Page 57 of Tamed By You

I really need to get it together when I'm around him.

After another hour of gliding up and down the aisle, Ria finally ‘got it’, as Theodore put it and we were allowed to leave. We all headed to the hotel to get ready for the rehearsal dinner. I’vegone for a simple black dress with silver straps that cross over at the back. My blonde hair in loose waves.

“Looking gorgeous, as always,” Ria says eyeing me up and down.

“Me? Look at you, Ri. You look incredible.” She’s in a fitted white beaded dress and she looks like a goddess. “Jack is gonna lose his damn mind.” She does a little spin and winks. I feel honored to have a front row seat to her happily ever after.

“Okay, is this too short?” Gabby appears in a little black dress. It’s a high neck and comes just above her knee.

“No, it’s giving Audrey Hepburn vibes. It’s gorgeous, Gabs. Is Patrick coming?” I ask.

“I, ermmm, didn’t invite him,” she mumbles, awkwardly fiddling with the hem of her dress.

“What?” me and Ria gasp at the same time.

“Why?” I ask.

“I don’t know. He’s just, erm, how do I put it?” she says, tapping her index finger against her chin.

“… as exciting as watching grass grow?” I suggest.

“Ali!” Ria scolds but I can see her silently laughing.

“Yes,” Gabby says pointing at me.

“Knew it.” I shrug.

“Gabs, I thought you liked him,” Ria says, reaching for her purse and taking out her lipstick.

“No, my parents like him. I just don't feel it, you know. He just loves to talk about his job or numbers and himself and I don’t know… I haven't written him off completely. I’m hoping things will start to feel more exciting soon. Maybe we just need to get to know each other a little better. I just didn't want to feel like I had to babysit him this weekend.”

“Totally. Life is too short to waste on a soft cock. You didn’t need him weighing you down this weekend.”

“Ali,” Ria scolds again, tapping me on the arm.

“What? Tell me I’m wrong, Gabs. I mean, he’s a good-looking guy, but if he’s not getting the juices flowing, it’s time to bin him.”

Gabby doesn’t respond. She just stands there like a deer caught in the headlights. Poor girl gets so flustered talking about sex.

“Right, enough cock talk. Let’s get going,” Ria chimes, waving us towards the hotel door.

Excitement zaps through me as we take the elevator down to the private room they have hired for the dinner. Excitement buzzes around my body and I tell myself it’s because I am excited to see them get married, but I know there’s more to it.

We exit the elevator, walking through the double doors to the room with its white walls, white floors and tall tables with little lamps on them dotted around. The place is packed with all their loved ones. My eyes scan the room and then I see him. Wearing a black dinner suit, his short beard perfectly trimmed, his dark hair a little longer these days, and his blue eyes focused on me.

I smile, giving him a wink, and if looks could melt your panties, the grin that spreads across his face would be the one to do it. I graciously take the champagne glass that’s handed to me, and we walk over towards the guys who are at the bar. Everyone gathers together, and I greet Mason and Brett with a brief hug.

“Hey, Ali, you good?” Brett says.

“Yeah, how’s things?” I ask. I haven’t seen him since Vegas.

“Good. Listen, I hope I didn't make things weird in Vegas. I didn't mean to—”

I interrupt. “It’s forgotten, I swear. No big deal.”

He lets out a long breath. “Thank god, because I’m not that kind of guy and I don't know… I thought we got on and I’d like to take you out.”

My face must say it all.

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