Page 61 of Novel Affair
Once the ceremony was complete, everyonewalked over to Uno, a nearby Italian eatery that was a favorite ofthe grooms.The private dining room provided a warm, intimatesetting for their six-course menu of seafood, pasta, and athree-layerdulce de lechewedding cake that was covered increamy white and navy-blue fondant and rust-colored roses.Theeffect was stunning, just like the duo of the day.
Ryker’s mom, Tina, stood up after the firstcourse and tapped a spoon against her glass.“Toast!Toast!”
Ryker and Wes got up to give their weddingspeeches and thank-yous, and proceeded to make everyone jealouswith their PDA.
Then it was the best man’s turn.Mac got upand lifted his champagne flute.
“Congratulations to my best friend, Ryker,and his husband, Wes.When I suggested that Wes and Rykercollaborate on a book series, I envisioned a business relationshipthat would benefit both of them professionally.”He paused andsmiled.“But it turns out they got the better end of the deal whenthey fell in love with each other.Ryker, you are my oldest anddearest of friends, and I wish you and Wes a lifetime of love andhappiness.”
Luca was moved by Mac’s heartfelt speechand, without thought, glanced up at him.When their eyes met, theusual spark of irritation intensified, and Luca felt his insidesmelt and his heart rate increase.He licked his lips involuntarily,and Mac’s gaze roamed south.
Shit.Not good.You can’t get hot for theIce Man, he reminded himself.
When the speeches were over, Ryker pulledLuca aside.
“Thanks for staying in New York for the nextcouple of weeks to look after our fur babies.”
“Of course.I have time to work on my eventbusiness, so it’s a win-win.”
“There is one other thing.”Ryker hesitated.“Mac’s assistant quit on him.Maybe you could help him out?”
“Stop right there.You know that Mac and Iare like olive oil and ice water.Take a guess at who the ice wateris.”Luca paused.“Besides, there are HR agencies he can use.Comeon, it’s time for you to cut the cake.”Ryker nodded and headedback to his husband.
Luca watched Wes and Ryker cut the weddingcake and playfully shove small pieces in each other’s faces,laughing.Ryker’s mother stood near Luca, watching and laughingalong with them.
Shenudged Luca’sarm.“What a beautiful speech Mac gave, don’t you agree?”
“It was.Who knew the Ice Man had a heart?”he murmured.
Tina’s smile froze asshelooked over Luca’s shoulder.Fuck.Heturned slowly to face the man himself.
“There’s a lot you don’t know,” Mac snapped,then stalked off to the other side of the room.
So much for keeping his mouth shut.
The End
