Page 88 of Three Pucking Wedding Dates

I chuckle, unable to contain my own happiness. “We are, aren’t we?”

Her laughter is infectious, and I realize how much I’ve missed this side of her. The playful banter, the shared laughter—it’s a connection that goes beyond just physical attraction.

“Let’s try that turn again,” I suggest, guiding her through the steps with care. She follows my lead, and this time, we execute the move flawlessly.

“Wow, that felt amazing!” Oakley’s eyes sparkle with excitement as she looks up at me. “We really make a great team, don’t we?”

“We do,” I agree, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. “We always have.”

The warmth of Oakley’s hand in mine sends a thrill coursing through my veins. Our movements are fluid now, like a river winding its way through an enchanted forest. We’re no longer two separate beings, but one harmonious entity.

“Ready for the next part?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Bring it on,” she challenges, the fire in her eyes igniting something within me.

We move together, our bodies brushing against each other as we execute each step with precision. Every accidental touch sends jolts of electricity through me. It’s a dance unlike any other, fueled by the connection between us that grows stronger with every beat of music.

“Step back and spin toward me,” I instruct, guiding her through the intricate footwork.

As Oakley spins, I catch her waist, pulling her close. The sudden proximity steals the breath from both of us. Our gazes lock, and I can see the surprise and desire reflected in her stunning green eyes.

“Did I do that right?” Oakley asks, her voice barely audible.

“Perfectly,” I reply, my own voice strained with the effort to keep my emotions in check.

Our bodies sway in unison, the rhythm of the music pulsing through us. Neither of us breaks eye contact, as if doing so would shatter the spell that has woven itself around us. My heart races, pounding in time with the beat, as we draw even closer.

The air around us seems to crackle with anticipation, and just as our lips are about to finally meet, the instructor’s voice cuts through the tension like a knife. “Alright, everyone! That’s it for today’s class. Great job!”

Disappointment courses through me like a lightning bolt as Oakley and I reluctantly pull away from each other. Our eyes meet briefly, and then she looks away, cheeks flushed.

We gather our belongings in silence, the weight of our unsaid words hanging heavy between us. I’m not normally one for public affection—not as much as Gray or Reid, anyway—but as we leave the dance studio, I take her hand in mine, our fingers intertwining. She glances up at me, surprise registering in her eyes before a small smile tugs at the corner of her lips.

47

OAKLEY

Istroll down the sidewalk, determination fueling each step. Instead of hailing a cab, I decide to walk to my old job. My boss has requested a face-to-face meeting, even though I’m technically still on my paid vacation until after the wedding. The message was a bit ominous, and my stomach flutters nervously as I approach the hotel. The familiar scent of coffee from a nearby café wafts through the air, reminding me of the countless mornings spent grabbing a cup before rushing in to work the front desk.

As I push open the glass door to the hotel, the cool air-conditioning greets me like an old friend. “Hey, Oakley!” My coworker Lily, currently working the front desk, beams at me with her usual cheerfulness. Her eyes, however, quickly shift from delight to concern as she takes in my clenched jaw and determined stride.

“Hi, Lily,” I reply, trying to keep my tone casual despite the whirlwind of emotions inside me.

“Hi,” she greets. “Here for your last check?”

I stare at the crisp white rectangle in Lily’s outstretched hand, my heart pounding a furious beat in my chest.

“Last check?” I question, my voice laced with disbelief and confusion. “What are you talking about, Lily? I didn’t quit. I was just on vacation.”

Her eyes flicker with concern as she bites her lip nervously. “Oh, I know, Oakley. I’m sorry…I thought they already told you.” She looks flustered now. “I shouldn’t be the one to tell you this, but…the hotel was sold to a new owner, and they’re doing a whole round of layoffs.” She wears a guilty expression. “I really think it would have been me instead of you if I hadn’t been here for a few more years.”

“Layoffs?” The word burns like acid on my tongue. The fury bubbling inside me threatens to spill over, but I force myself to remain calm.

“Alright,” I say slowly, trying to keep the rising anger at bay. “Let’s get to the bottom of this. I want to speak with Stanley, right now.”

“Of course,” Lily agrees, her relief palpable. “He’s in his office. Go on back, Oakley.”

As I march toward the back office, the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the hum of fluorescent lights overhead. My fingers curl into fists at my sides, knuckles whitening under the strain.

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