Wild Tendy (IceCats 2)

“Now, come to bed so I can love on that body of yours and show you why you should love it too.”

I just blink. “Why do you drive me crazy?”

“Because it’s fun,” he says, sitting up and pulling me to him. He kisses me in the middle of my chest and looks up at me. “I love you, Aviva.”

I wrap my arms around his neck as he slides his hands down my dress before cupping my ass. I lean my head into his, pressing my nose right below his eye. “I do love you too, Nico.”

“I know.”

My face breaks into a grin, and my heart soars.

But I’m terrified he’s right.

How can I love him when I don’t love myself?

* * *

As the sun sets, Amelia slowly walks down the aisle on her brother’s arm. He holds her like she is a flower, and tears threaten to fall from his eyes. He’s wearing a pair of khaki pants and a teal button-down shirt. I was surprised by the minimal decorations for the wedding, but then I saw Amelia’s dress. It’s a showstopper. Made of only lace, it has tons of beads, crystals, and sparkles that have her gleaming in the setting sun. It’s long, dragging on the beach as she walks, while the back is completely bare, showing off her incredible muscles. The lace in the front is cut in a way that shows a lot of skin but also keeps her covered. She isn’t wearing a veil, and her hair is flowing down her shoulders. She looks stunning, and Ryan, he’s an emotional mess.

I met him yesterday, and it’s obvious that his sister and his wife are his life. After losing their dad to cancer, he said walking Amelia down the aisle would be very special to him. It’s sweet. Almost as sweet as watching him with his wife; he can’t keep his hands off her. Sofia is a gorgeous and stunning gymnast whom Callie has talked to and about nonstop. She owns a gym back in Nashville and offered for Callie to come train if we ever go there. She’s apparently pretty badass and has convinced Callie that she needs to go to Bellevue for college. I was hoping she’d stay in state, but let’s be honest, that girl is too talented to stay here.

I look up at where the preacher stands with Chandler, who’s crying like a baby. Tears gush down that man’s face, and it guts me. He looks so handsome in a white button-down and khaki pants. It’s obvious he loves Amelia more than anything. Soon, my tears are flowing, and I know Nico is going to tease us all. He’s standing there with a shit-eating grin while holding Carter, who is wearing a matching teal shirt and khaki pants. Even with how adorable Carter is, my gaze keeps falling on Nico. He looks so damn good, so damn happy, and I can’t wait to cuddle with him later.

His words still haunt me, and I’ve sort of come to hate them. I don’t want to believe that I can’t love him without loving myself, because right now, I feel like I love him more than anything. Which may be the problem. He’s right. After yesterday, watching Shelli’s sister try to get him to sleep with her, and then seeing Shelli, who is basically a goddess in heels, I was riddled with jealousy. How could I measure up? I don’t feel like I’m anything even comparable, yet he only looks at me.

He must know I’m thinking of him, because his eyes fall on me as his grin widens. Carter lays his head on Nico’s chest, and my heart soars. Nico’s going to be a great dad one day, and I pray I get to be the mom. I love that man. When his eyes shift to where Ryan is giving Amelia away, my heart stops.

“I trust you,” Ryan says, grabbing Chandler’s hand. “You’re my best friend and the man who was made for my sister. Protect her, cherish her, and love her.”

Chandler’s a blubbering mess, but he nods. “Done deal, bro.”

“And there is no return policy. She’s yours.”

Amelia laughs through her sob, and I notice her mom is bawling her eyes out. Amelia’s family is all so beautiful. It’s really unfair to have so many good-looking people in one family. Shouldn’t someone have a boil or something?

“All mine,” Chandler says, stealing my attention back. He takes her hand, and for the next twenty minutes, I’m swooning.

Callie leans into me, tears dripping down her cheeks, and I wrap my arms around her. “She’s so beautiful.”

“She is.”

“I can’t wait for you to get married,” she whispers, and I kiss her head.

“Me either.”

She is as surprised by my confession as I am. She curves her lips as she threads her fingers through mine. We watch as Amelia and Chandler stare into each other’s eyes and the sun warms the scene.