Page 29 of Rules Of Our Own

I probably would’ve slept past lunch if it wasn’t for the three cheerful women who showed up at eleven with roller bags full of beauty products.

Just over two hours later and we’re all primped and shined, waiting on Piper’s final touches. She’d gone into the bathroom so we wouldn’t be able to see until she was completely ready, and the anticipation is killing me.

The door creaks open, and the esthetician who’d been helping Piper steps out.

She beams at us. “She’s ready.”

Piper steps out from where she’s hiding, and my mouth drops open. She’s stunning in a pearlescent satin dress cut in a classic silhouette. It’s tight around her waist and fans out below her hips, giving her an almost princess-like quality.

She looks down at herself and back at us. “So what do you think?”

Misty claps her hands together. “Lucas is going to die.”

CHAPTER14

ALEX

The venue isa large barn that sits in the middle of a vineyard. Just by looking at it, I can tell it’s being used exclusively for special events. The exterior is made out of a warm wood with black accents that give it a modern edge. I’m not big into architecture, but I can definitely get behind this style.

Jax, River, myself, and a nervous-looking Lucas pulled up less than fifteen minutes ago.

River steps up beside me. “How did you manage to fuck that up?”

I cock a brow at him, turning away from where Jax was talking to Lucas, who is now hopping from foot to foot on the spot.

“What are you going on abo—” My words are cut off when River’s knuckles skim my jaw as he straightens my collar. A little zing of electricity shoots through me, and my breath hitches in my chest. His gaze is focused where he adjusts my tie how he wants it, despite the fact that I know it was already perfect. My skin heats under the gentle brush of his fingers, and I swallow hard when River gives the knot a tight tug.

It feels like time stands still, even though it’s over in a minute, and he’s turning away from me, not meeting my gaze.

Gravel crunches under car tires outside, and we all look back toward the door.

“Shit,” Lucas says and makes a hasty escape out the back door toward where he’s supposed to be set up next to the altar. Pretty sure Piper would kill him if he saw her before he’s supposed to.

The girls walk in, Sidney leading the way. She goes straight to Jax, who lets out a low whistle.

Mia walks in next, and I swear my heart stops. She’s wearing the exact same champagne-color dress as the other girls, but she makes it look a million times better. Her blonde hair’s down, styled with waves like you’d see in an old movie and pulled over her left shoulder. It exposes the long, smooth column of her neck, and suddenly, my mouth waters with the need to taste her there.

Her makeup’s simple, perfectly accentuating her features with long lashes and cherry-red lips. Intrusive thoughts of those lips around my cock have me fighting against the hard-on threatening to take over.

“Fuck,” River whispers beside me, like the word fell out unintentionally.

“Yup.” My thoughts exactly.

My feet are already moving before my head catches up, and I cup the exposed side of her neck, tipping her head back. “You are fucking gorgeous, Kitten.”

Her cheeks pinken, and her gaze roams over my face, then travels down my navy blue suit. “You don’t look too bad yourself.”

I see Piper’s mom and dad step inside from the corner of my eye, but I can’t look away from Mia. After three long years of waiting, it’s hard to believe she’s standing here in front of me. She’s everything I’ve ever wanted, and I’m not sure I can ever explain to her why she’s so important. Not without laying myself bare at the mercy of her approval.

Piper’s mom claps to get our attention. “Okay, it’s time to pair off. Jax with Sidney. Alex and Mia. Misty, you’re with Shana.”

My hand drops to Mia’s waist, tugging her closer to me.

“Mia,” River says, only a foot from us. “No matter how much I want to be the one to walk you down the aisle”—I catch the hidden meaning to River’s words, and by the way Mia’s lips fall open, so does she—“I’ve got to officiate this wedding.” His eyes roam over where my hand clutches her waist. “You two look good together.”

I clear my suddenly dry throat. “Thanks, man.”

The hint of a grin curves his lips before he replies, “You owe me.”

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