Page 91 of Damien
“Can’t I just tell you what you mean to me?”
Turning to face me, she asks, “Did you have any clue this was happening today?”
“You know exactly what I knew. This is a total surprise.”
“Uh… is there a reason you never bothered mentioning your sister is like… The Charlotte Ann who happens to be marrying Luke freakin’ Leighton, in just a matter of minutes?”
Shit. Now she thinks I’ve hidden something from her.
Shrugging, I explain, “To me, they’re just Dani and Luke?” But it comes out as a question. “She’s my bratty older sister who I love more than anything, but honestly… I never think of her as Charlotte. Sorry. I just can’t. I’m happy she’s a successful author, but she told us long ago it’d be awkward if we read her books, so I buy each and every one—to support her of course, but I never read a page.”
“Well, I do.” She gapes. “You know that book I was crying about when you showed up at the door?” I point in the direction of his sister. “It was hers. Heck, I’m even a member of her fan group online. Do I say something… or just ignore it and pretend like she’sonlyyour sister?”
Before I can say anything, she interrupts, “Wait… it’s totally weird for you that I’m completely fangirling and freaking out, isn’t it? I’ll stop.” She’s fucking adorable when she sucks in a deep breath and visually goes through the motions of calming herself down.
“I take it her books are good?” I tease, trying to get her to laugh, but all I get in response is wide eyes and a slack jaw.
“Are you kidding me right now?” she whisper-yells at me. “She’s freakin’ incredible. I’ve literally read every book she’s written. That’s why I’m a bit weirded out right now. I’ve never been around anyone famous, and your sister is Charlotte Freaking Ann.” Then she takes a deep breath. “Okay. I’m done freaking out. This is her wedding, and I won’t ruin it for her. She deserves this—especially with all the craziness in their lives.”
“You do realize Luke is likely way more famous than her—globally, right?”
Okay, captain obvious.
“Sure, he’s famous—but if I’m being honest, I’m a bigger fan girl of your sister. Luke’s just the hot football coach—who happens to be dating my favorite author. No offense to Luke, but once you realize they’re real people, in real relationships—with other women you respect—you can admit they’re still attractive, but for me at least—the fandom just isn’t the same as before when they’re just basically anonymous eye candy.”
Her logic kinda makes sense—but it’s very convoluted.
“So, I have nothing to be jealous of then?”
“Gah… of course you’d make this about you. Yeah, Luke’s handsome—but if I’m being honest—you’re my type, not him.” Then she wrinkles her nose. “He’s pretty old for me—no offense.”
“I’ll have to tell him you said that,” I tease. Though seriously, it would be hysterical to see his reaction.
“If you do, I will never speak to you again. Gah. I need to shut up now.”
Pulling her close, “It’s okay, Van. I get it. People can be attractive—but it doesn’t mean you’ll act upon it. Over the years, I’ve had my own celebrity crushes.”
“Stop. I don’t want to hear about any. I’d rather stay in ignorant bliss. Trust me, jealousy doesn’t look good on me and I’d truly rather not know.”
“I loveyou,Van. For the record—NO ONE holds a candle to you. Famous—or not—You’re all I’ll ever need.”
“I love you, too, Dame,” she whispers as she hugs me tight.
Jules rushes up. “You never said we’d get to see a real princess, Dame.”
“Princess?” I ask, looking around.
Pointing to Dani, she whisper-shouts like her mom. “She’s right there. It’s like a fairy tale.” Even though Dani’s in the house and away from the crowd, she’s not doing a great job of keeping hidden. It might be her wedding day, but I’m sure she’d never pass up the opportunity to meet my girls.
Reaching for her hand, I grab Vanessa’s with the other. “Let’s go meet the princess, then.”
I swear I hear Vanessa groan, “Ohmigod.”
“But I’ll warn you, Dani’s not really a princess—even though she may act like one today. She’s just my sister, so don’t be disappointed.”
Walking across the back deck, Mom opens the door. “Mind if we meet the bride?” I ask, eying each girl holding my hands.
“Not at all!” Dani shouts from behind her. “Get in here, so I can meet ‘em.”
