Page 39 of Stick Fight

This man is looking forward to getting you naked, Gabs.

The truth is…I’m looking forward to that too.

Far too much.

That can’t be a good thing, right?

11

Roman

“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” I murmur impatiently under my breath, barely containing my patience with the reading of the vows—which are beautiful. “Get on with it already.” I’m not normally so impatient, but I have a woman waiting for me, and I’m anxious to get to her.

Beside me, my buddy Elias shifts uncomfortably. He looks pale. What is going on with him? He flicks me a glance like he’s checking to see what my problem is. I just shrug, straighten in my seat, and subtly slide my phone from my pocket to check it.

Foot tapping restlessly, I turn my attention back to Rip, who is doing a fantastic job officiating this wedding, but can he not get to the ‘kiss the bride’ part any quicker? I have places to be, fireworks to watch, a certain Mrs. Roper dress to remove.

Jesus, the thoughts of seeing Gabby naked again teases my dick. I shift in my seat, pulse hammering, and—shit—Elias is watching me again. His brow lifts slightly. What, is he thinking weddings put me in the mood or something? Jesus, if he only knew what was really going on.

Gabby.

I can’t believe I ran into her at the pool. I hate the circumstances, but I’m happy to be there for her. Last night she needed something from me, and tonight—well tonight, I’m going to remind her just how desirable she is. The truth is, earlier, when I found her sleeping, I wanted nothing more than to strip her bare, sink into her warmth and make her forget everything that happened. Even watching her walk around in that ridiculous orange getup nearly undid me. If only we had more time.

But tonight. We have all the time we need. And I plan to make every minute count as I strip her slowly. Worship her body. Watch her eyes darken with pleasure when she realizes that she has nothing to be embarrassed about as I look my fill.

Finish what we started.

“You may kiss the bride,” Rip says and I nearly jump up and scream hallelujah, although it’s still too early for that. I have a dinner I need to make it through. After Easton and Jenny kiss, they turn to us and make their way down the long aisle. Cheers erupt and I grin at my buddy. At least one of the old crew believes in happily ever after. I honestly hope it works out for them. The guys on my team seem to be happy. I, however, have no idea what goes on behind closed doors.

Tonight, though, I know exactly what’s about to happen behind mine.

We all follow behind the bride and groom from the room, and spread out in the next room where the scent of roasted meat and warm bread fills the air, but my appetite is locked on to something else entirely. Or rather,someoneelse.

Sliding into the seat next to Elias, I glance at him. “Are you okay, dude?” I ask. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

Ghost.

Ha.

My own little ghost turned out to be sweet Gabby Evans.

“I’m good,” he grumbles, clearly not in the mood for conversation. “What about you? Didn’t I see you chasing after a woman in a wedding dress?”

Shit. He saw that.

Will he put it all together when he sees Gabby with me on the rooftop—dressed as Mrs. Roper?

The server fills my glass with wine, and I take a long, steady drink. “Yeah, an old friend.” He arches a brow and when I turn, he drops the question lingering on his lips. Looks like we both have things we’d rather not talk about.

Fine by me.

Two servers arrive and I wait to see what’s placed in front of me. I can’t remember what I checked off on the invitation months ago. As I wait, I pull my phone from my pocket and shoot Gabby a message.

Me: “How’s my favorite redhead?”

She messages back instantly.

Gabby: Currently living my best life in a luxurious hotel room, sipping a mini bottle of overpriced liquor, and watching reality TV. You?

---