Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 79941 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 400(@200wpm)___ 320(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79941 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 400(@200wpm)___ 320(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
Or so she told herself. But damn it, why did he have to smell so good, too? His rich, cedar and spice scent seemed to draw her even though she shouldn’t have been close enough to smell it. Trying to be unobtrusive, she scooted a few inches further from him on the pew. Courick shot her a look but said nothing. Addison couldn’t wait until the ceremony was over so she could get away from him!
At last the “I dos” were over and the happy couple walked down the aisle arm-in-arm. Addison cheered along with everyone else but then she hurried out of her pew into the adjoining reception hall.
She fully intended to stay at the reception just long enough for Lacy to see her so her half-sister’s feelings weren’t hurt, but to her horror, an usher standing at the door led her up to a round table at the very front. It was right in the line of sight of the long head table so everyone would see if she left. Even worse, Courick followed right behind her and sat beside her as though he had every right to do so!
Addison hopped up again and he rose as well.
“Where are you going?” he rumbled, frowning.
“To the reception line to wish the bride and groom good luck,” she hissed back. “And then I’m leaving. And no, I don’t need a ride—I can call an Uber!”
Then she marched over to the far end of the hall and joined the long line of wedding guests waiting to hug and kiss Lacy and her new husband.
Once again, infuriatingly, Courick was right behind her. Addison wanted to shout at him to leave, but she couldn’t make a scene. So she swallowed her annoyance and smiled sweetly at Lacy when she finally got to the head of the line.
“Oh, Addison! I’m so glad you came!” Lacy had hair just a shade lighter than Addison’s own and big brown eyes. She hugged Addison tightly, careless if she crushed her poofy white wedding gown.
Addison felt herself melting as she always did around her younger half-sister. Lacy was such a sweet, genuine person. Despite their circumstances she didn’t wish her anything but the best.
“Of course, I came!” she said, hugging Lacy back. “The ceremony was beautiful! You make a gorgeous bride.”
Lacy laughed modestly.
“You’re going to give me a big head! But speaking of becoming a gorgeous bride, who is this big handsome guy I see with you?”
She nodded up at Courick, who was standing right behind Addison.
“Hello, I am Addison’s—”
“Boss,” Addison finished for him quickly. “Ex-boss, actually since I’m giving in my notice on Monday.”
“Oh my God—this is Courick?” Lacy squealed and Addison suddenly remembered gushing to her half-sister about her stern Kindred boss and how sexy he was—which she now deeply regretted.
“Yes, I am Courick.” He nodded as he took Lacy’s hand in his much larger one. “I am more than Addison’s boss—I am also her paramour.”
“Her what?” Lacy asked, looking confused.
Courick frowned.
“I’m trying to think of the right term…her lover?”
“You are not—” Addison began indignantly, but she was drowned out by Lacy’s excited gasp.
“Oh my God, I’m so happy the two of you finally got together! I know Addison has been crushing on you forever!”
“Lacy, please!” Addison couldn’t stop the mortified blush that rose to her cheeks.
“Well, you know it’s true! He’s all you ever talk about when we get together.” Lacy gave her a wink. “Listen, I have to talk to the rest of the guests, but I want you to hang around. Maybe we can grab a minute to talk and you can give me the dirty details.”
Addison felt her cheeks go even hotter.
“Really, I’m not sure I can stay for the whole reception—” she began.
“Oh, you have to stay!” Lacy exclaimed. “Promise you’ll at least stay until I throw the bouquet. I swear I’ll try to toss it in your direction.” She winked at Addison knowingly. “That way, you can be next.”
“Next for what?” Courick rumbled, looking confused.
“Oh, next to get married of course!” Lacy told him, before Addison could answer. “It’s a tradition—or maybe more of a superstition—that whichever unmarried girl catches the bride’s bouquet is the next one to get married. So wouldn’t it be something if Addison caught mine?”
“Yes.” Courick nodded thoughtfully. “It would indeed be something.”
“Great! Well then, I’ll see you at the toss.” Lacy leaned forward and gave Addison another hug and a kiss on the cheek. “I can’t wait to see you catch it!”
Then they were moving on down so the next guests could wish Lacy and her new husband well and Addison realized she was stuck at the reception with her annoying Kindred shadow…at least until after the bouquet toss.
24
COURICK
Courick wisely didn’t say much as they settled in their seats at one of the many round tables set up around the large room. He could tell that Addison was still angry with him—and rightfully so. He intended to win her back, if he could, but he would have to pick the right time and place.