Page 79 of I’d Be Honored

Hayley turned just enough to meet her eyes and let out a quiet, playful huff. “Then I guess you haven’t seen a mirror today.” She held Maddie’s gaze, bringing a sudden flush of pink to Maddie’s cheeks.

The maids of honor congratulated their best friends quickly before stepping aside, giving the newlyweds a moment alone to soak it all in before the rush of celebration.

“I can’t wait to see you out of that later,” Maddie murmured, her grip still tight on Hayley’s arm as they wandered back outside for the reception.

Hayley inhaled slowly. The words sat on the edge of her tongue, so close she could almost feel the shape of the question. She wanted to ask Maddie to move to New York. She wanted to tell her she was all in, completely committed. But when she opened her mouth to speak, the confession stuck in her throat.

Later, she reassured herself. There’s still time.

The evening unfolded without a single imperfection. Dinner had been served, and the sun had fully slipped below the horizon, leaving the terrace lit by strings of warm lights and the soft glow of the sprawling city beneath them.

“Have you asked her to dance yet?” Gemma’s voice drifted from behind her, somehow always managing to catch Hayley in the act of watching Maddie.

Hayley didn’t bother pretending she hadn’t been staring. “Not yet,” she admitted, without taking her eyes off Maddie.

“For God’s sake, Hay, stop worrying for just one night, won’t you? Have fun, let loose—for me.” Gemma bumped her shoulder, offering a small, encouraging grin. “Everything else will still be there in the morning.” She made it sound so simple.

Hayley took a step forward, ready to sweep Maddie into her arms, when Gemma’s hand closed around her forearm.

“Wait.” Gemma pointed toward the dance floor. “Is that Eve dancing with Sandy?”

Hayley followed Gemma’s line of sight. Sandy’s hands slid down a woman’s back, drawing her close. It definitely looked like Eve.

“Did I miss something?” Gemma asked, her eyes wide.

Hayley shrugged, smiling. It seemed pretty clear to her that something was going on. Gemma and Caitlin’s agents were both single, after all. A little wedding-night fun was innocent enough.

“Hayley, would you mind if I steal my bride?” Caitlin appeared beside them, holding out her hand to Gemma.

“Fine,” she sighed melodramatically, “but only for tonight—she’s mine again tomorrow.” Hayley winked.

Caitlin laughed. “Deal.”

Left alone, Hayley sauntered over to where Maddie was chatting with one of Caitlin’s friends from Los Angeles.

“May I have this dance?” Hayley whispered against her ear.

Maddie spun, a genuine smile lighting her face as she took Hayley’s hand and led her to the dance floor without hesitation.

The party faded around them until there was only the slow, steady rhythm of their bodies as they swayed to the hum of the music. Maddie drew Hayley close, pressing their chests together in an embrace that felt terrifyingly final.

Hayley once again felt crushed by the weight of words she still hadn’t said. She couldn’t lose Maddie to California, not without making sure she knew the true depth of her feelings. Resolve gathered in her chest, but the song ended before she had the chance to speak.

Maddie pulled away with a tender kiss. “I’m going to grab a drink at the bar. Can I get you one?”

“That would be great, thank you. I’m just going to run to the restroom, but then I’ll meet you over there.” Hayley let her go, unable to help herself from watching as Maddie’s hips swayed through the crowd.

Hayley looked for Gemma and Caitlin, spotting them entwined on the dance floor, radiating with the type of adoration that could only be carved from a lifetime of devotion. A newly familiar surge of longing rose within her, threatening to tip over into desperation. She yearned for that level of permanence with Maddie. Seeing it play out before her eyes only sharpened the want.

In the bathroom, Hayley braced herself over the sink, eyes closed as she tried to steady her breathing. It was time, she decided. She would go back out there, meet Maddie at the bar, and finally confess what was on her heart.

Hayley was gathering up the courage to do just that when she heard the bathroom door creak open behind her.

“Well, look at you,” a familiar voice purred, and Hayley felt the blood drain from her face.

No. It couldn’t be.

She slowly lifted her head and found Amy Thompson staring back at her through the mirror. “What are you doing here?”