Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 46926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 235(@200wpm)___ 188(@250wpm)___ 156(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 235(@200wpm)___ 188(@250wpm)___ 156(@300wpm)
“Is this everything you dreamed it would be?” Jay appears at my side, hands shoved in his pocket as usual.
“Yes. I think it is. It would’ve been great if Mom and Dad were here, but I’m glad you were here to walk me down the aisle, Jay.”
“I got your back, kid. Always.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it and I know you have reservations, but I’m really happy with Damien.”
His expression is stoic, but he tries for a grin. “That’s all that matters.” He squeezes my shoulder and glances across the room where his date is chatting with an elderly couple. “Enjoy this day, Frankie. And congratulations.”
It feels good, this happiness and warmth filling my body. I’m happy. Perfectly happy.
“Francesca, you look stunning.” Jess appears in front of me with a brittle smile. “This dress was made for you.”
“Thank you, Jess, and thank you for everything. I know this isn’t in your job description, but you did a wonderful job putting all of this together. And I have a gift of thanks for you.”
“That’s not necessary. I’m always happy to help.” She looks around before taking a step closer. “Listen Frankie,” then she looks around again. Like she’s got a secret. “I’m only going to say this to you once. Be careful who you trust.” Her eyes bounce on Damien and then to Jay. Then her expression goes blank, and she walks away.
What the actual fuck?
Jess’s words leave me stunned and questioning her motives. Why would she say that to me on my wedding day? Is she jealous? I wonder if it’s the idea that she now has to share Damien with another woman, or if there’s something sexual going on between them.
I catch her working the crowd, flashing a polished smile and delivering two-handed shakes like she’s running for office. The consummate pro. I follow her every step, my eyes glued to her as I bide my time, hoping she’ll wander over to her husband for a dance or at least steal a moment of peace in the chaos of my wedding day.
That’s when I realize he isn’t here.
Jealousy and rage roar inside my body until I’m vibrating. I grab a flute of champagne from a passing waiter and chug it down in hopes it’ll settle my frazzled nerves. It doesn’t work and now instead of enjoying myself, I’m worrying that there will be tension between me and Jess which I can’t allow because she works for my husband, knows him better than I do.
And that pisses me off.
“Hey,” Damien appears in front of me with his brows knitted in concern. “Everything all right?”
I nod. I could tell him what Jess said to me, but I don’t. What did she really say? Be careful who you trust. That’s good advice and she was smart enough to avoid mentioning Damien by name, so I keep it to myself. “Yeah, just a little overwhelmed,” I admit.
“And?” he asks, reading me correctly.
“Kind of missing my mom and dad.”
He pulls me in for a hug. “I’m sorry they aren’t here, kitten and I wish I could tell you they were watching you from above, but I don’t know that so I’ll just say that I’m sure they both would be proud of the woman you’ve become. Beautiful and kind and successful.”
It’s the most perfect thing he could’ve said at this moment. “Thank you.”
“Let’s enjoy one more dance and then get the hell out of here.”
“Sounds wonderful.” I follow him onto the dance floor and get lost in the music and the lyrics and the feel of Damien’s strong arms around me.
The moment the song ends, Damien grasps my hand and drags me out of the reception area where I catch one last glimpse at the ocean before he tucks me into the waiting limousine. “I can’t wait another minute.” He slams the door behind him before pressing the button to raise the privacy screen. “Finally,” he growls and pulls me onto his lap.
“Are we going back to the penthouse?”
“Nope.” His hand finds my thigh, sliding all the way up to find my panties soaked. He groans. “Francesca.”
“I’m sorry we can’t go on a real honeymoon, but I promise, once we catch this guy, I’m all yours.” I say, looking up at him. “So, where are we going?”
The limo comes to a stop, and Damien smiles. “We’re already here.”
“Where?” I glance out, but the night hides everything from view. I close my eyes and focus on the sound of waves crashing in the distance. The scent of salt fills the air. “The beach?”
“A beach house, to be exact.” He steps out of the limo and offers me his hand. “Let’s go, Mrs. Wolfe.”
A thrill runs through me at the sound of my new name. “I really like the sound of that.”
The beach house is perfect—small, intimate, and tucked away, with the rhythmic crash of waves just outside. String lights are woven along the walls, casting a soft, warm glow. The ocean breeze drifts through the open windows, cooling the air and carrying the salty scent of the sea.