Page 71 of Force Play
twenty-four
Lucia
I’mexpectingthatAriwill try to stay away from me after our little tryst in the hallway, but he’s been hovering right over me instead. We’re laughing and having a good time with our friends, and they’re none the wiser as to what just happened.
As expected, the rest of the bridal party noticed Matt, and when they asked me about him, I explained the situation and who Anna was. Cole was absolutely furious to learn what she did. They’ve all been helping me run interference tonight to make sure Harlow and Knox don’t come across them because that’s the last thing they need at their wedding.
When the night is almost over, they leave without incident, and the rest of us breathe a sigh of relief. The newlyweds had no idea they were here, so that means we did our job well.
“What a wedding!” Ella smiles as we all gather around before we part for the night.
“Thank you all so much for helping us make tonight perfect,” Harlow says, laying her head against her husband’s chest.
“We’re lucky to have you,” Knox adds.
I put my hand over my heart and pretend to get choked up. “Aww, Fort!”
Knox rolls his eyes while the rest of us laugh.
“Congratulations,” Cole chimes. “Welcome to the family, Knox.”
“When did three-fifths of our friend group end up married?” Josh asks in disbelief.
Rory smirks. “Tonight.”
Lane plants a hand firmly on Josh’s shoulder. “Walked into that one, man.”
“How are you guys going to celebrate the rest of the night?” Olive asks before immediately turning beet-red and backtracking. “Nope, ignore that. I have no idea why I asked.”
Ella yawns. “I think I’m ready to turn in for the night. Ready, Joshy?”
“Yeah,” he replies, wrapping an arm around his wife’s shoulders. “We’ll see everyone tomorrow. Congrats again. We’re so happy for you both.”
With Ella and Josh leading the charge, the rest of us start dispersing to our hotel rooms, but I manage to catch Harlow before she and Knox leave.
I wrap her up in a tight hug. “Lo, you made such a beautiful bride!”
“Thank you, Luc,” she smiles, pulling my focus to the dusting of freckles across her nose and cheeks. The ones she loves so much, thanks to Knox’s encouragement to embrace herself. “God, I can’t believe I’m married.”
“I told you from the beginning that man would fall in love with you.” I was the first person Harlow told about her fake relationship with Knox, and I always knew they were destined for more.
“From the very beginning,” she chuckles. “Thank you for being here.”
“Nowhere else I’d rather be, babe. Love you.”
“Love you more.”
We hug one more time before we break apart. I wave my goodbyes to everyone as I go to make my exit, but I gently grab Ari by the arm before I leave.
“I’m in room 326.”
He doesn’t say a word; he doesn’tneedto say a word. He knows exactly what I’m asking right now, and as I feel the heat of his gaze on my backside as I walk away, I think he already knows his answer, too.
I head to the elevator and ascend to the third floor before stepping off and walking to my room. Once inside, I take off my jewelry and heels while I wait to see if he shows up.
The knock on my door a few minutes later confirms it.
I pull open my door, looking at Ari still in his vest and tie, and smirk. “Took you longer than I thought it would.”
