Page 120 of Devious Love
She offers me a soft smile. “Are you bringing a plus-one to the wedding?”
“No.” I look around the kitchen, sighing. “I’m single.”
“I’m sorry.”
Absentmindedly, I trace the groove in my ring finger where a gold solitaire used to sit. “It’s okay. Water under the bridge.”
“Is that true for Dominic too? Water under the bridge?”
I shake my head. “No. It’s not. Apparently, feelings like that are hard to kill.”
Right as I say the last word, Dominic appears in the doorway. He’s holding an empty bottle of wine and wearing a lazy smirk that tells me he heard what I said.
My stomach sinks. Shit. With any luck, he didn’t hear more than the tail end.
“Sorry to interrupt. I came for a refill.” He tilts the bottle back and forth.
I push off the counter and glance at Luna. “I’ll go back.”
“Of course.” She nods then eyes Dominic. “My future stepbrother-in-law will help me. Right, Dom?”
“Whatever you need.”
I skirt around him and head to the dining room.
“This isn’twhat most people do for their bachelor and bachelorette parties, but Luna and I have a plan, and we’re really excited about it.” Matt grins, tugging his fiancée close to his chest. Every time I see him, he reminds me more and more of our dad. He’s clean-shaven these days, and his crisp white shirt makes his deep blue irises stand out.
“And before you get any ideas, just know we won’t take no for an answer.” Luna grins, winking at me.
Dinner ended forty minutes ago, and after we cleaned up, Mom and Allan went upstairs. They’re headed to Washingtontomorrow, so they’ll be up early. That leaves me, Matt, Luna, and Dominic.
Always Dominic.
Behind me, his presence is palpable. I feel crowded even though he’s standing several feet away, smoking. It’s annoying how aware of him I am.
“Before the wedding madness kicks in, we’re taking a little trip,” Matt says, his face alight.
Eyebrows knitted together, I frown. A trip? I just got home.
“Four days in Tahoe,” Luna adds. “We leave on Thursday.”
“Luna’s family has a big place. There’s plenty of room for the whole inner circle.”
And who is part of this inner circle? Dammit, I haven’t been home in more than four years; I have no idea who they’re close with anymore.
But my job for the next few weeks is to support the bride and groom, so I nod. “Okay. Who’s coming?”
“Don’t even think about bailing.” Matt points at me. “As for who’s coming: you, me, and Luna, obviously. Then there’s Liam—Luna’s younger brother—and Miles and Chiara.”
The last two aren’t surprising to me at all. Chia and Miles got together two years ago after being on and off for a while. They even dated other people, but nothing ever felt the same. Now my best friend is the happiest she’s ever been, with the guy who loves her more than anything.
Matt’s focus drifts over my shoulder, his expression going wary, and my stomach sinks. Of course Dom will be there.
“And Dom,” Luna says.
“Sounds fun.” I force myself to smile then take a sip of wine.
Matt and Luna eye me. They’re smiling, almost too joyfully. Something feels off, especially because they never once mentioned wanting to take a trip like this, and we’ve spent lots of time discussing their wedding over the last few months.
