Page 74 of The Love Hoax

“I realize this is crazy but can I make arequest of you?”

“Sure.”

“Will you be my maid of honor? I don’t have a sister or a best friend, no one I wanted to ask to take on the responsibility. At this late date it would only be a title but still.”

I swallow hard with emotion. And guilt.

She has no idea who I really am.

But Steph’s freshly lined eyes are beseeching me. In for a penny...

I carefully remove the veil from Steph's head and set it down. “Of course I will. I’d be honored.”

Chapter Fifty-Three

Evie

When Steph and I return to the party, things have settled down, though the mood has changed from lighthearted and near-rowdy to guests speaking in hushed undertones. There’s no sign of the Feds.

Brad sits at the head table, looking lost, his eyes darting to the door as though he’s been doing so every few seconds. When he spots Steph entering, he rushes to her.

All eyes are glued to the bride and groom as they stare at each other in silence. For a beat, neither one moves. And then, as if bursting from within, they speak in unison. “I’m sorry.”

In a heartbeat, Steph and Brad are in each other’s arms, whispering sweet nothings while the guests applaud. I swear I hear a collective sigh of relief.

Given the near-empty cocktail glass in Brad’s grandfather’s hand, he appears fully recovered.

Now, with glistening eyes, Steph is laughing, her fiancé’s arm around her waist.

I’m honored to have observed Steph’s vulnerable side. I suppose that’s what love does to you.

I take my seat between Adam and his parents just as the salmon teriyaki is being cleared, aware that I’ve never felt so comfortable in a room full of strangers.

A DJ has set up in the corner and begins playing soft romantic music I don’t recognize. Steph and Brad take to the dance floor, Ari and Anna following suit. Adam and I have the table to ourselves.

Adam leans in and whispers in my ear. The sensation sparks goosebumps down my arms. “What sort of magic did you wield with Steph?”

“I only reminded her of what’s most important.”

Adam’s hand finds a place on my bare shoulder. I shiver beneath his touch, my body reacting like a tuning fork to his strong masculine presence.

“And what would that be?” Adam asks, his voice hoarse. He trails a finger from the nape of my neck to the edge of my dress collar. It’s the most sensual of feelings.

I swallow hard. The man does things to me. Intoxicating things.

“Love.”

Adam reacts to the word by pulling me closer. “Love?”

I can barely breathe. I force my heart to slow its rapid-fire pace. The line between fantasy and reality is a blurry mess. Somehow, I find my voice. “I, um, reminded her how much Brad loves her.”

“Mmhmm. Anything else?”

The smell of his cologne is killing me. Musky with a hint of lime. His lips aresoclose.

“And how much she loves him.”

“I see.”