Page 32 of Click of Fate

And I’m not sure I’m ready for where it’s going.

Chapter 9

MATCH MAKING MAGIC

LUKE

I’m notbig on weddings. Never have been.

I went to a few in my twenties, stood up as a groomsman in my sister’s a few years ago, but otherwise? I dodge the open bar and tiny quiche scene whenever I can. But when Mason, one of my route setters, handed me an invitation and looked like he was trying not to shake, I couldn’t say no. Mason is responsible for designing the rock climbing routes for Squeaky Climb. He’s been working for Ray for years—on a consulting basis, since he was based in Indy. I was able to get him to sign on full-time when I told him we were coming to Indy. He’s a good dude. I guess when you’re the boss and your employees invite you to life-changing events—like weddings—you’ve gotta go.

Turns out, the guy's ridiculously in love, and that’s hard not to respect.

The wedding is set in a quiet little garden on the outskirts of downtown Indy. There are string lights and flowers and the kind of romance that makes you feel a little lonely if you’re not part of it. I keep my sunglasses on and take a seat toward the back, fullyplanning on doing my due diligence and sliding out before the garter toss.

But then I spot her.

Stella.

Camera in hand. Hair swept back. That signature look of concentration on her face—like the world could be burning down and she’d still be adjusting her aperture. She's dressed in black, like most photographers, but it still somehow looks effortless on her.

Classic. Clean. Quietly hot.

For a moment, I forget I’m at a wedding, and I spend most of the time watching her. I have to practically tear my gaze away from her to focus on the ceremony—which passes in a blur of vows, tears, laughter…the works. I keep one eye on the couple and the other on her, tracking her movements like I'm the one behind the lens.

When the ceremony ends, I walk up to her as she switches out a lens.

“So… we meet again.”

She looks up, her mouth twitching at the corner. “And here I thought you only did climbing gyms and meatball bars.”

“I’m expanding my horizons.”

She tilts her head as she looks at me briefly, but then glances back at her camera. “Well, I’m working, so…” She gestures to her camera, stepping back into the crowd like our brief interaction never happened.

Right. Work mode.

She warned me about that.

Standing with my hands in my slacks, I can’t help smile. I know I should be worried—or maybe offended by her lack of interest, but at the very last moment, she looks over her shoulder at me. She gives me a quick smile, and that’s when I know her disinterest isn’t winning out.

We’re an hour into the reception, and I’m itching to leave. I’d planned to duck out as soon as possible, but with Stella here, I’ve ended up sticking around longer than I wanted. There are a few Squeaky Bum employees here, so I’ve been chatting with them. I may be the boss, but I’m not a dick. I encourage everyone that works in my facility to become friends.

The garden is buzzing with champagne flutes and mediocre DJ transitions. I find myself hovering near the bar, nursing a beer, wondering if Stella is avoiding me or if I’m just reading into things again. I was all confidence earlier, but she hasn’t spared me a single glance since.

Trying to decide if I want to seek her out or leave, I spot Ruth on the other end of the bar.

The elegant woman is dressed to the nines, sipping something bright pink. She’s locked in conversation with a woman I recognize from somewhere but can’t quite place.

I make my way over to say hello when I realize I may not recognize the woman other than seeing her around tonight, clearly in charge of things.

She must be the wedding planner.

Ruth sees me coming, her grin spreading wide when she realizes I’m approaching.

“Ruth, it’s nice to see you,” I tell her as I come to stand in front of her.

“Luke, darling, don’t you clean up well!” There’s something about this woman. I feel as if I should lean in and kiss her cheek—like I need to be more of a gentleman in her presence. I’ve only met her a few times, though, and I don’t normally go around kissing women’s cheeks and hands.

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