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CHAPTER SEVEN

CHANGE OF PLANS

ELLE

Now

My phone rings as I'm finishing up my makeup for the wedding. I glance at it and see that it's Amara. I answer, already smiling.

“Amara, hey! How are you?”

“What is this I hear about you not seeing my boys?” she says.

I laugh and cringe at the same time. “I know it's crazy. I hate it. It's the silly rules of the cheer team. And we haven't done a very good job of following the protocol, to be honest…but I’m trying to do better.”

“Well, I don't know if you have heard, but I am in town. And I will not tolerate not seeing you while I'm here.” She giggles and I do too.

“Oh, Gigi. You know I cannot resist you.”

“I should hope not. So, how about you come over to Rhodes’ place and let me see you in your beautiful wedding attire? A hug from me cannot possibly be off-limits.”

“Right now?”

“ Right now .”

“I would love that,” I say, not hesitating. “I’ll be right over.”

I’ve never been able to resist Amara Archer.

When I pull up to the gate, I wave at Rhodes’ security guys and they let me through. I gave Rhodes such a hard time when he moved into this place because it looks more like a ski resort than a home. He has good taste though, and between the two of us, we’ve decorated it so it feels homey. His house is one of my favorite places to be.

Snow coats the tall trees surrounding his house, and I admire the way the sun glints off all of the windows at this time of day. The sun is just starting its descent, and Rhodes has the best view I’ve ever seen.

Movement to the right of the walkway catches my eye, and I stop and park before going any farther. Rhodes is in his tux, jogging over to Levi, who is…I squint as I step out of the car. Is he?—?

“Levi! Get back in the house! ”

“I’m watewing the twee, Daddy!”

“The trees need water , son, not urine,” Rhodes groans.

“What is you-in?” Levi asks.

I can’t hold in my laugh any longer and it reverberates around the trees. Rhodes and Levi turn and stare at me in surprise. And then Levi’s running toward me as fast as he can, not bothering to cover anything up, and just as he’s about to wrap his arms around my legs, Rhodes hauls him up into his arms.

“Look at how beautiful our Elle is,” Rhodes says, his husky voice doing dangerous things to me.

My heart does a stutter-step and splats across the driveway, right at his feet.

“So boo-tiful,” Levi sings.

“You need to put your Johnson in your pants and go wash your hands before you hug her,” Rhodes says in Levi’s ear.

Levi wiggles, trying to get out of Rhodes’ arms.

“I go wash,” he says. He looks at me and says it louder. “I go wash so I can hug.”

I laugh. “Okay, little man. I’m all about that hug.”

Rhodes sets him down and Levi takes off toward the front door. When he gets there, he looks back. “You coming, Elle?”

“Right behind you,” I call.

I move past Rhodes, and I can feel his gaze on me like a match being set off in a forest. I am quickly burning up. I turn and look at him over my shoulder and catch his eyes on my ass. His expression is pained when he finally meets my eyes.

It’s like we upset the balance of our world the night we kissed, and now everything we know, everything we are, is crumbling and trying to find a new place to land.

It should not quicken my pulse to see his attraction. It should only terrify me.

“This is a nice surprise,” he says. “Did you change your mind about going with me?”

My mouth drops. “Your mom didn’t tell you I was stopping by?”

His eyebrows quirk and when he shakes his head, I sigh.

“I just came over to hug your parents really quick.”

The door flings open and Amara and Troy stand there, looking like the incredible power couple that they are. Their arms open wide, but Levi doesn’t wait around for me to reach them before he rushes over. He wraps his arms around my legs and grins up at me.

“I washed my hands,” he says happily.

“God, I love you,” I tell him. “You’re the best hugger ever.”

“Bettah than booty!” he cries.

“Better than booty,” I agree, laughing.

“Are you gonna let Gigi hug Elle too?” Amara asks, beaming at me as she puts her hand on my back and air kisses each cheek.

“Gigi and Pop Pop hug Elle too,” Levi says. “And Daddy. Evewybody hug Elle!” He runs around all of us, clapping when we hug and zipping around to hug me again when we walk inside.

“He is pumped that you’re here,” Rhodes says, chuckling.

