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I couldn’t argue. At eighteen, it would have rocked my world, too.
Thankfully, the funeral march went off on Clio’s phone and the girl rushes away to answer it, leaving me to stand at the porch railings alone and watch my parents sway to some sultry jazz number.
Oz and I make eye contact, and I offer him the smallest grin, feeling pretty terrible about causing so much chaos on his big day. Sometimes, my temper gets the better of me and it doesn’t always end well.
“Hey, dimples.”
I glance up and my heart leaps in my chest as Rhys moves towards me, big and powerful. His hair tossed by the wind and his eyes fixed only on me.
“Hey stranger,” I say, resisting the urge to step into his chest and let him hold me.
He takes the piece of railing next to me, just close enough to bump my shoulder with his and I am immediately enveloped by his warmth.
“What do you say we blow this popsicle stand? I want to show you something.”
I peer up into his face, into his gorgeous eyes and heart-breaking smile. A rogue lock of hair tumbles over his brow and I’m helpless to stop my fingers from reaching up and brushing it back.
“I’ll go anywhere with you,” I tell him quietly.
The teasing glimmer of amusement darkens, sharpens to a fine point of need so serrated, I’m not capable of thought when he captures my hand and holds it. His callus thumb rubs myknuckles. Traces a circle across my palm. Sends electric currents up my arm before he frees me.
“Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?” At my subtle head shake, he reaches up and captures a lock of my hair caught on a breeze and brushes it back. “You took my breath away coming down those steps, Addie.”
My heart skips in my chest. My lungs hitch. It’s such a simple statement, but the way he stares into my soul ... the way his voice deepens to a husky drawl when he practically growls my name...
“Rhys...”
“Hey, you two.”
Mom and Oz are moving towards us, and I quickly struggle to school my features and straighten away from Rhys. My very soul is trembling, and I can’t bring myself to meet Mom’s eye when she approaches.
“Why are you guys just standing all the way over here?” Mom asks.
Rhys offers the briefest little shrug. “Just talking.”
The pair exchange glances. Mom touches Oz’s arm gently as if in support and he takes a breath.
“I owe all three of you an apology. Rhys tried to tell me that Iris was overstepping boundaries, but I didn’t give it the attention it deserved. She’s my sister. I know she’s abrupt and brash, and opinionated. She always has been, but that does not excuse her behavior towards my family. Ten years is ... inexcusable. The fact that you thought you ever had to put up with anyone disrespecting you to keep me happy...” He touches Mom’s face with such a loving skim of his fingers, I almost sigh. “Never. Absolutely never. I don’t care who it is. No one is ever allowed to hurt you. You three are my world. I would die to protect you. I’m sorry I failed you.”
“No!” Mom cries. “That isn’t true.”
Oz put a hand up. “I have ten years to make up for and I hope you will give me the chance.”
“If you forgive me for ruining your anniversary dinner and calling your sister a few choice names, we can call it even,” I offer.
Oz chuckles. “It wasn’t the best time, I won’t deny it, but you were standing up for your mother, a job that should have been mine. I’m proud of you.”
I’m trying hard not to grin at the praise.
“Just keep her away from me,” Rhys requests. “You might be forgiving, but I’m not. I don’t want her anywhere near Addie ... and Paloma,” he adds quickly, and I have to bite the inside of my cheek.
Oz inhales deep and gives a slow nod. “I will be having a very long discussion with Iris once the party is over and things settle down. I will be very clear that she is not welcome in this house if her behavior doesn’t improve and that she owes each of you an apology. You especially, my love.”
Mom immediately starts shaking her head. “I really don’t feel—”
“It will be done,” Oz insists, cutting her off. “I will not accept anything less if she wants to continue to stay in my life.”
Mom sighs heavily but doesn’t argue. Her green eyes move to my face, then shifts over to Rhys’s. “Thank you both for protecting me. I’m grateful.”
