Page 87 of Burned By the Broken Doctor

LIAM

I watch her from the corner of the reception hall. Anxiety tightens in my gut as Emma remains stoic among the scrambling bridesmaids.

I feel absurd, childish even, but I can’t tear my gaze away from her. Her grace, her determination, even the way she smiles at the guests—everything about her pulls me in. But there's a tension in my chest, a weight of uncertainty that I can’t shake.

Suddenly, a booming voice startles me. “Enjoying the show, Miller?”

I turn around to see Damon sidling up to me, a beer in hand and a knowing grin on his face.

“Uh, yeah,” I stammer, caught off guard. “Just…watching the festivities.”

He chuckles, his eyes twinkling. “Festivities, eh? You know, I kind of think my best man seems to be more focused on a certain bridesmaid than on my wedding.”

My cheeks flush. “I…” I begin, unsure of how to explain my preoccupation with Emma.

Damon slaps me on the back, his jovial grin splitting his face in two. “Don't worry,” he interrupts, waving a dismissive hand. “I can understand you being bewitched. It’s a Cole superpower. Ask my bride.”

A choked laugh escapes my lips. “Right,” I echo, the word devoid of any real conviction.

Damon leans in conspiratorially, his voice dropping to a whisper. “You know what the best wedding gift I've gotten is?”

I shrug, trying to guess. “June?”

“Nope,” he shakes his head, his grin still wide. “I got her before the wedding.”

“An open bar?” I joke, trying to lighten the mood.

He shakes his head, a playful glint in his eyes. “Nah, although that's certainly a contender. No, I'm talking about something…bigger.”

My curiosity piques. “What is it?”

He grins, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. “Seeing two of my other favorite people fall in love.”

My breath hitches. “What do you mean?” I mumble, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Come on, Liam.” Damon chuckles, nudging me playfully. “You two haven't been exactly subtle. Every time you're not looking at Emma, Emma's looking at you. It’s clear that you’re both head over heels for each other.”

A warmth spreads through my chest, a mixture of hope and disbelief. “But Damon, it’s not that simple. There are…problems.”

“Of course there are,” he concedes, his tone understanding. “But the biggest hurdle? You've already crossed it. You love her, and you know you do. The hard part's done.”

My skepticism remains. “I wouldn't be so sure about that.”

He claps me on the back with a hearty laugh. “Trust me, you will. Now, enough with the sappy talk. Let's get back to you being my best man and celebrating June and my big day.”

I go back to perform my duty for the rest of the reception program, but I still can’t keep my eyes off Emma. Damon’s words echo in my mind as I watch her flit around the room. She’s almost like a whirlwind, here and then there with super efficiency as she directs waiters and handles last-minute details.

My heart aches for a single moment alone with her. I need at least a chance to look into those fiery eyes and have her lavender perfume surround me again. And maybe I’ll even be able to bridge the chasm that has inexplicably grown between us if I explain myself.

Frustration gnaws at me. It’s been a battle all day to snag even a sliver of her attention. Sometimes I feel she’s avoiding me intentionally. Whenever I get close, she’s swept away by another bridesmaid duty or a well-wisher.

Seeing her stand still, I decide to take a more direct approach. I move through the crowd, my gaze fixed on Emma. But then I see Greg, one of our ex-military buddies with a ladies' man reputation that precedes him, walk up to Emma. His trademark charm is clearly in full flow as he tries to work his magic on Emma.

No way she’ll fall for it, I tell myself. And then the sight of her laughing at his jokes sends a jolt of through me. What’s he telling her? Jealousy flares up inside me. I can’t stand seeing her smile like that for someone else.

As Greg leans in, his voice low and conspiratorial, I feel a primal urge to intervene. Striding across the room, I clear my throat pointedly. Emma is immediately whisked away by another duty, and I’m left alone with Greg.

Greg looks up, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features. “Can I help you, Miller?”

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