the ceremony.

But the beautiful venue can’t keep my eyes from Parker forever. I watch as Lorelei touches Parker, a gentle hand on his, and for the first time since we left the House of Desire, I want to bat it away. The irrational spark of jealousy leaves me fuming as he walks her down the aisle to her seat in front of me. He kisses the back of her hand and I can’t help but huff. Did he not want to kiss my hand?

The trail his thumb made along my jaw warms with his phantom fingers and I try to tame the dragon within me, fighting to free itself.

“You look great,” Lore says, looking back at me.

“All thanks to you,” I tell her, tamping down the jealousy.

“How was last night?” I think of Parker in the bathroom once more and feel the blush walk up my neck. “That good, huh?” she says with a smirk.

“It was no big deal.”

“Uh huh.”

With such a small wedding, it only takes about ten minutes to get everyone seated and the music that has been gently playing changes as Alec follows the officiant down the aisle. As if by magic, Courtney appears at the top of the aisle, her plum, floor length lace dress with sweetheart neckline amplifying the petite woman’s curves, her arm through Parker’s. A tissue peeks out of her bouquet clutching hands. She smiles and winks at a man, I’m assuming her husband, as she makes her way down the aisle and stands waiting, tears already gathering in her bespectacled eyes.

When they get to the front of the aisle, they split off. Parker slots between Alec and Tank who’s sitting comfortably on a chair.

The music changes again and the officiant gestures for us to stand. Notes of the song waft on the air as Charlie comes to stand at the aisle, her smile visible from space.

Her dress is magnificent. Instead of stark white, she’s chosen a beautiful cream that warms her skin. The A-line shape has a gentle flare from her hips, crystals and pearls becoming denser the farther down the dress you look. A deep V cuts the otherwise plain neckline, but the thin straps are covered in tulle that travels over her shoulders and fall like a cloak trailing behind her. Crystals and pearls decorate the tulle as well.

Riotous curls bounce all over, the ones near her face pinned together in the back, letting us see her stunning face. The makeup is light but impactful, extenuating her love soaked beauty even more.

Her father stands beside her, precious in his tuxedo, as his lip quivers.

They take their first step down the aisle as the music swells and I turn my head away from the bride.

My favorite part of any wedding is to watch the groom watch his soon-to-be spouse walk toward him. Alec’s face is filled with awe at the ethereal beauty of the one he gets to call his. His eyes never stray. His intensity never lessens. His devotion is evident and steals my breath from my body.

What I wouldn’t give to have someone look at me the way Alec is looking at Charlie.

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