Rogue Devil (The Rourkes #11) - Kylie Gilmore Page 0,42

ass off during the school year. I’m learning to take time off when school’s out.

“That’s wonderful,” Mrs. Rourke says. “What a noble cause.”

Mr. Rourke arches a brow. “So what do you see in this guy?” He ruffles Brendan’s hair, whose ears and neck turn bright red. “I kid because I love, Chloe. You’ll see.” He winks at me.

Brendan smooths his hair, scowling. His parents turn around as the groom and his ushers appear at the front of the church.

I lean close to whisper in Brendan’s ear, “I see where you get your teasing side from.”

“It’s a family trait,” he grumbles. “You can never escape it.”

“I get the feeling you dish out more than your fair share.”

He takes my hand and gives it a squeeze, his mouth tilting up on one side, revealing his dimple. He trimmed his beard, which makes his adorable dimple more noticeable. I wish I were immune to his charms. “You know me so well.”

And now we’re holding hands.

I stare straight ahead, flushed with heat over the simplest, most innocent of touches.

The ceremony is a blur, though I try hard to focus. I want to see if Jack or Riley pull a prank. All my senses are tuned into the man next to me, his large hand enveloping my smaller one in a warm firm grip. I’m both on edge and comforted by his touch. Is this what it’s like when your best friend morphs into a boyfriend? And who said he could do that? What about his Friday night women?

Jack lifts the bride’s veil and sets it back over her head. Tears stream down her cheeks. He frames her face with both hands for a timeless moment that brings a lump to my throat. I can’t see his face. Is he crying too? Why do people cry at weddings? It’s a happy occasion.

Brendan gives my hand a squeeze, and I find myself leaning against his side.

A few minutes later, they’re pronounced husband and wife. Everyone applauds and Brendan whistles loudly. The happy couple heads down the aisle together. The bride’s dress has a long train, which she hooks over one arm as she walks, smiling at everyone, no tears in sight. That’s better.

Brendan guides me out into the aisle with the crowd slowly following the happy couple. He sticks close behind me, his heat at my back. Our personal boundary bubble seems to have disappeared. But it’s a family wedding. How much trouble could we get into here? It’s not like we’re going to hook up at the country club reception.

He whispers in my ear, and a hot shiver races down my spine. “I never thought Jack would get hitched. He never stuck with anyone before her. I mean never.”

I glance back over my shoulder at him. “Have you ever stuck?”

He grins down at me. “Nope.”

I face front. He’s definitely hooking up with multiple women on Friday nights. I swallow down bile. I can’t let myself think about that.

Everyone lines up on the path in front of the church to congratulate the bride and groom. After we congratulate them, Brendan pulls me toward the front of the line and says under his breath, “Didn’t I tell you there’d be a prank?”

“Now?” I ask, looking around.

Sean and Connor gesture us over by the corner of the church. People are gradually filtering back behind the building. Interesting.

Once we get there, Connor hands me an odd item. It looks like an inflatable brick. “We’re throwing this at them instead of bird seed.”

Sean nods. “Wait until they’re about to get in the limo for the ride to the reception. We’ll all throw on the best man’s cue. That’s Sam.” He points out a guy standing on the church steps.

We go back in place and wait. “How is this appropriate?” I ask Brendan, holding the brick behind my back. His family is really weird in a fun way. I like it.

“Tell ya later,” he says. “Act casual.”

“So this wasn’t the bride’s or groom’s idea?”

“It was Sam’s idea to prank the pranksters. He’s Riley’s brother and Jack’s best friend.”

I wait and watch. Brendan’s family keeps exchanging looks and smiles. The love is so obvious, like a living, breathing thing connecting them all. A stab of envy goes through me. He has no idea how lucky he is.

He elbows me with a grin. “Get ready.”

“Bride and groom, front and center,” Sam booms. “Get ready for your send-off!”

Jack and Riley go to the top of the steps and wave at all of us, smiling