That’s my family. I knew they’d welcome her in as one of her own.
It makes me excited to think she’ll stay; it also scares the living fuck out of me.
I want Elle. But I don’t want to blow it with her. And I have the distinct notion I most undoubtedly will. Then what would happen? What would the family do? She’s made the choice to be here; she needs a family. And they’ll give her all the love in the world.
If I make a move and kiss her and she slams on the brakes, it may not be the worst thing. We’re both intelligent adults; we could move on and still work together. I’d at least know she wasn’t attracted to me.
If we hook up once or twice but she wants nothing more, maybe that would be okay. I might be able to get her out of my system. Have closure for this hurricane of emotions I feel toward her. Then we could let it go. And there wouldn’t be too much awkwardness… we’d find a normal and be okay around each other.
But…
What if things got real? I mean, really real?
What if we could have the whole thing: the full-on relationship, maybe even live together?
Holy Christ! I’ve never thought this way about a woman. Never. And I feel like an absolute fucking ass for even thinking it! We’re still in the get-to-know-you phase. We’re just out of the she-doesn’t-hate-you-anymore phase.
And yet, I can imagine it so clearly, so perfectly. And honestly, I don’t think I want anything less with Elle. Someday, I’d want the whole picture. And I don’t know if I could risk starting something up with her if it isn’t going to end up that way.
“CONNOR!” Talon’s voice intermixes with the group as they shout my name. And then his voice rises above the rest. “Come toast with us!”
I join them and Chase shoves a champagne flute into my hand.
“Lead it,” Liam tells Talon. Quinn leans her head on his shoulder. She lifts her glass in her left hand while she balances their beautiful two-year old daughter, Cleo, on her opposite hip.
“Where’s Ryder?” Josh scans the group.
“I’m right here,” he calls, trying to break through the back half of the crowd while holding hands with his wife, Rachel.
“Holy shit, man! It’s so good to have you home!” Josh pulls him into a one-armed bear hug.
“I didn’t think he was going to make it in time,” Reese jeers with an elbow to Ryder’s ribs.
“A SEAL always comes through.”
Quinn, Rachel and Sophie all hug. Quinn and Sophie quickly introduce Elle.
Chase introduces his date, “Everyone, this is Delilah Many Horses.” Everyone chatters at her at once, shaking her hand. She’s lovely with long, black hair and big dark eyes. And she’s petite, especially compared to Chase’s height. I’m wondering if she’s the Chippewa Chief’s daughter Chase was trying to get to come with him “as a friend.” I’ll have to glean that info later.
“I can’t believe our Adrienne is all grown up.” Liam pretends to cry.
We all look over to the table where they’re still receiving guests in a line like the queens they are.
“It was one of the most beautiful ceremonies I’ve ever seen,” Elle says, and everyone agrees.
“It’s amazing to have everyone here in one place.” Cade smiles at us.
“Yeah, and not fighting or punching each other or anyone else,” Debra puts in.
Reese laughs. “I can fix that if you’d like, Mom.”
Liam puts his huge hand over Reese’s face and shoves him backward.
“Yeah, little brother.” Colt takes a step toward Cade. “But by the end of the night, we’ll probably have brought the roof down.”
Sam and Will, Colt’s twins, say in unison, “Just a matter of time.”
Livie, Jake North’s wife, passes their almost-four-year-old son Lucas into Jake’s arms to bend for a hug and kiss from Charlie. “You were such an exquisite flower girl!
“Thank you Auntie Livie!”
“And your dress is so pretty!” Jules North-Morrisey, Colt and Suzanne’s only daughter and Nate Morrissey’s wife, tells Charlie as she and their own three-year-old daughter, Emma scoot away to play hand in hand.
“Can I go play with Emma and Charlie?” Lucas asks.
“Go catch up with them.” Jake sets him on the floor and he takes off running.
“So, the two of you are sisters-in-law, but were best friends before that?” Elle asks Jules and Livie, making sure she’s getting the story straight.
