Page 108 of An Adventure For Aster

“Because I want to get you out of this suit. I used to think I’d be a suit-and-tie type of girl. Not sure why. I mean I love my father and brothers, but maybe I wanted something different. Then I realized it wasn’t me.”

Aster frowned. He didn’t want to hear about the fact that her ex worked in an office.

Had he wanted to reach out and have a few words with the guy while Colton was still in town? Yep, he had. But he didn’t. No reason to start a fight with Raine. But if they ran into the guy, he’d make sure the asshole knew who he was.

“If it’s not you, then why are you saying you like me in this?” he asked.

“Because I realize there is nothing sexier than a man who isn’t used to being dressed up and being forced to do it. We are both out of our comfort zones and you think I look good, why can’t I think you look good? It doesn’t mean I want you to look like this all the time.”

She had a point.

“When is this wedding starting so I can get you naked afterward?” He heard a throat clear and turned his head to see Raine’s father standing there. “Oops,” he said. “No disrespect.”

“I’m just going to pretend I didn’t hear that,” Mike said. “But Jasmine came in looking for you. People are arriving and Ivy wants to make a quick toast.”

“Give me a kiss,” Raine said to him. He leaned down and did as she asked and then watched as she went back to the changing rooms in the church.

He knew everyone came ready to go, but they were sitting back there before it all started, then they’d drive the short distance to the reception at Mona’s.

Mike followed him to the church.

“You’re not going to mess her up, are you?”

“Never,” he said.

“Good,” Mike said. “I’m not holding you to not making her cry, though as a father that would piss me off, but I get it. I’m not perfect and have made my wife cry at times too.”

“Life is messy,” he said.

“It is,” Mike said. “I hear you’re a neat person and don’t like messes. Just like Raine.”

“We share some of the same qualities,” he said.

Mike nodded his head and moved toward the front of the church.

Aster went to the back and found a seat as people were coming in.

It was a small church and though it was his first wedding he knew people were just sitting anywhere they wanted rather than on the bride or groom’s side. Most of the people here were coworkers anyway by the looks of it.

Luke came in with Heather and waved, then they moved up to where some other state troopers were seated.

“Scoot over.”

He looked up to see Zane. “Don’t you want to move up front to get a better view?”

“We are good here,” Lily said. “And here come Trace and Violet, so keep scooting.”

He grinned and did as he was told.

“Where are the kids?” he asked Zane.

“My parents have them today. I hear your sister has Holly, Colin, and Tatum.”

“She can handle two toddlers and a baby,” he said.

“I’m sure,” Zane said. “I bet you’re relieved she’s here now.”

“Very,” he said. “Are you going to keep talking to me like a chick’s conversation? I guess they did wear you down.”

---