“I’m surprised Brittany is allowing you to wear this,” he muttered as he crushed the skirt with his hand. “You’re going to upstage the bride.”
“I look like a joke.”
He hooked his finger under her chin and tilted her head up, forcing her to look into his eyes. “Angie, you don’t need a dress to show that you are a beautiful and sexy woman. But don’t think you have to hide in sweatpants because you’re afraid of being noticed.”
“Cole, you don’t understand.” She brushed his hand away from her face. “What you see is hours of work from a team of professionals. This is as good as it gets. And I don’t... It’s not...”
“I see you. The real you. Behind the makeup and...what the hell is this?” He rubbed his fingers together. “Glitter?”
“Yeah.” Angie said roughly as her chest rose and fell as she drew in each breath.
He bumped his forehead with hers and stared into her eyes. “Hide as much as you want, but it’s a waste of time. I don’t care if you are walking down a runway or limping across the finish line. I will always see you as a strong and sexy woman.”
She lowered her lashes as her cheeks turned pink. “Cole...”
He didn’t want her to feel shy. He wanted Angie to feel safe with him. “Just know that you don’t have to hide from me.”
The loud creak of a door echoed in the empty hallway. Angie was startled at the sound and looked in the direction of the bridal room.
“Oh, my God. Really?” Robin said and planted her hands on her hips. “Cole, do not smudge her makeup or wrinkle her dress. In fact, do not touch her at all.”
Cole raised his hands in surrender and took a step back. He noticed Robin wore the same dress as Angie. He didn’t spare a second glance at the maid of honor. Angie was a living, breathing fantasy.
Angie sighed and turned her attention to the maid of honor. “What do you want, Robin?”
Robin pointed at the door she just exited. “I’m having trouble tying the corset in Brittany’s gown. I need help. I need muscle.”
“And you thought of me,” she said. “I’ll be right there.”
“Good,” she said as she returned through the same doorway. “I swear, I can’t turn my back on you for a second.”
“I’m sorry, Cole. I have to go.” She bit her bottom lip and gave him a hopeful look beneath her lashes. “Are you going to attend the wedding?”
“Yes.” He grabbed her hand and raised it to his mouth. Brushing his lips against her knuckles, he promised, “I’m here for you.”
* * *
“WHY ISN’T IT fitting?” Brittany shrieked. She stretched the corset one way and then another, and pressed it to her stomach. “I swear this dress fit perfectly two days ago.”
“Breathe in,” Robin suggested.
“I haven’t eaten solid foods for a week,” Brittany swore as tears sparkled in her eyes. “I didn’t cheat once. Not once! This should fit.”
“It will,” Robin promised. “Don’t cry or we’ll have to redo your makeup. Angie, how’s it going back there?”
“Are you pulling as hard as you can?” Brittany asked.
“Yes,” she said through gritted teeth as she pulled the pink ribbons that crisscrossed in the back of the corset. The mermaid gown was of the palest pink but there was nothing innocent about the dress. The plunging neckline and flared hips dramatically accentuated Brittany’s curves. Angie didn’t know how Brittany was going to breathe, let alone walk.
Angie pulled so hard she thought she would get rope burn but the corset didn’t budge. “I’m afraid to pull any harder,” she said. “I don’t want the dress to rip.”
“Rip?” Brittany whirled around and gave Angie a hateful look. “What did you do to my dress?”
“Nothing!” Angie said as she rubbed her reddened hands. “The dress is fine.”
“Stay away from me.” Brittany teetered on her heels as she took a cautious step back. “I don’t want you touching my dress.”
Angie looked at Robin. “I give up.”
“Where is Cheryl?” Brittany asked as she examined the back of her dress in the mirror. “Why isn’t she here helping me?”
Robin shrugged. “I haven’t seen her since we arrived at the church.”
“Call her,” Brittany ordered. “Call her right now.”