Love on Beach Avenue (The Sunshine Sisters #1) - Jennifer Probst Page 0,97

strains gave them time to press close together. His breath stirred her cheek. His hands brushed her hips, causing heat to trickle in her blood. The delicious scent of ocean cologne mixed with citrus and expensive whiskey. “Thank you, sweetheart,” he said.

Startled, she widened her eyes. “For what?”

“For giving my sister the wedding of her dreams. For being patient with me. For being you.”

She melted against him, and a sigh skittered from her lips. “You can be so smooth,” she said teasingly. “Who would’ve thought there was such a charmer under all those asshole moves?”

His laugh rumbled from his chest, deep and sexy. “I needed to ensnare you with a challenge. Make you work to find the gold, right?”

She wrinkled her nose. “Oh, that’s awful. Trust me, robot man. Women like a nice guy up front. Better to know that the next time.”

“Don’t need a next time.” He lowered his voice. “Just want to dazzle the woman I’m with.”

Her heart stuttered, and for one endless moment, she was caught up in the heat of his eyes, the promise of his arms holding her close, and the fragility of the promise he’d uttered. But she didn’t have time to dwell or analyze. The slow rhythm built, morphing into the classic blaring dance song as the Queen of Disco belted out the words everyone knew by heart.

With a wink, Carter spun her out of his arms and fell into the steps of a fast dance. With grace and strength and the perfect blend of humor, they threw themselves into the music and enjoyed the final pounding beat. The wedding party surrounded the bride and groom, stomping their feet and pumping their hands in the air, and Avery got caught up in the revelry, enjoying being part of the enthusiastic celebration of love.

It was a good hour before everyone finally left the reception. Sliding off her shoes and throwing them in her oversize bag, Avery headed outside, saying a few goodbyes to the leftover guests, who spoke about moving the party over to the Boiler Room at Congress Hall.

“Avery!” The squeal of her name was accompanied by a big hug full of veil and lace and jewels.

Laughing, Avery embraced her friend. “It was perfect,” Ally said, and sighed. “I can’t tell you how many people have been coming up to me asking for your card. They all said they’ve never seen a wedding so beautiful.”

“Thanks, babe. It was everything I always dreamed for you.”

“We’re heading over to the Boiler Room for a few more drinks. Are you coming?”

She shook her head. “I wish I could, but I’m ready to drop. I’ll see you at the breakfast tomorrow, though.”

“I totally understand. I’m just not ready to have the evening end.”

Avery laughed. “You’re the bride—you need to close down the house for me, okay? Show this beach town how to party.”

Jason drifted up, giving Avery a warm hug and gushing about everything she’d done.

“Well, Carter was a huge help,” she said.

The familiar deep voice cut through the air. “We make a good team.”

Ally hauled him into a group hug. “Damn right you do. Carter, no wimping out on me. You’re coming to party more, right?”

Avery shivered as he met and held her gaze. “Sure, Ally-Cat. We’ll let Avery get her sleep and see her in the morning.”

She nodded, knowing there’d be no visit tonight. She was too damn exhausted, and Carter needed to spend it with his family. Maybe it was for the best. She needed some distance and time to think. His words on the dance floor stirred a longing that scared her. She needed to be careful of giving her heart to a man who had no use for it. Though each night since the bachelorette party they’d grown closer, sharing both their minds and bodies through the late hours, nothing had truly changed.

He was still a man who didn’t believe in love.

She was still a woman who did.

Avery said good night and headed home.

Brunch at the Mad Batter was held on the front porch. The striped awning shaded them from the sun, and a giant table was set up for fifteen guests. Mimosas flowed, and their famous seafood omelets were a big hit, loaded with fresh crabmeat, avocado, and Swiss cheese. The party had gone till 3:00 a.m., but Ally and Jason looked fresh faced and happy, feeding each other with moony eyes and taking the teasing with laughter.

Avery sat next to Carter. Sometimes he’d slide his finger under the table and