AllFreeNovel
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I’m standing in the kitchen, eating a bowl of cereal, when the front door to the apartment opens. Madison steps across the threshold with a garment bag folded over one forearm, closing the door behind her. She’s been out most of the day with my sister since she and Chase are still in town until tomorrow.
Things seemed to be fine among our group of friends after our revelation last night at the concert. By the end of the evening, everyone appeared to accept my arm around Mads’s shoulders and hers around my waist. I wouldn’t have given a shit if they hadn’t, but I know Oakley’s opinion in particular matters to Madison. And deep down, my sister being on board matters to me too. Way deep down. The disapproval wouldn’t have stopped me, but it’s still less complicated to have her on board.
“What’s that?” I ask around a mouthful of food.
“My mom sent a bridesmaid dress to me last week. Oakley went with me to get it altered this morning,” she explains.
“Don’t you usually leave the dress there?”
She tilts her head, looking at me like I’m a clueless child. When it comes to stuff like this, I probably am.
“I did leave the dress there. This is just the garment bag.”
“Got it,” I say, taking my last bite of cereal and milk before dumping the excess into the garbage disposal. I’m planning to eat dinner later, but I am hungry now. I’m always hungry, and I need the calories for fuel. I wash the bowl out and then place it inside the dishwasher. “So, is it the dress you hate or the thought of being a bridesmaid?”
We haven’t talked much about her mother’s upcoming wedding, but I know it bothers her. And she has a sour look on her face right now.
“The dress is actually not bad. If there’s one thing I can say about Celeste, she has good style. It’s the rest of her life choices that I question.” She sighs and climbs onto the stool at the counter. “I’m dreading this entire wedding. It’s a spectacle.”
“Maybe this guy won’t be so bad,” I say, trying to be optimistic for her. She still hasn’t met him. “Maybe this one will stick.”
She gives me a disbelieving look.
“Okay”—I chuckle—“maybe not.”
I walk around the island until I’m standing right in front of her. She rises to her feet and stands, sliding her arms around my neck as my hands find her hips, and I pull her into my chest in a move that’s quickly becoming familiar.
“When is the wedding again?”
“The first weekend in August,” she answers, her voice muffled against my shirt. “They’re having it back home at a park.”
“That could be nice.”
She sighs again, telling me she doesn’t agree.
“Would it make it any easier if I were there?” I offer.
She pulls away enough so she can look up at me. “You’d go with me? As my date?”
“Of course I would.”
“Really?”
I hadn’t considered going until just this moment. But I can tell Mads needs the support. I’m sure my sister will be there and Chase. I should be there for her too. And I won’t leave for training camp until later in the month.
I nod, leaning down to kiss the tip of her nose. Her blonde locks are loose around her shoulders, and she’s casually dressed. She’s got that sexy-cute combination going for her right now.
“Really.”
“I would love to have you there. It might even make that day bearable for me.”
She lifts on her tiptoes and kisses me firmly. She tastes like coffee and cinnamon. A rumble emerges from deep inside my chest when our tongues tangle.
“Well then, I’ll be there,” I promise when we pull back.
She has no idea that I’d promise her just about anything right now.
When our arms drop and she steps away, I smack her ass. She squeals, smirking over her shoulder at me. My gaze is focused on the plump curve of her ass in those shorts as she slides out of her sandals, leaving them next to the couch in a spot that’s becoming more hers every day. All thoughts of the wedding vanish as my body starts to heat.
