Page 81 of Vegas Duology

ChapterTwenty

Steppingonto the terrace was like walking into the pages of a fairy tale.The already lush space had been transformed with even more flowers, if that was possible.It felt as if we were in a secret garden in the middle of a tropical forest.The aisle was carpeted in petals, and given that no guests were expected, potted palms and large hibiscus plants flanked the edges.The altar was situated under an arched vine covered in more hibiscus blossoms.In the corner was a three-tiered cake, which I thought was a bit of overkill, but it looked delectable, decorated simply with sugar-covered flowers.

The guys weren't there yet, so I left Nicole in a small waiting area and rolled the cart containing her link to her mother down the aisle.I scanned the area among the palms and foliage for some sort of outlet so I could get Cathy back online.

There had to be something.

I caught a glimpse of an extension cord snaking through the leaves.There didn't seem to be any help for it.I took a quick look around, pulled up my dress and dropped to my knees.Crawling under the plants, I saw what looked like an outlet and I burrowed deeper, dragging the computer's power cord with me.

"Lexi?"

Are you kidding me?

I swatted a leaf out away from my face and took a deep breath before abandoning my search.Taking my time, I backed out, turned, and from my position on the floor, looked straight up at Leo's smiling face.

"Hi, Leo."

He extended his hand in aid, which I took."Can I help you find something?"he asked as he hauled me to my feet.

I adjusted my dress and smoothed the fabric back into place, trying unsuccessfully to look poised.

His eyes took their time traveling up my body, assessing me."You look amazing."

My stomach flipped."I need to plug this in," I said and held out the cord.

"Of course," he said."Let me take care of that for you."Leo took the cord from me but his fingers lingered on my hand.

"I don't want to keep you," I said."You probably have a million things to do."

"Actually, this is exactly where I need to be right now," he said.His eyes held mine."You have a little..."He reached out and plucked a leaf from my hair."Got it," he said.

Leo let the leaf drop to the ground but his hand still hovered near my face.For a crazy minute, I thought he might kiss me.I couldn't tear my eyes away from his.He moved his hand and, with a gentle touch, tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.His fingers trailed across my cheek.My eyes fluttered shut.I couldn't bear to look at him.

"Lexi?"

My eyes snapped open at the sound of Andrew's voice and I took two steps back from Leo.I felt like a kid who'd been caught doing something wrong.Which I suppose, I had.

"Andrew," I said."Are you guys ready?"

Andrew's face was hard as he looked slowly between us.His gaze locked on Leo, his fists clenched at his sides, and I was afraid he might try to hit him.Instead, he spoke to me, his eyes not leaving Leo."We're ready.Ryan's at the altar."

"Okay," I said, grateful for an excuse to leave."We just need to power up the computer, then I'll get Nicole and we can get started."

"Excellent," Leo said."I'll take care of the computer and cue the music when you're ready.Just give me the signal."

"Pardon me?"

"What?"

Andrew and I spoke at the same time.

"I'm filling in today.I'll be taking care of everything for Nicole and Ryan's nuptials," Leo said."I meant to tell you earlier."

"Earlier?"Andrew asked.The lines in his face grew deeper and his skin turned a deep shade of red.

I ignored him and turned back to Leo."What do you mean, you'll be filling in today?"

"I'm sorry.I meant to tell you," Leo said.