Page 82 of Dirty Temptation

I force myself into the moment.

My new sister-in-law looks like the penultimate bride in her Verity & Co. dress. Of course I’ve seen it and I’ve seen it on her.

The full skirted ivory princess dress swings from her slim frame, and the crystals sparkle delicately.

She shoots me a smile full of joy and I nod in acknowledgment.

She loves it.

“Fuck you’re beautiful,” Knox says and we all chuckle.

The celebrant clears his voice.

Payton blinks back tears as she smiles up at him lovingly. The bridesmaids rearrange her veil and dress and then the vow exchange begins.

I take in the moment, proud of my brother, and shoot Dad a smile. I know we all wish Mom was here with us.

She’s watching from above, I’m sure of it.

I’ve never been a religious man, but there’s something about moments like these that seem to make you feel closer to the intangible.

My eyes drift back to Molly, and I find her watching me. I start for a moment, hoping to see her smile but I’m shocked to see anger.

The hell?

Then, underneath I see hurt as she turns her attention to the happy couple.

“I now pronounce you man and wife.”

Molly, what the hell?

“Now I can kiss my bride,” Knox says, tugging Payton up against him and kissing the hell out of her.

A few rows back Daniel lets out a huge laugh, while Harper says something aboutwell that’s familiar.

Everyone is laughing when Knox finally releases his bride and they both raise their hands and the crowd cheers.

Levi and I clap and move in behind them as they make their way down the aisle.

Here’s my chance.

Bella and Levi match up, leaving me walking with Molly.

She ignores me.

My mood shifts from worried to downright mad.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” I whisper-growl when we reach the end of the marquee.

Molly glares at me. “Nothing. I’m here for my best friend. Doing my job. Go find some other girl to flirt with.”

Is she kidding right now?

“Flirt with?” I tug her off into the corner when we reach the end. “Flirt with? I think we’re way past flirting.”

She shakes off my arm. “Yeah well, as you said the first time,we shouldn’t have done that.”

My brows drop in complete confusion.