Page 126 of Our Chaotic Love Affair

“The car’s waiting,” Austin said, still grinning. “Hayes and the others are already inside. We’ll talk later. I should remind you her best friend is my very pregnant, very sensitive and extremely important soon-to-be-wife. If you fuck with her, you fuck with Melody, and by association, you fuck with me. Do not make me kick your ass.”

“As if you could,” I retorted.

“Trust me, I would for my bride.”

I ignored the threat and headed out to the limo to join the rest of my brothers. I put on my sunglasses to hide what I knew were dark circles advertising my lack of sleep. I wasn’t interested in an interrogation.

CHAPTER 40

CLEO

Imade it downstairs with approximately thirty seconds to spare. The living room had been transformed into a spa. Manicure stations had been set up by the windows, pedicure chairs sat in a row, and the table was covered with mimosas, coffee, and a huge assortment of pastries, fresh fruit, and little treats. The bridesmaids were already there, mimosas in hand despite the early hour, chattering excitedly.

Melody spotted me. “There you are! I was about to send a search party.”

“Sorry, I overslept. I was up late.”

“With my fiancé’s brother?” Melody raised an eyebrow, her voice low enough that only I could hear.

My face went hot. “What? No! I⁠—”

“Relax.” She squeezed my arm, grinning. “I’m just messing with you. Though you might want to fix your hair before anyone else notices.”

I patted my hair self-consciously. Great. Sex hair at a bridal spa morning.

“Come on.” Melody put her hand gently on my shoulder. “The manicurists are waiting.”

I settled into a chair next to her, grateful for the cool cucumber water that appeared almost immediately. My head was pounding slightly from lack of sleep, and a tiny hangover.

“How are you feeling?” I asked Melody as the manicurist started working on my cuticles. “Nervous? Excited? Ready to run?”

“Strangely calm,” she said, examining the polish colors. “I thought I’d be a mess, but I just feel right. Like everything is exactly as it should be.” She selected a soft pink that would complement her bouquet. “Is that weird?”

“Not weird at all,” I assured her. “That’s how you’re supposed to feel when you’re marrying the right person.”

The morning flew by in a blur of nail polish, hair styling, and makeup. The bridesmaids were in rare form—laughing, sharing stories, making sure Melody had everything she needed. I was in full maid of honor mode, keeping track of time, ensuring everyone’s dresses were steamed, and that the photographer captured all the important moments.

But through it all, my mind kept drifting back to Cash. To his hands on my skin. His mouth on mine. The way he laughed. Kissed. Everything.

The hairdresser worked on my hair while another worked on Melody. “So what was all that noise coming from Cash’s room last night?” Melody asked quietly.

But not quietly enough.

The makeup artist’s hand froze halfway to my face. Every head in the room swiveled toward us.

“What?” I choked.

Melody shrugged innocently. “I get up to pee like six times a night now. Baby on bladder problems. Around two in the morning, I heard noises. From Cash’s room.” She took a sip of her water. “Sounded like furniture moving. Or falling. Or something.”

My face went from warm to nuclear. Every eye in the room was on me.

“I, um⁠—”

“Oh my god,” Sylvie gasped. “You and Cash?”

“No way,” another said. “Cash Bancroft? The robot?”

I closed my eyes briefly. This was not how I’d planned to start my day.