Page 20 of Arranged Control

I pause, looking around. The place is immaculate and beautifully decorated. It looks like an Instagram post. Everything’s in its exact right place with not a single ounce of clutter, but there’s plenty of personality all over.

“This is nice,” I comment, running my fingers down a set of brass candlesticks.

She glares at me. “Thank you. And don’t touch.”

“Not as nice as upstairs though.”

“Ah, there it is, showing his true colors again.” She opens her refrigerator and aggressively takes out a water bottle. “What do you want, Seamus?”

“Just wanted to warn you that the wedding’s coming in two weeks. We don’t have much time to plan.”

“I didn’t know I was involved in the planning at all.”

I wave a hand slightly. “My mother’s doing the heavy lifting, but if you have any requests, I can pass them on.”

She watches me carefully. “I’m not sure if you’re joking. Your mother’s actually doing the work? You could just give me the name of the wedding planner.”

“My mother’s name is Siobhan, and yes, she’s doing the actual work. That woman was born to organize a wedding.”

Alina seems impressed for some reason. “Well, we have that in common at least. I love a good schedule.”

I glance at the ceiling. “Lord knows my mother does too.”

“Is that all?” She takes a drink, watching me. “Wedding’s in two weeks?”

“It’s going to be small. Family for the most part.”

She glances to the side and tenses. “That’s fine. I wasn’t going to invite anyone.”

I’m not sure how to take that. Does she mean she has nobody to invite? Or she wouldn’t subject her friends to this monstrosity? Either way is interesting.

“Then that’s everything.”

“Great. You can let yourself out.”

I hesitate before leaving. I don’t know why, but I want to stick around. I drift deeper into her place, running my fingers across her fancy couch, fluffing a single fancy pillow, brushing up against some lovely hanging plants. God, this place makes my house look like absolute shit by comparison.

“I was thinking you should pick a maid of honor. Got anyone in mind?”

Her eyes narrow. But slowly, she comes around the island. “I was thinking of asking my best friend, Kira. She works with me at the store.”

“I’ll let my mother know.”

“What about you? Got a best man in mind?”

“My brother Finn will do it.”

“Lucky him. Must be a dream come true.”

I laugh softly. “We’re close. It’ll be fine.”

“You’re close with all your brothers?”

I tilt my head side to side. “Not so much with Declan, but none of us are. Cormac for a while, but now he’s married and his wife’s pregnant, so he’s got his own thing.”

“Losing your brother to a baby. Must be hard.”

“New life’s always good.” I turn on her. She’s standing at the edge of the living room. Light streams in through the tall windows and makes her hair glow. The girl really is pretty. Beautiful, honestly. Petite and soft with big lips and lovely green eyes. Too bad she’s looking at me like I’m a slime monster infecting her space with my presence.