Boss I Love to Hate An Office Romance - Mia Kayla Page 0,64
end of the room, and when I peeked up, the bride and groom and whole bridal party had strolled in.
“I want to congratulate them. There was so much commotion at the church.” I grabbed Brad’s hand without thinking. Crazy how, in a day and a half, it had become so natural for me to reach for him. I led us to the crowd and waited like everyone else to squeeze the bride.
Carrie was stunning. I had taken her all in at the church, but being this close, I noticed every tiny detail of her wedding gown. From the pearl and crystal beading flowing down the bodice of her princess ball gown-style dress to the matching crown that held her veil with a similar pattern of pearls and crystals dotting the headpiece. Her makeup was immaculate and not overdone with shades of pinks that highlighted her cheeks as though she’d been kissed by the sun to neutral-toned eye shadow that complemented her complexion and brought out the hazel in her eyes.
Tim looked dapper beside her in his fitted tux, but it wasn’t what he was wearing that took my breath away. It was the sweet way his eyes studied her, as though he’d never in a million years find someone as beautiful.
Pang. Right in the center of my chest. You’d think the jealousy would dim, but watching them together only made it hurt more.
It wasn’t as though I hated them for their happiness because I wanted the same thing for myself. They had dated throughout college, and there were no two people born on earth who were more made for each other.
I sighed, but in the next second, we were up in front, and I went in to hug Carrie. “I’m so happy for you, friend.”
I pulled her tight against me, squeezing her boobs. She laughed but returned my suffocating hug.
I stepped back and held her forearms as I took her all in. “You’re stunning. Gosh, I don’t even have words for how great this reception is or how beautiful you look or how heartwarming the ceremony was.”
Her eyes brimmed with tears, and she looked up and blew out tiny breaths. “Sonia, don’t make me cry again. I’ve been crying all day.”
I turned toward Tim. “And you. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in a suit actually.” I patted his lapel, trying to recall but coming up short. “Looking good, Timmy boy.”
He grinned. “I’m only looking this good because I’m standing next to her.”
Carrie rolled her eyes. “He’s turned up the corniness today.” But then she tiptoed and met his lips. “But it’s kinda cute.”
I couldn’t help but smile, cheesy-style. “Super cute.” Another pang.
Someday. I’ll have that someday.
At least, I hoped so. I had hope that, with time, I’d realize that Jeff wasn’t my last relationship.
Tim placed a strong hand on Brad’s shoulder. “Are you ready to drink tonight? Carrie’s dad’s requirement for our reception was top-shelf liquor.”
Brad tipped his head toward me. “I think I’m the designated driver tonight.”
“You guys didn’t book a hotel?” Carrie asked. “We have a bus service that will take you back to the hotel.”
I could feel the blush rushing to my cheeks. “No. Not tonight.” Goodness, thinking of Brad and me in the same hotel room had my heart racing.
Flashbacks of his lips on me and his slow, shivery kisses had warmth pooling in the deepest part of my gut.
I swallowed, knowing I needed something cold and strong to drink. “We’ll see you guys in a bit. It looks like you have a long line forming.”
I turned to see the slew of people waiting to hug the couple, including Jeff and my replacement.
“I can’t catch a break,” I said under my breath.
Brad’s line of sight followed mine, and then he said, “Let’s get you another drink.”
I fluttered my eyes and then smiled wide. “And, to think, I was worried you wouldn’t be the perfect date.”
Chapter 13
Brad
A drunk Sonia was a hilarious Sonia. She was a nonstop chatterbox, talking with feeling and elaborate hand movements. We were at a table with her college friends. Ava and her boyfriend and four other couples that had been together for a long time.
Sonia engaged and laughed with her former classmates. I could empathize with her, knowing what she wanted and knowing that she wasn’t there, relationship-wise. Two of the four couples at our table were engaged, and if she were with Jeff, there would be no doubt that they would be engaged by now, too.