If We Dare - J.H. Croix Page 0,22

broken my heart, she’d certainly contributed to my natural tendency to be cynical. My parents had loved each other, and my mother still hadn’t recovered from my dad passing away. That was something I didn’t want to experience. Between that and a few years in the military where I’d gotten up close and personal with how fast life could be snatched away, I figured I was better off alone.

All that said, meaningless sex was tiring. However, the way I felt with Jade was weighted with meaning. Jade lit a fire in me. I didn’t think the fire burning for her was going to be extinguished by ignoring her. Especially not now, after she’d gone and kissed me. Hell, it had been bad enough last night when I woke up with her curled up against me.

My attention was on Jade when a flower landed on my shoulder as Jenny tossed her bouquet into the crowd. Lifting the white rose, I spun it in my fingers. Dave’s laugh drew my eyes sideways. I was standing beside him at the top of the steps where he’d stepped back to give his new wife space for this ritual.

“Good luck,” he said, clapping me on the shoulder.

I looked into the crowd to see one of the bridesmaids clutching the remainder of the flower bouquet in her hands. “Whoever caught it is up next. Or something like that, if you believe in this kind of thing,” I said, my tone dry as chalk.

Dave chuckled. “You believe I love Jenny?”

Although there was laughter around us and a giddy sense of celebration, the moment felt suddenly serious. Holding Dave’s gaze, I nodded. Because I wasn’t going to lie to him. “I know you love her,” I said quietly. “And I don’t doubt y’all will be happy. I’ve threatened to kick her ass if she dares to break your heart.”

Dave’s lips quirked in a smile, although his eyes remained somber. “I do love her. And if you believe that, then whether you want to admit it or not, you believe in that romantic stuff. Go find Jade,” he said with a nudge on my shoulder. “You still have a few toasts to give. First, we’ve got to get to the reception, and you need your date with you for that.”

“Wait, did I miss something? Isn’t the reception here at the hotel?”

Dave chuckled. “Absolutely. It’s upstairs. But Jenny wanted a drive in the car, so she’s going to get it.”

I watched as Dave threaded his way through the crowd, where his bride had already gotten swept up in the chatter of well wishes from the wedding guests. Letting my eyes scan the group, it only took a second for me to find Jade. Even from a distance, she was a magnet for my eyes. More than that, she was a magnet for me. She stood beside Jenny’s sister, smiling politely, and nodding at something she said. Jade had carried off our dating subterfuge with aplomb.

Without even thinking, I was moving toward her. I hadn’t forgotten her words this morning. We have two nights.

I wasn’t sure if her words were a promise or a dare. I wasn’t about to back down from the dare, and I always kept my promises.

Someone caught my elbow, gripping just tightly enough that I couldn’t ignore it. Stopping in the crush of bodies, I noticed Dee over my shoulder. Her features were tight, and her smile brittle. I was honestly puzzled at what I had ever seen in her. Dee was a pretty woman. I was relieved I’d never fancied myself in love with her.

Being Dave’s best man, I’d been fully prepared for Dave’s brother to stand up as one of the groomsman, but Dave had wanted a best man and nothing more. Funny that his brother had seen fit to apologize to me late last night after the reception dinner. Steve was just as much of an ass as he’d always been, but I’d simply shrugged and accepted the apology.

When I met Dee’s eyes, I arched a brow.

“I was hoping we could talk,” she said hurriedly.

Cocking my head to the side, I replied, “Dee, we have nothing to talk about. Like I told you already, I wish you the best.”

I meant every word I said, which was a relief. I knew my tendency to be blunt and straightforward wasn’t always appreciated. Why Dee wanted to attempt to have any kind of conversation in the middle of this crowd was beyond me. But then, I presumed