Page 85 of Sweet Revenge
“You couldn’t have planned that better if you tried,” she said, letting their fingers twine as he wrapped his arm around her waist.
“I don’t know what you’re insinuating.”
“I’m sure.”
She swayed with him, allowed herself to get lost in the feel of his body against hers, the caress of his breath against her cheek, the warmth of his hand at the small of her back. She didn’t want to think about the future, not yet. She wanted to be here in this moment with him for as long as possible.
She glimpsed Maura over Declan’s shoulder, and her friend gave them two enthusiastic thumbs up. Evie chuckled.
“What’s so funny?” Declan murmured against her hair.
“We have fans,” she said, smiling as Declan spun them to see Maura, who waved.
“I’ve had no fewer than six people congratulate us.”
She leaned back, eyebrows raised. “On what?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t asked you anything yet.”
There was that flip-flopping in her stomach again. The song changed to an upbeat one, and they moved back to their table. Declan opened his mouth to speak but stopped short when Maura appeared at his elbow.
“There’s only supposed to be one set of lovebirds at a wedding, you know.”
“Sorry, I—”
Maura waved a hand in the air. “I’m just teasing. It’s about damn time. Declan, I need to borrow her a minute.”
Maura looped her arm through Evie’s when Declan stepped back and gestured for them to go ahead. She led them out onto the patio, where the photographer waited with an impossibly large camera draped around her neck. How did she not fall right over?
“Please tell me he hasn’t popped the question yet.”
“He has not.”
“Oh, what’s that tone?” Maura stopped short and turned to face her in a rustle of skirts. “You wouldn’t say yes?”
Evie puffed out her cheeks then blew out the breath. “Christ, Maura. I don’t know. I’m just getting used to the idea of staying in Philly, potentially giving up my career. It doesn’t sound all that appealing anymore knowing I could run up against another Peter. I haven’t thought that far ahead yet. I’m not sure I’m even ready to.”
“I get that. Plus, there’s still whatever happened between you two in the first place.”
“Yeah.” Evie sighed. “That too.”
“Well, you’ll figure it out. But work it out by next weekend because I really want to beat Cait to that five hundred bucks.”
Evie chuckled, posing for photos with the two women who meant the most to her in this world. Whatever happened between her and Declan, she would never again leave them behind. She’d lost too much already.
ChapterThirty-Seven
As afternoon faded into evening, Declan watched Evie as she wandered, laughed, and made small talk with everyone who stopped her. Evan, all smiles, was captivated by her, and Declan couldn’t help but smile himself as he watched them dance together, feet stomping and arms flailing.
Was it any wonder he was so in love with her? She fit in his world, she always had, and though he could still sense her hesitation at taking the next step, he could be patient. He’d let her take as much time as she needed to not spook her into running again. Especially since he had no idea why she’d run in the first place.
He’d wanted to ask a few times, but it never seemed like the right time to bring it up. Or maybe he didn’t really want to know the reason. For now he was content to have her by his side, and they’d worry about tomorrow tomorrow.
“You’re staring, brother,” Finn said, joining Declan at the edge of the dance floor. “Which pocket is mom’s ring in?”
Declan glanced at his brother, eyebrow raised. “It’s in the safe at home.”
“Cait will be disappointed.”