“And so am I,” Amara says. She holds my arm out and purses her lips as she looks me over. “My goodness, you are a vision. That dress is perfection on you.”

“I’ve never been to a wedding where they asked the guests to wear certain colors. We had a choice between black and red.” My hands slide down the silky material of my dress and when I glance up, Rhodes is tracking the movement.

“You look so striking in red,” Amara says.

“Absolutely beautiful,” Troy adds, hugging me. “It’s wonderful to see you. We’ve been missing you.”

“I’ve been missing all of you too,” I tell him.

Levi runs over and holds up a big red flower. “I picked foh you,” he says.

“Such a charmer,” Troy says proudly.

“Just like his Pop Pop,” Rhodes says, winking at me.

Again with the stomach catapulting to the ground.

“Here, let’s make sure we don’t get water on Elle’s pretty dress.” Rhodes carefully dries the stem and I spot the vase where Levi swiped the gorgeous red flower.

Once it’s dry, I take the flower and lean down to kiss Levi’s cheek. “Thank you, my love.”

Levi beams up at me. “You stay and play?”

I shake my head sadly. “I just came by for hugs. I’m on my way to a wedding like your dad.”

“Tell me you’re not listening to anyone trying to tell you to stay away from my boys,” Amara says, looping her arm through mine.

“Mom.” Rhodes frowns.

Amara smiles at him and then me, shaking her head. “You are adults, and Elle is family. It’s as simple as that.”

I pat her hand. “I didn’t think they’d be so strict, but they really are.” I make a face and she puts her hand on my cheek.

“Well, thank you for breaking the rules to see me,” she says. “But I can tell you have not been breaking them very much because there are no Christmas decorations here!”

I laugh and nod, looking around. “I know. It’s weird. Rhodes and I usually decorate right after Thanksgiving and that didn’t happen this year.” My eyes meet Rhodes’ and guilt twinges in my chest when I see the hurt there.

“Why don’t you come over tomorrow and we can make a party out of it,” Amara says.

“Maybe she doesn’t want to decorate my place anymore, Mom,” Rhodes says. “She’s not living at home anymore, you know. She’s got her own condo to decorate now.”

“You don’t have to do a thing,” Amara says. “But come on over anyway, it will be fun.”

“I love decorating with you for Christmas,” I tell Rhodes. “Everything has just been?—”

“I know,” he says softly. “I could leave and hang out with the guys if you’d be more comfortable. Levi would love it if you were here.”

I bite the inside of my cheek. “Maybe. I hate to make you leave your house...”

“I don’t mind.” He clears his throat and glances at his watch. “We should probably head out.”

I nod and hug everyone again. “How long are you in town?”

“Just a few days,” Amara says.

“Okay, I’ll come over tomorrow…”

“Wonderful.” She squeezes my hand. “And have such a good time at the wedding. You’re going together, aren’t you?”

“ Mom .” Rhodes gives me an apologetic look.

“Well, I’m sorry, but why waste gasoline when you’re going to the same place?”

Troy chuckles and pulls Amara’s back against his chest. “She has a point there.”

“We’re out of here,” Rhodes says. “Be good for Gigi and Pop Pop,” he tells Levi.

“I be good,” Levi calls, his little hand in mine .

I give Levi one more huge hug, and Rhodes and I walk to the door. I wave to his parents and Levi.

“You know, Bree assured me that no one would be sharing any photos of the wedding anywhere,” Rhodes says quietly. “No one wants to risk you losing your job, but we all want you there with us.”

He opens the door and the blast of cold hits me. I’d been so hot getting ready, I didn’t bother with my coat on the way over. He puts his arm around me and we walk outside.

“She told me the same thing. I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to ride with you,” I say.

His face lights up. “Yeah?”

“Yeah. Your mom is right. Why waste gasoline?”

“Gigi’s always right.”

The mood is lighter than it’s been between us in a while as we drive to the venue. Bree is a wedding coordinator, so I have no doubt tonight will be special. Seeing Amara gave me a dose of boldness that feels really good, and I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t missed being with Rhodes like this. We don’t even have to be doing anything for me to be happy.

“God, I’ve missed you,” I say before I can stop myself.

“I’ve missed you too.”

