Yet, my body sinks into him and every inch of our bodies connects as I wrap my arms around his neck and deepen the kiss.

He reaches up and grips my wrists, placing them above my head on the wall as he breaks away to kiss my neck, my chest, my collar bone and down over the swell of my breasts through the fabric of the dress.

I moan as my entire body trembles with a desire for Warren that I’ve never felt for anyone before.

He reluctantly pulls away far too soon, leaving me far too unsatisfied. He hesitates a beat, before saying, “I’ve been thinking...what if I don’t want to go back to thinking of you as just the woman who ruined my career?”

His burning gaze has my heart pounding even faster than his kisses.

I open my mouth to answer, with no idea what’s about to come out, but Warren’s cell phone chimes in his pocket. He looks annoyed at the interrupted moment as he reaches for it and takes a step back. He reads a text and tucks it away. “Sonia. Says we’re needed in the courtyard.”

Disappointed, I nod as we move away from one another. I straighten my dress and a quick glance in the mirror reveals my lipstick has disappeared. I glance at Warren’s lips and see traces of it there. I step forward and reach up to wipe it from his mouth. Our gazes are locked on one another—his last question, still unanswered, lingering in the tension-filled air.

He reaches for my hand, holds it for a beat, then slowly releases it. “I’ll go get the groom,” he says huskily.

I nod again. Somehow, I’ve lost my voice. More so, I’ve lost my sense of reason. Warren wants to continue this...whatever this is... It’s what I want too, but can I go all in with him?

He heads toward the door and opens it.

I search my mind for something to say...but I’ve got nothing.

He pauses, sends me a final questioning look before leaving the suite.

As the door closes behind him, air escapes my lungs and, in that moment, I know exactly what I want.

But he’s gone.

The sex with Hailey was fantastic, but that kiss was on a whole other level. I’ve never been so attracted to a woman before. She drives me fucking wild in all ways. Being with her doesn’t make sense, but I’ve let go of trying to reason these feelings I have for her. They are what they are.

Unfortunately, her lack of response moments before has me regretting voicing how I feel. Maybe I’ve read things wrong. Maybe it is just a physical thing for her.

I turn the corner and see Liam pacing the hallway. I take a deep breath and force thoughts of my crash and burn from my mind as I approach him. Need to focus on my buddy and getting him married. Then this whole thing will be over...

“It’s go time.” I clap my hands and nod in the direction of the courtyard, forcing enthusiasm into my voice. Whether this marriage succeeds or not, I’ll be there for Liam. Right now he needs me to stand next to him at the altar and that’s what I’m prepared to do.

But Liam shakes his head. “I’m not ready.”

“You forget something in the groom suite?”

“No. I mean I’m not ready to get married.”

I walk toward him calmly, but inside I’m freaking out. I’m not exactly cut out for this. I literally just decided I wanted to give dating a try...real dating with one woman in particular.

“Take a breath,” I tell Liam.

“We’ve only been together seven months. This is too soon.”

You think? I should just agree and help him escape, but I know that’s not what he wants or expects from me right now. This is simply a cry for help. He wants to be talked off the ledge. I think fast. “You love her, right?”

“I think so.”

Not the most encouraging answer. Is convincing him the right thing to do? Shit, where’s Hailstorm when I need her. The realization that she’s the only one I want to rescue me from this situation is so telling, I nearly black out. I blink. Focus on Liam. I need him to relax.

“Not exactly vow material, man,” I say teasingly, hoping to break his intensity.

“I haven’t even written my vows.”

“What? Liam! The ceremony is about to start.” Sweat pools on my lower back and I tug at the neck of my dress shirt. This is a five-star, luxury resort—where the hell is the ventilation?