Page 38 of Between the Lines

“It can’t be helped.” Don sounded defensive, stepping closer to Jude, as if it was his job to protect her. Protect her from Luca. “You shouldn’t be so quick to—”

“Sounds like you need an early night, Jude,” Theo said, before Don could finish. “I hope you’re feeling better in the morning.” And then, to Luca’s heart-pounding delight, Theo took his hand, threading their fingers together. It was a subtle but unambiguous statement and Don’s eyes went straight to their joined hands, color rising in his neck.

Luca felt so proud his throat ached. “Yeah, take it easy, Mom.” His voice came out husky as he gripped Theo’s hand tight. “I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow.”

As they walked hand-in-hand across the foyer, Luca caught Theo’s eye. He wanted to thank him, tell him how grateful he was for the support, but there was such warmth in Theo’s answering smile that Luca’s heart constricted painfully and the words dried in his throat.

It was difficult to pretend that gratitude was all he felt.

Chapter Fourteen

Theo had attended more than his fair share of society events and ordinarily they were dull as dishwater, but he’d always loved weddings and this one was spectacular. Not only because of the way it spilled, Gatsbyesque, across the huge lawn as dusk faded into evening, all twinkling lights and billowy marquees, the glitterati mixing with Josh’s New Milton friends to the accompaniment of live music and an endless stream of champagne.

No, what made it exceptional for Theo was the moment Finn and Josh stood up and exchanged vows, speaking so softly that only the people closest to them—their friends and family at the front—could hear. His heart pounded at the sight, at everything it represented, and when Finn took Josh’s face in his hands and kissed him, Theo had to swipe a surreptitious hand under his eyes.

Although he’d come to accept that their soul-deep connection was something he’d never have, the idea it was even possible made his heart sing. Two men, declaring their love in front of family and friends, sanctioned by the state and blessed by society... It was quite something. And worth celebrating even when you didn’t know the couple involved.

“Are you crying?” Luca murmured, close enough that Theo felt the shape of the words against his ear.

Feeling silly, he kept his gaze on Josh and Finn so he didn’t have to see Luca’s amusement. There was no walking down the aisle to Mendelssohn’s Wedding March, thankfully, instead someone threw confetti, and general hilarity and plenty of camera flashes broke out as Josh and Finn mingled with their guests, shaking hands and hugging friends.

Perfect, Theo thought. And then, abstractly, that the Majestic would make a wonderful wedding venue with its lush gardens and access to the beach for those who’d like to tie the knot on the shore. And the dining room, with its French windows open in the summer, the sea breeze billowing the curtains...?

“What about it?” Luca said, and Theo realized he’d said the last part aloud.

He shook his head, standing up as staff came to move the chairs away in preparation for the real party to get underway. “I was just thinking—did you ever hold weddings at the Majestic?”

Luca lifted an eyebrow. “No. But you’re sleeping in the honeymoon suite.”

Yes, he could imagine that, and it must have been wonderful in its day. The room was still lovely, but the bathroom needed some work. The old tub would have to go. Maybe a large Jacuzzi could be installed instead, alongside a walk-in shower big enough for two. The windows, though, opening out onto the ocean sunrise? Perfect for newlyweds.

Luca’s laugh startled him from his thoughts. “C’mon, Mr. Daydream,” he said, taking his hand, “let’s go say hi to the happy couple before we get wasted on their champagne.”

Josh and Finn were mobbed, but Josh noticed Luca right away and smiled. “Hey! Luca, you came.”

“Of course I did.” He gave Josh a one-armed hug. “Congrats, man. You look happy.”

“Well, yes.” Josh had spectacular blue eyes, the color of a summer sky, and a tan that betrayed his new California home. But the way he absolutely glowed with happiness was by far his most attractive feature. Turning, he tugged on Finn’s arm to get his attention. “Hey, meet Luca...”

Finn—objectively gorgeous in a very Hollywood way, all square jaw, capped teeth, and symmetrical features—came like a puppy called to heel, slipping an arm around Josh’s waist. “Hey,” he said, smiling with terrifying charm.

“This is Luca Moretti,” Josh said. “He’s a surf instructor here in New Milton. We saw him in action on the beach once, remember?”

They exchanged a smiling look, the meaning of which was lost on Theo, and then Finn leaned forward with enviable confidence to shake hands. “Thanks for coming, Luca.”

“And this,” Josh said, turning to Theo, “is...?”

“Oh, this is Theo Wishart, my, uh...” Luca looked unusually flustered, his words drying up. Theo supposed he couldn’t say “hookup” but since he had no better answer himself he couldn’t fill in the blank and they stared at each other awkwardly.

“Wishart of Lux Properties?” Josh asked, smoothly covering the moment.

“Yes,” Theo said in relief. “Yes, that’s my father’s company.”

He smiled. “Ah. The inimitable Eddie—my brother’s a big fan.”

Theo didn’t know quite what to make of that. “I work there, too,” he blurted. “Obviously. In project management. I’m actually here on business, we’re looking to buy the Majestic Hotel and...”Christ, shut up. They don’t care.“Uh, congratulations, by the way. On the wedding.”As opposed to what? The catering?Fuck. Blushing, he turned to Luca in mute appeal. “That is, I, uh—”

“Truth is, he cried when you guys tied the knot,” Luca cut in, slipping his arm around Theo and tugging him close. “And why not? It was beautiful.” Theo stared at him, but Luca’s expression didn’t look teasing, if anything he looked fond. “Listen, enjoy your day. It looks like there’s a million people wanting to say hello...”

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