Page 14 of Sunny Skies Ahead
I rolled my eyes.
“Don’t roll your eyes at me!”
I let out a long sigh, turning to face my best friend, who was staring herself down in the mirror. I’d found the hair and makeup artist we’d hired on social media, and she was well worth the money. Abbie’s dark blue eyes were striking beneath a delicate smokey eye, her long brown hair pinned delicately into an elegant and intricate braided bun on the back of her head.
“You’re freaking out,” I said again, keeping my voice even. I faced the mirror, placing one of the pearl studs in my ear. I’drummaged through my Nana’s jewelry box to find something suitable to wear with this dress, and as soon as I’d laid eyes on these, I knew they’d be perfect.
The makeup artist had worked magic on me, too. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d done a full face of makeup. Dark, thick lashes, golden sparkles and shimmering tones, which complimented my brown skin and brown eyes.
When paired with the beautiful shade of burgundy that Abbie had chosen for everyone in her wedding party to wear, I felt beautiful. My dress was a-line and sleek, with off-the-shoulder straps that accentuated my upper arms and neck. I felt confident, if not a little sexy.
The last time I had been this dressed up had been the last Marine Corps ball I’d attended with Jacob.
I quickly cleared that train of thought away. Those memories had no place here.
“It’s going to be okay, Abbie.”
“Can you go check on Connor, please? Make sure he’s still here?” Abbie said, finally getting up from her chair and turning towards the dress hanging on the wall behind us. My eyebrows rose.
“Are you sure you’ll be okay in here by yourself?”
Abbie nodded her head. “Yeah. I could use a few minutes to myself, actually.”
I wasn’t going to argue with that. I glanced at the clock on the wall and muttered under my breath. It was just under an hour until the ceremony started, and I needed to get a move on. I slipped out of my sneakers and reached formy heels.
Yet another thing I rarely wore. I stood on slightly shaky legs, adjusting my dress so it wasn’t wrinkled. Abbie let out a low whistle and her jaw practically hit the floor.
“Miss Imogen,” Abbie said, shimmying her shoulders seductively. “You look ravishing.”
I rolled my eyes and ducked my head to hide my heated cheeks.
“I’ll go check on your beau. I’m also sending Kyrie in here to help you into your dress while I make sure everything is set up correctly. You don’t have to worry about a thing,” I said. Abbie looked like she might cry, and I stood there awkwardly for another heartbeat while I waited to see if she would burst into tears or not.
“You’re the greatest best friend in the entire world,” she said, eyes still welling with tears.
“Love you too,” I said, blowing her a kiss as I opened the door to step into the hallway, closing it just as quickly, so no wandering eyes saw the bride before her big moment. I turned down the hallway heading towards the center space to check on the table and seating arrangements. I fiddled with my right earring, rounding the corner and running smack into a very solid, very muscular body.
I gasped and jumped back.
“Whoa,” the man said, reaching out his hands to steady my shoulders, and I immediately slumped forward in relief as I recognized the person in front of me.
“Jesus Christ, Kam,” I muttered. I met his eyes, surprised to find his attention fixed entirely on me. His gaze swept over me slowly, as if he was taking in every inch. He took me in, hiseyes darting to my lips and then down, past my hips and my thighs. I fought the urge to squirm under his gaze.
When his eyes snapped back to mine, there was a fire there that made my heart race.
“You’re the one who came flying around a blind curve,” Kam said, his lips curling into a smirk that had my knees weakening. “How are we doing?”
I barely heard the words come out of his mouth. I was too focused on the crisp white button down that was only halfway buttoned, the burgundy tie hanging loosely around his neck, and the sight of his muscles flexing under his shirt as he adjusted his cufflinks. Kameron looked glorious in his usual lightweight button up and jeans combo, but Kameron in formal dress wasdevastating.
It took several seconds for my brain to catch up and give me words to respond with.
“She’s freaking out.”
“Oh good, he’s freaking out too.”
“He got his hair cut, right? He better have gotten his freaking haircut.”
Kameron laughed and shook his head.
