Page 36 of After the Vows

He needs to stop being considerate. At this rate, I’m going to strip him down before the reception is finished. But we’ve agreed. No sex. No sharing the same bed. No kissing. Although, we kicked the ‘no kissing’ rule to the curb at the ceremony.

“I’m not cold.” It’s the height of summer.

“But you shivered.”

“I—”

“Stop being a crabapple!” Nova’s scream cuts me off.

“Who’s yelling at the owner of this resort?” Lucas asks.

“It’s Nova.” I contemplate explaining the history between Nova and Hudson, but it’s Nova’s story to tell.

He stands. “Shit. I’ll handle this.”

I stop him. “Let them be. They’ve been at loggerheads ever since he came home after his career in the NFL crashed when he was injured.”

I suspect before then but Nova refuses to discuss anything having to do with Hudson.

His eyes widen. “I knew I recognized him.”

“Don’t fangirl on him. He gets grumpier than normal when people remind him of his career.”

“I don’t fangirl.”

“Do you prefer the word fanboy?”

“I am not a fanboy,” he grumbles.

Oh boy. I better not tease him anymore because his grumbly voice has my panties dampening with excitement.

“Yeah. Yeah. Save it for someone who believes you.”

He tickles my ribs. “I am not a fanboy.”

I swat his hands away. “No tickling. I don’t want to ruin this dress.”

His gaze drops to my chest, and his eyes flare. “Wouldn’t want to ruin this dress,” he mumbles.

I fist my hands before I slip the spaghetti straps off my shoulders and reveal my naked chest to him. Bad idea, Chloe. Bad idea.

Weston raps his fork against his glass again. I glare at him but he isn’t shoutingkiss, kiss! He’s standing.

“I believe it’s time for a toast.”

I groan. Great. Weston has known me since I was five years old and followed Sophia home like a puppy every day after school. He knows all my secrets. Almost all, I correct. He doesn’t know everything about dear old mom. Time for some preventive action.

I raise my glass. “Here’s to the bootleggers. Masters of sneaky snips and secret stashes. Thanks for keeping the party alive.”

“To the bootleggers!” The crowd cheers.

“Nice try, wild child,” Weston says. “As the best man, it’s my obligation to make a toast. The more it embarrasses you the better.”

Lucas growls before stealing the microphone from him. “You are not embarrassingmy wifeat her wedding reception.”

Heat hits my chest and radiates through my body at his words.My wife.He doesn’t sound as if he’s faking it now.

Weston chuckles. “This is fun.”

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