Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 74390 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 372(@200wpm)___ 298(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74390 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 372(@200wpm)___ 298(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
“Um-hmm,” I mumbled.
“Your day will come, sweetie. You’ll see.”
“I know.”
She didn’t get it. I knew I would never have what Skylar had. That chance had come and gone, but I didn’t bother arguing. I knew she would start doing that thing where she tried to make me feel better, so I kept my thoughts to myself and simply nodded.
When the ceremony was over, the preacher announced the couple as husband and wife and invited us all to join them in the reception hall. I felt a mix of apprehension and excitement as I followed my parents out of the church and across the street to the reception hall. We were about to go in when I heard Kinley call out, “Hey, Londyn. Wait up!”
Mom and Dad continued inside while I walked over to Kinley and Mark and said, “Hey, guys! I was wondering if you were going to make it.”
“We almost didn’t.” Kinley’s eyes skirted over to Mark as she said, “The twins were in rare form today. I think they’re both teething.”
“Oh, that’s no fun.”
“No, it isn’t.” Kinley looked around at all the people going into the hall as she said, “She had quite a turnout.”
“Yes, she did. I had no idea this many people were coming.” I knew Malcomb was close. I could feel him, so I suggested, “We should probably get inside and find a spot.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right.” Kinley leaned towards me as she whispered, “We need to find a table close to the back so we can slip out early.”
“Only if I can slip out with you.”
“Absolutely.”
I followed them both inside, and just as we suspected, the place was already packed. Mark led us to an empty table in the back, and we all sat down.
As we settled in, I looked around the room. It was simply decorated with little white lights hanging from the ceiling and bouquets of flowers on every table. There was a small dance floor and an open bar that already had a long line. The guests were mingling, laughing, and seemed to be having a great time.
I, on the other hand, felt out of sorts. I was anxious and hot, and my heels were pinching my toes. A waiter came over with a tray of wine glasses. I grabbed one and quickly drank it, then immediately swiped another.
Hoping it would help ease the knot in my stomach, I drank it, too. Kinley giggled as she asked, “You okay over there?”
“Better now.”
“I guess it’s kind of hard being here with him.” She leaned in a little closer. “Especially when he’s constantly staring at you.”
“Who?”
“Malcomb.” She nodded her head to the left as she whispered, “He’s been over there staring at you since we sat down.”
Like a reflex, I turned, and my heart leapt to my throat when my eyes met Malcomb’s. He was standing in the corner with his father, and just like Kinley said, he was staring right at me.
Despite everything that had happened between us, I couldn't deny that I was still attracted to him—very much so, and I silently cursed myself for it. The man had ripped my heart right out of my chest and stomped on it multiple times. I would be a fool to let him do it again. Kinley sounded amused as she snickered, "See. He can’t take his eyes off of you.”
“He can look all he wants.” I tried to avoid his gaze, quickly turning and looking back at Kinley. I took another sip of my drink, then added, “It’s not going to change anything.”
“Really? I always thought you two were good together.”
“Were is the key word there.” I shrugged. “I think it’s safe to say that our time has come and gone.”
“I don’t know about that.”
Kinley’s eyes drifted up, signaling that he was walking towards us. My whole body tensed as I glanced over my shoulder, and just as I feared, he was right behind me. I managed to feign a smile as I said, “Hey, Malcomb.”
"Hey.” His eyes were locked on mine as he asked, “Can we talk?”
"Yeah... I guess," I stammered, trying to keep my voice steady as I motioned to the empty seat across the table. “You can sit.”
“No.” His eyes bored into mine as he replied, “In private.”
“Oh.” I glanced over at Kinley, then back to him. “Okay.”
I stood, then followed him through the crowd and out of the front door. He didn't say a word as we made our way over to the bottom of the steps. Malcolm finally stopped, turning to face me his tousled hair falling over those familiar, irresistible eyes. They were dark and intense, and they were fixed on mine.
I could feel the tension building inside me as I waited for him to speak. His eyes skirted seductively over me as he said, “You look good. Real good.”