Page 25 of Reckless Love
The mood is lighter than it’s been between us in a while as we drive to the venue. Bree is a wedding coordinator, so I have no doubt tonight will be special. Seeing Amara gave me a dose of boldness that feels really good, and I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t missed being with Rhodes like this. We don’t even have to be doing anything for me to be happy.
“God, I’ve missed you,” I say before I can stop myself.
“I’ve missed you too.”
The sun is dipping lower in the sky, but I can still make out his dimples perfectly. We drive down the long path toward Moonbeam Winery and the lights are shining like a beacon once we reach the main building.
“So pretty,” I whisper.
“What do I have to do to get you to save every dance for me?” he asks.
It’s quiet when he turns off the ignition, and I turn and stare at him.
“I’m not sure that’s?—”
“Benton…” he tsks. “You called it yourself back in the day.” He holds up his finger the way he does when he’s about to quote me. “‘Dancing is our safe zone.’” His grin grows, and I roll my eyes when he continues to quote me. “‘When we dance, it’s a creative outlet only, so anything goes.’”
I press my lips together and try not to burst out laughing. Yeah, what kind of sadistic eighteen-year-old was I to make up that rule when I just wanted to dance with Rhodes Archer more than I wanted my next breath? It came in handy to have an outlet for all the sexual tension I felt for my best friend, and it also warded off plenty of unwanted attention to dance with Rhodes without worrying about any repercussions.
“I guess I could save you a dance or two,” I say.
“Admit it, once we start moving together, you’re mine for the night,” he says.
My face flames hot enough to match my dress, and I’m glad the sun finally chooses that moment to dip completely.
The wedding ceremony is beautiful.I’ve been to lots of events at Moonbeam Winery over the years, but it has never looked like this. Bree has worked her magic on this place. There are flocked trees with white lights and lit greenery inside and out, a pampas grass-lined arch, and decadent flower arrangements on the chairs at the end of every row.
My heart pounds as Bree and Alex exchange their vows. Sitting next to Rhodes after missing him so much is making me wish for things I shouldn’t. His thigh rests slightly against mine, and I breathe a sigh of relief when we make it through the wedding and head to the reception. Thearrangements are even more elaborate when we move to the dining hall and find our table.
“I’m really glad you changed your mind and came with me,” Rhodes says softly.
He’s still being careful with me and I hate it.
“I’m sorry. I realize I’m not making this easy by flip-flopping all over the place. I demand that we be careful and then I show up at your house…”
His chuckle skitters over my bare arm and I lean into his warmth.
“You think I don’t know Mama Archer is a force to be reckoned with? I should’ve gotten her on the job sooner,” he teases.
I roll my eyes and laugh.
“Over here, guys,” Penn calls. He’s at a table with Bowie, Weston, and Sadie.
“No dates tonight?” Rhodes asks Penn and Bowie.
“Nope,” Bowie says.
“No date,” Penn says, shaking his head. “I thought about letting loose a little bit with it being a bye week. But we’re finally on a winning streak again and I don’t want to mess it up. I’m not drinking tonight, not staying out too late, resting up…”
“Look at you, being such a grown-up,” Weston says. “I’m impressed.”
Penn shrugs. “Coach would ream me out tomorrow if I showed up at the meeting looking dusty. He seems to have a radar for when I’ve had too much fun.”
“You better dance with us though,” Sadie says. “All of you.” She looks at me and grins. “I was so worried you weren’t coming.”
“Bree reached out specifically to let me know that I didn’t have to worry about any guests causing trouble aboutmy job or any photos getting leaked. She’s been doing damage control behind the scenes. And after I okayed it with Lisa, I felt even better about things.” I glance at Rhodes. “Although she specifically said I needed to keep my distance from all of you.” I make a face. “But let’s not talk about that tonight.”
Sadie reaches out and squeezes my hand, leaning in to whisper, “Let’s just forget there’s even a Lisa tonight.”