Page 24 of Game Misconduct

“We’re ready,” the bride says.

In short order, we’re rounded up and escorted through the hotel to the courtyard where Elsy and Whitney are doing their first look.

My best friend clutches my hand, nearly strangling it. “What if⁠—”

“No doubts,” I declare. “If you want to run away, I’ve got the getaway car.”

“I don’t want to run away.”

“Then you’re going to go out there and let that asshole fawn all over you.”

She gives a nervous giggle. “He’s not an asshole.” When I give her a pointed look, she amends, “Anymore. I love him and want to spend the rest of my life with him.”

My feelings about Whitney aside, I can’t deny he adores her. He’s fully devoted, and for a brooding brawler like him, I’ve never doubted his commitment to my best friend. From the beginning, he’s done his best to win me over, and I reserve the right to beat his face in if he hurts her. I’ve done it once, and I’m not afraid to do it again.

But I don’t think I’ll need to.

“And you will. The first step is getting married. So if you don’t want to run away, let’s do this.”

Ducking down, I kiss her cheek, then release her hand. I shove her gently toward where Whitney’s waiting in his tux, facing away from us.

I want to watch him fall head over heels.

But then I catch sight of Bex, and my heart stops.

My gorgeous redhead is watching as her best friend approaches her brother, and the adoration on her face makes my heart thump in my chest. She’s wearing a stunning, pale pink dress with a high neckline and a slit in the leg, the gauzy fabric flowing over her substantial curves. It’s giving Greek goddess vibes. Her auburn hair falls in gentle waves over her bare, freckled shoulders, and a thin gold band holds back her hair.

Fuck, she’s even more beautiful than I remembered.

Tears form in her eyes, and I watch as Henry sidles up beside her, offering her a handkerchief. She takes it with a murmured comment and a soft smile, dabbing at her eyes. My stomach sours at the sight of them together. I guess they’re still going strong.

How dare she smile at him. How dare she like her boyfriend. It’s not fair. I feel like a petulant child, wanting to throw a fit because I want all of her smiles. Hell, I’d settle for just one.

Elsy taps Whitney’s shoulder, and the look on his face when he sees her… it makes my heart pound and my stomach twist. I want what they have. I want my person so fucking badly. Instead, I’m hung up on a woman who can’t stand the sight of me. Have been for three years now. Don’t see that flame dying out anytime soon, despite how much I wish I could just freaking move on.

After a thousand photos of Elsy and Wyatt, plus a few with the wedding party, we regroup and gather for the actual wedding. I take my place beside Bex, who glares at me and turns away.

I wish I knew what I did to make her hate me. For a minute, I almost thought we could move past it, but then she threw me out of her hotel room, and I’m still clueless. She’s still the epitome of my dream woman, and I’d give my left skate for a real chance with her. I can’t decide what’s worse: her hating me with no context, or my attraction to someone who despises me. I’ve always been a masochist.

At the last possible moment, I offer her my arm, and she takes it stiffly. With slow, measured steps, we make it down the aisle, and then I take my place opposite her. She stands behind her brother, tall and confident.

Fuck, I wish I had as much confidence as she does.

Elsy’s dad walks her down the aisle. And as my best friend marries her husband, I’m so unbelievably happy for her, it almost eclipses my self-loathing. Just for a moment.

After the ceremony is over, we take another million pictures, and then finally, finally, we enter the ballroom for the reception. Elsy was smart, seating me and Bex at different tables. I wish she didn’t have to, although I’d like to avoid any explosions. My feisty girl is a firecracker, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

My phone rings in my pocket. There are only a few numbers allowed to ring through, and Allen’s one of them.

Sure enough, my agent’s name rolls across the display. Although nobody is paying attention to me, I excuse myself, answering the call as I walk away from the party. As expected, the news isn’t good. They don’t want me anymore. Nobody does.

Well… one team might.

Could this be the sign I’ve been waiting for?

My chest tightens from how fast my heart’s beating, and I beeline for the bar, ordering a bourbon, neat. I stare into the depths of the glass, contemplating all my life’s choices. How did I end up here?

As I look up, I catch sight of Bex clinging to Henry’s arm a few feet down the bar. They haven’t been apart all evening, and fuck, does that sting. Everyone else is happier without me around.