Page 19

Chapter 18

JORDY

Being surprised as a groomsman was unexpected and also emotional. I didn’t expect to tear up when Shy asked us, but he and Conrad were like my big brothers. Always guiding me and making sure I didn’t fuck anything up.

Blythe busted in the room late, of course, shouting, “I’m here! I’m here!”

Shy and Blythe wrapped their arms around each other in a bro hug and jumped in a circle, cheering while we watched. Blythe was always late, but this time it was something about a meeting with his new publicist, which I think everyone would agree he needed.

“Okay, okay. Let’s calm down. I got a girl to marry,” Shy said, straightening his black tie. We filed into the ceremony space and took in the flowers wrapped around the altar. We took our places alongside Shy, which was so nerve-wracking, and it wasn’t even my wedding.

My eyes scanned the crowd looking for faces, unfortunately locking eyes with Elena, who had a certain lustful gleam about her. I quickly returned my attention back to Shy, watching his expression turn from elated with joy to crying with joy.

The string quartet started as the first bridesmaid, Donna, walked down the aisle. Shy and Becca’s eldest friend was a damn good time. She smiled the entire way down the aisle, stopping at Shy and giving him a kiss on the cheek. Sweet old lady. I blinked a few times before turning my attention to the next bridesmaid, Dani.

My breath escaped me in a whoosh when I took her in. Her curly hair had been pinned away from her face, while a light red tint painted her smiling lips. A smile that was for me, and only me. Her eyes locked onto mine, and deep in my chest, I felt a tug to her. An overwhelming feeling of…something I couldn’t quite explain. All I knew was this moment was one I’d like to happen again—her walking down the aisle as the bride, looking at me as the groom.

I had broken her last rule. I had fallen in love with her.

I’d fallen madly in love with Dani Corella.

Every few seconds, I’d glance at her standing next to my sister, smiling and watching the nuptials of our closest friends. I would never forget the look on Shyloh’s face when Becca started walking down the aisle. I knew they were in love, but seeing him sobbing like a baby because he was finally marrying her did something to me.

During their vows, I stared directly at Dani and she stared right back. I knew she wanted to stay just friends after this trip, but that just wouldn’t do. I had to have her. I needed her to love me too.

The chaplain announced Shy and Becca as Mr. and Mrs. Mendoza, and the crowd went wild. He didn’t dare let her walk back down the aisle either. Leaning down, he scooped her up and sprinted.

“See y’all in a couple of hours!” Shy yelled over his shoulder. The wedding erupted with laughter.

The party started to disperse, mingling before the reception on the beach, and I was chatting with Conrad before a hand grabbed my arm.

Turning, I was taken back to see Elena. “Oh, hey,” I greeted stiffly.

She smiled up at me as I pulled my arm free from her grasp. “You looked very handsome up there at the altar,” she purred.

I took a breath, looking for the words, but before I could speak another hand grabbed my own. Swiveling, I was greeted by my stunning date.

“There you are, I was looking for you,” Dani said, leaning onto her toes to kiss my cheek. “Let’s get going.”

“You alright?” she mumbled as she pulled me away from that ridiculous conversation.

I stopped her, turning her to face me and gripping her waist. “I am now.” I pressed a soft and tender kiss on her lips, one that told her how I felt about her at this exact moment. It reflected how grateful I was for her saving me, but also so happy she was with me, but without the words that would muddle it. We chatted, we ate, we drank, and we danced— oh man, did we dance. I danced so hard my sweat made my white button down see through.

“Uh oh, the girls are staring,” she whispered, wrapping her arms around my neck as we swayed to the beats of a slow song.

“What girls?” I asked.

She whipped her head around to gesture to those standing on the sides of the dance floor, but I didn’t look at them, only her.

When her eyes returned to mine she fell quiet, recognizing that I didn’t care about anyone else.

Only her.

"Wanna get out of here?” I suggested. Dani nodded, her hair tumbling over her shoulders. I grabbed her soft hand, leading her up the path to our room.

Tonight, I was going to show her just how perfect we are together, and I didn’t care how many rules I broke.

She could hate me tomorrow.