He pulls me in for a kiss, answering my question. At least I think he is answering my question. But as I lie in bed later that night with my body still humming from the wonderful things James did to me, I have to wonder if really he was avoiding my question after all.17JamesI should be thankful there are people around so I don’t pull Carly into me and do every dirty thought that comes to mind. Since Carly came down the hallway with Tinsley and Tinsley’s father all I’ve wanted to do is pull her into my arms and ruin the shiny pink lipstick that covers her lips. I watch as she whispers something to Tinsley before they hug and she steps away from her to come to my side. She looks absolutely stunning. Thoughts of how she’ll look on our wedding day flash through my mind.
“You’re breathtaking.” The petal pink dress hugs every single one of her gorgeous curves. She gives me a soft smile that doesn't meet her eyes. I’ve known since this morning something was off. No matter how much I’ve wracked my brain, I can't put my finger on what it is. Now isn't the time to push either since we’re about to walk down the aisle together. It will have to wait. For now.
“You don’t look bad yourself.” She takes my arm as we step up to the door. You can hear the music already playing. This isn’t going to be some long ordeal. Not a chance with how Reed had been pacing back and forth for the last two hours in our changing room. There is no way he’s going to allow this to drag out any longer than possible. He might want Tinsley to have the wedding of her dreams, but the man is impatient and wants that ring on her finger sooner rather than later.
I search Carly’s face for something that will clue me in to what’s weighing heavy on her mind. Looking for anything really. She’s pulling away from me. I can feel it. Even in the way she’s holding my arm. I want her fingers to dig into me. For her to lean her body into mine. She’s not doing it.
I swallow the fear that has been riding me for the past few days spiking higher with each day. I’d been so good at hiding the obsessive need I have for her, but she’d gotten more of a taste of it two nights ago. Now she’s pulling away. That has been messing with me for the last few days.
I never felt real fear in my life until now. I have no fucking idea what I’d do if she tried to leave me. Lie. I’ve lain in bed many nights thinking of what I’d do. So many dark thoughts twisted in my mind, ones that scared even myself. I’d even thought about calling my lawyer and upping the retainer I already had with her. Yeah, I am definitely fucking losing it.
“Are you fixing to run?” I ask, unable to help myself. A problem I’ve never had in my life until her. I’ve always been able to remain calm and collected. Nothing ever rattled me. It’s what makes me such a good businessman. Reed says I think everything is a joke. I sure as fuck am not laughing right now.
“Run?” She lets out a small laugh. “I think we should walk it. I’m sure Reed would appreciate us speeding things along, but he’ll live.” I don’t know if Carly knows it, but she is a runner.
“Opening the doors,” the aggressive wedding planner says before I can push for more. I only have to make it through the rest of this day. Carly won’t be far from my sight. If she did try and run I’d pounce. That gives me a small amount of reassurance.
The wedding party is small. Reed and Tinsley wanted only a few people. Carly and I are the only other people besides Tinsley’s father that are in the wedding party. When the door opens, Carly’s fingers finally dig into my arms. I look back down to her pretty face to see her eyes wide. I follow her line of sight to a woman that I have no doubt is her mother with matching dark hair and blue eyes.
I watch as her mom mouths to her to stand up straight. Carly’s entire demeanor changes. I grind my back teeth, resisting the urge to tell Carly to stand whatever fucking way she wants. My girl is definitely shocked to see her parents there. My eyes go to her father, who is smiling at his daughter.
I guide us down the aisle, giving my parents a smile as we pass them. Not that my mom notices it. She’s got her eyes focused on Carly. I can tell that she is about to burst with excitement. The only reason my mom hasn't gotten her hands on Carly at this point is because she didn't know how to find her. We always stay at her place. I have a small fear that if I took Carly home with me I might never let her leave again.