so shimmery and long, I can’t stop my eyes from traveling their golden lengths.
Maggie is leaning against a tree, her smile faint as she watches the group of playful women. My chest squeezes as I recognize the sadness and yearning in her eyes. Maggie may not know what she wants yet out of life, but she knows what she’s missing out on. She doesn’t strike me as a woman who has a ton of friends. With a life built for competition and appearances, I guess that doesn’t surprise me. I can’t imagine how hard it would be to trust a single soul under those circumstances.
Maggie turns slightly, her brows wrinkling together like she’s searching for something in the woods. Before I can turn away, her eyes find mine and widen just as I pull back from the trees that gave me my view. I don’t know if she knew it was me, but for the first time ever, I kind of want to be seen.
27
Something Borrowed
Maggie
Leaves flutter in the breeze as I squint to make out the figure that I swear was just peeking out through the trees. Maybe it was my imagination, but I could have sworn I saw a pair of bold blue eyes looking back at me before disappearing completely. Or maybe it was just my wishful hoping that Desmond was on the other side of those bushes.
My feelings for Desmond are becoming more complicated with each passing day. It doesn’t help that I’m surrounded by the guy every waking moment. Even now at this beautiful wedding, when my focus should be on the bride and groom who are about to share their first look, I can’t stop thinking about him.
Our kiss from earlier in the week still plays on my mind. The memory is so vivid that I can still feel his luscious lips, demanding mouth, and encouraging tongue, not to mention his greedy hands, whispered words, and heated breaths.
I exhale a soft sigh as my body heats all over again. I’ve never felt more desired than I did that night, and when he pulled me into the back seat of his car, I was more than ready to go all the way. Why not? We are two adults with needs that don’t require commitment or love to satisfy. And in that moment with Desmond, I wanted to use him just as badly as I know he wanted to use me. And I was okay with it.
So I thought.
If it was only about sex, then I’m pretty sure the buzz of attraction wouldn’t be so strong when we’re together. I wouldn’t constantly be sneaking glances at him while he’s teaching class. And I wouldn’t be seeking his approval in the kitchen.
None of the above should matter at all, but clearly, it does
My thoughts are interrupted by a crackling of twigs as the second half of the bridal party moves through the brush. My heartrate picks up speed because this is the moment when the bride and her groom are going to see each other for the first time that day. It’s all so romantic, with Chloe staring out at the waterfall, her hands nervously gripping the rail while the bridesmaids slowly trail away to give the couple privacy.
I watch Gavin’s face as he spots his bride on his approach. All he can see is her long, flowing, auburn hair set in perfect waves down her bare spine. Her dress is completely open in the back, reaching just below her waist before falling around her legs. She’s a stunning sight, but so is he.
Gavin’s face is cleanly shaven, and his hair is swept loosely to the side. His black tux makes him look like a version of James Bond, with his tall and muscular build concealed beneath the elegant fabric. And the anticipation on his handsome face as he awaits meeting his bride has my chest swelling with emotion.
My breath catches in my throat when he finally approaches her from behind, and she straightens in his presence. It’s no secret that these two are well attuned to one another, but there’s such an innocence about them that makes this meeting so raw, so significant. I won’t be able to look away if I try.
Gavin reaches for her hand, as if to give her the courage to turn around and face her soon-to-be husband. There’s a moment of pause while she pulls in a deep breath, rights her shoulders, and starts to turn. When their eyes catch, it’s