“We’re just dating,” I say, lying easily.
Hannah nods and walks away.
Out of the corner of my eye, I can see Hope. “What was that about?” she asks as she approaches my car.
“Just your cousin threatening to chop my balls off if I hurt you.”
Hope chuckles. “How does one get hurt in a game meant to steer my mother in another direction?”
“No idea,” I tell her knowing full well I’ll be the one hurting come Sunday when she leaves. “I took the liberty of putting your bag in my car.”
“Gotta keep up the pretenses, right?”
“In that case.” I reach for Hope, with one hand on her hip and the other cradling her face, I pull her until our lips meet. I kiss her deeply, tasting her. Her hand goes into my hair, tugging softly, and she moans. Miss-in-a-fake-relationship fucking moans and presses her body into mine. Yep, no broken hearts coming out of this made up romance.
Someone whistles, and then someone else yells, “Get a room” which is exactly what I want to do, take her to my hotel room and make love to her all night. As soon as this idea pops into my head, something else rises to attention. I pull away but leave my hand on her face. My thumb moves across her cheekbone softly as I look into her green eyes. I really could use a little luck on my side right now.
“Do you want—”
“I should probably go—”
We start speaking at the same time. Alas, any luck I thought I was going to have is out the window. I nod and step away, reminding myself this is all a game. “Do you want ride with me over to the hotel?”
She nods and I take to her to the passenger side of my car and hold the door for her. Once she’s in, I shut it and make my way to the other side. I’m not in any hurry, that’s for damn sure. The wedding party follows each other on the drive over to the hotel. Hope and I don’t speak until I pull and give the valet my keys. She thanks me and heads off with the other bridesmaids, leaving me there to deal with Stewart and his drunk friends.
Another night where I lay in bed and watch the ceiling above me. I’m thankful for the five-star hotel and the very nice accommodations because after a few rounds of shots, one of Stewart’s co-workers took one of the bridesmaids to his room, which is next door to mine, and by the way they were going at it in the elevator, I can only imagine what kind of porno they were trying to make all night long. Although, given the chance, I would’ve done the same thing with Hope.
At breakfast, it’s the groomsmen as the women are back in the spa for their hair and make-up. The guys are quiet and likely hung over. Me, I’m ready to go. I didn’t drink much because I was too preoccupied with thoughts of Hope and answering the same question over and over—where was she? The answer was simple—working. Even I know the first quarter of the year is a nightmare for accountants. This morning when people ask, it’s another easy answer. She’s doing her bridal duties.
After breakfast we all head to the suite Stewart’s parents rented. The wedding planners have hung up all of our tuxedos and had them pressed. When we get into the room, music is playing, there’s a bartender and trays of snacks, and someone there to assist us with our bowties. I swear, Stu must think we need to be drunk to have a good time. I grab a water and start getting dressed. An hour later, we’re standing together, posing for pictures. When those are done, the photographer hands the rings to me.
“Don’t lose these.”
I smile and the words do I look like a fucking idiot are on the tip of my tongue, but I don’t say them. I’m never careless.
The room Stewart and Hallie are getting married in is huge and decorated with gold, flowers, and this lacy stuff, which I have no idea what it is, but it’s everywhere, on all the chairs. The groomsmen serve as ushers and take the guests into the room. I stand next to Stewart, greeting people until the minister tells us it’s time to start. The doors close and Stewart’s mom stands next to her son, while I take the arm of Hope’s aunt.
“I’m happy to hear about you and my niece.”
“Thank you.” I feel bad for the lie in the sense people are excited.
“She needs a good man like you, Kellan. You come from a strong family with great values and morals.” She pats my hand, making me feel about two feet tall.
The doors open and the quartet starts playing. Stewart and his mom enter the room first with his dad behind them, and I follow with Hallie’s mom with her dad behind us. Once I usher Hallie’s mom to her seat, I take my place next to Stewart.