Page 84 of Golden Burn

Martise smiles. “You are sunshine, Etta Lewis, and he has been in the shadows for too long. He will come to you. I know he will.”

“Martise,” I groan. “I really don’t want to cry right now.” I take her hand and give it a squeeze. “Thank you for being here with me. Thank you for being a friend when I really needed one.”

“You are stuck with me now,” she squeezes back. “I very much enjoy your company and don’t plan on letting Odin steal you away from me.”

We’re both chuckling as the door to the hotel room opens. Dom strides in carrying grocery bags, Ford right on his heel.

My heart trips over itself when I notice Odin behind them, almost across the threshold. But he doesn’t make it to me. Ford turns and puts a hand on his chest, stopping him from entering.

“Hey!” I tease.

“What are you doing?” Odin asks Ford, his eye flicking to mine. He’s not happy being kept out. I’m not either.

“Girls and gays only. No straight boys allowed,” Ford declares.

I want to laugh, but the dejected look on Odin’s face ruins me. “He really can’t stay?” I whine, smacking Ford on the back.

“No. It’s tradition,” Ford states. “And it will make tomorrow all the more sweet.” He turns and winks at me. I roll my eyes and try to sidestephim. He blocks me from leaving the room to go to Odin. It frustrates me, but I know Ford is only trying to lighten the mood.

From over Ford’s shoulder, I see Odin standing like a lost child. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” he says.

“I’ll be the one in white.”

My husband. That man is going to be my husband.

“And Odin will be the one with blue balls,” Ford shouts and pushes me away. “Let’s make some cocktails!”

Dom takes our place in the doorway. “The second bedroom in our room is free. You can stay there tonight.”

He nods stiffly, slipping his hands into his pockets. Then he turns and Dom closes the door.

My stomach drops to my feet.

Just like that? He’s gone and I won’t see him again till I’m walking down the aisle.

No. No, I don’t like that at all.

My feet propel me to the door, my heart leading the way.

“Etta?” Martise calls from across the room.

“Don’t go out there!” Ford shouts.

Dom smacks him on the arm. “Leave her alone.”

I raise my hands in apology, my fingers grabbing hold of the door handle. “Just give me one second,” I say and race out after him.

32

Odin

‘Love Is A Wild Thing’ - Kacey Musgraves

Ihead back down the hallway toward the elevator, my feet heavy, my mind even heavier.

I’m reaching for the elevator button when I hear the door open, and light feet make quick work closing the distance. “Wait!”

I turn, my body stiffening with a million different sensations, seeing her approach me. Wonder, elation, lust, gratitude. Hope.

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