in his life. He’d been running around nonstop, taking care of endless tasks that popped up. Everything ached, from his head to his feet, and through it all, the woman never lost her cool or her charm. The idea she did this every weekend the entire spring and summer was more than impressive. And this was just “live time,” as she’d termed it. All the months of prep work led up to this one day. All her efforts and sweat and time were for the purpose of making one couple happy as they embarked on a life together.
The entirety of her work humbled him. There were so many layers he itched to explore, so many secrets to uncover with this fascinating woman, and he would never get the chance.
He remembered how she’d burned up in his arms a few nights ago. The honeyed taste of her mouth and feel of her pussy squeezing his fingers. The look on her face when she came and arched for more. The hazy sheen of satisfaction in her hazel eyes when he held her afterward, making him feel like a god.
But she’d walked away, and he didn’t blame her. He wasn’t what she wanted. A woman who embarked on relationships with the goal of marriage and white picket fences didn’t belong with a man like him. He’d made that vow long ago, when he saw how love destroyed and ripped apart his own family.
Yet . . .
She haunted him. When Gabe called, he’d been caught between the raw need to see her, and the fear he wouldn’t be able to watch her leave again. Gabe had been trying to do him a favor by allowing him a peek into her world. Carter was damn grateful. Gaining a front seat to watch her in action was a gift, even though being close to her was slow torture.
He stood in the back of the room and chugged water. The cake was done, and the bulk of the party was behind them. The alcohol and music had done their job well. Dancers crowded the floor, throwing up hands and stomping feet to a classic disco song that made Carter wince. Still, watching the families and friends make sentimental toasts, share first dances, and cheer on the new couple affected him more than he’d imagined. For the first time seeing a wedding close-up, he began to understand why Avery would find it important.
“Hey, you the new assistant?”
Carter turned. The photographer—Pierce—checked him out with a frank assessment that made him instantly tense. Was he another of Avery’s admirers? Or like Gabe, was he just part of her day-to-day world at Sunshine Bridal? “Hell no. I’d get fired within the week.” He put out his hand. “Carter Ross. We haven’t met, but Avery’s planning a wedding for my sister, Ally. Been wanting to stop by and introduce myself.”
Pierce shook his hand. “Yeah, I remember now. I’m doing Ally’s wedding in two weeks. Sorry for assuming you were a new hire. I’m burnt, been a long day.”
“No problem. It was actually nice to see you in action today. I know my sister will be in good hands.”
“Thanks.” Pierce rolled his neck and groaned. “Nice save with the dog debacle, by the way.”
Carter grinned. “Credit for that goes to Avery’s quick thinking.”
“She always has something in her pocket. She’s got a better save record than a major-league relief pitcher. What happened to Gabe?”
“Got sick. He called me to see if I could help out.”
Curiosity sparked in the man’s pale-green eyes, but he just nodded. He wore his dark hair long and tied back at the nape of his neck. He was built stocky and solid, but moved with grace and speed with a camera in his hand. “You must know Avery well, then. She doesn’t trust many people to work a wedding, even as an assistant.”
Pleasure speared through him. He liked the idea of her trusting him. “How long have you been working with her?” he asked.
“I grew up with her sister Taylor. Been part of the Sunshine family forever. Seemed natural to work for them as their primary photographer after college. Are you here till the wedding?”
He relaxed, sensing no interest in Avery from Pierce other than as a friend and business partner. “I rented a house until Labor Day. Gave myself some vacation time after the wedding before I get back to DC.”
“Nice. Well, I better get back to work. Listen, why don’t you stop by my office this week?