“That’s correct.”
“The children are the same age?”
“Yeah, we got to be pregnant at the same time,” Jules explains keeping a watchful eye on the little ones. “Their birthdays are only a couple months apart.”
“That’s so sweet.” Elle smiles watching them play.
Jules says brightly. “I love your dress, Elle!”
“Thanks!”
Caleb North, Colt’s oldest son interrupts loudly. “Since we’re all in one place—which doesn’t happen very often—I have an important announcement to make,” “Piper and I are engaged!” He hoists her hand in the air for everyone to see the ring, like she’s the greatest prize of his life.
Piper beams and everyone showers the couple with congratulations.
Soon everyone’s sharing updates and reminiscing. Voices and stories jumble together, and although I’m in the center of them all, I somehow feel as if I’m detached and floating above it. Guess that’s because I’m not really listening. I’m too busy exchanging flirty, knowing glances with Elle and wondering how I can get her alone.
“We still have to do that toast,” Talon interjects. “And the DJ is going to start up soon. Liam, Josh? Want to go get the brides?”
“Definitely!” Liam and Josh move out toward the girls.
“I’ll take care of the music!” Sam jogs toward the DJ.
“Give me one sec to get the projector going!” Chase darts off.
I casually slip over beside Elle. “Having fun?”
“Oh my God! This is the most fun I’ve had since I can remember,” she gushes. “Thank you so much for making me your plus one. Everyone is so nice. I never even had the chance to feel like an outsider, they’re so accepting and open.”
“That’s the family,” I agree. Seeing the brothers are nearly set up, I add, “You’re going to like this; watch what we set up for the girls. Liam and Talon did the artwork and Chase put together the graphics.”
Talon stands in the middle of the ballroom dance floor and taps a fork against his glass; the sound projects through the stand-up microphone. “May I have everyone’s attention please? We’d like to honor the brides with a toast, two special songs and some celebratory dancing.”
Talon begins the toast. “I speak also for my extended family. When we first met Adrienne and Gwen over a decade ago, we never imagined they would become the sisters they are to us today. They’ve filled the lives of their family and friends with joy and beauty and have touched the world around them with their kindness and compassion. No wonder the universe brought them together. Many of us have been lucky enough to witness their deep and unending love. A love that is timeless and eternal. Let us wish them every blessing the universe and world can bestow upon them. Cheers.”
Everyone lifts their glasses.
Talon then nods to Sam, who instructs the DJ to spin “Hava Nagila,” honoring Adrienne’s Jewish heritage.
Adrienne squeals with delight as Josh and Liam hoist her chair in the air, as Ryder and Reese lift Gwen’s. As they make their way to the middle of the dance floor, we all pour out in a circle and dance around them. The brides reach for each other, but the guys pull back each time they’re within arm’s reach.
Elle is full of smiles and happiness, and I’m so glad I was able to bring some into her life.
Soon the chorus ends, but the girls are still in the air as Sam steps up and shouts into the mic, “For the bride’s pleasure!” and wails on his electric guitar at the same time Chase turns on the projector.
Both girls start screaming. They’re now able to grab hold of each other’s hands as Sam sings the old Archie’s song, “Sugar Sugar.” The 1969 animated video plays behind them on the ballroom wall.
We all back up a bit to watch the show and I lean to Elle. “They’re totally into Betty Cooper and Veronica Lodge—both from the old cartoon and the revamped versions in Riverdale. Adrienne has Veronica tatted on her right arm for Gwen, and Gwen has Betty tatted on her right arm for Adrienne.
“Oh God, that’s so romantic!”
Sam’s voice is amazing. At the end of the video, a full color modern-animated still comes up, featuring Betty and Veronica—complete with each of the bride’s actual tattoos—kissing one another.
The entire room explodes in shouts and applause as the girls cry and laugh. They’re lowered to hug each other and the brothers around them, especially Liam and Talon, who made the artwork happen. As a gift, the two brothers present them with a framed rendition of the animated picture. It’s fucking gorgeous. And they love it.
