She shook her head. “The main focus was on Linc and Jordan’s wedding. But I admit them writing about a potential merger between two Manhattan real estate dynasties if we got married was funny. It’s like reading about strangers. They don’t know us at all.”
They weren’t even engaged, and with everything happening in their lives, Chloe was okay with that. They were taking their time, enjoying being together without fear hovering between them. Even Beck and Linc were taking steps toward reconciliation, and Chloe was grateful.
“Good. Because the only thing I care about is if they’re hurting you,” Beck said, a sexy, protective glint in his eyes.
“I’m fine. I promise.”
He grinned. “Then let’s dance.” Beck led her out to the dance floor and pulled her tight against his tuxedo-clad body.
“Did I mention how hot you look?” She stared up at him, lost in those emerald-green eyes.
“Can’t say I mind hearing it. But you look exquisite, and I look forward to peeling that dress off you later.”
Her heart skipped a beat and arousal settled low in her belly. “Can we leave soon?” she asked, eager to be alone with him.
He shook his head. “Not until the bride and groom take off. Wouldn’t want to give Linc a reason to be pissed at me.”
She treated him to a pout. “Like he’ll notice who’s there to wave them off.” But she pressed deeper into Beck’s embrace and enjoyed the rest of the day.
She hadn’t been lying when she told him she was good. Beck’s dad was doing well—the surgery had gotten all the cells, no spread into lymph nodes, and in the end, he hadn’t needed chemotherapy after all.
Chloe had started working for Elevate and had been given all the freedom she needed in hiring designers, choosing clients, and setting up their new office downtown. Keeping busy during the day, going home to Beck at night, she was in a better place than she’d been in a very long time.
* * *
Beck thought the newly married couple would never leave the reception. Knowing Linc, he was stalling on purpose to torture Beck one last time. But finally, Jordan changed from a beautiful bride to a woman ready to head to her honeymoon. They were headed to the Greek islands while a pregnant Jordan could still travel.
Linc and Jordan stopped by Chloe and gave her a hug.
“I’m so happy for you two. Go have fun and we’ll see you when you get home,” she said.
“Maybe the four of us can get dinner,” Jordan said, and she and Chloe laughed.
Beck broke the ice first. “I’d like that.” He hoped he and Linc could get back to what they once had. With the past rehashed and hopefully left there and Linc’s blessing for what Beck planned to do next, it remained a possibility.
Linc grunted and Beck laughed. “I’m taking that as a yes. Have fun,” he said.
The couple said their goodbyes and took off in a white 1930s Touring Rolls Royce rented convertible, and the wedding guests made their way back inside.
The band took the stage. Meeting Beck’s gaze, he tipped his head.
Beck turned to Chloe. “I’ll be back in a second. Stay put, okay?” He didn’t want her disappearing into the ladies’ room and being missing when he needed her.
She nodded and sat down in a chair.
Beck made his way to behind the stage, meeting up with Dash and Xander. Aurora and Melly, Chloe’s mother, had been alerted and were sitting at their seats near the stage.
To Linc’s credit, upon hearing Beck’s plan, he’d suggested Beck arrange for his parents and brothers to come after he and Jordan left. If they’d been invited to the actual ceremony, Chloe would know something was up, and Beck wanted this moment to be a complete surprise. Damn Page Six for alluding to the moment, but he still didn’t think Chloe had a clue.
Dash pulled out the box he’d stashed somewhere safe and handed it to Beck. “Good luck,” he said, slapping him on the back. “And take care of my sister.”
Beside him, Xander’s expression said all Beck needed to know. It was going to take some time to warm up to the more solitary of the brothers.
He glanced out into the audience and saw his family standing in the back, which meant this was his cue. He didn’t want Chloe to catch sight of them first.
“Ready,” he said to Dash.
The lead singer headed up on stage and took the mike. “Thank you all for coming tonight. Before we get to the last set before the festivities end, we have something special for you first.” He gestured toward the side of the stage, and Beck squashed his nerves and walked out to join him.
Taking the mike from Dash, he turned toward the guests, focusing on a wide-eyed Chloe, who obviously had no idea what was about to happen.