Page 114 of Forbidden

“I meant in general,” he murmurs, tracing his finger along my jaw as he leans in. “Notthiswedding.”

I can’t look at him, certain that my emotions are still plastered all over my face. So far, we’ve all managed to stay fairly chill where Doug is concerned, but I know I’m not the only one whose feelings run deeper than they’re willing to admit.

Around us, the sun is reaching the horizon and the band strikes up again, signaling the start of the ceremony. Doug squeezes my hand, tugging it in an attempt to get my attention, but I just throw him a tight smile before turning to watch the bridesmaids begin to filter down the aisle.

* * *

The ceremony is gorgeous and sweet as heck, but I admit, I don’t spend much time looking at the bride and groom. I’ve never been one of those girls who dreams about finding a fairytale prince and getting married. Maybe it’s because instead of watching Disney films, I was in the pool at five a.m. during those years. Either way, I kind of assumed I’d find someone and get married one day, but it wasn’t a priority. Swimming always came first.

If I’m honest, for years, I kind of assumed it would be Lane. His presence, although far from constant, was as reliable as swimming. Until it wasn’t.

Watching Aldo, standing at the front of the ceremony with his family, felt bittersweet. We’ve said we’ll see where this goes, but can it really survive after college? Out in the real world? It feels frivolous and unrealistic. It also means, no wedding. I almost snort a laugh at the image of walking up the aisle with three men waiting at the end for me.

My stomach swoops as I imagine telling my parents that I’m in a relationship withthreeguys. Mom is still not talking to me as it is, and I’m pretty sure it’d give Dad a heart attack.

Sipping from my glass of wine, I try to reel my thoughts back in. This is exactly why I didn’t want a relationship this year—why I didn’t want anything serious. Between ending my swimming career, graduating college, and preparing for my new life, I just don’t have the headspace.

Even so, Aldo, Lane and Doug have managed to squeeze themselves into my brain and heart and, honestly, I don’t want to kick them out. But if they stay, I’m not sure what’s going to happen.

“What can I do?”

I blink out of my thoughts, turning to find Lane staring at me in concern. “What do you mean?”

He reaches out and smooths between my brows. “I don’t know where you went, but you looked upset.”

Shaking my head, I force a smile. “Just over-thinking.”

Lane’s frown deepens, but I look away, forcing my attention back onto the rooftop. The sun set right at the end of the ceremony, which Aldo told me was the plan, and now the sky is awash with dark blues and grays as the final gasps of sun expire between the buildings and into the sea beyond. Fairy lights have been strung everywhere, with red scented candles burning amidst the rose centerpieces, and it’s just breathtaking.

Our table is near the dance floor and big enough for eight people. There’s an empty seat for Aldo, who’s off somewhere with his family having photos taken, and the other four people are nice enough. There’s a couple who own an herb farm, who look to be in their forties and seem lovely. Apparently, they’re the main supplier for the Rossi’s restaurant chain. The other two are a young gay couple who are friends with Aldo’s newest brother-in-law.

It's a nice table, but I just can’t seem to relax. I take a deep breath, followed by another sip of wine.

Doug’s hand grips my thigh, squeezing gently. “You’re really tense. What’s up?”

“I’m fine.” I shrug.

Doug leans in to whisper in my ear, his fingers brushing my neck, tugging on the zipper for my dress. “I can think of a way to make you relax.”

I turn to him, narrowing my eyes. “Stop it.”

He grins, totally noting the way my thighs have clenched together, but before I can say anything more, Aldo appears at our table.

“Hey stranger,” Lane teases as Aldo shrugs out of his jacket and hangs it on the back of the empty chair beside him. “The ceremony was lovely.”

Aldo beams as he sits down. “Yeah, it was. I’m glad that bit’s over now, though. Now, we get to relax and have fun.”

The others at the table lift their glasses in agreement, and as Doug’s hand squeezes my thigh I shoot him a look, but he just grins back at me.

“Joy’s ‘over-thinking’,” Lane stage whispers over the lip of his wine glass.

I groan and elbow him in the ribs, but Aldo’s smile has already faltered, and I hate that I’m the cause of it.

“Switch with me a sec,” he says to Lane.

I open my mouth to protest that it’s not necessary but then Aldo is beside me, his fingers brushing my cheek for just a second before his lips are on mine. It’s just a short kiss, but when he pulls back, I already feel a little more settled.

“No over-thinking,” he murmurs, looking over my face with a seriousness that has me squirming. “The only thing you need to think about is having fun with us. Drink, dance, eat, and then we’re going to go to my room and take care of you.”

---