Page 38 of Protecting Anna
“I can’t wait to be Mrs. Carlisle.”
With a low growl, Ryan captured her lips in another kiss infused with the passion that constantly simmered between them. They stayed locked in each other’s arms for several more moments, until the sound of Jake’s father announcing it was time for speeches pulled them from their reverie. Smiling, laughing, arm in arm, they walked back into the main reception room. Once Anna was in her seat, Ryan made his way up to the podium to give his speech. Anna watched him go, admiring the way his body filled out his suit. She was certain she would enjoy seeing that suit on the hotel room floor later that evening, even more than seeing it on his muscular body right now.
After the speeches were over, Anna grabbed Reagan’s arm as the other woman walked out of the bathroom.
“There you are! It’s time for the wedding party to dance together while Chase sings the song he wrote for Callie and Jake. Let’s go, this might be the only time I let you put your hands on my man.” Anna winked. If Ryan had not been the best man, and Reagan the maid of honor, there was no way she would have been able to tear herself away from dancing with him all night. But, for the sake of tradition they would.
Reagan groaned. “That’s exactly what I need right now. Dancing in uncomfortable shoes and listening to Chase McCormick sing a love song.”
Anna knew her friend was attracted to Chase. Heck, everyone knew, maybe even Chase himself. She was sympathetic to Reagan, knowing how uncomfortable it would be for her being front and center on the dance floor while Chase performed. Still, Ryan had told her that he and Jake suspected Chase had feelings of his own he was hiding. Maybe tonight would be the push the two of them needed.
* * *
Ryan walked up to Anna and Reagan, marveling at the beauty that shone from his fiancée, as he did every time he saw her. He pressed a kiss to the top of Anna’s head, then he took Reagan’s hand and escorted her out onto the dance floor where Jake and Callie waited.
“Hello, Miss Maid of Honor, how lovely to see you. Looking especially beautiful might I add.”
“Thanks, Ry, you’re looking pretty dashing yourself. That suit must be giving Anna a good preview for your own wedding day.”
Ryan chuckled. “Yeah, my girl is loving it.” He spun her out and back in, as Chase’s crooning voice sang in the background. Over Reagan’s shoulder, he could see Chase on stage. His hands cupped the microphone gently, his eyes were closed, and the man’s talent came through as he poured his soul into the lyrics he sang.
“And I knew that someday
I would find you
My everything
My one truth…”
Reagan sighed wistfully, and Ryan shook his head at her with a gentle smile.
“Reags, I say this with love. Stop being so shy and go for it.”
Reagan stopped dancing, dropped her arms to her side and stood there, frozen until Ryan lightly nudged her back into movement.
“What the heck are you talking about, Ryan Carlisle?”
Ryan rolled his eyes at her, before nodding towards the stage as Chase finished his song. “Trust me, woman, anyone with two eyes can see how you two are circling each other. He wants you, you want him, so just go for it already.”
Now it was Reagan’s turn to scoff. “You’re crazy. He doesn’t want me. And I don’t…”
“Don’t lie, Reagan.”
“Fine, you got me. I think he’s hot as hell. But there’s no way he would have any interest in me.”
“Whatever you say.” Ryan smirked, seeing the perfect opportunity to force his two friends to work their shit out. He spun Reagan out into a twirl once more, this time letting go at the end.
Chase was there and caught her easily in his arms. Ryan watched the two of them fall into step, Reagan with a dazed look on her face and Chase smiling triumphantly.
“What did you do, babe?” Anna walked up and tucked her arm around his waist.
“Hopefully, set it up for those two to open their eyes to each other.”
* * *
Reagan wobbled on her heels and was about to curse at Ryan when two strong hands wrapped around her waist, and the low voice that had consumed her dreams for months murmured in her ear.
“Easy there, I’ve got you.”
