Page 205 of Even Exchange

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I highly underestimatedhowquickly our friends would get wasted after having already been at a four-hour football game where I’m sure they drank their weight in beer. Elijah had my credit card with the instructions that drinks were on me, and judging by the absurd bill, they certainly took advantage of it.

My arm rests on the back of our booth in the VIP area of a club on the top floor of our hotel. Everyone’s on the dance floor, even Charlotte, but my muscles are screaming at me after today’s game. I’m trying to hang, I really am, but I’m utterly exhausted.

Charlotte’s spinning around in a white sparkly dress that accentuates her baby bump in a way that shouldn’t turn me on so damn much.

But honestly? Everything she does turns me on. And it’s not because we weren’t able to get out our pent-up energy in a few days between practices and me leaving early for the game.

Her eyes find mine, and she bites her lower lip. I laugh, shaking my head, and she arches a brow. Shimmying to the beat, she takes a finger and drags it down the side of her neck to her chest, pulling her top down slightly before it bounces back into place. I bolt to my feet, glancing around to make sure no one’s seeing this performance that’s just for me. That’smine.

I rush to the dance floor, grab her hand, twirl her, and pull her back flush against my front. “Should we continue the ‘you’re going to be in trouble’ conversation?” I growl in her ear.

“I noticed a coat closet that was unattended when I came in,” she says, and I drop my face into the crook of her neck and groan.

“Baby, that sounds so good.” I release a heavy sigh. “But I’m an old-fashioned man, and we’re getting married tomorrow.”

She spins to face me, mischief dancing in her eyes. “Did you enjoy the photo earlier?”

More blood rushes south as I think about that sexy little picture. “Absolutely.”

“Good,” she says victoriously as we sway to the music. Her hips gyrate in a way that makes me unsure if I’ll be able to fulfill my celibacy vow tonight. My eyes dart around the room for options. No, forget that. My fiancée deserves more than a closet fuck.

“Hey!” Sophia says, Elijah trailing behind her like always. Our eyes connect, and he must sense something because he tries to tug Sophia back, but it’s no use.

“It’s time for us to steal the bride-to-be,” Sophia says, and before I even have the chance to protest, she’s secured Charlotte in her arms and is dragging her away. “See you tomorrow.” Sophia winks, and I can’t help but smile because Charlotte has absolutely no idea what I’ve planned for us.

47

CHARLOTTE

NOAH

Fun fact: you become my wife today

ME

I think that’s the most fun fact you’ve shared yet

NOAH

Can’t wait to see you later

ME

Love you Mr. Caruso

NOAH

I love you Mrs. (almost) Caruso

“It’s my wedding day, bitches!” The girls and I clink glasses in the middle of the glorious hotel room. It may only be ten in the morning, but their flutes are filled to the brim with champagne and mine with ginger ale.

We sip, and I return to my seat by the vanity so Andi can finish curling my hair. It reminds me of us getting ready for the gala at camp, and I can’t help but smile at all that’s changed since then.

“Is she almost done?” Sophia asks, dressed in jeans and a cropped graphic tee that says The Camera Sutra with a bunch of funny poses of a photographer. Her own camera is flung over her shoulder.

“I’m right here?” I say. “You could just ask me.”

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