Page 143 of The Publicity Stunt

“I think I’m going to cry at the altar more now,” I say. “Anticipating your stupid sonnet. If I have red puffy eyes in the wedding pictures, we’re getting married again.”

The sound of his laugh vibrates through my skull. “I’d marry you every day, forever and ever.”

“Oh, my God, stop!” I pull back to look at him. “Turn it off.”

A sharp knock at the door interrupts us. Probably for the best, since I’m pretty sure my makeup is fully ruined.

“Were we expecting anyone else?” Parker asks, his arms still wrapped around me.

“Maybe it’s Holly.” I lower my voice to an ominous level and I swear to God, he shudders. I laugh and the knocking gets more urgent.

Parker lets go of me and twists the bronze knob to pull open the door, revealing the best man on the other side.

“What are you doing here?” Parker asks.

Theo turns his gaze toward me. “Are you all right? I heard someone crying.”

“Oh.” I glance at Parker. “Yeah, I’m fine. We were just practicing our vows.”

His mouth open in realization and he nods. “Well, I suggest you wrap it up quick. The bride’s sister is looking for the groom.”

“Me?” Parker says, as if “bride’s sister” is synonymous with “the plague.”

“Don’t worry.” Theo places a sympathetic hand on my fiancé’s shoulder. “She won’t touch a hair on your head. Not on my watch.”

Parker grins widely. “So protective.”

“Possessive,” Theo corrects.

I clear my throat. “I’m sorry, do the two of you want to practice your vows?”

“We don’t need practice, Chere. Our bond is special.”

Theo winks at me. “No offense.”

I hate being around these two when they go into bromance mode—a recent development in their friendship.

Don’t get me wrong, I love that Parker has another friend, someone who isn’t me. And Theo’s great. He’s been helping Parker with all the last-minute proofreading rush jobs for Fireheart Chronicles. Just in time for release day next month. But is it necessary to flirt with said friend on our wedding day?

“Why is Holly looking for him?” I ask, getting us back on topic.

Theo shrugs. “No clue. But since I’m looking for her too, this works out perfectly.”

“Why are you looking for her?” I ask.

“She forgot something in my car.”

“What was she doing in your car?” Parker questions, sounding as confused as I feel.

“We drove together,” he answers casually. “Three hours of torturous bliss.”

That makes zero sense. There’s no way Holly would willingly agree to share a confined space with Theo Carter for that long.

“Shit, man.” Parker pats Theo’s arm. “Sounds traumatic.”

He nods, covering Parker’s hand with his. “Appreciate it, love.”

Oh, for fuck’s sake.