For three years, I had not spoken to Ethan. I avoided him and any place I knew he might be because I couldn’t bear to see him and not be with him. But I couldn’t be with him if he was still a criminal.
As I stared at him, my heart broke all over again. Our eyes met, and his face curved into a smile. My heart fluttered, and I quickly looked away. I turned my gaze back to Jason, but it wasn’t the same. Seeing Jason no longer made my heart race, and all I wanted was to look at Ethan.
“Don’t look at him, Emily,” I warned myself as the wedding ceremony drew to a close. We began throwing flower petals at the bride and groom as they walked down the aisle.
“Hey, beautiful,” Jason said, walking over and holding my hand.
“You look handsome,” I smiled, but my eyes betrayed me, glancing briefly back at Ethan, who hadn’t taken his eyes off me.
“You think?” Jason blushed, adjusting his tie. He did look extremely handsome-his brown hair neatly styled, the black suit enhancing his beautiful brown eyes. Jason was tall and had gotten buff; he resembled a younger version of Ethan-just my type.
“Of course,” I smiled, but the excitement I once felt around him was missing.
“What do you say we head to the lunch venue together?” Jason asked, making me glance at my wristwatch. We were just minutes away from the lunch, and Jennifer needed to change outfits and take pictures. The ceremony had run later than planned.
“I’d love to, but the bride needs me,” I replied, and Jason nodded.
“Maid of honor duties?” Jason teased.
“You know it,” I smiled.
“Well, I’ll wait for you at the venue. Save me a dance?” he asked.
“Save me a seat,” I teased back. We both knew we’d be sitting together-he was Luca’s best friend, and the person who introduced the couple while, I was Jennifer’s maid of honor.
“Sure,” Jason said, leaning in to place a gentle kiss on my neck. It was the first time he’d done more than just a basic kiss on the hand. “I’ll be waiting,” he said softly, and I smiled.
I rushed to Jennifer’s room, my gut telling me to knock, but seeing how late we were, I couldn’t wait any longer. The bride and groom still needed to go through a photoshoot before lunch, and we were way past the time we had booked.
I used the spare keycard to swipe open the door, and as soon as I walked in, I regretted it instantly.
“Oh, shit, Emily!” Jennifer yelled. My eyes met her in a compromising position-bent over in front of Luca, who was just about to start giving her backshots.
I quickly looked away, covering my face. “I’m so sorry!” I apologized, feeling mortified for them.
I was about to bolt out the door when Luca’s voice cut through. “You can come in now, Emily,” Lucas said as I heard him approach. I turned to find him adjusting his trousers, while Jennifer stood by the bed with a wide grin.
“I’ll just wait until the honeymoon,” Luca teased, winking at Jennifer, who giggled.
As soon as Lucas walked out the door, I let out a deep sigh. “I’m so sorry,” I said to Jennifer, who laughed. I honestly didn’t expect them to be getting at it so soon.
“That’s fine,” Jennifer laughed. “We just wanted a quickie before lunch,” she explained, and I smirked. Like Jennifer, Luca was wild-it was one of the things they had in common.
“I don’t even know if we have time for that-you’re late for your photoshoot,” I said, walking to the closet to pull out her next dress. “This is the dress for lunch,” I handed her a pink lacy gown. “Change right now, and I’ll call the driver to pick us up. I hope Luca knows to meet us there before lunch,” I asked.
While Jennifer changed, my mind drifted back to Ethan-his piercing brown eyes, his thick black beard. He looked as handsome as the day I first saw him, if not better. It was almost like he was aging backward.
“Jen, did you notice Ethan in the crowd? I thought you said he wasn’t coming,” I asked Jennifer. She had assured me Ethan wouldn’t be there, which had made me feel more relaxed.
“Oh, yes. I asked Daddy, and he said Ethan had business to attend to and wouldn’t come. I guess he changed his mind,” Jennifer said casually. walking into view. “This fits perfectly,” she said, smiling at her reflection in the slim-fit pink gown that accentuated her beautiful shape.
“Don’t tell me you’re still hung up on Ethan, please. It’s been three years,” Jennifer said, noticing the concern in my voice. I had convinced myself that I’d moved on, but after seeing him and feeling my heart flutter, I wasn’t so sure anymore.
“You and Jason are perfect.”
“He’s is young, a bachelor, and handsome” Jennifer continued, “I know he’s my cousin, and I don’t mean to brag, but he’s extremely hot, New York’s top five under-40 billionaires.” she bragged.
“Uhum” I chuckled.
“I hope you know we are not dating,” I reminded her, and she smiled.
“Yes for now,” Jennifer said, a wide grin spreading across her face. “I’m not supposed to tell you this, but he plans to ask you out today.”
“He does?” I asked, surprised.
“Yes”
“And you’d better accept because I know you like him too,” Jennifer warned with a playful tone.