Page 26 of Beachside Kisses With My Best Friend

Blake and Lucy stand off to one side as Terry dives right into the ceremony. But I couldn’t tell you one word of what was said. It’s like when I was a kid, and my mom would put eardrops in to prevent ear infections after I went swimming. There’s cotton in there now, and all I can do is force a smile and nod. My stomach feels like it’s going to bottom out but keeps dropping. And it’s oddly not due to nerves.

It’s because of Jordan’s darn thumb.

The tiny point of connection between us—two people who have touched more times than I can count. It doesn’t make sense that this would be so utterly distracting to me, especially in a moment like this.

But oh. My. Sheet cake.

I think…I think I’m attracted to my best friend.

My eyes jerk upward and find his, which are on me. They’re sharp around the edges, not missing anything, but gooey in the middle like brownies, fresh out of the oven, and oh wow, I wanna just sink into his gaze.

What? No, no, noooooooo.

Why have I never known—like,reallyknown—how attractive this man is? I mean, I’ve always noticed he was good looking, but just kind of…I don’t know, ignored it? First, because I was with Donny, and then… Well, maybe I’ve always known.

But now, I can’t unknow it.

This is bad. Very, very bad.

“Lee.” Jordan’s voice slices through all the noise in my head to bring me back to reality—where I think I’m cutting off his circulation with how hard I’m gripping his hand.

I loosen my grip. “What? Sorry.” I turn to Terry, who watches me with a question in his gaze.

“I asked if you take this man to be your husband?” He says it like a question, like he’s unsure of my reply.

I don’t blame him. He probably doesn’t get a lot of space cadet brides in front of him.

“Sure do!” I say with all the brightness I can muster.

“Do you have rings?”

Jordan reaches into his pocket and pulls out two simple silver bands. He shifts, clearing his throat. “I figured we could get you something fancier…later.”

Code for: probablynever,but we can’t say that in front of Terry. Got it.

I nod, and we exchange rings.

Then Terry speaks again. “By the power vested in me by the state of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Jordan…” He pauses dramatically. “You may kiss your bride.”

Oh, cookie crumbs.

Um, look, don’t judge me, but I don’t always think things through. I applaud myself for thinking of how I’d have to live with Jordan and how I’d get to hang out more with him and Ryder, and how we’d unfortunately have to lie to a few people and how I’d be able to finally stop worrying about finances for just a little while.

But somehow, I didn’t think about this moment—when the officiant would tell Jordan to kiss me.

Maybe it wouldn’t have bothered mebefore. But now that I think Jordan is not just handsome but attractive?

I…I’m without a thought in my brain. What do I do?

Jordan takes a step toward me, studying me for a moment—and then leans in.

I squeeze my eyes forcefully shut and wait for the peck on the lips I’m sure is coming. Because wedidagree to kiss if absolutely necessary, and I kind of think our wedding ceremony would fit that particular bill.

But then, there’s a tiny bit of pressure on my hand, and I feel the warmth of Jordan’s breath hug my ear as he whispers, “Just breathe, Lee,” and presses his lips to my cheek.

My eyes pop open as his face retreats and he straightens.

And my chest unexpectedly deflates.

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