Page 138 of The Most Perfect Wrong

She holds out the mic for the officiator, but Leo steps forward, cupping Vivian’s face, and kisses her softly.

“Not yet, not yet!” the officiator scolds, his tone light. “Sheesh.”

Leo steps back, grinning unapologetically. “Sorry,” he mutters.

They exchange rings, and finally, the officiator announces that Leo can kiss the bride. I watch as my best friend pulls Vivian into his arms, kissing her like he never wants to stop. She wraps her arms around his neck, and they kiss again and again, in a way that makes everyone watching believe in forever.

“Woot!” Cooper cheers beside me. I glance at her and grin, my chest tightening as I take her in. She’s incredible. The thought hits me like a wrecking ball: I want this. I want her. Not just now, not just for tonight, but for always.

The ceremony ends with applause and cheers, guests scattering to mingle as the sun begins to dip below the horizon. By the time night falls, the reception is in full swing. A dance floor has been set up on the sand beneath strings of lights. Music fills the air, and the rhythmic crash of waves nearby is a soothing contrast to the storm of emotions swirling inside me—my love for Cooper.

I tighten my hold around Cooper’s waist, pulling her closer, never wanting to let go. Our footsteps slow, barely moving as we sway together, lost in each other. Her gaze holds mine, and everything else fades into the background. The crowd, the music, the chatter—it’s all just noise. It’s just us.

A smile creeps onto her lips. “Is that a gun in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?”

Her laugh bubbles out, and I can’t help but grin. “Are you seriously recycling BDR jokes?” I tease, raising an eyebrow.

“Sorry.” She shrugs, still laughing. “Are you getting sick of them?”

“Men don’t get sick of hearing their girlfriends tell them how big their dick is.”

“Good. Because I feel like I’m walking around with my own personal 007.”

I suck a breath in through my teeth. “Well, unfortunately, I don’t think my skills using a weapon quite measure up to James Bond’s.”

“That’s okay, babe. That weapon’s only meant for me… and so far, you’re nothing but a straight shooter.” She grins, standing on her tiptoes to press a kiss to my lips.

I laugh against her mouth. “Well, it took months of me chasing after you before I perfected my aim.”

She grins. “Well, you got me. Right in the bullseye.”

I cock a brow, letting a teasing grin tug at my lips. “The vagina?”

Her jaw drops as she playfully shoves my chest. “God, no!” She shakes her head, though she can’t quite hide her smile. “I was thinking more like my heart.”

“Oh… Yeah, that would’ve been the better answer.”

A beat of silence passes, her expression softening, her fingers tracing along my neckline. “I can’t believe I didn’t want to get to know you,” she says, her voice quieter now, almost wistful. “Thought I’d only want one night with you… God, I’ve made a lot of stupid decisions in my life.” Her thumb strokes my neck, and her eyes meet mine, filled with regret. “But that might’ve been the dumbest one of all.”

My eyes wander over her face, taking in every detail like I’m memorizing it. “When you told me not to ask you anything personal.” I scoff, grinning. “Damn. That almost killed me.”

“Do you think if I’d agreed to go on a date with you, we’d be here right now? That things would’ve worked out?”

I pause, considering her question, my thumb grazing the bare skin on her back. I’ve been fighting back a hard-on all damn night, but right now, it’s the furthest thing from my mind. “I don’t know,” I admit. “But I wouldn’t change a thing if it meant there was even the slightest chance we wouldn’t be here right now.”

She smiles softly as she leans into me, resting her head on my chest. “Me neither.”

The moment stretches, quiet and comfortable, before her voice seeps through. “Ry?”

“Hmm?”

She tilts her head up, her eyes searching mine. “Will you take me to Rome?”

I pull back slightly, my brows lifting in surprise. “Yeah… Hell yeah, I will. Let’s go this summer.”

“Really?”

“Really.” I lean down, kissing her like it’s a promise.

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