But he hadn’t, and she remembered being oh so disappointed, which was stupid. He’d done the right thing. Just like she was going to do the right thing now, despite the crazy signals her body was throwing at her.
“No.”
He shrugged. “Okay.” Then he dug into his food as if he hadn’t just upended her entire nervous system.
Deciding self-preservation was vital, she turned her attention to Molly, who sat on her other side.
After dinner and toasts, which were lovely, everyone drifted off into groups. The women headed into the house for wine, while the guys moved toward one of the barns to talk horses and ranch stuff or whatever it was that guys talked about when they were in a group.
Chelsea was content to get away from Bash. She’d have to deal with him as her partner tomorrow, at least during the wedding festivities. Other than that, she was going to keep a lookout for men who might fit her list. That was her priority.
She was already looking forward to tomorrow.
For so many reasons that had nothing to do with Bash.
Or so she tried to convince herself.
Chapter 12
Chelsea stood at the altar, trying to keep her tears in check as Des and Logan said their vows. Des looked stunning in her dress. A cream silk, off-the-shoulder gown that clung to her slender frame, it had long lace sleeves and made her look like a princess. But the back was cut low and sexy. It was one of a kind.
Just like Des.
Chelsea had seen the look on Logan’s face as Des had walked down the aisle with her dad. That was a look of pure love, the same look on Des’s face. She couldn’t be happier for both of her friends.
And as they said their vows, her gaze drifted over to Bash, who at that moment made eye contact with her.
His lips lifted, and she felt that tug of … something … toward him.
Which was absolutely ridiculous. Sure, he looked amazing in his black tux, his white shirt a perfect complement to his tanned skin, his goatee nicely trimmed, and his mouth …
Ridiculous. She was being ridiculous. That “something” she felt was chemistry, and chemistry most definitely was not on her list. Chemistry was like the kiss she’d had with Bash. All hot fireworks, but that would eventually burn itself out, and then what would be left?
Nothing.
She was not in the market for nothing. She wanted forever, and Bash was not a forever kind of guy. He was a few hot romps in the sack, then move on to the next woman. She’d never be one of those women.
She shifted her gaze on Des and Logan, forcing herself to listen to the reverend talk about love and commitment, two things Bash obviously wasn’t interested in at all.
But she was. And some man would be. That’s why he would be perfect.
After a short ceremony, the reverend pronounced the couple husband and wife. Logan scooped Des up in a hot, passionate kiss that made even Chelsea blush—and there wasn’t a whole lot that made her blush. Everyone clapped, then Des and Logan led the wedding party down the aisle.
She met Bash at the altar. He gave her his arm, and since both a photographer and videographer were there, she smiled at Bash and slid her hand through his arm. They walked down the aisle together and around the barn.
While the rest of the guests piled into the barn for appetizers and drinks, the wedding party and families spent a half hour or so taking pictures at the altar. It was fun, but Chelsea would be happy when she didn’t have to stand next to Bash anymore. He looked too good, and he smelled like her favorite wintergreen-scented candle. Every time he slipped his arm around her waist, she was way too conscious of him—his body and damn near everything about him.
Finally, photos were finished and they headed toward the barn, where Des and Logan were introduced as husband and wife to a round of loud applause.
The bridal party surrounded them while they danced, and then the wedding party all danced so the photographer could take pictures, which meant she and Bash danced together. She absolutely would not notice how tall he was, even though she had on a pair of very high heels.
She also refused to notice how well they fit together, or how perfectly he danced. He wasn’t clumsy at all. And he sure did clean up well. He might not be a suit and tie kind of guy, but the man was born to wear a tux.
“You’re staring at me,” he said. “And I know I don’t have spinach in my teeth—yet.”
“I was just thinking how great you look in a tux.”
He gave her a sexy smile. “That might almost make your list, Chelsea.”
She shook her head. “No, it wouldn’t, because you don’t wear them all the time.”
“This is true. These things are uncomfortable as hell. I prefer jeans and a T-shirt.”
He also fit those quite well. Not that she paid much attention.
“Where’s Lou tonight?”
“My neighbors are watching her. They have a Shih Tzu that Lou sees at the backyard fence, and they’ve gotten friendly, so Kerry and Bill offered to keep her tonight.”
“That’s nice of them.”
“Yeah.”
“What do you do with her when you’re working?”
“She comes with me. I bring her crate, but the patrons are getting used to her wandering around. She’s pretty well-behaved and she’s adjusting to hanging out at the bar. When she gets tired, she wanders into her crate and goes to sleep.”
“I’m glad you’re both adjusting.”
“Me, too. Though we have to work on her not eating things she’s not supposed to.”