Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 46599 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 233(@200wpm)___ 186(@250wpm)___ 155(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46599 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 233(@200wpm)___ 186(@250wpm)___ 155(@300wpm)
“You’re Becca,” he whispers.
“I…uh, yeah.”
“Then why did you tell me your name was June?” he snaps.
His fists are clenched, his jaw jutting from his hard face. His temples pulse. He looks ready to explode.
“I don’t know.” I bow my head. “I’m sorry.”
“You don’t have to apologize, but….”
“Ah, there you are.”
We both turn as Alex rounds the corner. At least Ben and I aren’t pressed right up together like we just were. And yet my mouth tingles with anticipation for the kiss that never came. My body longs for him to return.
Alex pauses, looking from me to Ben, his eyebrow arched in a question.
I open my mouth, but the lie won’t come out. I can’t lie to Alex.
Sure, there’s a decade and a half between us. We’ve lived in different countries for seven years. But he’s still my brother. We still talk often. He supports me in every way a brother should.
We’re not super close, but he’s loyal to me, and I’m supposed to be loyal to him.
“Alex,” Tiffany’s voice cuts in. “Have you found her?”
Alex grins, settling his gaze on me and accepting Ben’s presence. Maybe he finds it unthinkable that he’d ever want to kiss me.
I found it unthinkable until a few moments ago.
“Would you mind snapping a few pics, sis?” Alex says.
I smile, nodding. “Sure, no problem.”
“You coming, Ben?” Alex says, already turning away.
“I’ll stay here awhile,” he says, his tone even darker than before.
I walk with Alex away from the pond, away from Ben, away from the almost kiss.
“Probably wanted to be alone,” Alex quietly says as we walk down the passageway toward the main party area.
“He doesn’t like parties?” I probe.
Alex sighs. “He’s a workaholic, sis. I…well, it’s not my place. But there’s a reason for it. Sometimes, though, I wish he could relax. I wish he didn’t have to think so much.”
“Maybe he needs a wedding to plan,” I say, trying to make my tone joking. “It’s kept you and Tiffany pretty busy.”
He chuckles, glancing at me. “Ben, find a woman? I’ve known him for twenty years, and I’ve never once seen him in a serious relationship. Or any kind of relationship, really. I’m starting to wonder if he’ll ever settle down.”
“Maybe he needs to find the right person.”
“The right person for Ben…she’d have to be a hell of a lady. All right. Let’s do this.”
We emerge from the passageway, the conversation turning to the photos.
But I can’t stop thinking about what Alex said.
For years, Ben has been alone. For years, he hasn’t wanted anybody.
And then he sees me at a party and suddenly wants to kiss me?
Alex could be wrong. Ben might have a whole lineup of women, but he just keeps that side of himself private.
But how is kissing a stranger at a party private?
There are too many questions and not enough answers.
I know one thing for sure.
I’m never going to forget how close we came.
CHAPTER FOUR
Ben
I stand in front of the mirror, adjusting my tie, swallowing a ball of tension as I think about seeing Becca again.
Becca.
Not June.
It’s the morning of my best friend’s wedding. I shouldn’t be fantasizing about his sister…his sister who has completely transformed since I last saw her.
I struggle to even believe they’re the same person.
Becca was always a background figure in my and Alex’s friendship. I said hello, and I was friendly, but I never noticed her. She was a little kid, either reading a book or snapping photos on her camera.
But now she’s a woman, with curves in all the right places, with a face that makes me want to kiss her, keep kissing her, not stop until my lips are busy doing other things.
The past couple of days have been difficult. Trying not to think about her, trying not to dream about a possible future, trying to tame this wild want inside of me….
It all feels impossible. It feels like I’m already failing.
The only chance I have – or would have – is not to see her again.
But she’s going to be at the wedding. She’s going to be at the reception afterward.
I walk to the window, looking over the grounds of the hotel. It’s a bright day. I should be thinking about how happy I am for Alex and Tiffany. They’ve got perfect weather for their fairytale wedding.
And yet it’s her my thoughts are drawn to, my Becca. Her flushed cheeks, her shy smile, and the sassiness which suddenly appeared in her eyes.
The kiss was so close.
I can taste her. I ache for her.
I turn at a knock on my door.
It’s Alex, looking confident in his suit, a big grin on his face.
“We’re heading down for some breakfast. You hungry?”
I promised myself I wouldn’t be a grumpy asshole on Alex’s wedding day.
Forcing a smile – or as close as I can get – I nod. “Definitely. How you feeling?”