Page 48 of Without a Hitch
Jesus, Loch. Put a cork in it. You’re about to cock up everything here.The last thing Pepper needs to know is that she’s infiltrated my mind.
“So, what you’re saying is, you’ve thought about my body, huh? Just my body?”
A legitimate grunt escapes me, causing the couple in front of us to shift quickly to their left. “And your gobby, sexy mouth.”
“Gobby?” She laughs until she notices my expression.
It’s all I can do not to ravish her right here, but true to form, the second I glance up, my family is standing at the edge of the dance floor, watching. I’m almost surprised Nova doesn’t pass out popcorn.
I move quickly, turn my back on the peanut gallery, and take Abby into my arms.
I don’t fight the sensation that she fits. Or the way my heart flutters when she’s nearby. No, I bask in it all while we move as one. It’s one of those songs that’s not particularly slow or fast. It's a strange beat that allows us to bend and flow in a way that feels like we’ve always done it.
As a general rule, I hate music. It’s a distraction I don’t have time for, but as she sings against my chest, I know I’ll be reliving this moment for a long time.
I don’t hear the band anymore. Not when I have her this close. The words coming out of her mouth sound sad, and while they match the song, it just doesn’t sound right coming from her.
“What are you singing?”
She stares up at me with a frown, and I prepare for something snarky. But then she tilts her head, and her tone is soft, careful, and full of patience when she speaks—even if she does lace it with a teasing wink.
I realize I’ve been holding my breath, waiting for a confrontation that never comes—because that’s how it was with my ex—and I let it out slowly. Pepper is nothing like I expect and it makes me like her that much more.
“It’s Taylor Swift. You do know who Taylor Swift is, right?”
“Yes.” I sigh. “I recognize the name. What does she have to do with anything?”
She glares at me like I just kicked a puppy. “First of all, she’s one of the best songwriters of our generation.”
“I don’t listen to music.”
She stops moving and drops her arms from my shoulders, taking all her warmth with her. “Ever?”
“It’s a distraction,” I say with a shrug.
“This song is called ‘Wildest Dreams.’ I would have thought you’d like it. It seems to fit yourlove doesn’t last forevermantra.”
“Why would they play this at a wedding then?”
She shrugs as if it’s obvious. “It’s classic Taylor. Audra is a big fan, and when you’re a big fan, you play all the songs. Even songs about love that leaves you in the end.”
I’m physically incapable of handling the sadness that washes over her, so I react. I’m doing that a lot around her, and I don’t know what to make of it.
“Memories can last forever,” I tell her. “And I’d very much like to make another with you. Right. Now.”
CHAPTER14
TILLY
“What do you mean, right now?”
“Are you finished with…” He watches the wedding that’s carrying on in all its enchanting glory. “With whatever it is you do at these things?”
Irritation rankles my spine, and I plant my hands firmly on my hips. “Being a good friend and making sure the most magical day in my friend’s life goes off without a hitch? Is that what you mean?”
“Yes.” He huffs like he’s the one with the right to be annoyed.
I narrow my eyes and lean in, ready to give him a piece of my mind, but he grasps my wrist and hauls it to his chest. The movement catches me off guard, and I teeter on my heels. “Hey! Do not manhandle me.” I aim for pissed off, but it comes out breathy and maybe a little wanton.
