Page 21 of Without a Hitch
Then, in slow motion, her chocolate brown eyes land on mine, freezing me in place. I’m breathless as she quirks an eyebrow but doesn’t glance away. Time stands still. The connection I feel with this woman makes my palms sweat. The insane need to know her has me tugging on my vest uncomfortably.
She stands perfectly still at the altar, and I feel a sudden loss when she finally averts her gaze to deal with the woman beside her. I grin maniacally as her lips start to move. I learned to read lips when my sister was a sulky teen, and I watch with interest as she sets her flowers down, grabs the troublemaker’s arm, and tells her, “Don’t even think about fainting.”
The music changes, and everyone around me turns to watch the bride walk down the aisle, but my gaze never strays from the dazzling sprite before me. I’m the last to sit once the bride's father hands her off to Tyler, and I only remember to sit when Pepper flashes a sexy, questioning smirk my way.
Pepper? Yeah, she’s Pepper all right. Spicy, sassy, and sexy as hell. If I were a different man, she would certainly ruin me. But that doesn’t mean I can’t let her ruin me for the night.
Perhaps that’s all I need to get out of my head. A hard, fast fuck.
I send Angie a quick text as the wedding proceeds with words I don’t hear.
Lochlan: Cancel my calls for the night.
Angie: Cancel them? All?
Lochlan: Yes. I’ll be staying at the reception after all.
Angie: Uh-huh. What’s her name?
Lochlan: No name. Just trying to have some fun…at your suggestion, I’ll remind you.
Angie: Right. Meetings canceled. You’re free until 11 AM tomorrow. (winky face emoji)
Did she seriously just use an emoji? I’ve never seen her use one before, and it confounds me momentarily. Glancing up, I find Pepper’s gaze on me with that amused expression that makes me want to lick every inch of her, and I’m disarmed for an entirely different reason.
I don’t hear the rest of the ceremony. I don’t acknowledge the well-wishers sitting to my right. I don’t see anyone but Pepper.
As the bridal procession exits down the aisle, I wait for her to glance up as she passes, but her gaze stays singularly focused on the woman in front of her.
Did she just snub me?
I’ve never been snubbed in my life.
Why the hell does that make me like her that much more?
No! Not like. I’m intrigued, that’s all. Liking her indicates I want more than a one-night stand, and that’s not what I want. Not at all. I scowl. Even I don’t believe the bullshit forming in my head. But one night is all I’ll allow.
My determination is stronger than my hormones.
Maybe her breath will smell like sweaty armpits. Or maybe she’ll talk with her mouth full. Something about her is sure to extinguish this instant fascination. It always does. With a slightly heavier heart, I follow the other guests to the cocktail hour to find out what it is about Pepper that I’ll hate.
* * *
“Loch!I can’t believe you’re still here. I expected you to cut out as soon as the ceremony ended.”
I take my martini from the bartender and turn to find my friend Tyler standing with his new bride. For the life of me, I can’t remember her name.
“Tyler, come now. Would I skip out on your big day?”
“Yes.” He laughs, clapping me on the back. “In all the years I’ve known you, I’ve never seen you stay for a reception. Not even your mother’s.” I nearly flinch, but I hold a fake smile in place after years of practice. “Loch, this is Jenna. I can’t believe you two haven’t met before now.”
Holding out my hand, I gently shake hers. “That’s probably my fault,” I admit. “I work all the time.”
“So I’ve heard.” She smiles. When she peers up at Tyler, I see it in her gaze. Love.For now,my inner asshole adds. “Well, I’m really glad you could make it.”
“It was a wonderful ceremony,” I redirect. “You have a very attractive wedding party. I’m sorry I was unable to participate.” Tyler laughs. I do not. “Are all the ladies friends of yours?”
Jenna’s grin turns mischievous. “Most of them, yes. Anyone in particular you were interested in, Lochlan?”
