Page 78 of XO

I don’t know what she means by that.

“And when he does let his guard down for even a second, it’s like he wants to devour you. Like not just devour, but to take his time doing it.”

“You see that?”

She scoffs. “Babe, we all see… everyone, except you. That man makes us all horny just watching him watching you. I bet he’s a fucking god in bed. And if you ever do fuck him, I mean… fuck him again… I want to hear every sordid detail. It could be what gets me through fifty years of marriage.”

“You need my sex life to get you through marriage to Jase?”

“I love the boy, don’t get me wrong, but… he certainly doesn’t look at me the way Jacob looks at you.”

Once again, there’s silence between us as her words sink in. Under the magic of the moon’s silver glow, Vicki makes her final prediction.

“You two are like peas and carrots. You’re meant to be together. You just don’t know it yet.”

20

NOW

“Hol-ly shit!” Amber steps out from the black SUV that picked us up from town and stands with me, gawking at the majesty of the Château De Therry. “Are we extras inDowntown Abbeyor something?”

“I don’t know about that, but this is definitely the most magical place I’ve ever been.”

“I can’t believe this is going to be our home for the next week.”

I can’t either. “Jase and Vicki don’t do things by halves.”

As if her ears are burning, the huge double doors swing open, and Vicki, wearing her stylish tennis whites, comes running out. Her arms are outstretched while squealing in excitement before descending the stone staircase. “Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. You’re the last to arrive.” Wrapping her arms tightly around each of us, she pulls away and faces the château. “Isn’t this the most exquisite place ever?”

“I don’t think I’m ever going to leave?” Amber declares.

“This is perfect for your wedding, Vicki. It really couldn’t get any more perfect than this.”

Porters step down the stairs and take our bags while Vicki leads us inside like an excited dog welcoming its owner home. If I thought the outside was grand, the inside is a palace. Vicki gives us the tour by taking us through the many entertaining areas. There’s formal lounge after formal lounge, aBeauty and the Beaststyle library, the gentlemen’s lodge, the formal art gallery—despite their being priceless art lining every wall around the château—the chef’s kitchen which sides onto the residence kitchen, and finally, the twelve bedrooms with adjoining bathrooms.

“Where’s everyone else?” I ask, curious as to why we haven’t seen anyone from the wedding party.

“The outside is even more ridiculous,” Vicki admits. “I wouldn’t be surprised if half of them are lost.” She points to the end room. “Amber, that’s your room. And this…” she points to the door next to me, “… is your room, my sweet pea. Meet me by the pool in ten? I know for a fact there’s a mojito with your name on it waiting for you. I’m going to get changed.”

“Say no more.” I giggle because she knows how to win me over. “I’ll be there in eight.”

Vicki kisses my cheek and slaps my ass before running back down the hall. “Your itinerary is on the bed,” she calls over her shoulder.

“Of course, it is.” I giggle.

Vicki without an itinerary is like a supermarket without food. It just wouldn’t make sense. I read through the comprehensive list which has crucial wedding details such as the rehearsal dinner, pre-day spa treatments, and last-minute fittings, to group activities involving clay shooting, croquet, horse riding, and a games night, to quiet time which I’m sure will be most appreciated. Knowing there are a few hours to burn, I prepare for the pool. My bags are already in my room, so I quickly change into a bikini I bought especially for the occasion, throw over a kaftan, and I’m ready to leave. I haven’t even set foot in the hall when the door directly across from mine opens, leaving a just as stunned Jacob standing on the threshold.

“Hi,” he says, taking the lead.

“Hi.” I clear my throat because although I knew he’d be here, I hadn’t seen or heard from him since the night at the club when he’d left without warning. “Is that your room?”

“It is.”

“This is mine.”

“I can see that.”

“Okay, great.”

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