Page 24 of Three Not-So-Little Words
I try my hardest to keep my attention on the ceremony and not on Mr. Sexy—which becomes a little easier when they start to read their vows.
Liz starts, “Jack, when you and I first met, you drove me absolutely insane. I know you thought I was nothing more than a spoiled princess. I was so mad because you couldn’t see the real me. It took me a while to realize that you’re theonlyone who sees the real me. You took all of my broken parts and put themback together. You’re an amazing partner and an even better father. I promise to spend my life trying to make you happy.”
Liz has always been a force to be reckoned with, so it’s a little odd to hear her being a bit more vulnerable.
Jack goes next. “Liz, I had a whole speech of what I was going to stand up here and say to you, but after hearing yours, I can’t remember a damn word of it. Baby, you already make me the happiest man in the world. From the first moment I saw you, I knew you were going to shake up my world. I never dreamed it would be in the best way imaginable. I love you so much, and I love the life that we’re building together. Thank you for taking a chance on me.”
By the time he’s done, there’s not a dry eye in the house. Even I’m getting misty-eyed, with my cold heart. I may not want that sappy love for myself, but I’m glad my sister got it. She’s had a hard road and deserves all the happiness in the world.
I’m so engrossed in the ceremony that I almost forgot about the mysterious hottie.
Almost.
When Liz and Jack seal their union with a kiss, we all walk back down the aisle. The man and I flirt with our stares the entire time. I still have no idea who this guy is or why I keep seeing him everywhere I go. Our small town is a pretty tight-knit community to a point where everyone seems to know everyone else. So, the fact that none of my sisters recognized him tells me he must be new around here.
I have no idea who he is, but I sure as hell intend to find out.
The next hour is spent eating a fancy chicken dinner and then listening to the toasts. Needless to say, Liz did not ask me to speak. She probably worried that I would say something about marriage being dumb. Or that I would make an inappropriate joke.
Honestly, I’d probably do both.
When it’s all done, the party can actually begin.
Thank God.
After the obligatory first dance between the bride and groom, everyone else slowly funnels onto the dancefloor.
Since the music switches to more of the upbeat party stuff, the slow dancing takes a break. I’m technically dancing by myself, but I don’t care. I put on one hell of a show. God gave me curvy hips and a big ass, and I learned how to use them.
I’m hoping to get the attention of the hot stranger, but I don’t see him anywhere. Maybe he came just for the ceremony and skipped the reception. Wouldn’t that just be my luck?
The only other eligible guys here are ones that I’ve known forever. Most are friends of Jack and my brother. If I’m being honest, I’ve fucked a couple of them after a few too many drinks. Believe me when I say none of them were memorable enough to want a second round.
Maybe tonight is another time when my vibrator will fill in to play the role of boyfriend. At least that way, I know I’ll get off.
I decide to take a break from dancing and hit the bar. A stiff drink will make everything better.
I stand at the bar and order a Jack Daniels, neat. While the bartender gets it ready, a man who smells amazing steps next to me.
Looking over, I’m shocked to see the sexy stranger. We make eye-contact, and he smiles. The kind of smile that can make a woman go weak at the knees.
Unable to contain my own smile, I say, “Hey, I’ve been looking for you.”
“Is that right?”
Before I can answer, the bartender asks what he wants. He replies by requesting a beer and shoving a twenty in the tip jar.
When he has his drink, we walk over to an empty table and take a seat.
I say, “Pardon me if this comes out as rude, but who the hell are you?”
He chuckles, “My name is Drew.”
“Well, Drew, I may not always be around, but in this small town, everyone knows everyone else. And I don’t remember seeing you.”
“I’m new in town. Just moved from Florida.”
My eyebrows shoot up. “Out of all the places in the world, you choose Lilly Leaf Falls?”
