The limo parked outside was huge, ostentatious, and typical of my family. The wedding was, too. I was really glad I had opted to sit with Tria in the pews of the huge cathedral instead of standing up with the wedding party, which seemed to consist of a who’s who list from the local society page.
While everyone else watched various actors, politicians, and tycoons, I watched Tria. Even when I could feel my father’s eyes on me, I watched Tria. When my mother paused to look at me as she walked down the aisle, I watched Tria.
I watched her skin glisten near the flawless gems around her neck. I watched her tear up when the vows were repeated. I watched her blush as she realized all I was doing was watching her.
“I can’t stop,” I whispered in her ear. “It hurts to look away from you.”
Her neck warmed as I kissed her skin softly, making a trail along the thick silver chain around her throat. Ryan and Mandi turned around to face the congregation as the priest pronounced them husband and wife. They made their way down the aisle, followed by a couple dozen members of the bridal party.
Tria and I filed out with the rest of the guests.
“This way,” I said to Tria as I pulled her back along the walkway to the side of the cathedral and around to the back. Damon was back there with the car already, and I figured that was easier. “Avoid the papz.”
“Papz?
“Paparazzi.”
“You have to be kidding me.”
“Not at all.”
“But…but your family members aren’t celebrities.”
“Depends on who you ask,” I replied with a shrug. “It also depends on what else is going on in the society news. If one of the guys from Magic Mike happens to be hanging out at the pub, they’ll go there. If no one else is around, they love taking pictures of my dad.”
“Oh!” Tria blushed and stumbled a bit in the heels. I grabbed her arm a little tighter and straightened her out. “I saw that movie.”
“Did you now?” I asked with raised brows. “Want me to dance for you?”
“Do you dance?”
I laughed.
“Baby, you get some alcohol in me, and I can’t stop!” I took her by the hand and wrapped one arm around her waist as she squealed. I spun her around in a circle, and then dipped her down low, right there in the middle of the parking lot. “I got moves, baby.”
Tria gripped my arms tightly to keep herself upright as she laughed.
“I’ve never really seen you drink,” she said.
“I don’t much,” I replied. “I might tonight, though.”
“That might be…interesting.”
“Are you planning on taking advantage of me, Miss Lynn?”
“Maybe.” Tria turned her head to one side and winked at me. We linked arms and started toward the car.
As I looked up from her smiling face to the Rolls, I saw a figure there that was definitely not Damon. Even in the fading light, I knew exactly who was there waiting for me, and I wasn’t the least bit pleased.
“Come on, Tria,” I said. “Let’s go back around front.”
“I thought you wanted to stay away from the cameras.”
“They’ll be too busy with Ryan and Amanda,” I replied as I turned her around.
“Liam?” my father called. “Liam! Please!”
Tria craned her neck to look behind us.