Page 793 of Not Over You

I really want to answer ‘Neither’, but just because I feel like a bitch doesn’t mean I need to act like one. “The bride, thank you.”

I slip inside my seat and just take in the beautiful flowers surrounding me. The lavender sweet peas with blush colored Ranunculus and white stephanotis and tuberose are breathtaking. She must have had a very talented wedding planner to pull this off in such a short period of time. It looks amazing.

I start fidgeting the moment the groom appears with his best man. Soon the music begins playing and, one by one, her four bridesmaids walk up the makeshift aisle, arm-in-arm with their partners. They’re all wearing blush colored, one shoulder A-line chiffon gowns. The maid of honor wears a matching gown in lavender along with the flower girl. I’m mesmerized as I watch everyone gather at the front.

The music changes and now it’s the bride’s turn to shine. But nothing could have ever prepared me for the sight of Zane walking Dakota down the aisle. They look like husband and wife and it has my heart hurting. The pièce de résistance is she’s wearing the same damn wedding dress that I picked out for my wedding day with Ryder.

I see Zane searching for me in the crowd and when he finds me, he knows something’s wrong. I shake my head and pray that this nightmare will be over soon. I barely hear the minister ask, “Who gives this woman away,” and Zane’s sliding in right next to me. He squeezes my hand and I don’t dare look at him for fear I’ll bust out crying.

I’m grateful when Dakota walks out with her husband and I can leave with Zane on my arm. I was so wrecked that I hadn’t realized how handsome he is in his black tux and lavender shirt. Hotness overload right here.

“Lili, is everything all right?” He frames my face with his warm hands and I can’t help but close my eyes. This man has the power to render me speechless. I love him with everything I am or ever will be. It’s pointless to tell him about the dress, since we agreed to let go of the past. So I decide to go with the easier route.

“When the two of you walked down the aisle, you looked more like husband and wife and it caught me off-guard. I’m sorry if I worried you but I assure you, everything’s fine.”

“I know this situation is making you uncomfortable and I might have been selfish asking you to come here with me today. I promise, we won’t stay any longer than I have to.”

“Don’t worry about me. Really. I’m fine. They’re just starting to take pictures and Dakota’s looking for you. Go. I’ll meet you inside.”

“I won’t be gone any longer than I need to.” I melt into him when he pulls me in and slants his mouth over mine. Cinnamon and mint assault my senses when his tongue leaves soft, slow strokes, which have me panting. But, when I moan, he gently pulls away and leaves me breathless. “I don’t care what arrangements Dakota has already made, I’ll be sitting with you, Lili. Only you.”

Zane made good on his promise. After the pictures, he included me in on everything. I’m not sure if Dakota was upset and I don’t really care. She’s a married woman now, which means she has no claim on Zane Sinclair ever again.

CHAPTER 26

ZANE: FOUR MONTHS LATER

To say I’m nervous would be an understatement. This is the day I’ve been waiting for my whole life. Well, if you had asked me that very question years ago, I would have told you the opening of Club Syn was the most important event of my life. Now that’s debatable. Standing in the center of the art gallery with my paintings on full display is surreal to say the least. Some of the portraits I painted are strangers, and others are so familiar it hurts. Hence the reason why the pieces I created of Zoe are front and center and entitled, ‘Forgiveness.’

I thought long and hard about showing any portraits of Lili that I had created, but she insisted, claiming that I had the real deal. Still, the thought of some other man possessing them was a bit much for me to comprehend. So, I compromised and am only offering certain paintings that have my stamp of approval. When she realized it wasn’t up for debate, she relented.

Only ten minutes remain before the doors open. I relax when her arms circle my waist. She rests her head against my chest and I can breathe easily now.

“I’m so damn proud of you for chasing your dream, Zane. Tonight is your night to shine and I’ll be waiting in the wings for you.”

“Oh hell to the no. I want you right by my side, Lili. We’re a team. I couldn’t have done this without you, baby.” I swear my heart beats faster every time her violet eyes hold mine. We have a moment of solidarity until we’re interrupted.

“Excuse me, Mr. Sinclair. I’m about to open the doors, and I just want you to be prepared for the crowd that’s gathered outside. By the looks of it, I’d say you’re going to have one hell of an opening.”

“You’re going to knock ‘em dead, Zane. Now let’s go greet your guests.”

The night is a whirlwind as I mingle and chat it up with potential buyers. And I’m overwhelmed when I see Mr. Reynolds flagging my paintings with tags that read “Sold” in big bold letters. My heart is full when one by one all of my employees from Club Syn stop by to congratulate me and have a drink. Each taking turns to make sure they come out to see my achievement. Lili’s been the perfect hostess, but I’ll need to scold her when she gets home since she’s left me alone more times than I care to count. I know she’s trying to give me space so I can rub elbows with my guests, but I miss her.

“Your paintings are beautifully tragic, Mr. Sinclair. I have already purchased quite a few.” I turn towards the voice and I’m taken aback when a man in jeans, sandals, and a t-shirt stands to my right. I’m not judging him, but he doesn’t look like an art collector. And he certainly doesn’t look like he can afford my paintings, either.

“Then I should be thanking you. I’m sorry but I didn’t get your name.”

“Alexander Montgomery the Third. It’s so nice to meet you, Mr. Sinclair. I must say, your Forgiveness portraits held me captive the moment I walked through the door. I just knew I had to have them all.”

Is it wrong that I’m suddenly standing here doing the math of his purchase? It boggles my mind that a stranger would want to buy my paintings. I’m never speechless but I’m suddenly lost when I think of Zoe’s likeness hanging in this guy’s house.

What the fuck am I doing? Painting was supposed to be just an outlet for me. A means in which I could use a brush as an instrument to paint my pain on a blank canvas. My sanctuary, where I could stare at her face so I’d never forget what she looked like. As if that could ever happen, since I see her face every day when I look in the fucking mirror. I’m about to have a full-blown panic attack when Lili curls up into me.

“Hi, I’m Lili Avalon. It’s nice to meet you.” My beautiful girl just saved me from making a complete ass out of myself.

“Alex, and the pleasure is all mine. I was just telling Mr. Sinclair that I purchased the Forgiveness collection. I can’t wait to take it home so I can find the perfect spot to display them. Any suggestions?”

“First of all, you have exquisite taste in the arts because they would complement any décor. I’m far from an expert when it comes to designing but perhaps a library or a great room. Of course, I have no idea what your color scheme is but normally black and white is neutral enough to go with just about anything.”

---