“Aren't you going to dance with your dad?” I asked Lacey. Sometimes I felt a little sorry for Nolan, having his boss as a father-in-law. Mr. Barton wasn't an asshole or anything, but he could be pretty intimidating.
Lacey blew a loud sigh. “I would, but...” She patted her round belly with a wry smile. “This one doesn't like exercise. And he's already busy with Brynn. I might take the next song if it's a slow one.”
I squinted out at the dance floor. There was Mr. Barton, foxtrotting with the gorgeous girl who had been seated next to Lacey. I couldn't help but giggle; even in the middle of a party, my boss looked so grave. “So that's your sister. I'm glad she could make it.”
“Yeah, me too.” Lacey sipped her ice water. “Normally she'd be at college or at home, but she decided to visit me for Spring Break.”
“Good timing,” I commented.
We sat together for a while longer, eating our dinners and watching the dancers, commenting on this or that guest. I was grateful to get off my feet after standing in high heels for the entire ceremony.
When the song ended, the emcee announced that the floor was open to all guests. About half of the dancers headed for the open bar. West, another one of Grey's old SEAL buddies, had graciously offered to provide free drinks and bar service as his wedding gift to us. Grey came back to our table with Maple in tow, plus a whiskey for himself and red wine for me.
I took a sip, but quickly swallowed it to say, “Check that out.” I pointed to the bar, where Brynn leaned far over the counter, absorbed in whatever West was saying.
Grey and Lacey both turned their heads.
Lacey chuckled. “Oh, boy. I know that look...Brynn's into him.”
Grey studied the scene for a moment, then went back to his whiskey. “It'll never happen.”
“Why not?” Lacey asked.
“He just got out of a bad relationship.” Grey hesitated. “You didn't hear it from me, but his ex cheated on him. And he's not the type to love easily...it'll take him a while to get over this.”
“Oh, that's a damn shame,” Lacey sighed.
“I know. Believe me, he needs a good woman in his life.”
I nodded in understanding. But I wasn't so sure about Grey's confident proclamation. Even while West served other guests, his eyes rarely left Brynn.
At the squeak of a bakery cart, I put West and Brynn out of my head. The loud buzz of conversation gave way to oohs and ahhs as the head caterer wheeled the wedding cake into the reception tent. I held my breath as it swayed slightly. The thing was huge. Four tiers of raspberry layer cake with snow-white buttercream frosting, wreathed in green and gold chocolate foliage.
“Attention, everyone,” the emcee called, as if the whole party weren't already riveted by the sight. “The bride and groom will now cut their wedding cake.”
All eyes fell to us as we walked to the front of the tent, Maple following eagerly behind. The head caterer presented us with the knife and server. Hand in hand, we sank the ornate silver blade into the cake's bottom tier. Then Grey plated the slice and raised a fluffy bite to my lips.
Staring deep into his adoring eyes, I savored this first sweet taste of the rest of our lives.
Sneak Preview
Wednesday
by Kendall Ryan
A new standalone novel, releasing May 23, 2016
Hardcore fucking.
It’s not what I really want, but it's all he has to offer. He's filled with turmoil and heartache and regrets, but for two hours every Wednesday all he feels is me. How much I desire him, how desperate he makes me, how much I'd like things to be different between us. Real.
He used to be my best friend back before he got married, and now he’s a recent widower. It'd be wrong on so many levels to expect something more from him. So I give him what he needs. Dark delicious fucking. But I know I can’t keep this up. I've already given him my body, my soul. I want him to have my heart. It might drive him away forever, but that’s a risk I’m forced to take.
Chapter One
Chloe
The first time we fucked, I was actually ashamed to admit—and not much phased me—was after his wife's funeral. Her parents had hosted a luncheon at their home. Fifty people comprised of various friends and relatives. Devastation was written all over the faces of those who’d been close to her, while the distant relatives acted uncertain and aloof about the whole matter. But still it was a somber occasion and the mood reflected it. I felt heavy, like I was moving under water. A life lost so young, it all felt so pointless. Mostly though, my pain for him was what felt insurmountable. Shaw. Once upon a time, he’d been my everything.