Page 60 of Give Me a Reason

We’d agreed on the set for the vow renewal itself. I had the music memorized, so I was free to pay attention to my surroundings as I played, and I made sure to always know where Aria was. Whether she was checking in with her coworkers or the bridal party, she was always quick with a smile and a comforting pat on the arm.

She was professional, yet warm with everyone. As I watched her, it made me like her even more. She’d been dealt a difficult hand in life, but she’d persevered. She’d come out on the other side an amazing person, who was warm and caring. Who gave love freely and always saw the positive side of things.

Being around her was addictive. I wanted to be in her space, absorbing her energy and basking in the warmth of her light.

She was so good to me and to Paisley. I didn’t want to be just friends. I didn’t want to watch her date someone else. Someone more suited to the future she envisioned for herself. What if I was the man for her?

I’d only thought she was good for me; her sunny disposition made me think of life in a different way, but what if I had something to offer her? I just wished I knew what that was besides hot sex.

After the ceremony was finished, Abby did her magic with the pictures, and I had a few minutes to relax before I needed to set up on the porch for the cocktail hour.

Aria hurried over to me as I packed up my guitar. “I have a sandwich and a water for you. Gia said you need to eat. You won’t have much of a break during this event.”

I took the wrapped sandwich from her. “Can you stop and eat with me?”

She started shaking her head before I finished my question. “I need to supervise the pictures. I just wanted to get you this.”

Then she was gone, and I was alone. I didn’t think she was putting me off because the wedding planners tended to be busy until after the cake was cut. I hoped I’d catch her then.

I went to the employee break room they’d set up in the summerhouse to quickly eat the food Aria provided. Then I headed to the covered back porch of the farmhouse.

It was a huge porch, and I’d heard Lily’s grandfather built it for her grandmother. Their love story was the reason Lily wanted to hold weddings on the property.

I sat in the chair provided and started playing background music. I was supposed to enhance the mood, not distract the guests from their conversations.

After dinner was served, I’d have an opportunity to play more fun songs. The guests would filter out to the floor when they heard a song they liked. I loved the challenge of that. Which song would bring everyone out? Which one would they sing along to? I loved music, but the only thing I enjoyed more was watching others dance and sing while I played.

Aria appeared on the steps when the photographs were completed, and she announced it was time to move to the barn for the reception. That was my cue to break for a drink. I’d get a few minutes before I was needed at the barn.

“How are you holding up?” Aria asked as the guests filtered down the steps and across the lawn toward the barn.

“I’m fine.” I took the bottle she offered and drained it.

“I’ll get you another,” she said, heading into the house, probably to the kitchen. Lily and Jake lived here but kept their fridge stocked with water bottles in case we needed one in a pinch.

I followed her inside. The house was empty. Jake was probably working at his garage, and Lily was probably making sure the floral arrangements for the reception were in place.

She grabbed the water bottle, and when she turned, I was right there. My hand moved to her hip, and I brushed a strand of hair out of her face as an excuse to touch her.

Her breath hitched. “What are you doing?”

“I wanted to check in with you. To see how you were doing.” I stepped closer to her, forcing her to tip her head up and keep eye contact.

Her forehead wrinkled. “That’s my job. I’m supposed to take care of you.”

“But who takes care of Aria?” I dipped my hand in her hair; it was heavy and warm against my skin.

She blinked up at me. “I don’t need—”

“Oh yes, you do.” I leaned down to kiss her softly. It was just a whisper of a touch across her lips. I wanted her thinking of me tonight, yearning for more.

I pulled my lips from hers, plucked the bottle from her hands, and stepped back. “I better get back.”

I forced myself to turn and walk away. This game with Aria wasn’t going to be quick and easy. I needed a plan—a good one—for her to take me seriously.

I crossed the lawn, letting the breeze cool my overheated skin. The kiss was meant to work her up. I hadn’t anticipated how I’d feel after. One kiss wasn’t enough. I wanted more.

As I warmed up and started my dinner playlist, I thought of the possible locations on the farm that lent themselves to privacy. There weren’t any small rooms except for at the summerhouse, and that was where the main bathroom was for guests. It would have to be somewhere outside. The gazebo? No, that was popular for guests too.

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