A few moments later, as the hype calms, the DJ announces, “Now for the brides’ first slow dance as a couple.”
The Beatles’ “I Love Her” plays, and the two embrace. Everyone watches then returns to their tables.
“Talon that was incredible!” I marvel as Elle and I sit across from him and—
“Ms. Lo.” I extend my hand to the famous recording artist and watch Elle’s eyes grow as she figures out who is at the table. “It’s extraordinary to meet you.” There are other celebrities here as well, but not at our humble table.
“Thank you, and please, call me Tove,” she says with a smile.
Introductions go all around before I ask Elle, “Would you like a drink?”
“Yes, please. That would be great.”
“Anything particular?”
“Coconut rum and pineapple juice with ice.”
“I’ll be back in just a minute then.”
I leave her in good hands with Talon. Of course, I’d like her in my hands better, I think jokingly.
The bar is busy, but I make my way through the line and order two drinks. When I get back to the table, Talon is sitting by himself.
“Where’s Elle?” I set the drinks on the table.
“About that.” He nods his head toward the dance floor, where Reese and Elle are embraced in a slow dance.
“I’m going to fucking kill him!”
Talon laughs a little. “Just so you know, when he asked her, she told him she was waiting for you. Then he gave her this smooth line like, ‘Connor won’t mind, in fact he’d want us to get to know each other better.’”
“Son of a bitch.” I force myself to sit down as I swig my drink.
“I don’t think the correct protocol for getting your girl back is to sit on your ass.”
“She’s not my girl, Tal.” That came out harsher than I’d meant.
“Oh, I think she is, or rather could be.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Man, come on. The way she looks at you alone is telltale enough.”
“You think so? The way she looks at me?” I say skeptically.
“What’s wrong with you right now?” He looks both mildly annoyed and mildly amused. He really does like to give advice. “You know as well as I do that the universe brought her here. I know the entire story. As if you could keep something as juicy as that history and reunion under wraps.”
“Cade.”
“Yeah,” he articulates in a like duh tone.
I watch her out there with Reese’s arms around her. My adrenaline spikes, my hands shake, and I don’t trust myself.
“She works for Cade now. She belongs here, with the family, at The Core and in North House. Jesus, Talon. What if I fuck everything up? Because I’m pretty fucking sure I’m going to.”
“So, what if you do? But… what if you don’t?”
I shoot him a crazy-eyed look. “What does that even mean?”
“What’s the worst that can happen?”
“Um, she could want to quit her job and leave because of me.”
“Or she could want to stay even more because of you.”
That gets my attention. I set down my drink as my eyes shift from Elle and Reese over to Talon.
“Yeah, you might fuck it all up. But… what if you don’t?”
What if you don’t? “What are you saying, Tal?”
“I’m saying that to experience the greatest things in life, we often have to take the greatest risks.
He pauses then continues, “Could you imagine not taking that risk? Seriously, Con, you’re one of the bravest risk takers I know—and you have a lot of competition for that title. Elle just might be the greatest gift of your life.” He looks toward Elle dancing with Reese. “But if you sit here on your ass, you may never find out what could’ve been. Could you live with yourself then? How would that regret taste a year from now? Or even after this dance is over?”
I’m up like a shot.
Standing behind him, I tap Reese’s shoulder.
His back heaves with a deep, disappointed sigh. “I wondered how long it was going to take you.”
“Yeah, I’m sure.”
He turns and flashes me his best feigning-innocence smile before he bows his head to Elle. “Thank you for the dance.” Reese walks away, and it’s just the two of us.
I take her in my arms and for this moment, she’s mine.
And I know this is the way it’s supposed to be. Elle Hayes is in my arms. I relish in it.
Her dress is open-backed so I set my hand on her hip. Safe. Fabric barrier. We sway to the music, and I don’t want the song to end, but it’s already halfway through. I decide to be grateful for the time I have with her.
