Page 82 of Regards, Mia

I nod at the bridal group gathered on the beach a few feet away, staring at us. “Are they waiting on you for more pictures?”

“No,” she says. “They’re just being nosy.”

“Maybe we should give them something to talk about.”

Before she can react, I lean forward and close my lips over hers. It was meant to be a quick, punishing kiss because I’m still more than a little angry. But the second our lips touch, my body gets better ideas. I coax her mouth open and slide my tongue between her lips.

The little sound of pleasure she makes has me spinning. I want everything this woman has to give, even if it will never be enough.

Wrapping my hand around the back of her neck, I deepen thekiss. She responds with another soft moan, fisting her hand in my shirt.

“This is better than swinging,” she says, her breath a soft puff on my lips.

“Hey, Mia!” A woman’s voice calls across the beach. “You’re messing up your lipstick.”

Mia smiles up at me. “Should I tell her to fuck off?”

“Yes.”

I kiss her again, and the bridal party catcalls and whistles.

We are attracting so much attention; I release her.

“I’d kill for an espresso right now,” Mia says. “Someone kept me up half the night.”

“Someone kept me up, too.”

“Chelsea already bitched me out over the bags under my eyes. She said I’ll ruin the pictures.”

“There’s no way you could ever ruin a picture.”

She shakes her head. “You lie.”

Frustration pinches my chest. “You know better than to believe that.”

A frown creases her forehead. “This whole weekend is a lie.”

The sadness in her voice sends a shiver down my spine.

“I should go,” Mia says, rising to her feet. “I have to have my hair done and get dressed with the others before Chelsea loses her shit.”

I stand and pull her close to my chest, kissing her one last time. There are so many unspoken words between us, the air practically vibrates with them.

Maybe it’s better that way.

CHAPTER 32

I Won’t Fall

Brad folds me into a hug as soon as I walk up to him in the lobby. “You look amazing,” he says. “But don’t take me down in those shoes.”

I squeeze his shoulders and release him. Sweeping my gaze over his wedding ensemble, it’s hard not to be affected by his star quality. Brad’s long, lean physique is accentuated by the slim-fitting suit. The dark blue color brings out the cobalt in his eyes, and the open neck of his crisp white shirt shows off his deep tan. His hair is expertly styled into tousled dark waves. It’s easy to see why he’s been a heartthrob for years, but it’s hard to forget he’s also my annoying cousin who doesn’t miss a chance to pick on me.

“I won’t fall,” I say, swatting him on the shoulder. “I’ve learned how to walk in heels over the years. Plenty of practice.”

He holds me by the shoulders and smiles down at me. “You ready?”

I nod. “I think so.” I can’t believe my little brother is actually getting married. It’s hard not to think of him as the kid who rode his bike with me to the neighborhood pool in the summer, or the shy ninth-grader who had a hard time making friends.

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