Page 35 of Only ever you-Ana & Byron
He started showing up earlier to practice. Stayed even later.
Coach praised his focus.
He didn't see the way his hands sometimes shook before a match. Or how he stared too long at his phone, rereading old messages she'd sent a lifetime ago. He had a friend restore his backup. He still had that picture of Ana. No way was he deleting it.
He went out sometimes. Hooked up a couple more times. Never the same girl twice.
He made sure they knew the rules.
No strings. No repeats.
No alcohol. No drugs.
When Ana gave him a chance, he had to be ready.
***
Chapter sixteen
Chapter 16
Gray & Cadi-Windermere
Cadi's auburn curls shone in all the colours of autumn. She was breathtaking. Her gown was all lace and light, trailing like mist across the stone steps of the lakeside chapel. Her hair was pinned up in soft waves, loose strands catching in the wind. Gray stood at the altar, and his intense gaze never left his beautiful bride. He was looking handsome in a dark suit, dove-grey tie and his wavy hair tamed into submission.
Ana stood by Cadi's side in a blush-pink bridesmaid dress that caught the gold of the afternoon sun. The silk shimmered when she moved, subtle and soft. Her dark hair was swept up in a low twist, a few wisps curling around her face.
Harvey couldn't make it-a last-minute academic conference. Ana told herself she didn't mind.
Gray looked like a man who had everything he'd ever wanted. His vows were soft, Irish-lilted, and full of warmth. Byron stood just behind him, a quiet wall of support in a tailored suit. His hair was short now, neatly trimmed, beard just sharp enough to draw attention.
Ana tried not to notice how good he looked. They caught each other's eyes more than once. It was always Ana who looked away.
The music swelled. Cadi began her walk toward Gray with her arm linked with her stepdad's. Her steps were steady, and there was a blinding smile on her face.
Ana followed behind, her dress brushing the floor.
Everyone turned toward the altar.
All eyes were on the couple, except Byron's.
His gaze didn't leave Ana.
It was like a slow burn over her face intense, unwavering. It licked across her skin like a memory, and heat curled low in her belly before she forced herself not to look.
The vows were said, the kiss was sealed, and the applause rippled through the chapel like sunlight through water.
Later, as dusk dipped the sky in rose and gold, Cadi turned in her lace heels, bouquet in hand, giggling as the guests gathered behind her.
"Ready?" she called, grinning over her shoulder. Ana stood near the edge of the crowd, arms crossed, amused but entirely unbothered. She had no intention of scrambling for flowers in front of relatives and old teachers.
But Cadi had other plans. And with the accuracy of someone who knew her best friend's reflexes too damn well, she tossed it straight at her.
Ana's hand shot up instinctively and caught it.
A low whoop rippled from the watching crowd.
Someone shouted, "You're next!"