The sun is dipping lower in the sky, but I can still make out his dimples perfectly. We drive down the long path toward Moonbeam Winery and the lights are shining like a beacon once we reach the main building.

“So pretty,” I whisper.

“What do I have to do to get you to save every dance for me?” he asks.

It’s quiet when he turns off the ignition, and I turn and stare at him.

“I’m not sure that’s?—”

“Benton…” he tsks. “You called it yourself back in the da y.” He holds up his finger the way he does when he’s about to quote me. “‘Dancing is our safe zone.’” His grin grows, and I roll my eyes when he continues to quote me. “‘When we dance, it’s a creative outlet only, so anything goes.’”

I press my lips together and try not to burst out laughing. Yeah, what kind of sadistic eighteen-year-old was I to make up that rule when I just wanted to dance with Rhodes Archer more than I wanted my next breath? It came in handy to have an outlet for all the sexual tension I felt for my best friend, and it also warded off plenty of unwanted attention to dance with Rhodes without worrying about any repercussions.

“I guess I could save you a dance or two,” I say.

“Admit it, once we start moving together, you’re mine for the night,” he says.

My face flames hot enough to match my dress, and I’m glad the sun finally chooses that moment to dip completely.

The wedding ceremony is beautiful. I’ve been to lots of events at Moonbeam Winery over the years, but it has never looked like this. Bree has worked her magic on this place. There are flocked trees with white lights and lit greenery inside and out, a pampas grass-lined arch, and decadent flower arrangements on the chairs at the end of every row.

My heart pounds as Bree and Alex exchange their vows. Sitting next to Rhodes after missing him so much is making me wish for things I shouldn’t. His thigh rests slightly against mine, and I breathe a sigh of relief when we make it through the wedding and head to the reception. The arrangements are even more elaborate when we move to the dining hall and find our table.

“I’m really glad you changed your mind and came with me,” Rhodes says softly.

He’s still being careful with me and I hate it.

“I’m sorry. I realize I’m not making this easy by flip-flopping all over the place. I demand that we be careful and then I show up at your house…”

His chuckle skitters over my bare arm and I lean into his warmth.

“You think I don’t know Mama Archer is a force to be reckoned with? I should’ve gotten her on the job sooner,” he teases.

I roll my eyes and laugh.

“Over here, guys,” Penn calls. He’s at a table with Bowie, Weston, and Sadie.

“No dates tonight?” Rhodes asks Penn and Bowie.

“Nope,” Bowie says.

“No date,” Penn says, shaking his head. “I thought about letting loose a little bit with it being a bye week. But we’re finally on a winning streak again and I don’t want to mess it up. I’m not drinking tonight, not staying out too late, resting up…”

“Look at you, being such a grown-up,” Weston says. “I’m impressed.”

Penn shrugs. “Coach would ream me out tomorrow if I showed up at the meeting looking dusty. He seems to have a radar for when I’ve had too much fun.”

“You better dance with us though,” Sadie says. “All of you.” She looks at me and grins. “I was so worried you weren’t coming.”

“Bree reached out specifically to let me know that I didn’t have to worry about any guests causing trouble about my job or any photos getting leaked. She’s been doing damage control behind the scenes. And after I okayed it with Lisa, I felt even better about things.” I glance at Rhodes. “Although she specifically said I needed to keep my distance from all of you.” I make a face. “But let’s not talk about that tonight.”

Sadie reaches out and squeezes my hand, leaning in to whisper, “Let’s just forget there’s even a Lisa tonight.”

“Consider it done,” I say, laughing.

Rhodes is quieter than usual. I can tell the guys are even uncertain of how to pull him out of it. After we’ve eaten and the band starts playing, Rhodes goes to get drinks for us, and Bowie and Penn follow.

“You guys should go dance. You don’t have many chances like this without Caleb,” I tell Sadie and Weston.

“Are you gonna come too?” Sadie asks.

“Yes…after I have a drink. Go.” I grin, nudging her.

I watch as they stand up and then turn to see the guys talking by the bar. Rhodes’ eyes meet mine and go from looking at me with appreciation to scowling. I jump when a hand touches my arm and turn to see my ex, Bernard.

Can I not have one night out without drama?