Page 7 of Four Weddings to Fall in Love
I want to be more than a checklist of acceptable traits.
We’re nearly back at the tent when Kim says, “What time is it?”
I check my watch.“Just before ten.”
“Want to meet me in my room at ten thirty?I’m in three-eleven.”
I hold her gaze.“I’ll be there.”
Bryce waggles his eyebrows when he sees me, and I respond with a glare, although I can feel myself blush.I go to stand on the other side of the space that has been cleared on the dance floor for the bouquet toss.Kim joins the crowd of unmarried ladies.She stands near the back, behind a taller woman who has her hands in the air and looks much more enthusiastic.
“Everyone ready?”Tessa turns around, her back facing the women, and holds the large bouquet above her head.She tips it forward, then backward.Release.The equations for projectile motion pop into my mind—I can’t help it.
The bouquet is heading in Kim’s general direction, but she steps to the right, away from its path.The enthusiastic woman makes a grab for it.The flowers hit her shoulder and she doesn’t quite manage the catch…and now the bouquet is hurtling toward a stunned Kim, who winces as she holds up her hands to protect her face.
Yes, even though she tried to avoid it, she ends up catching the bouquet.
Iris bends over and laughs.
Tessa laughs, too, as she walks over to Kim.“I can’t wait to attend your wedding.”
“Uh…”
Kim was all confidence earlier, but she looks flustered now.
Did an ex treat her poorly?Is that why a lasting relationship scares her?
My hands clench.For a split second, I’m determined to show her that it doesn’t have to be that way.Just a reflex, I suppose.I quickly remind myself that I hardly know her.
But I’m probably going to see her naked tonight.
Fuck.
I need to get out of here before I embarrass myself.
I sit down at one of the tables, watching as people return to dancing.When Malcolm finishes a conversation with a relative—his great-aunt, if I remember correctly—I go up to him.
“Congratulations again.”I spoke to him in the receiving line, but that lasted all of three seconds.
He slaps me jovially on the back.“Good to see you, Max.”Malcolm is usually in good spirits, but he’s particularly happy today—as he should be.“Glad you could make it.We should hang out in Toronto, once I get back from the honeymoon.”
“Where are you going?”I ask.
“Paris, then a couple of other places in France.Tessa has always wanted to go.”
We talk for another minute.Then I make my excuses, saying something about being tired and needing to turn in for the night.I hope I’m coherent.
Kim is speaking to the other bridesmaids.She’s still wearing my jacket over her dress.It makes me feel like I have some kind of claim on her, and I admit, I rather like it.
I return to my room for a few minutes to calm myself down, and once it’s 10:28, I head to her room, on the floor above mine.
I’m doing this.I’m actually doing this.
My brother Jon—who’s a bit of a playboy and always trying to get me to be more like him—would be proud.Not that I’ll ever tell him about tonight, of course.
Just as I’m about to knock, something occurs to me.
Condoms.
