Page 52 of Never Fake Date the Financier
Adrian grabs my wrist as I pass by, pulling me into him.
“This isn’t over,” he rasps, brushing a stray tendril of hair behind my ear.
I swallow hard.
“I’d hope not.”
14
ELLA
“Ladies, gather ‘round!”The wedding planner’s voice carries across the room as a herd of women immediately springs into action, forming an undulating cluster of silk and chiffon as they jostle for position. “It’s time for the bouquet toss!”
“Okay,” I mutter, watching the spectacle unfold.
Adrian laughs as he slides his hand around the nape of my neck. “Forget your boxing gloves?”
I watch as Lillian jabs an elbow into someone’s gut as she positions herself at the front of the pack, crouching low as she snorts like a damn bull.
“I’m not sure those would help. A helmet? Knee and elbow pads? Is… is that a fork in her hand?” I ask as I catch something shiny, silvery, and glittering in the group of women.
“Mmm… Tennis bracelet. But I think chainmail might also be clutch for this bouquet toss.”
“Fits in with this whole fairy tale. Catch some flowers and gain a husband. Does anyone really believe that?”
Adrian rubs my neck, fingers sliding up and down as an electric current races down my body. I’d much prefer staying here than entering the fray.
“Some do.” A few moments later. “Not interested in joining?”
Adrian almost seems dismayed at me staying back. Another surprise.
“The only thing I’ll be catching in there is an elbow or two. A right hook. Possibly a concussion. If I were a guy thinking about marriage, I’d probably have second thoughts if my girl started bashing skulls to catch a handful of flowers.”
Adrian snorts. “Point taken. I’ll grab us a couple of drinks.”
He kisses my temple, and immediately, every nerve ending in my body ignites. Good lord, even a chaste kiss from Adrian sends my body into overdrive. I pull my attention away from the melee in front of me, watching as Adrian disappears into the crowd.
I look back at the mob, wishing I could turn back time and decline coming back inside. I’d much rather be kissing Adrian on a moonlit balcony than take part in… this.
Women are stretching and warming up as though preparing for some Olympic event. A small group in the back seems to be practicing a cheerleading routine, figuring out the best way to launch one of the smaller women into the air and over the crowd.
“Not joining the bloodbath?” a voice asks beside me.
I turn to find Trudy, looking equally amused by the scene before us.
“I think I’m safer here,” I say, gesturing to where two women are subtly hip-checking each other for a better spot. “I didn’t realize bouquet tosses were full-contact sports.”
Trudy laughs. “It’s been this way since the dawn of time. Though I think the stakes have risen with social media.”
I nod, staring at the mob. “That explains the strategic positioning. And the tripod paired with a ring light.”
“I’d have gone with the selfie stick,” Trudy muses as she sips her wine. “Could double as a weapon to clear out my path to the bouquet.”
I turn around slowly, gaping at Trudy as she shrugs.
“Remind me never to go head-to-head with you.”
“You’ve got nothing to worry about. I’m not looking to get married again.” She takes another sip. “But I have a feeling this won’t be the last wedding I attend.”
