Page 20 of Kiss the Bride

“We both know that Mitchel wanted to go to India or Nepal.”

“So?”

“The honeymoon was your choice, not his. You always wanted to go to somewhere peaceful, lie on a beach, and relax.”

“So?”

“Go to Lizard Island. Enjoy the placeyouchose. Stay for a couple of days or the whole booking. Your choice.”

“I’m not taking my mother on my honeymoon.”

Moment of truth. Can I say the words? Can I sit on a beach with Olivia Woodgrove, stay in a romantic villa, and pretend I don’t see her as the only woman in my dreams? Can I give her the space she needs to heal?For Liv, I can do anything.“Would I be better than your mother?”

“What?” Liv sits up straighter and a gust of wind takes hold of her hair, whipping it around her face until strands get caught in her long eyelashes. She is so breathtakingly gorgeous, I wishshe’d let me take her photo but don’t even dare to ask. My perfect princess thinks she’s broken. She’d never want the world to see her the way I do right now—strong, resilient, and kind. Thinking of Pete instead of herself—that’s the girl I fell in love with. That’s why I’ve never been able to replace her in my heart.

“Lizard Island and me. No pressure. You need a friend and I’m sure I can hire a surfboard or kayak. You’ll only see me if you want someone to update your playlist.”

“You don’t know what music I like, anymore.”

She hasn’t said, “no”.

“You play me yours and I’ll play you mine. I’ll buy you shots for all of the ones we have the same.”

“Are you trying to kill me and my liver, or help me?” She tries to hold back a laugh and ends up snorting instead, only her snorts turn to hiccups and it’s the best sound I’ve heard all day.

“Are you game enough to find out?” This is us—the banter and the friendship. We’ve always been able to go from laughing fully clothed to naked in a heartbeat. No, not anymore. I lost that right, and she deserves better.

“Are you asking to come on my honeymoon, with me?” After a long pause, Olivia shields her eyes from the blinding setting sun. “I mean, I seem to have misplaced my groom.”

“Since you didn’t get married, I think we can describe it as a technology detox.” Truthfully, I should engage my brain instead of my mouth, but this is Liv. Pixie body, sun-bleached hair, green eyes I’ve never forgotten, and the only woman I know who can laugh, cry, snort, and hiccup at the same time. Luckily, I have a spare bottle of water, and offer it to her before she accidentally dies on me.

“I don’t want to go home,” she says carefully, after downing a bottle of water. I wait for her to process options, knowing we have time for my idea if she doesn’t come up with one of her own.

“I know.”

“I can’t go to either of my parents.”

“I understand.”

“I really don’t have another choice, do I?” She looks at me for answers, but this needs to be her decision.

“Babe, whatever you want, whatever you need, just tell me. If I can, I’ll make it happen.”

In between texting Pete, I’ve already checked flight options. We can get from Sydney to Cairns tonight and Lizard Island tomorrow. I have a gym bag and an overnight bag stowed in the boot of my car—intending to head the fuck out of town after the happy couple got married. Whatever additional clothes we can’t pick up from the airport, we’ll either buy from the resort or do without.

“I don’t want to talk to anyone.” Liv bites down on her bottom lip, and it takes all my self-control not to kiss her. Her eyes are bright, and there is no trace of tears. I want to pump the air in relief—the marina, the burgers, and now here—I still know what she needs. I still know my girl even if she hasn’t been my girl for years.

“I don’t want to have to explain to people—about Mitch or the video,” she continues with a hint of defiance.

“Liv, it’ll be sorted,” I promise.

“But do you really want to come with me?”

It’s nice to be almost invited, although I’m halfway to booking two seats from Sydney and have started negotiating sleeping arrangements with the venue. Guest cots are not a priority at resorts aimed at loved-up couples. Still, I’ll sleep on the beach with nothing other than a spare sheet, if it means being there if Liv needs me—as a friend.

“Liv, trust me. I’m not leaving your side until you want me to.”

“Hunter?” If she bites her lip any harder, there’ll be blood.

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