“Do you have the rings?” he asks as the doors close.
“In my pocket.”
The music changes and the doors open. One by one, the bridesmaids make their way down the aisle. I’m not really paying attention until I look up and see Hope standing in the doorway. Her eyes are on me or at least, I feel like they are. Hope’s champagne colored dress is long and form fitting. The neckline swoops down toward her breasts and I swallow hard, reliving the time I spent between them. She winks before she turns toward the bridal side of the alter. And when I see the back of her dress, I’m done for. The back matches the front, only this time, the swoop goes all the way down to her panty line, exposing her back for all to see. I tear my eyes away, only to find most of the men gawking at the bridesmaids. I can only turn my gaze away for a second, and am back staring at Hope, who is watching me.
The rest of the ceremony is a blur. I remember passing the rings to Stewart, but that’s about it because I spent the entire time gazing at Hope and regretting yesterday’s decision to save her from her mother. Only in the sense I’ve screwed myself over because my brain and heart can’t seem to be on the same page. I know this is a farce, something to save Hope from her meddling mother but my heart is pounding hard and telling me I need to go for it. Except, there’s nothing to go for except rejection.
I officially hate being the best man because I’m forced to spend time with Hannah. Not that Hannah is a bad person, but I’d rather hear my name announced with Hope’s when we enter the reception, and I’d rather dance with Hope during the wedding party dance. Hannah knows this and mocks me for it by giving me commentary on where the hands are of the guy Hope is dancing with. Hannah’s evil, and she knows it.
“Long distance relationships rarely work, especially with the hours you keep,” she says in a sing-song voice.
Sadly, I know she’s right. I wake at four in the morning to check the European stocks. If things look good, I go back to bed for an hour or so but am in my office by seven and home by ten at night. Even though the market closes at five, there’s drinks with colleagues and dinners with potential investors. I don’t have time for myself, let alone a relationship.
I don’t engage Hannah with conversation and when the song is over, I follow her to the mile-long table where the wedding party will sit. I take my spot next to Stewart and once everyone is sitting, I stand and tap my fork to my champagne flute.
“As the best man, it’s my duty to give a toast.” I look at Stu and smile. “I’ve known Stewart for as long as I can remember. He gave the shy, bullied kid on the playground a chance and never looked back. We’ve been best friends for most of our lives and when he started dating Hallie, I knew he had found the one woman quirky enough to put up with his goofy side. Hallie really does bring out the best in Stu. Let’s raise our glasses and drink to many years of happiness for our newlyweds and may they start having babies so all our mothers can leave the rest of us alone for a bit.”
“Here, here!” Hannah yells out.
Hannah goes next, and then the parents give speeches. The reception is moving too slow for my liking. When dinner is served, I want to get up and swap seats with one of the bridesmaids so I can be next to Hope, but don’t want to piss Hallie off. I eat fast and am out of my seat when Hope stands. I go to her and finally touch the small of her back. My hand tingles when we touch and my heart races. I do the only thing I can think of and guide her to the dancefloor.
“I really do have work I need to finish,” she says, trying her best not to smile, as I twirl her into my arms. She rests her hand on my shoulder and presses her body into mine.
“Pretenses, remember. Everyone is watching our every move. If you leave, they’ll know we’re lying.”
She blows out a sigh and gives in to her smile. “Yes, can’t have that, now can we?”
“Nope.” I hold her close and revel in the way she feels in my arms. One song turns into five and when I feel her hand drop, I know our game is up.
“I have a lot of work, Kellan.”
“Let me walk you to your room.” I take her hand in mine and pull her out of the reception. In the elevator, we’re quiet. I’m not sure what to say because I don’t want the night to end. When the doors open, she steps out and I follow behind. Her perfect ass sways against the silky fabric of her dress, giving me a hard on.