Page 66 of Seein’ Red

“Ten at bare minimum. Maybe even twelve.”

The corner of her mouth twitches, betraying the seriousness in her tone. My own goofy grin takes over, unable to stay hidden. I’ve waited so long to be like this with her again. To be back to the same light banter of two friends teasing each other.

“Well, by my count, it’s been right about twelve, maybe just under.”

“Nash, you left my place at nine forty-five this morning. It’s four fifteen. I know you didn’t pay attention in Mrs. Chamberlain’s class, but even that is math you can do.”

“Years, not hours, baby.” I step into her, hand grabbing her waist and drawing her body flush with mine. I can feel the shudder run through her as our bodies meet, her pulse no doubt skipping the same way mine is. “Years.”

“Years?”

I nod slowly, letting the moment sink in. Allowing her the space she needs to understand what I’m trying to say. Thankfully, she picks up on it quickly, muscles relaxing as she leans into me.

“I’ve missed you too. And I hate that we lost all that time.”

“We didn’t lose all of it. We’ve had some good moments there. And plenty of good orgasms.”

“Shhh!” Willa scolds, cheeks pinkening even more, head swiveling to make sure no one is paying attention to us. I know they aren’t, because I can still hear the argument over who is going to be best man waging around us. “We’re in church.”

“Pretty sure God knows what we’ve been up to. You tend to scream his name a bunch when I'm inside you.”

“Nash Keller!” Her hiss is barely audible, but plenty loud as she pushes me away. If looks could kill, I’d be dead where I stand. But damn, is she hot when she looks at me like that. “I am going to kill you.”

“If you’re gonna sin in church, we should pick a different one,” I taunt, enjoying getting a rise out of her. I’m sure she’ll make me pay for it later, but that’s always been half the fun. Even better now that we’re on good terms. “And I’ve got just the one in mind. In fact, I've always wondered if two people would fit in the nursing mother’s room.”

“Only you…”

"There’s always the old armory. I bet that room has seen plenty of⁠—”

“I’m doing both,” Ken states, pushing up from the pew he’s sitting in, not only interrupting my thought, but putting the matter to rest. “I’m giving Kenzie away and acting as best man. Try and stop me.”

Kenzie beams, her eyes going glassy with tears. “Dad…”

“Try and stop me was not a challenge, MacKenzie. Reverend, let’s get a move on. I’m hungry.”

“Okay then.” Turning to the sheet in his hand, Reverend Terry scans it, making sure he has the order right to make adjustments. “So, lining up from back to front will be Ken and Kenzie, then Moira, who will proceed unescorted, then Noel and Willa, and Nash and Sylvie.”

“What?” I exclaim, turning to face the group.

It takes a second for my brain to catch up, but I run through the order of people again. Willa is paired with Noel. Which makes sense, I guess. Up until last night, a good portion of this room was under the impression that Willa and I hated each other. Hell, for all I know a good portion of this room is still under that impression. I don’t actually know what Dustin and Camden told the girls last night.

Either way, that’s not how things are going down.

“We’re mixing it up again.”

Reverend Terry throws his hands up in exasperation. I feel for you, Reverend, but I’m not cutting you any slack either. This is my chance for a fresh start to show Willa that I mean business. And it starts now.

“If I’m walking down this aisle, I’m doing it with one person, and one person only.”

I squeeze Willa’s hand again, turning to her and stealing a kiss. Her giggle almost drowns out the gasp from up front—from I assume Moira—but not quite.

“Noel, you’re with Sylvie,” I continue. “Just decide if Willa and I are in front or behind you.”

“Nash…” Willa hisses, looking around.

“You wanted a fresh start. Well, that starts now, beautiful.” I pull her into me, staring into her gorgeous blue eyes, having to force myself not to get lost in them. Lowering my voice, I give her a conspiratorial smile. “Guys already know. I’d bet good money you let the girls in on it too.” She nods, a guilty-as-charged grin tugging at the corner of her lips. “We don’t have to tell the rest of the world about that, but from here on out, you’re mine. Because I mean it, if I’m walking down this aisle, I’m doing it with one person, and one person only. You.”

Willa blushes, but there’s no hiding the excitement in her eyes, letting me know that I’m on the right track.