Total pages in book: 65
Estimated words: 58952 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 295(@200wpm)___ 236(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 58952 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 295(@200wpm)___ 236(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
Knowing he was right, she gathered up the box and took it with her into the bathroom. Ten minutes later she exited in the gown and heels—both a perfect fit—and the awestruck expression on Chase’s face when he saw her was everything.
“Wow.” His lips parted on a breath as he took in the way the fabric accentuated her curves, and how the slit up her left leg exposed her thigh and sparkling crystal shoes with every step she took. “You look stunningly gorgeous.”
She stopped in front of him, and feeling a bit shy from his candid praise since she was unused to such overt compliments, she needlessly fixed his tie. “Thank you.” She honestly felt like a goddess, and that wasn’t something she’d ever thought of herself as before.
“Ready to go?” he asked, holding his arm out for her to take.
Happy to have this handsome man by her side for the evening, she gave him a nod and placed her hand in the crook of his elbow. “Let’s do this.”
Chapter Thirteen
Chase walked toward the small church with Lauren on his arm, an odd sense of pride filling him when he caught the surreptitious stares cast their way from some of the other guests gathered outside. He didn’t lie when he’d told Lauren she looked stunningly gorgeous, and judging by the head-turning glances from a few of the men in the area, it only confirmed his earlier flattering remark.
“Let me introduce you to some of my family before we have to head inside,” Lauren said, and guided him toward where an elderly woman was waving them over, her gaze brimming with interest as they landed on him.
As soon as they reached the small congregation, Lauren launched into introductions, acquainting him with her aunts and uncles, numerous cousins, and friends on her side of the family. They welcomed him with friendly smiles and handshakes, complimented Lauren on how beautiful she looked, and asked how she was enjoying life in the big city.
Then, one of her aunts asked those questions everyone else was probably wondering, too, judging by the curiosity in their eyes. How long have they been dating? Where did they meet? Where did he work and did he live in New York City, too?
He held Lauren’s hand in his and took the other woman’s interrogation in stride, and since he and Lauren had rehearsed the more personal questions, the answers came easily and seemed to appease everyone.
“We need to head inside and get seated,” Lauren finally said, thankfully ending the inquisition.
They all entered the church. Since Lauren was immediate family, a groomsman ushered them to one of the front pews where her gramps was already seated. Chase shook the man’s hand and Lauren gave him a kiss on the cheek, and then they settled in beside him. A short while later her mother, Penny, joined them after lighting the candles at the altar with Greg’s mother.
The groom and his groomsmen took their places at the front, along with the bridesmaids. Light, lilting music began playing, and everyone stood up, so Chase followed suit, watching as Dale escorted his daughter down the aisle.
This was the first time Chase had ever seen Ashley, and while she was as beautiful as Lauren had said, he realized that the woman by his side was equally as radiant, and far more his type. Apparently, beauty queens didn’t do it for him, and his strong attraction to Lauren was based on more than just her pretty face. He was beguiled by her lively spirit, determination, and optimistic attitude. He was impressed by the way she didn’t take shit from him and hadn’t let his grumpy personality deter her from getting what she wanted. Not many people stood up to Chase the way she had that day she’d come storming into his office, demanding he fulfill his bachelor auction obligation.
In an incredibly short amount of time, she’d bulldozed through all his defenses. Stripped away painful, emotional layers he’d safeguarded for most of his life. She’d provoked smiles and laughter when he rarely indulged in either. She exasperated him and amused him and challenged him, and those qualities were the things he was inexorably drawn to, despite knowing this was just a temporary, fake relationship for the sake of her having a date for the weekend. Knowing they’d be parting ways tomorrow afternoon made his chest tighten and ache in a way that was completely foreign to him.
He exhaled a deep breath and refocused his attention on the bride and groom. His thoughts had drifted to the point that he realized he’d missed most of the ceremony and vows, and they’d reached the part where the minister pronounced Greg and Ashley as husband and wife. The two kissed, everyone cheered, and down the aisle they went as a newly married couple.