Page 99 of Three Pucking Wedding Dates

Theo isn’t as recognizable as Reid or Gray, managing to stay out of the spotlight most of the time. But now that Reid is here, and two of the three Archer brothers are together, I should have known someone would figure out who they are.

Georgia glares at Reid and Theo. “You may be my stepsister’s dates, but don’t think that means you have any sway over this wedding. It’s still my day, after all.”

“Wouldn’t dream of stealing your thunder, gorgeous,” Reid says smoothly, though I notice the slight tightening of his jaw. It’s moments like these that remind me just how fiercely protective he is—beneath his playboy exterior, Reid Archer has a heart of gold.

“Besides,” I add, mustering up a confident smile. “It’s not like we’re trying to upstage anyone. We’re just here to have a good time and celebrate your love.”

“Right,” Georgia says with a forced smile, her eyes flickering between Reid and Theo and me. “Well, enjoy your…dancing. Just remember what I said.”

As she stalks off, I release the breath I didn’t realize I was holding. The room buzzes with energy, curiosity piqued by the revelation of Reid and Theo’s identities.

“Reid and Theo Archer! Oh my god, I can’t believe you’re here!” one of the women gushes, her cheeks flushed as she reaches out for Reid. Reid attempts to maintain his cool demeanor, but I can sense the unease creeping in.

Theo leans in close to me, his voice barely audible over the cacophony. “We should get out of here.”

I nod in agreement, eyeing the growing crowd around us as they jostle for attention. It’s not like Reid and Theo aren’t used to this kind of adoration—being famous hockey players has its perks, after all—but right now, we need to regroup and figure out our next move.

“Let’s go before this gets even crazier,” I suggest, leading the way toward the door.

“Couldn’t agree more,” Reid says, his voice tight with a hint of amusement. Together, we weave our way through the throng of people, the air thick with the scent of perfume and heated anticipation.

“Sorry about all this,” Reid murmurs as we slip out of the room, the door closing behind us with a soft click. The sudden quiet is almost disorienting, like stepping out of a hurricane into the eye of the storm.

“Are you kidding?” I retort, unable to suppress a giggle. “You just made this the most interesting dance class of my life.”

“Interesting” might be an understatement, but there’s no denying that Reid’s unexpected arrival has shaken things up. I glance over at Theo, who looks equal parts relieved and annoyed by the sudden turn of events.

“Looks like we’ll have to find a new place to practice our dance moves,” he says gruffly, rubbing the back of his neck with one hand.

“Or maybe just stick to practicing in private,” I suggest, smirking at the thought. This wedding is going to be anything butordinary—and with Gray, Reid and Theo by my side, I’m starting to think that might not be such a bad thing.

The cool air of the empty hallway brushes against my cheeks, a welcome reprieve from the stifling atmosphere inside the dance studio. I turn to Reid, a teasing grin tugging at my lips.

“Wow, you certainly know how to make an entrance,” I say, cocking my hip and crossing my arms. “I’m glad to see you though. It’s a nice surprise.”

Reid leans against the wall, his eyes crinkling with amusement. “What can I say? I couldn’t resist the chance to see you in that short skirt.”

A flush creeps up my neck, but I refuse to let him have the satisfaction of flustering me. With a huff, I shove him playfully, my hand lingering on his chest for a moment longer than necessary.

“Keep dreaming, hotshot,” I challenge, ignoring the heat that spreads through my fingers at the contact. “You might be able to charm your way into the hearts of all those girls back there, but I’m not so easily won over.”

“Is that a challenge?” he asks, his eyes narrowing playfully as he catches my wrist. The warmth of his touch sends a shiver down my spine.

“Maybe it is,” I whisper, my breath hitching as he steps even closer, our noses almost touching.

Theo rolls his eyes. “If you two would stop messing around, we’ll get back to Oakley’s apartment faster, where you can give Oakley a proper hello, Reid.”

Reid snaps to attention, nodding in agreement, and I giggle in anticipation as two of my three boys grab my hands and pull me toward the door.

54

OAKLEY

As I settle into my seat, sandwiched between Theo and Reid on this bustling commercial flight back to New York, I take a deep breath and clench my fists. “I need to face my fear of flying,” I say, my voice determined but shaky. “And doing it in a normal plane like everyone else is the best way. No fancy private jets or plane sex.”

“Are you sure about this?” Reid asks, his eyes filled with concern.

“Positive,” I reply, but my mind races back to that fateful day when everything changed.

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