Page 16 of The Charmer
JAYDE
I need a drink. Preferably, a strong one. With vodka or tequila or something that will make the nerves pinging around my head quiet so I can enjoy this breathtaking view and these beautiful flowers.
Reese Keller is falling in love with me.
I mean, he’s hinted at it. But the way he looked at me during Emily and Mick’s wedding ceremony…it was intense. It was deep and real, and it has shaken me to my core. Because his eyes swam with promise, his expression was soft, tender, and filled with love forme.
I work a swallow, my palms clammy.
The reception is even more beautiful than the ceremony, if that’s possible. Circular tables are spread beneath a canopy of woven branches and hanging flowers. Tea lights are strewn throughout, creating a soft glow, like we’re dancing below a swarm of fireflies.
It’s romantic and ethereal, like a wedding you’d see in a movie. Holy shit, I’m living in a freaking movie. Girls like me don’t end up with guys like Reese. I’m not the woman who partners with the Golden Boy. I’m the girl who ends up with a fighter, a rough and tumble kinda guy who is tatted up andgrowly. Who enters a room and makes grandmothers clutch their purses.
I sink into the chair at table number six. Reese is taking photos with his friends, all the guys from his college group tossing up hand signals and chanting fight songs from their alma mater.
He’s that kind of guy and I’m…panicking. I breathe in through my nose and try to calm my racing heart.
“Hi!” a friendly voice says, placing a purse down at the seat across from mine.
“Hi,” I say, trying to look friendly.
“I’m Keisha. I just got in.” She wrinkles her nose. “My flight was delayed but I still made it in time to see Mick kiss Emily.”
I offer a smile, standing to extend a hand. Keisha shakes it. “I’m Jayde. I came with Reese.”
Keisha freezes, her mouth dropping open. “Oh my God! You’re real!” She squeaks. She drops my hand and rounds the table, pulling me into a hug.
My body locks down. This is a group of huggers. And I’mnot.
“It’s so good to finally meet you.” Keisha pulls away, smiling at me. “Where’s Reese—oh, he’s at the bar.” She points to the bar where Reese and his friends are taking a shot. Keisha shakes her head, her eyes darting back to mine. “He’s never looked happier. That boy is inlove.” She declares it easily, with so much confidence that I know it’s true.
Reese Keller loves me.
My heart trips over itself and I feel dizzy, with black spots appearing in my peripheral vision.
I clear my throat, force a smile, and sit back down before I fall. “You went to the University of Denver, too?”
She nods. “Yeah. But I haven’t made it to many group things the past few years. Work keeps me busy.”
“What do you do?”
“I’m a surgeon. In New York now. But there’s no way I could miss Emily and Mick’s wedding. Those two were meant to be from the moment they met, orientation freshman year.”
I force a smile and nod. “It’s good you could come.”
“Thanks! Hey, I’m going to grab a drink. You want one?”
I shake my head, knowing my request for a fifth of vodka would be met with a strange look. “I’m going to head to the bathroom.”
“Okay. I’m so glad to meet you, Jayde. Keller’s a good guy and deserves to be happy. It’s obvious you make him so.” She moves toward the bar, and I fight the urge to dry heave at the table.
I gotta get out of here. I need to regroup, clear my mind,breathe.
Standing on shaky legs, I move toward the bathroom. The floral perfume wraps around me, too sweet. The tea light flickers, too romantic.
Reese looks happy.Deliriouslyhappy. Inlove. Withme.
I close the bathroom door and lean against it, my breathing too fast, too heavy. My fingers tremble and when I lift my hand to my mouth, I catch my reflection in the mirror.
