After Zack disappears, I just stand stupidly at the drinks table, staring after him.
I’m not sure what made him react like that. Did something happen? Did I do something wrong? Rob gives me an apologetic look as Amy tugs him away, leaving me standing alone.
I sigh and set my empty glass down on the table, glancing around the room. I should probably find the other guys. I spot Luke in the corner of the hall, still talking to Amy’s aunt. He looks like he’s about to die of boredom, so I start to make my way towards him — but before I’ve taken two steps, a large hand touches my back.
“Hey,” a voice says in my ear.
I smile, turning to look up at Josh. He looks incredible. He’s pulled off his blazer and rolled up the sleeves of his dress shirt. My eyes trace his thick, muscled forearms before flicking back to his flushed face.
“Hey,” I say, reaching up to tug at his tie. “You look great in this.”
“Oh?” His eyes are unusually bright as he looks down at me. “Maybe I should wear it more often.” His deep voice is darker than usual, the clipped accent softening to a low purr. I blink as he wraps a hand around my waist, feeling the soft fabric of my dress. “You look beautiful,” he murmurs, tugging me closer. Heat blooms between my legs, and I’m suddenly hyper-aware of the heavy metal beads filling me up inside. “You always do.” He dips his head, pressing his face into my hair and breathing in deeply. I catch the faint smell of whiskey on his breath and suddenly realise what’s happening.
“You’re drunk,” I murmur, squirming slightly. “Holy shit. I’ve never seen you drunk.” Whenever we hang out, Josh usually sticks to water or soda. I’ve never seen him drink more than one beer at a time.
He hums, pulling me closer until our bodies are flush. My cheeks warm as his hand slides smoothly to the small of my back. “No.”
“You are.”
“I don’t think so.” He tucks his face in the crook of my neck. “You smell like cherries.”
“You’re such a little liar,” I say, fighting the urge to laugh.
He sighs against my skin. “Maybe we opened a bottle of whiskey in Rob’s room,” he admits. “Amy’s dad gave it to him as a gift. It would be rude to say no.”
I run a hand through his thick hair. “When was the last time you drank whiskey?”
“Couple years ago.”
I’m absolutely delighted. “Oh my God. Joshua Tran, nine-foot nightmare, is a total lightweight.”
“I’m really not drunk,” he insists, pulling back to look around. His dark eyes shine as he takes in all of the people smiling and chatting. “I had one shot, about five hours ago. I’m just… happy. Everything turned out perfect.”
“You love this stuff, don’t you?” I realise.
“Hm?”
“Weddings. Love. Family.”
He shrugs. “It’s nice to see everyone so happy.”
“You’re so cute,” I whisper, and his smile widens. He dips his face down to kiss me, but I pull back before our lips touch. “Uh uh. I’m here as Luke’s date, remember?” I’ve already shown him up by kissing Zack. I’m just hoping nobody saw.
“So? You’re dating all three of us, right?” He kisses the side of my cheek instead, and heat rushes through me.
“Yeah,” I say slowly, my heart hammering. “But if people see us together, they’ll assume it’s some big drama. The wife’s ex brought a date, and she was caught cheating on him with the best man. Shock. Horror. Scandal.”
He presses his lips under my jaw. “You’re not cheating,” he murmurs, his low voice rumbling through me. “No scandal.”
I close my eyes. “No, but no one else knows that. And I don’t want to make Luke look bad, or ruin your brother’s wedding. Today is his day.”
He sighs. “You’re right,” he says, not moving.
“… that means you can let go of me,” I prompt.
“I’m trying,” he says, holding me tighter.
I laugh. “Jesus, is this what lies under your rock-hard shell? A great big pile of mush? Pull yourself together, this is just embarrassing.”
He suddenly spins me in time to the music, pulling us both behind a huge flower arrangement bursting with white silk roses. “My brother’s here, dancing with the woman he loves. I just want a second with the woman—” He pauses, like he’s catching himself. “The woman I care about.”
My stomach lurches. I look up at him. He won’t meet my eye, but I can feel his body tensing under my hands. Like he’s bracing himself for the rejection.
I tug at his collar. “Aw,” I tease. “You care about me?”
He frowns. “Sorry. I meant to say despised. I get those words mixed up.”
“Uh huh.” I slide my hands down the hard planes of his chest. “And how long have you despised me?”
His eyes are swallowing me whole. “From the moment I met you.”
I can’t breathe. It feels like a cloud of butterflies is taking flight in my chest. “Loser,” I whisper.
He smiles then, so bright and sudden it almost hurts my eyes. “Layla,” he murmurs, his big hands cupping my cheeks.
“Josh!” I glance around us. “People could see—”
“Don’t care,” he murmurs, bending down and tugging my mouth to his.
