My Super-Hot Fake Wedding Date

Maybe he does need a little something, a wicked voice said inside my head. I felt my cheeks heating. I wanted to give him something, all right, but not if he was still thinking about someone else.

Claire nudged me as the pastor continued. I jerked my head toward the ceremony and tried to pay attention. But paying attention was hard when I was hungover plus a little bit drunk—we’d had Prosecco in the bridal salon.

I felt eyes on me and found Bob staring.

I turned back to watch my sister as she married the man of her dreams, the guy she truly depended on to be by her side. They were committing to each other for the rest of their lives. This was it.

I felt Bob still staring, so I stuck my chest out. I had to start somewhere. I had to start sometime.

But I still worried. What if, like Claire had said, Bob wasn’t right for me? It would propel me back to square one. And while square one wasn’t terrible, it wasn’t good either.

Sienna wrapped her arms around Tim. He gazed down at her, the love plain on his face.

Suddenly, in that moment, my happy little confine was no longer good enough. I didn’t want square one anymore.

I wanted more.

Bob passed me the butter. “So how was it?”

“Long.” The pictures had taken over an hour, during which time we’d had more champagne. I buttered two slices of bread, vowing to stay happily buzzed and not get sloppy drunk. “But I’m sure they’ll come out beautiful.”

“Speaking of beautiful”—he leaned closer to me, making me shiver—“you look amazing tonight. You’re the prettiest girl here. Actually, you’re the prettiest girl anywhere.”

“Oh…” My cheeks heated in pleasure, and I felt desire zip through me. “Thank you. You look very handsome in a tuxedo.”

“Thanks.” He grinned. “I’ve no idea how people breathe in these things, but if you like it, I’ll happily suffer.” He brought his face closer to mine, close enough to kiss me. “So I’m pretty psyched you’re my date tonight, you being the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen and all.”

I couldn’t speak. I hastily put the bread down.

Just as he was leaning in closer, my dad slapped him on the back. “Son? I need a word with you.” He smiled, but it wasn’t a particularly friendly smile.

“Dad?” I sat bolt upright. “Is there a problem?”

“Nah, just need some man-to-man time with your fella.”

Bob raised his eyebrows but dutifully got up to follow my father. “Anything for you, Art.” His gaze skipped back over to me. “See you in a minute?”

“I hope so.” I really, really did. Not only had he been on the verge of kissing me, but I was worried. I had no idea what my father wanted.

“There you are, dear.” My mother swooped in as soon as the men were gone. Her mother-of-the-bride dress was striking and elegant. The floor-length, form-fitting pale-pink gown was covered with crystals.

“The wedding is beautiful, Mother.” Before she started in on me about Bob, I had to at least get out what I wanted to say. “Sienna is the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen. She seems really happy. This is the nicest wedding I’ve ever been to.” It was the truth. The tent was another whole universe, filled with dazzling white lights and bursting with fresh flowers. “How did you get chandeliers in a tent?”

“I have no idea.” She waved her hand dismissively. “But now that your sister’s married, let’s concentrate on the next item on my to-do list.”

“Ooh, becoming a better human being?” I clapped my hands together. “I’ve been waiting for this one for a while.”

“Ha, ha, ha.” But she didn’t look amused. “Did you know that Roberto’s ex-girlfriend called him today?”

“Yes, Mother. He told me. He also said that you’d tapped his phone. Isn’t that a federal offense?” I had another bite of bread and smiled as I chewed. My mother loathed carbohydrates.

“Pryce just informed me that she didn’t go through with the wedding.”

“Who?” I asked, but the sinking feeling in my stomach told me I already knew who.

“Katie. The ex-girlfriend, darling. Try to keep up.”

I stuffed some more bread into my mouth.