Page 43 of The Run Option

“Thank you,” I say quietly. “I-I think I’m okay. I don’t want to keep Soleil waiting.”

“Are you sure? It’s your wedding day. You can make everyone wait another six hours.”

I let out a wobbly laugh. “I think I’ve stayed in here long enough. I’m sorry for avoiding you.”

“So you didn’t need eight hours to get ready?” he asks, his tone teasing.

“Not even close.” I giggle, some of my nerves dissipating. “I spent half the day sitting around in a robe playing on my phone.”

“In a robe, huh?” he asks and my cheeks heat.

“Go downstairs, Kingsley,” I say.

He chuckles. “Okay, okay. Call me if you need anything…like help into your dress–”

“Jase!”

He laughs, the sound slowly fading as he walks away. I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from smiling, but end up giving in. When I turn back to the mirror, I look almost like a true bride. My smile is wide, and my face and neck are flushed. All that’s left is the dress…

With one more fortifying intake of breath, I slide off my robe and into the dress. Once it’s on, I spray my perfume and tuck my short veil into the crown of my hair, only looking at bits and pieces of my reflection instead of the full picture. It’s probably best that I don’t have time to dwell on the magnitude of this situation any longer.

I slide on my black stilettos, then grab my phone and text Soleil.

Willow: I’m coming down.

Soleil: We’re ready for you!

On shaking legs I take the elevator from the fifth floor down to the second. We’re supposed to meet on the winding staircase in the lobby. Soleil said it would make a beautiful shot, and based on her work, I trust her. The elevator doors open and I feel as though I’m walking down the aisle, even though we’re eloping down the road at the botanical gardens.

I head toward the stairs with my head down, not ready to face this moment. Only when I touch the cool wood of the banister does my head lift. My eyes find Jason immediately. He gives me a boyish grin that makes my heart skip. I let my gaze rove over him. He looksgood. His black tux is perfectly tailored to fit his muscular frame. He left off the tie, opting to unbutton the top two buttons of his white shirt. If he told me he was going to be on the cover of a magazine for the sexiest man alive after this, I’d believe him.

I step onto the landing he was waiting for me on. Jason immediately takes my hand and draws me to him.

“You’re breathtaking, Lo,” he rasps as his hands settle on the dip of my waist. Vaguely, I register the click of a camera nearby, but it’s hard to focus when he’s touching me like this.

“Thank you,” I whisper. I notice his shirt collar is flipped up slightly on one side, so I reach up and adjust it. “You look handsome,” I tell him without meeting his eyes. Once his shirt is adjusted, I settle my hands on his chest. His heart is racing, and it makes me smile. I’m not the only nervous one.

“Thank you,” he says in a low voice. I gather the courage to look up at him. As soon as our gazes catch, a voice speaks up.

“You two arestunning!” Soleil squeals. “You’re making my job easy already with all this tension.”

I force a smile, my nerves coming back once more. Now that she’s pointed out our so-called tension, I won’t be able to so much as look at Jason for the rest of the day. He’s likely smirking right now, but I refuse to check.

“Thank you,” Jason tells her.

“I want to take a few more here before we head to the gardens. Is that all right?”

I feel Jason looking at me. I keep my eyes on Soleil.

“That’s okay with me,” I answer.

“Perfect! You two can stay on the landing, but I’m going to switch up your positioning. Willow, can you lean against the wall over there?” Soleil asks.

I nod and step out of Jason’s embrace. I lightly lean against the wall, then look to her. “Is this okay?”

“Yes, you’re doing great! Just pop the leg that’s closest to me out.”

I lift my left knee a little and my leg pokes through the slit. I suddenly feel much more exposed.

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