Page 63 of Tempt My Heart

The sun began to descend, and the vineyard was fully cast in a golden-hour glow as Rose appeared from behind a large bush on the arm of what Ali could only assume was her father.

She was beaming, literally glowing with joy as the sparkles set into the lace of her wedding gown caught in the sunlight. Her veil was short and simple, and she had it pinned back from her face so they all saw the moment she laid eyes on the groom—a sort of wonder filling the both of them that made Ali’s heart ache in the best way.

Rose’s dad gave her hand to David and then took his place in the front. The officiator began speaking and Ali tuned most of the words out as she found her eyes drawn to the man standing behind the groom. Christopher.

In his dark gray suit, it was unfair how handsome he was. It was lucky that Rose clearly only had eyes for David, otherwise the groom would have had some competition on his hands.

A gasp rang out and Ali turned around, a smile breaking across her face as a petite woman with David’s eyes walked a chocolate labrador down the aisle, proudly bearing a pink cushion with a ring box on top. His tail wagged happily as people cooed at him and Rose wiped at her eyes as the dog sat down in front of them when David instructed.

The pair exchanged the rings the dog had brought down the aisle and everyone stood when they kissed and the sunset silhouetted them. It was clear that the official wedding photos would be insanely gorgeous.

She met Christopher as he passed her seat and slid her arm through his, pressing a kiss to his cheek for good measure. “Who’s the pup?”

“Bailey.” Christopher grinned. “Blake got him as a puppy. I’m pretty sure he’s the only reason Rose is marrying him,” he teased as he walked behind the bride and groom.

“I can’t blame her,” Ali said as the labrador sniffed at the guests and wagged his tail excitedly. “He’s adorable.”

They gathered around so the photographer could get some group shots, and she was pleasantly surprised to be included in the photos with Christopher and his friends. It felt like they’d officially accepted her into the group.

By the time the photographer decided they had what they needed, the chairs had been moved so that they surrounded large white tables and a cover had been erected over a makeshift dance floor and buffet table. It was a surprisingly relaxed affair, the tables didn’t even have a seating chart, unlike the rehearsal.

They grabbed some food and took a seat at the long table in the back where the bride and groom would also be sitting, only to stand up again a moment later when they re-entered the reception area. Rose had taken the time to change into another gorgeous white dress, but this one was a little more casual and easier for her to move around in.

Everyone cheered as they took their seats and some people drifted about, chatting. Apparently Rose and David had decided to forgo a first dance and people began to filter onto the dance floor as what looked like the same band from the engagement party began to play.

“It’s time,” Christopher murmured to her and she nodded as she checked her phone.

“Is everyone waiting?”

“Yeah. Denver went to go and check about five minutes ago. You should be good.”

She swallowed hard as she ran her eyes over his face. She wasn’t memorizing him. Definitely not. “Okay. If I’m not back in ten—”

“I’ll come for you,” he promised and she nodded, standing up to go and gasping when he tugged her back to him for one more kiss. “Be safe.”

“I will.”

She didn’t know if that was a promise she could keep, especially considering she was turning up to meet Jared empty-handed. She just had to hope that Denver and the cops showed up for her.

How Jared had planned to get onto the site she had no idea, but if he didn’t show up to the meet that wasn’t her problem. The cops would have to find another way to get him.

She walked out of the main entrance and sat down on the large stone fountain outside, looking back at the villa, the pale pink of the stone stood out even more than usual against the backdrop of the dark sky.

The air was still around her and slightly warm from the earlier sunshine, and it was so quiet that she felt overly aware of the sound of her own breathing.

Footsteps scuffed the cobblestone-style pavement and her head snapped up to see a familiar figure coming towards her.

“Jared.”

“Alison.” He stepped close enough for her to see the sneer twisting his mouth and the fresh hollows in his cheeks and under his eyes. “Have you got what I asked for?”

“What happened to you?” she whispered and his lips went white as he pressed them together.

“The photos, Alison.”

“I have them,” she reassured him and then, for reasons she wasn’t quite sure of, she touched his arm gently. “Are they really what you want? If you tell me what kind of trouble you’re in maybe I could help—”

He smacked her hand away and spat on the floor, shocking her. “I don’t need your help. I just need what you promised me. Or this time I’ll double-check that your mom is in the house before I light the match.”

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