Page 58 of Fight For Her
“Yeah, it was a group effort. I have to say, I wasn’t expecting any of the evacuees to stay once the storm passed this morning, but a bunch of them saw us scrambling around and offered to help out. Turns out, one of the women was a hairdresser and was able to make Jill feel as gorgeous as she deserved...” Mia chattered on about all the small details they’d put into the ceremony, but I couldn’t take my eyes off the most beautiful woman in the room.
Kendahl wore a gauzy blush pink dress that stopped at the middle of her thigh. It was backless, showing off her soft skin, dotted with freckles, and tied with a bow. As soon as I had the chance, I wanted to untie that bow and unwrap her like a present. Her long hair framed her face in soft waves, and she wore a touch of makeup. Her skin glowed in the warm light. I liked to think maybe I had something to do with that glow as well.
She peeked up at me as she sipped, noticing that I was drinking her in. Instead of scowling in that adorable way of hers and telling me to fuck off, she smiled so bright that her eyes lit up. My heart beat harder and faster the longer I took her in. A cadence, a rhythmic melody, each pump thrumming a tune.Her, her, her.The feeling was something entirely new but instinctual. Kendahl was as much a part of me as the organ in my chest keeping me alive.
The realization hit me. I was falling for her and it scared the hell out of me.
Chapter 30
Kendahl
Iwasinawewith how we were able to set up the restaurant next door into a beautiful reception space. Yeah, some of the nautical décor was basically plastered to the walls, but with how open and inviting the rest of the area was, I hardly noticed it.
Jill was glowing with her simple curve-hugging sheath dress and dark hair styled in an ornate updo. I couldn’t help but smile watching her and Mike dance on the makeshift dance floor to terrible party music.
With the storm subsided and the power back on, the chefs were back in the kitchen cooking mouthwatering food for us.I sat back in my chair, glass of wine in hand, taking in the perfection of the moment. Coby stood at the bar getting us a drink while eyeing me every few seconds like he was hungry and I was his meal. I raised a brow flirtatiously and felt more wanted than I ever had.
The music changed from “The Cha Cha Slide” to “Dreams”. My song. I started to involuntarily sway in my seat and hum the tune.
“Dance with me.” Coby reached his hand out to pull me up. I let him lead the way, joining the rest of our friends. He pulled me flush against his warm chest, and I sunk my head onto his shoulder.
“I can’t believe they’re playing Fleetwood Mac. Every other song tonight has been nothing like this.”
Coby nuzzled his chin against the top of my head. “I might have had something to do with that.” His dimples were on full display.
“That’s so sweet. I can’t believe you remembered.” Twisting a piece of his hair around my finger, I watched his expression turn thoughtful.
“When I saw you again the other night dancing to this song, you looked…I don’t even know how to describe it. Peaceful and full of energy all at once. Like you were being transported somewhere else, somewhere special. I’ll never forget that look.”
I pushed up on my tiptoes and kissed him, not because we were in front of all our friends and not because I knew Aiden was recording us. I kissed him because I’d never wanted to kiss someone as badly as I did in that moment. It started out sweet and slow, but within seconds, my hands were tangled in his hair, pulling him closer against me. His hand rested on my low back but drifted lower until his fingers were curling against my hemline.
“Aww, look at you two.” Tipsy Mia’s voice was unmistakable. Coby moved his hand and broke away from my lips. She was slow dancing with Shawn, or attempting to, with how stiff he looked. “Bestie, they’re playing your song,” she crooned.
“They are.” I laughed, noticing that Shawn was essentially holding Mia upright. “Looks like you’re having fun, Mi.”
“Shawn, I never knew you were such a good dancer,” Coby teased. Shawn smirked and gave Coby a slow middle finger in response. I shook my head at the two of them.
“Let’s go attack the buffet, Mi.” I winked at Coby and gave his firm booty a pinch before taking hold of my bestie and starting toward the food. “I think I saw a cheesy pasta that looked incredible.”
Mia hung onto my shoulders. “Oooh cheese. Let’s go.”
Coby and Shawn both chuckled following closely behind.
“I’m in a cheese coma,” Mia groaned while pushing her plate toward the center of the table.
“Same. But I regret nothing.” The food was mouthwatering. Chicken in a garlicky mushroom sauce, some kind of white fish lightly breaded and drizzled with lemon butter, crisp veggies roasted with herbs, and of course, cheesy penne in a rich red sauce. They’d be setting out dessert soon, and there was no way I had room for anything else.
Coby stretched out and patted his stomach. “Definitely beats the sandwiches we’ve been eating all weekend.”
“That’s for sure,” Shawn added pushing his plate aside as well.
“There you lovebirds are.” I turned to find Aiden taking a seat across from us, camera out. “I didn’t realize you had left the dance floor.”
I took a large sip of wine, groaning internally because even drinks were stretching my too full stomach. “It’s your aunt’s wedding, Aiden. Maybe you can, oh, I don’t know…focus on her instead of trying to film for your channel. Plus, we’re not all that interesting.”
A flash of annoyance crossed his face. “Honestly, you’re right.” What? I nearly fell backward. “You two need to get more interesting. Let’s think of some drama to reel in the viewers.”
I groaned this time out loud. “Seriously. That’s what you got out of what I said?”
