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His words burn a firestorm of need across my body, and all I can do is nod.

CHAPTER20

LEXI

“Istill got it!” Pauly shakes his body on the dance floor while Victoria yells at him to stop before he hurts himself. Truthfully, I’d be more apt to believe that he was having a seizure before he’d convince me that what he’s doing is actually dancing. He looks ridiculous, but as usual, he’s always good for a laugh.

“Dumbass.” Boss scoffs under his breath with a shake of his head.

I may be a little biased, but I believe I have the hottest date here. Boss looks insanely handsome in a suit. His suit jacket has been discarded, lying over the top of a chair. The arms of his white dress shirt are rolled up onto his forearms, stopping just below his elbows while his tie is undone. It hangs loosely over his neck, the two ends falling against his chest. The look, which I’m calling late-night wedding guest hottie, is really working for him.

Today was perfect in every way. For October in Chicago, the temperature was unseasonably warm. The sun shined all day, creating the perfect autumn backdrop for Claire and Ben’s wedding. Of course, Claire looked amazing, and she and Ben’s happiness was contagious. Cam was also stunning in her navy-blue bridesmaid dress holding her bouquet of pink roses.

More than everyone’s appearance, it was the feeling in the room that got to me—one of complete happiness and joy. It’s overwhelming and feels rare. I don’t know if I’ve been drifting so much that I never stopped to experience it, or I wasn’t surrounding myself with genuine enough people to make it possible in the first place. But it’s new to me, and I love it.

Life is so much better when it’s enjoyed. I realize now that I can’t remember the last time, before Boss, that I was truly happy. I was just existing, not living. Ironically, I felt I was doing the opposite. I thought by doing what I wanted when I wanted without a care for anyone but myself, I was living the life.

But the saying is true—you don’t know what you don’t know. But now that my eyes have been opened, there’s no going back.

Tiny dances with his date, a petite girl with thick, shiny black hair and gorgeous tanned skin. She’s stunning, and the complete opposite of Tiny with his muscular six-foot-five stature, pale skin, and short blond hair. Yet they look adorable together, and I realize I’ve never seen him with a girl before.

Wherever the guys of Station Twelve go, they’re surrounded by eager women wanting to sleep with one of them. I’ve seen all the guys with different women over the course of my time here, both now and back in the early summer, except Tiny. Which, now that I think of it, is odd. He’s definitely good looking and draws all sorts of attention with his build. Plus, he’s the nicest and most personable guy in the group, in my opinion.

“Who’s Tiny’s date?” I ask Boss.

“That’s Mila, his best friend from home.”

“She’s cute.”

“Yeah, she is. Really nice, too,” Boss says.

Tiny’s ears must be ringing because he looks over at Boss and me and speaks. “Hey, I promised to take Mila to Johnny’s after the reception. You in?”

“Johnny’s?” I question.

“The best chili cheese dog in the world. He has a stand over on Main Street. Caters to the after-bar crowd,” Boss says before looking at me in question.

I shrug, “I’ve never been one to turn down a chili cheese dog.”

“Exactly.” Tiny nods his head with a cock of his eyebrow. “I’ll get the other guys on board. We’ll make it a post-party.”

Deacon and Cam dance together a few feet away. Deacon wraps his arms around Cam’s waist, swinging her around as she giggles with amusement. I can’t help but smile along with her. Her laughter is contagious and so good to hear.

“Hey, you two want to go get the best chili cheese dogs in Chicago, apparently,” I say to Cam and Deacon as I eye Tiny. He grins in approval and nods. “After this?”

She looks at Deacon and shakes her head with a grin. “No, we’re going to head back to Deacon’s place to hang out.” I don’t miss the way she looks at Deacon, biting her bottom lip as she replies.

“Ah, gotcha.” I smile at my friend, giving her a wink as pure joy fills my chest. I mean, I plan on lots ofhanging outwith Boss later, too, but a girl’s gotta eat. I can’t fault her for being so in love that she wants to spend all her extra time alone with Deacon. The adoration she feels for him is written all over her face. It’s incredible, really. Deacon brought Cam back to life, and it makes me so happy. No one deserves to be truly loved more than her.

Tiny rejoins us after speaking to some of the other guys. “Pauly and Vic are in. So are Stokes and Fly Guy and their dates.”

“Good,” Boss responds with a nod. “I haven’t had Johnny’s in forever.”

“Me either, man. I can’t wait,” Tiny says.

We spend the majority of the night on the dance floor. One thing I’ve learned about this crew is they’re always down for a good time. They’re just fun to be with, and it gives me life. I can see how deeply they respect one another. They are a family, one with very hot, fun guys—the best kind of family.

As the reception comes to a close, most of the guests have left. Ben’s groomsmen, Boss’s crew, and their dates, and me and Cam remain. The DJ announces the last song. As the first few notes of “Piano Man” by Billy Joel play, we all cheer while forming a circle around the dance floor.

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