Page 87 of Last First Kiss
I start working on my second wing when Clara flashes me a cheeky grin and slowly peels off her T-shirt, eyes locked on me through the mirror, and my mind goes blank at the sight of her.
“Am I distracting you?” she teases.
But I don’t say anything, I just stare as she slips into the shower, my mind entirely too scrambled to speak or move.
The water of the shower turns on, and Clara yelps, breaking whatever spell I was under.
I smirk. “Payback.”
Clara laughs. “Rude.”
As she showers, I finish my makeup and head back into our room, frantically searching for the shoes I had planned to wear today, but I have no idea where they are. After looking for far too long, I finally find them and slip on my favorite square-toe block-heel sandals along with my favorite chunky gold earrings and a delicate gold necklace with an emerald in the middle. I sling my camera bag across my chest, double-check my batteries and memory cards, and grab the rest of my gear before heading toward the door.
I’m about to call for Clara to tell her I’m leaving, right as she steps out of the bathroom, and I forget how to breathe. She’s in a perfectly tailored black suit. Her damp blue hair brushes her shoulders, somehow looking effortless and electric all at once.
“Wow,” I manage to say.
I step closer and run my hand slowly from her collar down the front of her suit, fingertips tracing the smooth line as I soak her in.
Clara wraps her arms around my waist, drawing me closer, her thumbs brushing gently over the fabric of my jumper. Even through the fabric, her touch turns into flame, and a shiver runs down my spine.
I give a slight shake of my head, trying to clear the haze settling in my chest. “You look incredible.”
“So do you.” She leans in and gently presses a kiss to my lips. I smile into the kiss, letting it linger, not quite ready to let go.
When we finally part, I notice my red lipstick has smudged onto her lips. I reach up and softly start to rub it away.
“Leave it,” she murmurs. “I want it there.”
“You sure?”
She nods, eyes never leaving mine. The rest of the world drops out, and it’s just her, standing there with my lipstick on her mouth like it belongs there. I feel claimed, and I like it.
“Then I guess I’d better leave more,” I say, tilting my head slightly before pulling her in again, slower this time.
Above us, the sky glows pink and blue, just as Diana and Alex say “I do” under a soft storm of petals, and everyone cheers.
I lift my camera right as Alex leans in to kiss Diana. The setting sun catches Alex’s blond curls and turns them into spun copper. Diana’s veil flutters in the wind, and the two of them look like magic made flesh.
I press the shutter, and even before checking the screen, I know it’stheshot. The kind that ends up framed above fireplaces.
I lower the camera, letting myself breathe it all in, watching my sister beam with excitement. I thought I’d miss out on so much photographing Diana’s wedding, but it’s been the exact opposite. And I’m so thankful I didit, because I saw just about every excited and nervous look she and Alex shared. I got to see all the love they pour into fleeting moments for just the two of them, something I would have missed had I been just another guest.
I feel a pair of eyes on me, and when I turn, it’s Clara’s. She’s standing under the arbor, champagne in one hand, the other tucked into her pants pocket, looking like a dream.
The second our eyes meet, she smiles, a slow, crooked smile. My heart stutters as she walks toward me.
“Hey,” she says, coming closer, her voice low enough that it settles into my spine. “You almost done?”
“Yeah,” I say, my fingers twitching on the shutter button.
“Good.” She hands me the champagne glass. I take it and let the bubbles fizzle down to my belly before giving her a quick peck.
“Can everyone please make their way to the reception area?” The DJ’s voice cuts through the soft hum of conversation.
We start moving, a slow, happy shuffle of bodies walking toward the Wisteria Hall, where the party will take place. A few moments later, the DJ’s voice rings out again, this time louder, more excited.
“Please welcome, for the first time as newlyweds ... Diana and Alexandria Wheeler.”
