Dirty (Unexpected Lovers #3) - J.B. Heller Page 0,44

get your ass dressed. We’ve got a wedding to attend.”

That’s today? I scrub a hand over my unshaven jaw and right myself in the tub. “I’m not going,” I tell him.

“Don’t make me repeat myself, Arch. Lennon has been moping around for two fucking weeks, and you’ve been avoiding my questions. I don’t care what happened between you two—although I’m guessing it had something to do with the picture of you practically eating her face off.” He pauses, eyeing me.

I frown and avert my gaze.

“Thought so,” he mutters. “Anyway, I’m done with both your shit. You’re coming with me, and you’re going to fix it. If I have to hear her crying herself to sleep one more night, I’m going to rip your fucking balls off and stuff them down your throat.”

My eyes dart to him. “She’s been crying?”

“Yeah, motherfucker, she has, and it’s your fucking fault. I’ve only put up with it this long because I thought you were sorting your shit out. But it’s been long enough,” he declares, his gaze narrowed and his stance rigid.

I swallow then nod. My gut churns again, but not because of the alcohol. I broke my spitfire. She’s the strongest woman I’ve ever known, and I made her cry. That fact sobers me more than the freezing cold shower.

After pushing to my feet, I rip my clothes off, tossing them on the floor, then I get to scrubbing.

Bates nods once then turns his back and leaves me to it.

The sun hovers on the horizon as Emory, Hannah, and I fluff the tulle skirts of Kins’ stunning, one-of-a-kind, total-princess wedding dress. The smile on my friend’s face is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen, even more than her incredible gown.

“You look absolutely perfect,” I say, giving her manicured fingers a quick squeeze before sliding into place to walk down the aisle ahead of her.

Hannah goes first, keeping her steps in time with an acoustic rendition of “Latch” by Sam Smith. The song couldn’t be more perfect for Kinsley and Atticus. I’m swept up in the magic of the moment as twinkling lights come to life among the candles hanging from the huge tree Atticus stands beneath, awaiting his bride.

I scan the small crowd gathered to share this day with the most incredible couple I know, my gaze snagging on the back of a tall figure seated next to Bates . . .

Before I realize, it’s my turn. I didn’t even see Emory waddling off ahead of me. She’s now standing by Atticus’s cousin, Tom, and I’ve missed my cue. I wait a beat until the melody is right, take a deep breath, then move one foot in front of the other, keeping my eyes locked on my target—Arlo.

Candles flicker on either side of the aisle, leading my way. Arlo extends his hand to me as I approach. I take it, stepping to his side where he wraps my hand around his elbow. My gaze veers toward my brother then slides to the man seated beside him.

My heart constricts as Archer sits stock-still in a navy-blue suit, staring. Right. At. Me.

I’m about swallow my tongue, confusion and elation crashing into me in equal parts. I want to ask him what he’s doing here, where he’s been, why he hasn’t returned any of my calls or texts . . . But now is most definitely not the time to be thinking about my love life.

Kins walks down the aisle, and I don’t even notice.

The entire ceremony passes without me catching a word of it.

Archer is all I see.

Archer is my Atticus.

And I need to tell him that. No, I need to show him.

I can’t take my eyes off her.

The second she stepped into my line of sight, the weight that had been getting heavier by the day lifted from my chest. My pulse thunders in my ears as her gaze meets mine, and she holds it for the entirety of the ceremony.

So many unspoken words pass between us.

I love you.

I miss you.

I want you.

I need you.

Just fucking love me, please . . .

A loud round of enthusiastic applause draws my attention, my eyes flicking to the newlyweds as Atticus dips Kinsley and lays one hell of a kiss on her. When my gaze finds Lennon again, she’s staring at her friend, a single tear sliding over her cheek.

My heart squeezes.

I want that with Len. I want to claim her in front of all our friends and family. The whole goddamn world be damned.

Thank God