Page 36 of Her Athlete's Wedding Secret

Chapter 8

Lauren curled another strand of Tessa’s hair and then sprayed her hair with hairspray. “Let’s get your veil put in.”

“It’s over here,” Sariah said. She’d been talking to Carrington on the other side of the room. She walked over to a lounge chair in the corner and picked it up. She had on her light pink bridesmaid’s dress. The color complimented her fair skin.

Tessa looked at her reflection. She looked beautiful. She couldn’t believe she was getting married today. Everything had gone so perfectly. So many of her friends had come together at the last minute to help her wedding day, just like she’d always imagined.

Her heart ached. Her day was missing the biggest piece of all. The groom wasn’t in love with her. She’d never thought she would be getting married to a man she’d never even kissed. That was about to change. He would be kissing her at the altar in just a few minutes. She felt giddy when she thought about it. She fanned herself and breathed out a big sigh.

“Are you okay?” Lauren asked her.

“Yeah. I’m just really nervous.”

“I can imagine.”

Lauren was her only friend who knew what was going on with her and Benson. Everyone else assumed she was madly in love.

“You’re going to do great,” Sariah said. “And before you know it, you’ll be married to the man of your dreams. You’re finally going to get your happily ever after.”

Tessa smiled weakly at her. If only that were the case. At least she’d applied to some jobs. She’d interviewed Benson, and she was using the piece to help her land a job in New York.

“Do you know where you’re going on your honeymoon yet?” Carrington asked.

“We’re going to Saint Lucia.”

“Ooh! The Caribbean?” Sariah asked. “That sounds romantic. You two are going to have so much fun. And he’s a hottie. You lucky, lucky girl. Do you know how many girls were after him in high school?”

“I do know. A lot,” Tessa said in a flat voice.

“Ooh! Sorry if it’s a sore subject. I only meant to say that you’re lucky to have him all to yourself now.”

Tessa frowned. Hopefully, he would stay true to his word and not turn a wandering eye after they were married. She didn’t know what his deal was, but for some reason, he didn’t seem to want a real relationship with her. He had issues with commitment.

“Do you know what you’re planning to do on your honeymoon?” Carrington asked.

“Benson planned the whole thing. He said something about a sunset sailboat ride, hiking to a waterfall, and horseback riding.”

“I was the one who gave him the idea for horseback riding,” Lauren said.

Tessa had been out to ride Chase and Lauren’s horse with Benson earlier that month. She and Benson had spent a lot of time together in the past few weeks. They’d gotten to know each other better, but he still wouldn’t talk about why he didn’t want a romantic relationship with her. He’d kept things strictly platonic when they were alone. When they were in public, he made a big show of putting his arm around her or kissing her on the cheek, especially when there were cameras involved.

“Are you going on a cruise or staying at a resort?” Sariah asked.

“We’re staying at a resort.”

“How exciting.”

Tessa had mixed feelings about the honeymoon. While she was excited to go on all the adventures Benson had planned, she was heartbroken that she wouldn’t be spending time with Benson in a romantic way. She was beginning to feel rejected. She was a pretty girl. Why didn’t he seem to want her?

Layla stepped into the doorway. “I have your bouquet here.” She handed the bundle of pale pink roses to Tessa.

“Layla!” Tessa sighed. “They’re perfect.” She held the flowers to her nose and breathed in their sweet scent.

Layla hugged her. “I’m so excited for your big day!”

“Me too,” Tessa said.

“Your hair’s all done,” Lauren announced.

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