Page 24 of Pieces of Us
“Holy shit, Audrey. Jax is going to go insane. Hope you’ve been taking your birth control.” Gigi’s eyes go wide at the white satin bustier set, complete with garter belt and thigh-high stockings.
“Ew, that’s my brother you’re talking about.”
“Sorry, Em.”
I carefully open the bag and pull out Audrey’s dress. I gather the fabric and kneel down as Gigi holds her hand to help her balance as she steps in. Once we have it on, I pull up the zipper at the bottom of the open back and button the halter straps at the base of her neck. Once it’s secure, Audrey turns around, and this time, I can’t fight the tears. She’s gorgeous. The front comes down in a v, and the dress fits her like a dream. It’s simple and sophisticated, just like her.
We all stand, silent. “Do you guys like it?” She looks worried.
Gigi grabs a few tissues, passing them around. “Audrey, you are so beautiful. This dress is absolutely perfect on you.”
I take a tissue. “You are the most gorgeous bride ever. Jax is the luckiest man on earth.”
“You guys.” Audrey yanks a tissue from Gigi’s hand and dabs her eyes. “Eyeliner.”
While we’re all fussing over Audrey and trying to keep our makeup intact, there’s a knock on the door. I answer it and find Linc on the other side. He stands in his tux, and he looks so freaking good. His dark blonde hair is textured off to the side, face clean shaven, and dark-brown eyes wide. We stand for a moment as his mouth opens, but no words come.
“Linc?”
He shakes his head. “Sorry, Mel, but you look beautiful.”
I smile. “Thanks, but you should see the bride.”
“I’m sure she looks great, but I might prefer the maid of honor.”
“Linc, stop flirting. Why are you here? We have like twenty minutes.”
“Oh, Jax wanted me to get this to Audrey.” He holds out a black bag.
Audrey notices us by the door. “Linc! I’m glad you’re here. Can you take this to Jax please?” She holds out a light blue box.
“Audrey, you look incredible.” Linc beams at her.
“Thank you, Linc. You’re looking dapper in your tuxedo.”
“Thanks. It’s fun getting dressed up, I guess. Well, ladies, I’ll leave you to it. I’ll make sure Jax gets this.” He looks at me and grins. “I’ll see you out there, Mel.”
“Yup. Now go, we have to finish getting ready.”
He stands there for a moment, then his eyes scan me from my head to my toes. When he returns to my eyes, he still has his grin, but it’s the grin I’ve only seen on him that night months ago. I feel a heat rush over me in our wordless exchange.
“Linc, you’re staring.”
He steps a bit closer. “And your cheeks are red. Sorry to tell you, but I might stare at you all night.”
With that, he turns and walks back to the stairs that lead down to the groom’s quarters. Fucking hell, I need to stay strong.
Chapter Fourteen
Linc
Holy shit, it was hard to take my eyes off of Mel. She always looks good, but today, she looks phenomenal. I adjust myself in my pants on the way back to the groom’s quarters. The way the black satin hugged her curves, her deep red lips, and her hair up, exposing her neck, made it hard to breathe when she opened the door.
It’s going to be a long night.
I get back to the groom’s quarters and see everyone dressed and seated around Jax, relaxing before things start. “Delivery was made. She gave me this to give to you.”
Jax looks up and takes the light blue box from my hand. He opens it and I see a pair of cufflinks.
