Page 73 of Now or Never

Tier system? What?

Chelsea hit the Pause button. Obviously, this was a private conversation. She shouldn’t be listening.

But she wanted to so, so badly.

Her eyes darted between the Play button and the Delete button. In the end, the dark side won.

She listened to the back and forth between Adam and Max before Ethan’s steady voice entered the conversation.

Do you love her?

Chelsea held her breath, waiting in silence. No answer came.

What the fuck? Did she lose the connection? She held her phone in a viselike grip, staring at the screen, wishing she had put hidden cameras in the bouquets, too. Finally, Ethan’s voice came again.

Only as a friend?

Chelsea gasped a little before Adam finally spoke.

No. But I’m going to fix it.

No? But what was his first answer? Did he nod? Did he shake his head? Maybe he didn’t love her as either?

Maybe both?

Chelsea stared at the phone. Heard Mark advise Adam not to make simple things complicated. Wondered what the hell was simple with all this.

The door swung open, and Chelsea jumped and fumbled the phone but recovered.

“You ready?” Jess asked. “Ethan just texted. It’s time to go.”

Chelsea nodded. The three of them walked together down the fancy hall lit with a long line of elegant sconces to the wall of white French doors where they met up with Gayle. Tearfully,she passed the pretty bouquets to them and slipped out onto the deck. Jess followed. Chelsea took a deep breath.

No. But I’m going to fix it.

Her heart was slamming inside her ribcage, beating unnaturally fast. Could he really love her? Did she love him? She’d never even bothered asking herself.

“Gotta go now,” Natalie said, shooing her.

Chelsea nodded. “Sorry, I’m having a bit of a freak-out. I’m supposed to be the one keeping you on track.”

Natalie shrugged. “I already did all my freaking out. I love Ethan. I’m just getting it in writing now.”

With a smile, Chelsea braced herself and stepped out of the door onto the patio. The first set of eyes she found were Adam’s. He’d glued them on her, and she couldn’t look away. They held each other’s gaze for the complete walk down the aisle to where he was, standing next to Ethan and the officiant.

He’d lost all expression, his face serious, and she didn’t have to wonder anymore whether he could love her.

From the way he was staring at her, she was pretty certain he did.

Chelsea stood smiling as Natalie and Ethan thanked Adam for the twentieth time that night, hugged her, then left the deck, holding hands and looking blissfully in love.

They were completely alone. For the first time since the ride of shame after TIFF.

Adam stared for a moment but seemingly caught himself and looked down. Chelsea could feel his eyes raking down the front of her dress. It was just as painful as his arm had been draped behind her back during the photos, or when his rough hands had touched her skin during the dances.

She could hardly take it. It left her wondering whether she should take Jae’s advice and throw caution to the wind.

“Do you want me to walk you to your room?” he asked.

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