Page 86 of Three Pucking Wedding Dates

As Reid disappears inside to find Theo, Gray seizes the opportunity to pull me close, the heat from his body warming mine. His brown eyes lock onto mine, sincerity radiating from them. “Promise me something, Oakley.”

“Anything,” I answer, my heart racing in anticipation.

“Promise me you won’t fall in love with Theo more than me,” he teases playfully, a mischievous glint in his eye that tells me he’s only half-joking.

“Gray,” I start to protest, but before I can finish, he leans down, his lips meeting mine in a tender yet passionate kiss. My thoughts scatter like leaves in the wind, leaving only the sensation of his touch and the taste of his kiss lingering on my lips.

When he pulls away, I’m left breathless, my mind reeling from the unexpected turn of events. My chest tightens, and for a moment, I’m afraid that I won’t be able to speak. “Gray, I…” I begin, unsure of what to say.

“Shh,” he whispers, pressing a finger to my lips, his warm breath tickling my cheek. “I know we’re just joking around, but I had to say it.”

“Then let me say this,” I murmur, wrapping my arms around him and resting my head against his chest. “You have nothing to worry about.” I feel him exhale a sigh of relief, and we stand there for a few moments, holding each other in the fading light.

“Come on,” Gray says eventually, giving me a gentle squeeze before releasing me. “Let’s go find Theo and get this dance practice started. We’ve got the championships to win, right?”

“Right,” I agree, my determination renewed as I take Gray’s hand and follow him inside the stadium.

46

THEO

The door to the dance studio swings open, and I can’t help but chuckle as Oakley steps inside, decked out in an outfit that seems more suited for a night out rather than a dance class. Her tight black leggings hug her curves, while the loose, flowing white top adds a touch of elegance. “So, are you ready to show off your moves?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.

“Absolutely,” she replies, striking a mockingly graceful pose. “As long as those moves involve tripping over my own feet and accidentally elbowing my partner in the face.”

I laugh at her self-deprecation, knowing it’s her way of masking any discomfort she might feel. Oakley’s always been one to crack jokes when faced with potential embarrassment—a trait that makes her all the more endearing.

“Trust me, I’ve seen worse,” I assure her, thinking back on past dance classes that have gone awry. “Besides, I’m sure your natural grace will shine through.”

“Natural grace? Is that what they’re calling it these days?” Oakley retorts, smirking. I can see the hint of nervousnessbehind her eyes, but her determination to not let it overwhelm her is inspiring.

“Hey, if you can handle everything else life has thrown at you, I’m sure a little waltzing won’t be a problem,” I say, trying to boost her confidence. After everything she’s been through, Oakley deserves to enjoy herself, even if it’s just for an hour or two in a silly dance class.

“Alright then, let’s see if this ‘natural grace’ of mine comes with an instruction manual,” she quips, her green eyes sparkling with mischief.

The scent of polished wood and sweat fills the air as Oakley and I take our places among the other dancers. A sudden wave of heat rushes over me, but it’s not from nervousness. The way Oakley’s wavy brown hair frames her face and the sparkle in her green eyes ignites a fire deep within me, one I can’t quench.

“Bet you didn’t think we’d be waltzing together, huh?” Oakley jokes, trying to hide her own anxiety.

“Life’s full of surprises,” I reply, unable to resist smiling at her wit.

Just then, Ally, one of Georgia’s bridesmaids, sashays up to us with a predatory grin. “Well, if it isn’t clumsy Oakley,” she purrs, giving Oakley a once-over. “I always knew you had two left feet, but I didn’t realize they extended to your dance moves.”

“Ally.” Oakley rolls her eyes, clearly unimpressed by the taunt. “Always so nice to see you…said no one ever.”

Ally’s gaze shifts to me, her flirtatious smile growing wider. “Theo, you look dashing as always. It must be such a challenge partnering with someone who can barely walk without tripping.”

“Actually,” Oakley interjects, her voice dripping with sarcasm, “I find it quite refreshing. You know what they say—dance like nobody’s watching. Especially when ‘nobody’ is an insufferable busybody.”

For a moment, Ally’s facade cracks, revealing the sting of Oakley’s words. She huffs and turns away, stalking off to another corner of the room.

“Nice one,” I tell Oakley, impressed by her quick wit.

“Can’t let her get to me.” She shrugs, but I notice her hands trembling slightly. I give her an encouraging smile, trying to offer some comfort.

The instructor, a petite woman with boundless energy, claps her hands to get our attention. “Alright, everyone! Let’s begin with the basics of the waltz. Remember, this dance is all about partner coordination and synchronized movements.”

Oakley glances at me, determination in her eyes. “Ready to make fools of ourselves?”

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