Page 141 of Blush Crush

“What?” His flared eyes wander the length of me. “You look like a knockout. You’re going to show up the bride and every woman in attendance.”

“You’re just saying that.” My shoulders drop a fraction. “I’ll change.” I reach back to unzip the dress when Cole’s hands land on my arms, stopping me.

“The only way you’re getting out of that dress is when I rip it off you tonight.”

I shake my head, heat clawing at my neck. “Everyone is going to be staring at me. And not in a good way.”

His gaze narrows. “Fuck, yeah, in a good way. Let them stare. Let them get an eyeful of the woman who belongs to me. I’m the lucky bastard who gets to claim you. The one who takes care of this pussy.” He smooths his fingers over my lace-clad mound through the fabric of my dress. “Who sucks on these delicious titties.” He drops a kiss to the swell of my breast. “I don’t care who looks when every inch is mine to touch. You’re the sexiest woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. They’re all going to be wondering what the fuck you’re doing with a chump like me. Trust me.”

It’s hard to argue with him when there’s that much heat in his stare. And maybe part of me does believe him. Maybe I do look good in this dress. When I tried it on I was certain it was one of the best things I’d ever put on my body, but my self-doubt loves to rear its ugly head when I need it the least.

And comparing myself to Whitney hasn’t helped. This is the woman Cole’s mother wanted him to marry. The girl he was supposedly destined for, so of course I’m feeling skeptical of myself. How am I supposed to compete with what his family always imagined for him, even if she is getting married today.

I manage to convince myself not to change—I don’t think Cole would let me anyway—and we head to Benton Winery for Whitney and Jacob’s wedding.

As soon as we arrive, I realize just how small the wedding actually is. Maybe fifty people, if that, and my stomach twists into knots.

“Remind me again why you thought I’d be the perfect fake girlfriend for this event?” I laugh shakily.

Cole threads his fingers through mine. “Well, seeing as you’re my real girlfriend, I’m not sure why the fake girlfriend part is relevant. And because you’re beautiful. And you’re funny and smart and the only person I want by my side as I survive my mother and all the people who will be judging me at this thing.”

“Maybe we should make a code word. Something to signal the other person when we need an escape.”

“I like that.” He smirks, wiggling his brows. “How about squirt?”

I tilt my head at him, fighting an eye roll. “Something we can easily work into a conversation. Squirt isn’t exactly a subtle word. How about croissant? Since you’re such a fan of them.”

He turns my hand over and places a kiss to my wrist that I feel all the way to my core, his tantalizing gaze on me as he does. “Baby, I’m a fan of everything about you. Your chocolatecroissants are delicious but nothing beats what’s between your luscious thighs.”

“Cole,” I whine, frustration blooming low in my belly. “You can’t start talking dirty to me five minutes before I’m supposed to interact with your family.”

“Why?” He chuckles, like the cocky asshole he is. “Maybe I want you a little squirmy. A little needy.”

“You’re mean.” I pout.

He tugs me in for a kiss. “But I’ll be really nice to you later.”

“Can you guys stop making out?” a voice calls to us from outside Cole’s truck.

We turn in unison and find Blake staring at us, looking every bit the little brother he is.

“I’m going to beat his ass,” Cole grumbles as he gets out and comes around to my side to help me out.

I giggle as I take notice of Blake’s mischievous smirk.

“A little privacy next time, you little shit,” Cole says. “Don’t go around lurking like a creep when I’m with my girl.”

“I wasn’t lurking,” Blake defends, barely holding in a laugh. “Mom told me to come find you two. Blame her.”

“I will,” Cole says under his breath.

“How’s it going, Ariana?” Blake comes up to me and pulls me in for an embrace.

“Hi,” I reply, my voice muffled against his big arm. He’s about the same build as Cole but slightly bulkier due to his more physical job.

“Alright, that’s enough.” Cole drags me out of his brother’s arms. “Go hug your own date.”

Blake’s brows shoot skyward. “Sierra and I don’t hug. And she’s my plus one, not my date.”