“I guess we can both say we’re their delivery drivers, so to speak, today.” I finally figure out the right words to use.
“Yeah, not sure why they’re being so crazy on traditions, but I guess it is what it is. I’ll be seeing you down the aisle.” Tanner winks as he wraps my hand around the handles of the bag, closing them around it, our fingers touching for a moment too long, leaving an awareness long after he takes his hand away.
“You sure will,” I snap out of my reverie, attempting to snoop in the bag.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you. Ridge mentioned something about it being for Taylor’s eyes only and did it in a way that makes you know it’s sexual.”
“Oh my God, Ridge did not. He did, didn’t he?” I ask, but Tanner’s already leaving me with my mouth open, awkwardly, I’m sure, and is laughing his way down the hall.
“I guess Taylor can tell you, but I don’t ever want to know,” is the parting shot he tosses over his shoulder.
“Ugh.” I was totally having a moment and then Ridge just had to ruin a fantasy come to life with some crazy gift that I’m sure is nothing I want to do with.
“Taylor soon-to-be Charles, you owe me big time. I meet the hunk of burning love and am left with this gift.” I hold it out to her.
“I didn’t do anything, you know. Take it up with Ridge.” I shove the gift bag into her hands and watch as she snoops inside. Redness takes over her porcelain skin, and I know it’s exactly what Tanner said, something sexual. I guess if anyone’s getting it on, it may as well be the bride and the groom.
“Ugh, lucky little shit,” I tell her, but she’s already scurrying into the bathroom.
“Don’t I know it,” she says, slamming the door shut.
“If you ruin your dress, I’m going to murder your soon-to-be husband,” I shout out to her. The other bridesmaids chuckle along with Taylor, and with that, I’m going to pour myself a glass of champagne. I think I’ll daydream about Tanner until I have to deal with being partnered with him while not acting like a total idiot tonight.
CHAPTER FOUR
tanner
I watch as the bridesmaids walk down the aisle one by one. My eyes search for Marlie. Fuck, that woman got under my skin with the barest of touches and not a lot of conversation.
“Stop fidgeting,” I tell Ridge. He’s fixed his cuff sleeves, rocked back on his heels, then put his hands in his pockets.
“Just you wait. One day, I’ll be telling you the same thing.” Up until a bit ago, I probably would have thought there’s no fucking way, but after meeting Marlie, something is churning deep in my gut. After the ceremony, I think I’ll see if she’s feeling the same damn thing.
“Whatever,” I murmur under my breath because my eyes and body lock tight when Marlie makes her way down the aisle in the same deep purple that I’m wearing on my suit only it looks a million times better wrapped around her body. Soft curls hang loosely down past her shoulders, a few strands wrapping around her breasts. It’s the small smile, the softness in her eyes, and the way she carries herself that have me gulping back a breath. That has never happened to me in all my years, through failed dates, broken relationships, and just doing me since then. Not that any of my relationships were memorable in the least. The longest one lasted a few years. We were both content with the way things were until we weren’t. I couldn’t see myself settling down and marrying her; she couldn’t either. So, we parted ways amicably, thank goodness. I think that’s what I was worried about the most, how things would end and the potential animosity. That’s why I haven’t really looked or wanted to look. Hell, I haven’t dated in a few years since that relationship. I just wanted to be single, live my life a bit, and work on expanding the company, which I’ve done successfully.
“I see and know that look all too well. Like I said, you can thank me later,” Ridge interrupts my thoughts of emerald-green eyes, full lips, and high cheekbones, giving way to pure fucking elegance with how Marlie carries herself, her lush curves and hourglass figure that has me wanting to grip her hips in my hands and never let go.
“Fuck off,” I whisper my return, eyes never leaving Marlie and noticing the blush blossom from the tops of her breasts that are being cinched together by her dress, watching it move up towards her neck and into her cheeks.
“I told you so. If you weren’t so stubborn and Marlie weren’t so busy hustling her heart out, this could have happened a while ago, is all I’m saying.” If we weren’t at his wedding and Marlie weren’t taking her place to wait for Taylor, I’d tell him exactly what I’m thinking. That won’t be happening right now, not with Marlie standing in my view and the wedding march beginning. The moment needs to be placed on him.