I hadn’t even considered the last part of the ceremony, the moment we would become husband and wife and share our first kiss. Now the moment loomed over both of us, the first contact we would share with our lips.
And it would be the last.
Maverick moved toward me again, his arms sliding around my waist as his neck bent down so his mouth could meet mine. He squeezed me against him as his mouth descended, landing on my lips with the softness of a cloud.
I kept up the act by wrapping my arms around his neck and letting my lips brush against his. His mouth was softer than I’d expected.
The kiss only lasted a couple of seconds, and it occurred in the midst of clapping and cheering. Maverick didn’t just peck me on the lips and pull away. He made it seem real, moving his lips against mine like he wanted to kiss me. His lips gently tugged on mine, every touch purposeful. A warm breath escaped his lips and filtered across my skin, smelling like mint and scotch mixed together. The taste was distinctly manly in a way I couldn’t describe.
For a moment, I forgot I was kissing Maverick.
Because I actually liked it.
Guests drank their champagne and ate the slices of cake that were passed around. A rustic Italian feast had just been devoured for dinner, so everyone enjoyed themselves like they were at a five-star resort.
Maverick and I moved to the center of the clearing where we would have our first dance. One of his arms hugged the small of my back while he gripped my other hand. Placing our joined hands against his chest, he started to guide me on the dance floor as the classical music played.
We didn’t say a word to each other as we danced, everyone watching us like we were a couple in love.
Maverick was in his element, taking the lead and guiding me like he had with so many other women. He knew how to dance, how to sway to the music without looking awkward. He was confident no matter what he did—even dancing with his bride.
He lifted my arm and spun me around before he brought me back into his chest, his head tilted down toward mine. His cheek rested against my temple so we wouldn’t have to hold eye contact throughout the song.
The sun had set, so the lights strung across the property shone a little brighter. Candles glowed on the tables. The centerpieces were filled with white lilies and pink roses. Whoever Maverick hired to design this wedding did a fabulous job—too bad it meant nothing to either of us.
With all the strangers surrounding me, I felt alone. That forged a surprising alliance with Maverick. When my father was gone, he was all I would have left. It made me feel a little closer to him, made me feel less isolated. “Thank you for what you did earlier…” He’d come to my rescue so I wouldn’t sob at the altar, break my father’s heart with my tears. Without a euro to my name, I thought I would have to stay home and watch my father die in pain in his bed. But Maverick said he would give my father everything he needed to give him some dignity for his final days. He knew I was on the verge of tears, but he didn’t make me feel worse about it.
“I understand this is hard for you.” He turned his head and looked me in the eye. It was the first time we’d ever been this close together, our eyes locked on each other. His eyes provided a perfect reflection of the bistro lights hung across the property, acting as a mirror. Like warm coffee on a winter day, his eyes were the most gorgeous shade of brown.
I hadn’t noticed the depth of their beauty before.
With confidence, he held my gaze like this moment wasn’t unbearable. When he didn’t spit out insults, he was actually pleasant. It was strange to think this man was now my husband, that I would wear his last name for the rest of my life. We were joined together, husband and wife.
I could feel his black ring against my fingertips, the thick band he would only wear for the evening. It wasn’t a traditional ring, not made of gold like most. But it suited him well…even though he would never wear it.
“My father speaks highly of you.”
“Not sure why.” He continued to guide me across the floor, carefully maneuvering my long dress and not stepping on it.
“He said you keep your promises…and that’s rare these days.”
“That doesn’t mean I deserve a good reputation. I’m not a good man, and I don’t pretend to be. I’m too much like my father and not enough like my mother.”
“Well, he thinks otherwise.”