“If it’s a ‘no,’ will you accept it?”
“If it’s really how you feel.”
“I miss my best friend.”
“I miss you more.” He glared at me, but his expression slowly softened. Sighing, he moved past me and opened the door. “I’ll give you until tomorrow.”
The Big Day
Harlow
“Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today—” The pastor’s deep voice filled the chapel, but I failed to focus on the big day.
In Chelsea’s previous weddings, I’d worn a genuine smile whenever she walked down the aisle, but my heart hurt too much today.
All I could think about was Tyler.
His gaze remained on me throughout the entire ceremony; his beautiful green eyes pleaded with me to give ‘us’ another chance.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife.” The pastor said the final words, and Tyler finally looked away from me. “You may kiss the bride.”
Chad cupped Chelsea’s face and kissed her, while everyone in the chapel applauded.
I grabbed Chelsea’s train as she walked down the aisle, following from a distance, until she reached the bridal suite. Before I could walk away, she grabbed my hand and pulled me inside.
“Can you leave us alone for a second, Chad?” she asked.
“On our wedding day?”
“Yes, on our wedding day,” she said. “We’ll pick up where we left off in a minute. Just go entertain the wedding party or something.”
“Okay, fine.” He kissed her on the cheek and left the room.
“I’m happy for you and Chad.” I looked at her. “But I have to be honest. If you’re still waiting for me to apologize for falling for Tyler—”
“I am so fucking sorry,” she interrupted.
“Huh?” I pinched my wrist.
“I’m upset you didn’t tell me, but I’m not upset with you. Anymore, anyway. He’s an adult, you’re an adult, and … It’s none of my business.”
Okay. I’m hallucinating. “Was there something in this morning’s juice, or are the breath mints laced with shrooms?”
“No, Harlow.” She snorted. “Your best friend is simply trying to admit that she’s been an utter bitch.”
“Just an utter bitch?”
“A huge one …” She stepped closer. “The most massive of massive.”
“Please tell me that deep down, you know that phrase makes no sense.”
She smiled, but it quickly faded. “You and Tyler are the only people in my life who don’t give me shit about my endless relationships and weddings, so I uh ... I can’t judge. I just didn’t want either of you to hurt each other because it would mess up our dynamic, you know?”
“I know.”
She pulled me into a hug. “I would let tears fall from my eyes, but I can’t ruin my mascara. Rylie didn’t double-check to get me waterproof, like you usually do.”
I laughed and hugged her tightly. “I’ll see you at the reception.”
She watched me leave the room, and I moved through the guests in search of the nearest restroom.
A hand grabbed my wrist and pulled me into the hallway.
Tyler.
“I’m not waiting until the end of the reception,” he said. “And I need you to know that I lied to you the other night.”
I swallowed. “About what?”
“I gave you the impression that if you didn’t give me a chance, that I would no longer pursue you,” he said. “I won’t … I can’t.”
“Tyler—”
“Let me finish.” He looked into my eyes. “I want you, I want us, and I know you feel the same way that I do. I haven’t slept well since you broke up with me, and I have a feeling I won’t until you come to your goddamn senses and take me back.”
“Men are usually a lot softer when they’re trying to be convincing.”
“Aggressive shit turns you on.” A small smile crossed his lips, but he didn’t let it stay. “I’m not above begging, so just say the word and I’ll do it. Yes or no to us, Harlow?”
Silence.
“I shouldn’t have dumped you,” I said. “I just…Chelsea’s my best friend, but a few minutes ago, she pulled me to the side and–”
“Stop.” He pressed his finger against my lips. “I don’t care what she thinks in the slightest. I want your answer.”
“Yes.” I said. “It’s a hell yes.”
He smiled and pulled me into his arms, kissing me until I was breathless. Then he whispered, “Do you want to make up properly before the reception or after?”
“Are you implying sex at your sister’s wedding?”
“Before or after, Harlow?”
“Neither,” I said. “Right now is fine.”
Epilogue
Harlow
One year later
The champagne bottles from our engagement party rolled across the floor mats of Tyler’s BMW.
Our gift from Chelsea, a ten-gallon water jug with the words “Try it! Trust me!” was sitting on the backseat. (Until I decided which store I wanted to donate it to, that is.)
We were on our way to a private resort on the coast of California, somewhere we could get away from his hectic spa schedule and my sudden boom in clients. Tyler insisted on doing this every two months, ensuring that he was never too busy for me.