Page 77 of The Boss

A broad-shouldered guy in his twenties waved us over, dark-haired with a strong build that hinted at years of athletic training. His easy grin stood out against the crisp black of his suit, his whole demeanor radiating warmth. Tyler, I presumed.

Smiling, Chris pulled him into a quick hug. “Wouldn’t miss it. Um, this is Zac.”

Tyler turned to me, his grin widening as he gave me a once-over, his eyes sharp with curiosity and amusement. “The infamous Zac. Good to finally meet you.”

I arched a brow, shooting Chris a look. “Infamous?”

Chris just smiled, all innocence. “I might have mentioned you a couple times.”

Tyler smirked, exchanging a glance that suggesteda lotmore had been said.

“Nice to meet you too, Tyler.” I shook his hand, his grip firm and assured, a silent display of confidence. He carried himself like someone who never second-guessed his place in the world. Chris was right—I liked him instantly.

“Guys, this is Blake,” Tyler said, shifting as his boyfriend stepped forward.

Jesus. If Tyler was built,thisguy was a damn fortress. Blake was a towering beast of a man, his suit straining against thick, corded muscle, the fabric hugging broad shoulders and arms that looked capable of crushing skulls. He wasn’t as tall as me, but he was even denser, his sheer presence commanding attention.

I extended a hand. “Bodybuilder?” I guessed.

Blake let out a deep, rumbling laugh, his grip like a vise as we shook hands. “Former MMA fighter. Now just a coach.”

“Remind me never to piss you off.”

Blake’s lips curved. “You look like you could put up a fight.” His gaze flicked over me with quiet assessment, sizing me up the way fighters do.

Chris and Tyler burst into laughter.

“Why don’t you pull out your dicks and measure who’s bigger while you’re at it?” Chris teased, shaking his head. “Some dudes thinkeverythingis a competition.”

“Seriously, guys,” Tyler added, still chuckling.

Blake and I exchanged an amused glance. They weren’t wrong. We were the older ones in our relationships, yet here we were, sizing each other up like a couple of teenage boys in a locker room.

At that moment, another pair of guys approached, their footsteps muffled against the stone. Tyler gestured toward them. “This is my brother, Matt,” he said, pointing to a slightly leaner copy of himself. “And this is Finn, my friend.”

Finn—messy auburn hair, a little scruffy, casual in a way that contrasted the rest of us—gave a mischievous smile and bumped fists with Chris. “Hisbestfriend,” he corrected. “BFF. Ride or die.”

Chris snorted. “Oh, we’re doing this?”

“Nowwho’s competing?” I murmured, leaning into Chris, and he elbowed me lightly.

Tyler ignored us and spoke to Chris. “You remember Finn from Gettysburg?”

Chris smirked. “How could I forget? Bad at darts, good at drinking.”

Finn beamed, unbothered. “Damn straight.”

Matt shook his head. “Speaking of straight, I think we’re the only ones here.”

“Yeah, and the only single ones,” Tyler added, making everyone chuckle.

“And where are the grooms?” I asked. “Do we get to meet them?”

“After the ceremony,” Tyler said. “They’re getting ready to enter the stage. I should probably get over there and see if theyneed anything.” He clapped Chris on the shoulder. “We’ll catch up after, yeah?”

“No worries, T-bag,” Chris quipped. “Go and help your dad. We’ll be here.”

Tyler rolled his eyes at the nickname but grinned as he and Matt moved toward the front of the church. Blake and Finn lingered, their presence comfortable.

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