Page 3 of Forbidden Desires

We haven't seen each other since the breakup—just before I flew off to England for eighteen months to complete a prestigious glass-blowing internship. It was easier to leave, to bury myself in work and distance, than deal with the wreckage Pete left behind. Now I've finally rebuilt myself. Sort of. I'm not exactly ready to see him again. Especially not since the last time we ran into each other. We got into a rip-roaring fight in the middle of a dance club.

But here I am, sitting in the middle of a mess I've been avoiding for nearly two years.

The sound of laughter pulls me back to the present, and I glance around the reception hall. The decorators have done an amazing job—warm lights strung across the ceiling, white roses mixed with greenery on every table, and the soft hum of conversation filling the room. It's beautiful. Exactly what Ethan and Cole deserve.

"You doing okay?" Monte's voice pulls me out of my thoughts.

I look up at one of my dads, his warm eyes filled with quiet concern. Monte, with his easy grin and gentle presence, has always been the soft place to land. "Yeah," I say, forcing a smile. "Just a smidge overwhelmed."

Monte gives me a knowing look but doesn't press. He knows me too well.

"Don't worry," he says, squeezing my shoulder. "We'll keep an eye on things, and Ethan spoke to Pete. He knows to give you space."

"Monte." Lorcan's growly voice cuts in as he approaches, looking as serious as ever. His eyes sweep over me, a silent inspection that always makes me feel like a little kid under the microscope. "Let Suzie breathe."

Monte rolls his eyes, but there's affection in it. "I was just offering moral support."

Lorcan snorts. "You were about two seconds away from wrapping our daughter up in a big ball of cotton, and putting out a hit on Pete even though the poor man hasn't even done a thing."

I can't help but laugh. "Guys, I'll be fine. Seriously. It's not like I have to talk to him."

Monte arches a brow. "He's the best man, sweetheart. As much as we can ask him to avoid you, the two of you are bound to run into each other at some point."

I grit my teeth. Iknowthat. That doesn't mean I have to be happy about it.

"I'll survive," I mutter, more to reassure myself than them now.

My dads share a look—one of those silent, married-couple conversations I'll never fully understand—and then Monte gives me one last reassuring squeeze before they head off to mingle. I exhale slowly, trying to steel myself. It's just a wedding. I can handle a few awkward interactions.

Right?

The moment I step into the main reception area, I see him.

Dammit. It's not even been five bloody minutes.

Pete's standing by the bar, talking to one of the wedding planner's staff members with that stupid, easy grin of his. Same dark brown hair, the same broad shoulders that used to make me feel safe and small. And that jawline? Still unfairly sharp.

My stomach twists in on itself. I thought I'd be over him by now. Originally, I'd thought eighteen months of separation would be enough, but when I ran into him at the bar after I got back, it was like a sucker punch to my gut. I'd attributed it to the shooters and drinks I'd consumed, but now? Facing his too-handsome mug?

It all comes flowing right back in.

He hasn't noticed me yet, thank goodness. I slip behind a tall floral arrangement, trying to calm the storm raging in my head.

Before I can disappear entirely, someone grabs my arm.

I turn to find Annie, my best friend, grinning at me. Her purple hair is twisted into a messy updo, and she's wearing a pale violet dress that compliments her skin tone, and hair color perfectly.

"Annabelle!" I let out a breath of relief and hug her. "You look amazing. But I thought Monte said you wouldn't be able to come and help with the set-up?"

She rolls her eyes at me, and my use of her full name, before responding. "I finished up a bit earlier than planned, and just shipped off my last piece for the next showing."

Her face is aglow with pure joy and I have to work hard to push down the nasty green jealous monster trying to climb out.

I am happy for my best friend.Truly.She deserves a happily ever after. The fact that she got it with my dads only adds to the awesomeness of it all. And she's worked hard to get her name, and her art out there.

"I'm glad you could make it, it gives me some extra time to admire you in that dress!"

"I can say the same about you," she says, stepping back to inspect me. "That dress is perfect. I knew hot pink was your color!"

---