Page 64 of My Silver Lining

There was classical music playing, and round tables and chairs filled the space.

“Wow, the attention to detail is something,” Lulu said against my ear.

The smell of pear and vanilla flooded my senses.

There was no doubt I had the most beautiful woman on my arm, as every man in the room turned and followed her with their eyes as we walked toward the bar.

Large floral arrangements packed with red and white flowers sat on every table. The large dance floor in the center was a focalpoint, and an emblem with a large C in the middle to represent Chapman and a J and a D on each side to represent the bride and groom were painted on the dance floor. The same logo was on the cocktail napkins when we rolled up to the bar.

It was elaborate and very evident that they’d spared no expense.

“A cosmopolitan for the lady, and I’ll have an old-fashioned please,” I said when the bartender looked up at us.

“There he is.” Joseph strolled over to us, his eyes on my date, making no attempt to cover his perusal. His bride was nowhere in sight, also not a shock.

“Joseph, congratulations. This is my girlfriend, Lulu Sonnet.” The words rolled off my tongue so easily that I almost believed them myself.

His eyes scanned her from head to toe, and I found myself wrapping an arm around her waist possessively and pulling her back against my chest.

“Lulu, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Not surprised that you’re beautiful, as I figured it would take a special lady to hold this one’s attention,” he said.

It was a dick thing to say, but I forced a smile as Lulu extended her free hand to him.

“Ahhh… I’ve heard so much about you and your beautiful bride. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

“Where is Denise?” I asked, wanting to remind him that we were here for his wedding as he continued to eye-fuck my date, and I was losing my patience with it.

“She’s probably found a way to spend more of my money from her visit to the restroom.” He barked out a husky laugh that made it apparent he’d smoked one too many cigars over the years.

“Daddy, have you told Rafe that he’ll be giving the speech with me tonight?” Chloe walked up behind her father, and I tightened my grip on Lulu.

Did she say that I was giving a speech?

Her gaze moved from me to the woman pressed against my body, and the tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife.

“Chloe, this is my girlfriend, Lulu Sonnet. Lulu, this is Joseph’s daughter, Chloe.”

“Well, I’d say I’m a bit more thanjustJoseph’s daughter, aren’t I, Rafe?” She quirked a brow.

Actually, no.

We were not friends, outside of her constantly hitting on me at work events, and I’d never so much as flirted back. We’d never had an actual conversation, other than her telling me that she thought we should date.

She was an acquaintance at best.

But this was her father’s wedding, and I wouldn’t be rude.

“Hi, Chloe, it’s nice to meet you,” Lulu said, extending her hand and trying to break up an uncomfortable situation. “Did you say that Rafe is giving the speech?”

“Yes. Daddy wants Rafe and me to give speeches on their behalf.” She shook Lulu’s hand hesitantly before pulling it back abruptly. “Shall we go practice, Rafe?”

“I know nothing about a speech, Joseph. A little heads-up would help.” I took a sip of my cocktail, letting the warm liquid roll down my throat.

“It was Chloe’s idea. She thought there should be two speakers. Denise agreed, so we thought you’d be the guy to do it. My friends are all old fuckers, and they’ll be too liquored up to form a coherent sentence with an open bar tonight.” More gruff laughter.

“All right. I can say a few words. I don’t think we need to practice, as I’m sure you already have your speech prepared, Chloe. I’ll just pull some notes together on my phone.”

“I can help you.” Lulu smiled up at me, and damn, she was too fucking beautiful for her own good.

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