Page 104 of She’s Worth the Risk

“Good,” Gran says, “because I already told her yes.”

I laugh. “I’m glad.” I squeeze her arm. “And thank you for the dress. It was too generous.”

Gran chuckles, glancing around for the register. “I suppose we should pay for it before we leave.”

I sigh, tightening my grip on the shopping bag. “We already did, Gran.”

It’s surreal to be on the Brooklyn Heights Promenade with Nick on Sunday afternoon. Not only to be out in public with him, even if we do have to be discreet, but to be included in Marcus’s wedding, like I’m a part of the family.

Like I’m a part of Nick’s life.

I sneak a glance at him as we stand on the Promenade, waiting for Marcus and Priya to exchange their vows. He’s looking extra fine today, in a navy-blue blazer over a crisp white dress shirt and dark jeans, his scruff groomed and tidy, sunlight glinting off his glasses. I catch a hint of his cologne on the breeze, that clean, masculine scent that’s so familiar to me, and my heart swells behind my breastbone. It’s an effort not to step closer, not to bury my nose in his chest and breathe him in.

He’s struggling too. I’ve noticed his eyes roving over my dress, his face intense with want. More than once I’ve caught him wrestling his gaze away with an agonized expression, and it makes me giddy.

The officiant gathers the few of us together—me and Nick, a few of the guys I recognize from the bar that night Nick was out, and a couple of women. All people, Nick assured me, who wouldn’t know we’re connected through the university, and wouldn’t care if they did.

But that doesn’t mean we can be careless. We’re still in public, where anyone could see us. I’m still his student.

And this could still cost him everything.

I sigh, pushing the thoughts away as we gather close, Marcus waiting with the officiant by the railing, the city in the distance. I’ve always loved the Promenade. Set on a bluff along the edge of Brooklyn Heights, it looks directly over the East River to lower Manhattan. The weather is beautiful, a little crisp with that first hint of fall in the air, the water shimmering in the sun. It’s not too busy, only a few tourists nearby, a couple jogging past, and they all seem respectful enough to give our party space.

The photographer hovers closely, catching shots of Priya as she approaches in her wedding dress. I watch as Marcus’s eyes mist at the sight of her, Nick’s hand brushing mine. It sends a wave of awareness through me, every nerve ending in my body sparking to life, and I ball my hand into a fist so I don’t reach for him.

But when it comes time for Marcus and Priya to say I do, Nick’s hand slides into mine and squeezes. My heart squeezes in response, and I glance at him, emotion stinging my throat. I think of my friends and their partners, in the open, wishing we could have that. Could explore the city without looking over our shoulders. Go to dinner or a movie. Just be together, for real.

Something sad swims in his eyes as he gazes at me, and I know he’s thinking the same thing. We both want this to be more. His thumb strokes across the back of my hand, soft and gentle. Soothing. His way of saying, We’ll figure it out somehow.

I desperately want to believe him.

The ceremony wraps up, and Marcus pulls out a couple bottles of champagne, popping them quietly and pouring them into paper cups. Nick points out that there are No Open Container Laws, and Marcus waves him off with a good-natured laugh.

“It’s my wedding,” he tells his brother, unable to quell the massive grin on his face. “Live a little.”

Nick gives me a look that’s somehow both shocked and amused. “I don’t even recognize this guy anymore,” he mutters, but he’s laughing as he takes the cup from Marcus’s hand.

The photographer gets candid shots of us milling about on the Promenade, then settles in for a more formal shoot, beginning with the couple. Nick and I lean on the railing and watch, sipping from our paper cups.

“The ceremony was beautiful,” I say, and Nick nods.

“It was.” His gaze returns to me. “As are you.” His finger brushes my arm, sending goosebumps across my skin. “That dress is stunning, honey. It’s been almost impossible to keep my hands off you.”

I huff a laugh, glancing down at my décolletage. Thankfully, the strapless bra did the trick, and as I look up to find Nick’s eyes moving hungrily across my exposed skin, I can tell he appreciates it.

I drop my voice, just for him. “In an hour, you won’t have to.”

“Fuck.” His eyes darken, and he leans in to bite me on the shoulder. His teeth graze my skin, tongue soft and warm, before he catches himself. With a tortured groan, he draws away, attempting to pull himself together. I can’t help but laugh. He gives me the biggest, goofiest smile, and my heart dances.

This man. The way he’s completely opened up to me. Completely let me in. He had so many walls up when we met, but now they’re gone. It wasn’t easy for him, but he let them down.

For me.

My chest is full as I gaze at him. I never knew it was possible to feel this close to someone. I’ve never had the chance, or rather, never given myself the chance. Never let myself stick around long enough to find out. Or maybe, I’ve never met anyone worth sticking around for.

But with Nick… it’s the first time I’ve ever felt like I want to stay.

The photographer motions for Nick to join Marcus for a few shots, and he reluctantly drags himself away from me. After that, he gets caught up in a conversation with some of the guys, and Marcus wanders over to speak to me, his eyes bright and shining.