Page 47 of Connected By Stars
“God, you drive me crazy. I’ve sat out there so fucking hard through most of the evening, and then you go and bite your lip just to torture me more.”
“I wasn’t trying to torture you,” I whisper. “I was biting back a moan because of what you make my body feel. You aren’t the only one being tortured right now.”
“Good to know I’m not the only one about to go insane here.”
“You’re not alone.” I fist his shirt and pull him to me for one more. His hand cups my neck firmly, holding me in place with a possessiveness that makes me only crave more. It’s torture having the one thing I’ve always longed for be right within my grasp but unable to act on it. Moaning, I pull back, knowing we’ve taken too much time already. “We better get back out there. Everyone will wonder where we are.”
He reluctantly lets me go, and I run my fingers through my hair. “You look beautiful, and besides the rosy cheeks and slightly swollen lips, no one but me will know what I really want to do with you right now.”
“And what do you want to do to me.” I look up at him and resist the urge to bring his lips back to mine.
“Everything.” He gives me a wicked grin and walks back to the counter to refill everyone’s glasses, leaving me with a thousand thoughts going through my mind. I will my heart to slow down and go over to help him. I pull a tray out of the cabinet, and we load the drinks up before joining everyone outside again.
“So everything is set for tomorrow. We have the rehearsal at six and then dinner at seven-thirty,” my mom says, going over her notes. “Guests from out of town will be arriving tomorrow and checking into their hotel rooms. The caterers will arrive at seven to get everything set up for the dinner. Maya and I will be over in the morning with Dad and Matt to set up the tables in your backyard.”
“Bella and I will be over too to help with decorating,” Sophia says. “You took work off too, right, Mav?”
“I’m off until Monday, so I’ll be there to help.”
“Perfect,” my mom says. “Is there anything we’re forgetting, Emma?”
“I don’t think so. I can’t thank you enough for all the helpyou guys have given me and Noah these past few weeks. We couldn’t have pulled it off without all of you.”
Noah smiles and hugs her close. “She’s right. We appreciate all the help. The last five months have flown by, and we know how hard everyone has worked to bring it all together.”
“Are you kidding? Maya and I have had a blast helping you plan this wedding. We will be pros by the time Bella, Sophia, and Maverick get married.”
“You may be waiting a long time on Maverick,” Noah laughs. “Luna will probably get married before he does.”
I glance at Maverick, and he has an amused look. “Oh, I don’t know. Someone could come in and completely take me by surprise just like Emma did with you.”
“I agree. I have a feeling Maverick’s person might not be that far away.” Emma glances at me briefly before grinning at Maverick.
“I have to agree, too. I feel love in the air tonight.” Mimi says with a twinkle in her eyes.
“Well, I need a big fan to blow it my way,” Sophia says, laughing and taking a sip of her wine.
I catch Maverick’s eye across the table. My heart skips a beat with the look he gives me. If what I’m seeing in his eyes is any indication, we both have been taken by surprise. A fan didn’t blow our way. A whole damn tornado came through.
Sophiaand I arrive at Noah’s house in the morning to help set up the decorations. Well, technically, it’s Noah and Emma’s house now. She officially moved in after her accident last year. She still has her house down the street, and they’re waiting until after the wedding to sell it or rent it out. Tonight, the girls and I are staying there for a sleepover while Maverick and Cole stayat Noah’s. We invited Sadie, but with the baby, she and James decided it would be easier to stay at the hotel they had booked for the wedding.
I’m looking forward to our slumber party tonight. It’s been a while since all of us girls have been together. We walk in and see Emma and Noah having coffee.
“Hey, sis.” Noah looks up at me and smiles. I still can’t believe my brother is getting married. Their love story is one most people dream about, and they found it with each other. I couldn’t love Emma more. They’re perfect for each other, and there won’t be a dry eye tomorrow when they sayI do.
“Hi, Noah. Are Mom and Dad already here?” I sit my bag down and walk over to the coffee pot to pour a mug.
“They arrived a few minutes ago with Maya and Matt, bringing all of this,” Emma says, laughing and waving her hand at the table.
I look over my shoulder and see the spread of fruit, bagels, and a variety of muffins set out for everyone. “That’s Mom for you. Always making sure everyone is fed.” I grin and walk over to check out the muffin flavors.
“What time is Skye and Cole getting here?” Sophia asks, popping a grape in her mouth.
Noah looks up from his plate and glances at Sophia. “We’re leaving soon to go pick them up. They get in at ten.”
“Are you ready for our sleepover tonight?” I ask Emma.
“I am. I can’t remember the last time I had a girl’s sleepover.”
