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)
“I need to stay for the family photos,” Lauren said, turning to him as guests filed out of the pews and exited the church. “You’re welcome to head to the reception with everyone else so you’re not bored to tears here, and I can meet you there, if you’d like?”
He shook his head, because he knew that just watching her do anything would never bore him. “No, I’ll stay and wait for you.”
A soft, appreciative smile curved her pink-tinted lips. “Such an attentive boyfriend,” she whispered in a teasing voice, and brushed a light kiss across his cheek before she followed her parents and Gramps up to the altar.
The bride and groom returned shortly after, and Chase sat back down and watched as Lauren and Ashley exchanged a genuine hug and smiles. Greg was off to the side talking to an older gentleman who looked to be his father, so Lauren wasn’t put in the position to have to converse with her ex for the time being.
While things were repaired with Ashley, Chase had no idea if the other man planned to follow suit and apologize to Lauren, as well. But Chase decided if Greg had any integrity at all, he’d fucking man up and express regret for his part in hurting Lauren.
For the duration of the photo session she and Greg never interacted, but Lauren was all smiles as the photographer took what seemed like endless amounts of pictures.
When Ashley’s side of the family was finished, Lauren headed back to Chase and announced they were free to go. They drove his car to the reception and found a place to sit inside the venue, and it wasn’t long before they were joined by her parents and Gramps, and then the bride and groom arrived, as well.
A delicious meal was served, speeches were made, and after dinner was finished, Ashley and Greg made their way around the room to greet their guests. Lauren and Chase had just stood from their table when the bride and groom approached. He slid his hand into Lauren’s in a show of solidarity, and prepared to meet them for the first time.
Ashley’s smile was sweet and kind, but Greg seemed uncomfortable in Lauren’s presence. Tough shit, Chase thought.
“I wanted to make sure that we had a chance to meet Lauren’s boyfriend before the evening gets too crazy,” Ashley said, and extended her hand to him, which he gently shook. “It’s so good to meet you.”
“Pleasure to meet you as well,” he replied in a warm, cordial tone.
“And this is Greg.” Ashley smiled at her husband, as if to encourage him to do the polite thing and acknowledge their guest, as well.
Greg pulled back his shoulders as he reluctantly offered his hand. “Chase, right?”
“Yes.” Chase didn’t hesitate to clasp the other man’s hand in a firm, tight grip. Maybe too tight and assertive, he thought, watching the way Greg winced—not that he gave a damn. “Congratulations to you both.”
“Thank you,” Ashley said, looping her arm through Greg’s when Chase finally released his hand. “I hope you and Lauren have a nice evening.”
The duo moved on, and as soon as they were out of hearing distance, the cutest little giggle escaped Lauren. He glanced at her, realizing she’d already consumed two glasses of champagne, which probably accounted for her giddy mood.
“What?” he asked, wondering what had her so amused.
“I think you gripped Greg’s hand a little too hard, being all dominant and alpha with him,” she said, stepping up to him and sliding her arms around his neck, not caring who saw them. “Which, admittedly, I found kind of hot.”
“You saw that, did you?” He smirked, wrapping his own hands around her waist and enjoying the warmth of her body aligned with his. “He needs to up his handshake game. It was a little too soft.”
She gave him a sultry look that made his dick twitch in his slacks, as did the way she pressed one hand to his chest then slowly stroked downward. “Well, we know there’s nothing soft about you,” she said huskily.
He groaned at her brazen display and grabbed her wrist before those fingers traveled into inappropriate territory. “You’re a little tipsy.”
She tossed her head back and laughed, not denying his claim, then grinned at him. “Let’s go take some silly pictures in the photo booth.”
Doing something so frivolous wasn’t his thing, and while he’d normally refuse, he found he didn’t want to disappoint her. Then again, the way she grabbed his hand and dragged him over to the booth didn’t give him much of an option, either.
As they waited their turn to sit inside the cubicle, she selected a few props and sayings attached to a stick from the side table. By the time they made it to the front of the line, she had a handful of accessories.