Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 86751 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 347(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86751 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 347(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
“No, it didn’t, Callie. I promise.” I squeeze her hand to emphasize my words. I can tell that she’s now worried about how things are between her and me, but I can’t bring myself to reassure her, not when I might be leading her on.
It’s likely that we’re going to be doomed before we even get started.
“Last night was wonderful,” she says, as she wraps her hands around my arm. “And this morning. All of it.”
My heart aches, and other parts of me ache for her, too, but it’s more than just physical. So much more. That’s what makes it so hard. That’s why it was impossible for me to put a stop to things last night.
There’s a gentle tug on my arm as she lifts up on her toes to kiss me, and I can’t keep from kissing her back.
Her hand comes to rest right over the part of my chest that hurts. “We could skip the rest of the reception and go back to the room,” she says, and I wonder what Max is thinking as he listens in to this conversation.
“We’ll have plenty of time tonight. You should enjoy your sister’s wedding. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event.”
Her sweet pout has me kissing her lips again.
“You’re right. I just want more of you.”
“I feel the same way.”
When we go back inside, our meals are being cleared. Hargrove is still seated next to Callie’s mother and other older relatives. Rick is still at the table with Hargrove’s daughter. There’s no sign of Gardner.
All is calm. Maybe nothing will happen tonight. It would make more sense for something to go down tomorrow, as things are wrapping up.
The emcee’s voice cuts through the chatter that fills the room. “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the newlyweds to take the floor for their first dance together as husband and wife. Please put your hands together for Mr. and Mrs. Hargrove!”
After the applause fades, I lean close to Callie. “Would you like another drink?”
She gives me a quick glance and nods before returning her attention to the dance floor, watching Adam take Sadie in his arms.
There’s a line at the bar, and as I’m waiting, Max’s voice is in my ear, his tone urgent. “It’s about to go down. After Hargrove’s dance with the bride’s mother, Gardner’s going to hand off a package wrapped as a wedding gift. We have to move now, or we’ll miss our chance.”
“Right now?”
“It has to be now.”
I head for the door.
CHAPTER 55
CALLIE
After Sadie and Adam dance alone, the emcee summons Mom and Adam’s father out to the floor. Is this customary? I suppose since they’re both single parents, it makes sense for them to dance together. Or maybe Mom arranged it for her own devious purposes.
From everything I’ve witnessed over the past couple of days, she needs to give up her dreams of turning Mr. Hargrove’s head. I haven’t seen a hint of interest there. Even now, as they’re dancing, he looks stiff as he keeps several inches between them.
A server sets a piece of cake in front of me, and places another at Miles’s empty spot. I’m surprised he isn’t back yet, but maybe a lot of people decided they need drinks before they start dancing. Either that, or Aunt Iris has him cornered.
I grin at that thought, and realize I feel more fondly now toward Aunt Iris and her inappropriate meddling. It was her urging Miles and me to kiss that kicked everything off, and I can’t be mad about that.
I pick at the cake while I wait for Miles. He’s still not back when the parents’ dance ends and the emcee opens the floor for everyone to dance. I’m glad Sadie decided to skip all of the elaborate pairings, so I don’t have to dance with the groomsmen, but I’m definitely hoping to get Miles out on the floor, if he’s up for it.
I’ve eaten nearly half of my piece of cake when there’s some commotion at the back of the room. There are a couple of raised voices, and a few gasps. My first thought is that it’s early for someone to already be drunk enough to cause a scene, but when a hush falls over the crowd, I get up so I can see what’s going on.
A man is running toward the door, where a familiar figure in a light gray suit has just exited. Was that Miles?
I quickly look toward the bar—he’s not there. I don’t see him anywhere. Other people are rushing out of the room, and I hurry to join them.
Just as I exit, a deep voice commands everyone to stay back. People shrink against the walls, giving me a direct view of Miles, a gun in his hand, as he advances on several people who are cornered in the hall.