Page 66 of Floored (Frenched 3)
“Thank you.” He wiped at it too. “I think I’m going to be covered in red lipstick by the end of the night.”
I laughed. “For the rest of your life, actually.”
He smiled and pulled Coco tight to his side, burying his face in her neck.
“Coco, I need a minute. Is that OK?” I asked her. “I think Charlie showed up.”
“Of course,” she said happily. “It will take a bit for the church to clear, then we’ll do pictures. Just meet us at the altar, and please tell him to come to the house!”
“I will. Thanks.” I raced out of the room and back into the vestibule at the back of the church, which was still emptying out. A few people smiled and said hello and what a beautiful wedding it was, and I nodded without stopping to chat. I had to find Charlie before he left. Side-stepping a few guests, I hurried back into the sanctuary, but it was already empty. Disappointed, I turned around.
He was waiting for me at the door.
“Hey,” I said, rushing toward him. He opened his arms, and I flew into them, forgetting all about the last awkward goodbye we’d had. I threw my arms around him and inhaled his scent. “What are you doing here?”
“I moved some things around to be here. I didn’t want to miss it. Sorry I was late.”
“That’s OK.” I stepped back and looked at him, my heart refusing to slow down. “I’m glad you came. Coco says you have to come to the house too.”
“I’d like that.” He smiled at me. “You look like an angel.”
“Ha. Don’t you know better.”
Laughing, he nodded. “I do.”
The wedding party came blustering back into the church then, noisy and excited. “I have pictures first. Want to wait?”
“Sure. I have to make a quick phone call, but I’ll be here.” He disappeared into the vestibule and I headed up to the altar with everyone.
In every single photo of me from Nick and Coco’s wedding, I am wearing the biggest grin you can possibly imagine.
And my nipples are hard.
#
Mia and Coco had done a spectacular job decorating the house for the reception. Every room on the first floor was lit only by candles or strings of white Christmas lights, the dark woodwork and floors shone, and the ivory, gold, and emerald green color scheme gave the atmosphere a little sparkle. A trio played standards and holiday music in the front room, which had been re-arranged for dancing, the furniture lining the walls. The bar was set up in the kitchen, the wedding party’s table was in the dining room, and a long winterized porch across the back of the house held three narrow tables end-to-end with thirty chairs on either side.
I floated through every room with Charlie at my side, thrilled at the way he held my hand and touched the small of my back and barely took his eyes off me. I introduced him as my friend, squeeing gleefully in my head at the envious looks Charlie inspired from other women. Even my mother blushed a little when Charlie kissed her cheek and said how nice it was to see her again. She inquired after Charlie’s mother and asked for her email address. “I’d love to catch up. Is she still teaching?”
“Um, yes, she is. Uh, I’m not sure about her email address. Maybe I can get it to Erin some other time?” Charlie glanced at me, and if I didn’t know better, I’d swear he looked nervous.
“Oh, sure. It’s been at least ten years, what’s a few more days?” She smiled at the two of us. “Go on, enjoy.”
We headed for the front room, where there was just one seat open. Charlie sat, and pulled me down on his knee. “Here you go. Best seat in the house.”
I grinned, putting an arm across his shoulders. “I agree.” Looking around the room reminded me I hadn’t even started Christmas shopping yet, or put my tree up. “Ugh, I’m so behind on all the holiday stuff. Do you know what you’re doing for Christmas yet?”
“No.” He brought his glass of scotch to his lips. “But I would like to see you sometime before then. I have something for you.”
“You already gave me skates!” I said, but my heart thump-thumped like a kid discovering a pile of presents under the tree. “And wood!”
He grinned. “Right. Can’t forget the wood.”
I poked his stomach. “It’s my turn to give you something. Let’s figure out a day. Maybe next weekend sometime?”
He thought for a second. “Sure. Next weekend works.”
Just then the band started What are You Doing New Years Eve?, and Charlie set his glass on the little table next to us. “Care to dance, Ms. Upton?”
