Page 126 of Puck and Prejudice

My body bursts into flames when he kisses me in front of Jane and Chad. I’ve been so used keeping my feelings for him bottled up, it’s a bit unnerving that I can be open with my affections in front of everyone.

“Aww. You’re so cute together,” Jane coos. “I forgive you.”

“Hey, stop doing that in front of us. I’m about to get mad again,” Chad pipes up.

Jackson leans back and turns to his friend. “Why? I thought you wanted this to happen.”

“I did, but since I can’t spend the night with my fiancée, I don’t want to see you being all lovey dovey.”

“Maybe Izzie should spend the night with me in support.” Jane smirks.

“Fat chance,” I say. “Come on, Jackson. We have more catching up to do.”

ChapterFifty-One

JACKSON

Chad and Jane are married. I can’t believe my best friend tied the knot, and by next year, he’ll be a dad. Well actually, Icanbelieve it. I’ve always known Chad would start a family young. But this moment is surreal, nonetheless. I also never thought I’d meet someone who would make feel so alive, but thanks to Chad’s whirlwind romance with Jane, I’ve found Izzie. She doesn’t know it yet, but she is my forever.

I look for her in the crowded room. It’s almost time for our dance, but I haven’t seen her since the wedding coordinator told us that we should wait near the stage. As a matter of fact, none of the bridesmaids are around.

“Where are our partners?” I ask Grayson.

“I think they went to change.”

“Oh, I didn’t know they were going to do that.”

He shrugs. “Me neither. I overheard something about flamenco dresses, so I’m assuming that’s what they’re changing into.”

“I wonder why Izzie didn’t tell me,” I muse.

Frederico taps my shoulder. “Maybe she wanted to surprise you. Flamenco dresses are hot!”

I shake my head, but before I can reply, I see the girls coming our way. They’re walking single file close to the wall with Izzie leading the way. My breath catches when she comes into full view, wearing a deep red dress that hugs all her curves perfectly until the skirt flares out mid-thigh in a sea of ruffles. Frederico was right. Flamenco dresses are sinfully hot.

Izzie has orange hibiscus flowers in her hair now, which brightens her face even more. My heart is beating so fast, I’m afraid it’ll burst from my chest.

“Wow,” I say when she stops in front of me.

Her bright red lips break into a wide smile. “Do you like it?”

I give her an elevator glance, making sure I don’t miss any detail. “You look stunning. How tight is this?” I touch her hip. “Can you dance?”

“Oh yeah. It doesn’t hinder mobility at all. It even has a pocket!” She lifts one of the top ruffles, revealing a secret pocket underneath.

“Ingenious.”

Frederico laughs. “Girls and their pockets.”

Izzie steps into my space, placing her hand on my chest. “Are you nervous?”

“No,” I lie.

My stomach is tied into knots. I don’t want to mess up this dance. If I were dancing with anyone else, I wouldn’t be so worried. But it’s Izzie, and I want to impress the hell out of her.

Her eyes twinkle. I’m not sure she believes me. “Okay, good.”

Chad asked the Lions’ TV broadcasters to be the wedding’s MCs. Benson Walker and Phil Norris have been with the Lions organization for nearly two decades and they’re not only beloved by everyone on the team, but they are also the funniest guys I know. They were the perfect choice for this.

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