Total pages in book: 19
Estimated words: 17792 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 89(@200wpm)___ 71(@250wpm)___ 59(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 17792 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 89(@200wpm)___ 71(@250wpm)___ 59(@300wpm)
River interlocks with fingers with mine. "Freshman year of college, actually. Through her best friend Rachel, my twin sister."
"Twins! Wow. And you waited that long to make a move?" Priyanka laughs.
"I played the long game," River says, and his eyes meet mine with a look that contains several things at once—amusement, warmth, and something quieter that I'm still learning how to read, something that makes both my core and my chest clench.
The reception flows around us in eddies of conversation and laughter. River stays close, his hand occasionally finding my lower back or my elbow, planting kisses on my temple or forehead, his attention returning to me even when engaged elsewhere.
From the outside, you'd think I was the social one, but no. River is actually more experienced with socializing, mostly because of his high-end clients.
"I'm going to grab another drink," River says. "Same?"
"Please."
He squeezes my hand once before disappearing into the crowd, leaving me alone at the edge of the terrace. The sunset behind me, staining the sky pink and orange over the ocean, is beautiful, but I cannot seem to take my eyes off River's retreating back—the broad shoulders, the confident walk.
A flash of white blocks my view. Alice, bride of the hour, was still sparkling despite hours of mingling and champagne toasts. Her dress rustles as she positions herself directly between me and my view of River, as if she can't bear the thought of me looking at something I want.
"The resort is gorgeous, isn't it? I'm so glad you could make it." Alice leans in, dropping her voice to a confidential whisper. "I have to admit, when Derek told me you were bringing someone, I was surprised. A husband, no less. We had no idea you were even seeing anyone. You're always so private at work."
"I keep my personal life separate from work. Always have. Besides, if you didn't know, maybe because you didn't matter enough to me."
Alice laughs like we're sharing a joke. "Of course, of course. It's just … and forgive me for being direct, but we're friends, right? I'd like to think we're friends since we work at the same company. Did you actually get married in Vegas? Was Elvis there? I always thought Vegas weddings were for bets or … impulsive people who might get divorced a week later."
I always thought Alice had the personality of a wet tissue, but she apparently can be pretty funny.
In case she hasn't noticed, I have moved on. So far beyond Derek that he's practically in my rearview mirror. The fact that she goes out of her way to be mean to me on HER wedding day speaks volumes about their relationship.
God, why are they so bothered about me? On that note, why are they so obsessed with my love life?
"Sometimes, Vegas weddings are for couples who don't need an audience for validation," I say.
"That's nice, but it doesn't exactly scream stability."
"Neither do affairs."
Derek appears to Alice's right, pulling her close to him. "Nadine, there you are. I see Alice has found you. We wanted to make sure you were having a good time. It means a lot that you came." He pauses, looking around the terrace with exaggerated curiosity. "Where's River? I never got the chance to say hi to him properly."
"Getting drinks."
Alice trills with another laugh. "How convenient that he keeps disappearing."
Derek chuckles. "Alice, come on."
River appears with two drinks and moves directly to my side. One drink pressed into my hand, his other hand finding my hip.
Derek sees River, and something flickers across his face. "River."
"Derek." River's tone matches—neutral, cool. That's it. No handshake. No "good to see you." Just two men who don't like each other pretending civility.
Alice smiles. "I was just asking Nadine about your wedding. It's such a surprise."
River's thumb traces small circles against my hip. "The people who mattered knew."
Derek's gaze flicks to River's hand, then back to him. "I knew you were a mechanic, River, but I don't think I ever caught where you worked. One of the chains, maybe?"
Oh, Derek.
You just made a mistake.
You think River is some chain-shop mechanic who changes oil for minimum wage.
You think I settled.
Let me show you exactly how wrong you are.
River doesn't take the bait. "I own a shop, actually."
"Oh?" Derek's eyebrows lift like this is the most fascinating revelation since gravity. "Which one?"
Stepping in before Derek can patronize River any further, I let my smile stay sweet. "James Auto. You know, the one on Third Street? Vintage Chevy in the window that changes every month?" I pause, letting it sink in. "Biggest classic car restoration shop in the city. River rebuilt a 1970 Plymouth Superbird last year. Sold it at auction for three hundred thousand dollars, but you wouldn't have heard of it since you only go to chains."
The silence that follows is fucking delicious. Derek's smile stretches thin, the edges brittle. Alice's perfect posture stiffens further.