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I nod, relieved when Jessica calls me over to help with the place cards, sparing me from the awkward moment with Jett after nearly crashing into him.
I hurry over to where she’s sorting through a stack of elegantly scripted cards. Jessica deserves a flawless day so I plaster on a smile even as my heart feels like it’s being squeezed in a vice. “These look amazing.”
She is beaming. “I hope so. I just want everything to be perfect.”
I throw myself into the wedding prep frenzy, grateful for the distraction. Anything to avoid dealing with the mess of emotions churning inside me. I can't shake the image of Daniel's fist connecting with Jett's face, the shock and hurt in Jett's eyes as he tried to explain.
The memories flood in, vivid snapshots of our time together—his eyes crinkling when he smiles, his full lips curving as he whispered tender words in the darkness.
And the kisses. God, the kisses—soft and sweet—or hard and hungry as his rough hands gripped my hips. My body yearns for the heat of his touch, for the rasp of his stubble on my neck, the weight of him pinning me down.
I squeeze my thighs together, my core clenching, the throbbing between my legs insistent. The things that man can do with his wicked mouth and skilled hands.
How can I arrange place cards and tie ribbons when Jett consumes every thought?
Daniel gently touches my shoulder. I look up, surprised to see him, his face softer than it’s been since the confrontation with Jett.
“Got a minute?” His voice is low, careful not to draw attention.
I nod, following him to a quiet corner of the porch. The wooden steps creak as we sit. He rubs the back of his neck, his cheeks coloring.
“I owe you an apology. I overreacted yesterday.”
It means a lot to hear those words from him, but it also stings knowing how quickly things escalated. “I know you were trying to look out for me, but it was pretty brutal.”
Daniel’s sheepish look is almost comical, in a way only my brother can manage. “Yeah, I guess a punch to the face is a bit much for a greeting.”
“More than a bit,” I say, but there’s a hint of a smile tugging at my lips.
Daniel’s eyes, so like my own, search my face. “Those rumors in the tabloids are not true. There was no baby. It was all a setup. Jett explained everything.”
“But the things people are saying in the tabloids… “ I swallow hard, a tear sliding down my cheek. “How can you be sure?”
“Because I know Jett. He isn’t perfect, but he’s loyal to a fault, and he’s never lied to me. Not once in all these years.”
The sincerity in Daniel’s eyes, the conviction in his voice, melt my resolve. I manage a watery smile, swiping at my damp cheeks. “So, what are you saying?”
Daniel pulls me into a hug, his solid warmth comforting. “I’ve never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at you. Like you hung the damn moon.”
I cling to him, the knot in my chest loosening. “Thank you. For understanding, for being there.”
Daniel chuckles, ruffling my hair like when we were kids. “That’s what big brothers are for.”
I blink back tears as Daniel’s words settle in my heart. The knot in my chest loosens, clarity replacing the storm of confusion. A profound sense of relief washes over me, but it’s quickly replaced by a new urgency.
I need to find Jett. I need to hear his side of the story.
“Where is he?” I ask, still wrapped in my brother’s comforting embrace.
Daniel pulls back, his brow furrowing slightly. “He left a while ago. Said he needed some air. I don’t know where he went.”
“I have to go,” I say, standing up abruptly. “Can I borrow your car?”
“I thought you might say that.” He reaches into his pocket, pulling out a set of keys. “Take the Mustang.”
I blink, confused. “But isn’t that Jett’s car?”
Daniel’s smile widens. “Not anymore.”
