Page 54 of Prince of Her Heart
“That’s the excuse,” he countered.“Not the reason.”
Tabitha didn’t answer.Her eyes scanned the guests, but he could tell she wasn’t seeing anyone.Her smile was gone, replaced by that faraway look he was starting to dread.
“Can we talk about this later?”she whispered.
He didn’t like it, but he nodded.Then Stacy and John approached, radiant and buzzing with post-wedding joy.
“Hey, girlfriend!”Stacy beamed as Tabitha pulled her into a hug, then embraced John.Ramzi shook the groom’s hand and leaned forward to kiss Stacy on both cheeks—a gesture more brotherly than romantic.
As he stepped back, he slid his arm around Tabitha’s waist again, anchoring her in place.
Stacy shot Tabitha a smug littleI told you solook.
Chapter 26
Ramzi couldn’t stop touching her.
Not just because he wanted to—though God knew he did—but because he could feel her slipping away, and he didn’t understand why.Last night, she’d been fire and silk in his arms, passionate and present.Yesterday, she’d laughed easily, teased him, lit up when he walked into the bar like she couldn’t wait to see him.
Shewantedhim.Of that, he was certain.
But more than that, he suspected she felt something deeper than she was willing to admit.And now, she was retreating—bit by bit—and he didn’t know how to stop it.
He couldn’t pull her away right now.Stacy wanted her close, and Tabitha wasn’t about to abandon her friend.But the moment this event wrapped up, he was going to find a quiet corner, sit her down, andtalk.Really talk.He had no intention of letting her walk away from what they’d started.
Until then, he needed this sliver of connection.He needed her next to him.And despite everything, she hadn’t strayed far from his side.Even with half the town clamoring to talk to her—neighbors, friends, people who’d had two full days to catch up—she kept gravitating back to him.
I want to catch up with her,he thought bitterly.He wanted to know what the hell had shifted between the night they tangled in the sheets and this moment.She was still physically close, but emotionally?
She was shutting down.
“The ceremony was wonderful!”Tabitha said, hugging Stacy and John.And then—like a magnet—she was back at his side.
“Thanks,” Stacy beamed, linking her fingers with John’s.“We’re ready to get out of here, but my mom says we have to stick around for another hour.”
John laughed and kissed her lightly.“We still have to cut the cake, sweetheart.”
Stacy groaned, eyeing the towering, flower-covered masterpiece.“Right.That.”
She looked around the yard, where guests were dancing, chatting, and clearly having a great time without needing the bride and groom.
“Think we could sneak out after the cake?No one seems to care what we’re doing anymore.”
Tabitha’s laugh lit up the space between them, and Ramzi felt it resonate deep in his chest.
“I don’t think anyone would blame you,” she said, her voice warm.“Once the cake’s cut, you’ve officially fulfilled your wedding duties.”
“There’s no sneaking out inthis,” Stacy said, gesturing to her layered skirt.She’d already ditched the veil, and John had been out of his jacket and bow tie for hours.She leaned into her husband with a sigh.“We’re hoping to hit Ohio before we stop tonight.”
Without asking, Tabitha reached into the inside pocket of Ramzi’s suit and pulled out his phone.The movement was casual, effortless—intimate.Like she’d done it a hundred times before.Like she belonged there.
Ramzi didn’t move.Didn’t breathe.
“You’ve got time,” she confirmed, tucking the phone back into his pocket.Her fingers brushed the fabric of his jacket, then his chest, and it took everything in him not to catch her hand and hold it there.
“Go cut the cake, raise your glasses, and wrap this thing up,” she said, scanning the crowd.“I’ll find the maid of honor and best man and make sure their toasts happen immediately after.That way, you’re not stuck here waiting around.”
Stacy’s face lit up.“You’re a lifesaver.”
