took either side of my face and without a second thought—his lips were on mine. This was probably one of the most inappropriate things to do at work, but the person paying me gave us permission. Besides, being surrounded by love and happiness was taking a strange toll on me.
When the kiss ended Corey’s hands left my face but wrapped around my waist, bringing me closer to him.
“You look so damn amazing, Danielle.” I looked up to meet his blue eyes and saw the burning desire in them. “I haven’t been able to take my eyes off of you.”
The sweetness of his words and a rush of emotion overtook my senses. I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him hard once more. When I finally let him go from our passionate kiss, I couldn’t help but glance at the surrounding tables. The only people that noticed were a couple voluptuous women that had their eye on Corey— they didn’t look very pleased with our embrace.
My lips brushed his ear, as I whispered. “I love that red shirt on you.” He smirked and leaned his forehead against mine.
“If you would have told me from the start this was the dress you planned on wearing—I would have worn any goddamn thing you asked—without question.” I giggled against his lips.
Corey’s hand left my back and waved at someone. My eyes darted up to see who held his attention. I saw Emily watching us, a mile long smile covered across her face.
“She gave me permission to kiss you all I want tonight.” A slow, tantalizing smile spread wickedly across his face, revealing that dimple I loved.
“Remind me to thank her later.” He kissed me again. “I don’t want to go back over there, but Sanders is going to kill me if I leave him completely alone while we’re at our busiest.”
“Okay go, I’ll stop by later.”
“You better.” He said with a wink, before rushing back to the bar.
Even the small amount of interaction calmed my need for him—for now. I was at least able to successfully focus on the task at hand and not think about what Corey was doing.
The guests finished eating their dinner and the servers began clearing the tables. The room slowly transformed into a party atmosphere. Now was one of the best times to start the first dance; it would bring people to the dance floor and away from the tables, giving the servers more room to work. Before walking over to Emily, I found Bailey and told her to be ready to hit the lights.
Emily and Ben were locked in a tight embrace while they thanked and talked with the family members at a nearby table. Even from afar, it was easy to see the look of pride over Ben’s face. Emily was everything to him and now she was officially his—the love the two felt for each other was brightening the room in a way the lights never could. Her eyes met mine; I silently asked if they were ready and her head bobbed with the excitement. With that, I made my way to the DJ’s stage and took the microphone.
“Good evening everyone! I hope you all are having a fabulous time so far, but now I’d really like to get things started. When I first met Ben and Emily, I was blown away by how truly in love they were. It was this completely, stars in their eyes, over-the-moon feeling they had—and it projected everywhere they went. When I looked at them I didn’t simply see a couple in love—I saw a love that was meant to last. So I am more than honored that I get to stand before you tonight and say congratulations to the happy couple as they start their lives together.” Bailey hit the lights at the right moment and the twinkling shone through the flowers and the tulle illuminating the room in a magical way. Ben led Emily by the hand onto the dance floor, as the song they specially chose for their first dance, “Lucky” by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat, played over the speakers. I snuck off the stand and made my way to the side as the family gathered around the young couple. An arm reached around my shoulders and pulled me close. At first I was startled, but upon seeing it was Corey, I relaxed into him.
“That was beautiful, Sweets.” He placed a kiss to my temple. We stood together watching Ben twirl Emily around the