Cheesy on the Eyes by Teagan Hunter Page 0,71

rocks.”

I grunt, and Mrs. Harkle titters.

“Well, well. I guess I’m not too far off in my assumption.” She frowns. “A pity, too. I thought you two made a lovely couple.”

“Really? I figured you’d want Thea out of the picture so you could have me for yourself, Mrs. Harkle.” I wink at her. “Don’t think I don’t see you watching me work on my boat. Your deck is plenty clean—no need to sweep it four times a night.”

She momentarily looks affronted, but then she shrugs. “An old woman can dream, Sullivan.”

I grin, settling into my seat and shifting my attention to the front as a hushed murmur falls over the crowd when the pastor—who I know to be Frankie’s father—takes his place.

“Gosh. I just love weddings. Always so magical,” Mrs. Harkle whispers. “And dramatic.”

I laugh quietly as Jonas takes his place and the music begins to play.

The wedding party is small, just the one witness for each of them, so I know when Jonas beams, it’s because Thea’s starting her walk toward the front.

My heart hammers in my chest as I turn to watch her. Her arm is entwined with that of a guy I’ve never met as they slowly make their way down the aisle. A light green dress hugs all her curves in just the right way, and my fingers twitch with the desire to touch her again. It’s been too damn long.

When she takes her place next to her brother and turns toward the back, awaiting the entrance of the bride, I forget how to breathe.

Thea’s always been gorgeous, has always made my heart race.

But tonight?

She’s fucking stunning.

As if she can feel my eyes devouring her, she finds me in the crowd, her lips parting on a soft surprised gasp.

Jonas hears her and looks out toward me.

He grins, then leans over and whispers something. I can’t read his lips from here, but I don’t miss the small smile that plays at Thea’s lips.

She pulls her eyes from me, but I don’t pull mine from her.

Love her enough for both of you until she’s not scared anymore. Then love her some more.

Winston’s words echo in my head as I watch her the entire time, because even if I wanted to, there’s no way I could take my eyes off her.

I want to talk to her, to tell her I’m not giving up, but she doesn’t give me a chance.

As soon as the short ceremony is over, she’s gone.

I search and search but finally give up and head for the reception.

It’s another half an hour before I spot her again, mixed into the crowd talking to Randy and Blythe, the older couple who frequents Slice maybe more than Simon does.

She smiles and laughs, and to everyone else, it appears as if nothing’s amiss in her life.

But I can see the cracks. Her smile doesn’t quite reach her eyes, and her laugh is missing its warmth.

She’s cracking. Hurting.

And I want to fix it all.

“Hey, man.” Winston settles next to me. We’re standing inside the massive tent for the cocktail hour, waiting for the reception to begin. “You look like shit.”

I can’t help but laugh. “Thanks. Glad to hear it.”

“I brought you shots to cheer you up. I know you’re not much of a drinker, but it’s a wedding and you have to celebrate properly.”

I stare down at the liquid, my nose wrinkled. “Is that tequila?”

“Since I am fully aware of your alcohol-tossing tendencies despite you thinking you’re so sneaky about it, no. It’s whiskey.”

“Thank fuck.” I grab a glass and tip it back.

“I guess booze was the right choice.”

Winston slides the other shot my way, and I shake my head.

“Nah, I’m good. Just needed a little something to take the edge off.”

“I get it. We’ve all been there, tortured by waiting for the one we love to love us back.”

“That obvious?” I ask.

“Only to me.” He downs the shot. “If it makes you feel any better, Thea’s looked over here no less than ten times throughout this whole thing.” He points toward our group of friends, who are keeping their distance because they all know I don’t feel like company. “Those idiots have been counting.”

“Oh, those idiots have, huh?”

“Fine.” He grins, not even trying to hide his guilt. “I might have joined in.” He takes a deep breath.

I look over to find her eyes on me.

Her gaze is searing, her eyes wide, and even from here I can see the way her chest begins to rise and fall.

Thea might be scared,