When the song finishes, the next one starts right after: Paramore’s “The Only Exception.” She doesn’t step away, but instead looks into my eyes, hers wide and soft as she whispers, “Another?”
Huskily, I answer, “I’d like that.”
In a moment, Elle takes a deep breath and a tentative step closer to me. I stand strong, present, ready to take what she’s willing to give. She drops her head to rest on my chest. I close my eyes, overcome with the sensation. Not able to resist the temptation any longer, I slide my hand onto the middle of her back; the feel of her silky, bare skin against my hand is almost too much, unbearable and perfect.
I can’t help myself, I pull her in even closer to me until her body is pressed against mine. We’re so close, I measure her breaths with my own. She’s so soft and warm against me.
She doesn’t move away, instead she folds into me. As the music plays, everything around us fades. There is no one else here. We’re alone. No couples, no wedding, just me and her.
The moment rises inside me and I breathe-sing the song over her ear, wanting her to know how I feel, and this song says it most eloquently.
“I always swore that I… would never sing of love, if does not exist… but darling, you are the only exception.”
Elle settles in, wrapping her arms around my shoulders as her fingers twine at the back of my neck and into my hairline. Her touch sends fireworks shooting up and down my spine.
A soft moan rips through my chest and escapes my throat.
I think I feel her smile against me.
Then she sings the final line: “… and I’m on my way to believing.”
Elle
BETWEEN THE FEAR and desire, a chill takes hold of me and racks through my entire body.
“Are you cold?” Connor peers at me with concern.
“I don’t think so,” I whisper, feeling a bit self-conscious.
Suddenly, Connor’s tux coat is snugly around my shoulders. My body and soul feel completely wrapped up and surrounded in him, in every way.
A sound bite of “Cake by the Ocean” comes blasting through the sound system as an attendant wheels out the bride’s cake. It literally looks like the cake has been tattooed! The artwork is stunning.
“That’s Liam’s work, isn’t it?” I’m pretty sure I can recognize it now.
Connor smiles at me. “Yes, it is. How can you tell?”
“I’ve seen your arms enough.” Oh snap! How did I say that out loud?!
I wish I wasn’t blushing, but I feel the heat rise. Might as well jump all in while trying to regain my composure. “I’m figuring your canvas is split between his and Talon’s art.”
“I’d have to say you’re right. And that I’m impressed.”
I wonder if he really means turned on. That’s what’s in his eyes. Or maybe I’m simply reading there what I’m feeling myself.
Sara Bareilles’ “I Choose You” plays during the cake cutting, and the ceremony is sweet and romantic. They don’t smash the cake in each other’s faces, but carefully feed it to one another.
The next song is Beyoncé’s “Crazy in Love,” and before I know it, the North and Ink and Steel girls are pulling me away from Connor and dragging me to the dance floor!
I go through their names in my mind making sure I remember them all: Quinn is a businesswoman, practically a sister to Connor, and Liam’s wife. Jules and Livie are best friends; Jules is a bestselling author, while Livie is CEO of her and Jake’s adventure sports business and curates a local art gallery. Sophie is mom to Charlie, masseuse and pancake-Josh’s wife. Rachel designs jewelry and is hitched with Ryder… Musician-Sam’s girl is Kate, who is a professional surfer. And Piper and Caleb are newly engaged. Wow!
We’re jumping and dancing and I’m having a blast. In a moment, Adrienne and Gwen dance into our group, and soon we’re commandeering the entire dance floor! We all put on our best moves and just have fun.
The night is incredible.
Connor rolls up the sleeves of his white silk shirt, and the black vest accentuates his beefy arms and chest. He’s perfection in a tux: colorful tattoos, piercings, delirious hotness, delicious muscles upon muscles and the biggest heart of any guy I’ve ever known. This is my favorite look on him. He looks like he just stepped off the cover of GQ Magazine. But he’s earthy and has all the heart, soul and brains to match all the brawn.
Risk: An Enemies to Lovers, Second Chance Romance Standalone (Brothers of Ink and Steel) Page 19