During the drive, between the several missed calls from Reed I ignored, I received two texts from Beth. One asking if everything is okay since she knows what I’ve been dealing with at home, and one telling me they’d all be hanging out at the bar after the rehearsal and to come find them there.
So, that’s where I go looking.
Walking around the resort, the cool breeze off the water tickles my bare neck as I follow the sandy path and the heavy bass from the music playing in the distance. As I get closer, I spot colored lanterns strung around palm trees and torches burning.
There are bodies everywhere on the dance floor. Packed like cattle, dancing and singing and celebrating.
Everyone appears to be in a great mood. Probably because they all have boyfriends who were invited to tag along on their vacations. I bet their brothers all approve of their relationships too.
Must be nice.
I scan the crowd first, then look over toward the bar, not seeing Reed or any of his friends. After cutting through the horde, I finally spot Ben Kelly sitting at a table.
He’s hard to miss.
It’s the muscles. And the tattoos. And the overall look of his face.
The man has a really nice face.
Ben’s wife Mia is sitting beside him holding one of their kids. Next to her is Tessa, Reed’s best friend and Ben’s sister. I’ve known her for years. A little on the crazy side, but she’s always been nice to me. Luke Evans is sitting close to her, drinking his beer and smiling. He works with Ben on the police force and married Tessa last year.
He’s also very hard to miss.
The bad cop to Ben’s good cop. Luke Evans always looks a second away from beating the shit out of somebody.
And it’s bizarrely hot.
Reed and Beth are sitting together at the end of the table, and once I see Reed I start moving with purpose.
I push my way through the crowd and march across the dance floor. I’m fuming by this point, mainly because I’m staring at the man who couldn’t be reasonable for one second in his life and because of his actions, I am now a day away from being homeless.
Our eyes lock when I get a few feet away.
“Finally,” Reed says through an exhausted breath after spotting me. He slides Beth off his lap and they both stand, her staying behind him, then he takes a step closer and regards me with irritation burning in his gaze. “Where have you been?” he questions harshly. “I’ve been calling you for hours. You know you missed the rehearsal?”
I narrow my eyes, ready to attack, then remember I’m not mad at anyone else here besides my brother and figure I need to cool it a little and address the group.
“Sorry I was late,” I say. “But I don’t really see what the big deal is. It doesn’t take a genius to know how to carry a thing of flowers and walk twenty feet.” I direct my attitude-heavy honesty at Reed before looking at the others.
I’m not close with anyone else here besides Beth, but I know everyone. We’ve been at the same get-togethers before. We’ve chatted a little. I’d consider us friendly.
I acknowledge the group with a weak smile. It’s all I can seem to muster up right now.
Then before I direct my attention back at Reed, my eyes move past the table and freeze dead, locking onto a broad chest thick with big, bulging muscles.
I blink. Oh . . . wow. That’s impressive looking. Have I ever seen a chest like this before?
The owner of this award-winning display of athletic physique is standing off to the side at the end of the table closest to Ben.
The crowd must’ve obstructed him when I first noticed everyone else. That’s the only explanation I have for missing this guy, because I am certain I would’ve noticed whoever this is.
I’d have to be blind not to notice.
Curiosity finally tilts my head up, and I meet winter blue eyes. My breath catches the tiniest bit as I instantly recognize CJ Tully, another member of the Ruxton Police Department.
We’ve never met. Not officially, anyway. I’ve seen him with Ben and Luke around town. And we had a brief run-in once I’m betting he doesn’t even remember. But before I ever saw CJ around Ruxton, Reed talked about him. Beth almost dated him too, which could’ve caused weirdness between the three of them, but it didn’t. They’re all good friends.
I know who CJ is, I’ve just never been in a situation where anyone would introduce us.
That’s about to change though. We have to meet. He’s in the wedding party.
My eyes widen as that thought blooms in my mind.
Oh, God . . . the wedding party.
I’m paired up with Mr. Fantastic Chest!
How did I forget that? I was told this information months ago. Shit. All the arguing I’ve done with Richard the past couple of days must’ve distracted me and now I am completely unprepared for my duties involving close contact with a man who uses handcuffs on a daily basis, and who most likely looks phenomenal using those handcuffs.
CJ is hot.
Really hot.
From the neck down he’s got it going on, and from the neck up?
God. It’s almost unfair.
Short, light brown hair that has tints of auburn in it, styled but sort of messy in the front and sticking up a little. Straight nose. High cheek bones. Chiseled jaw. A thick five o’clock shadow reaching down his neck, making him look all rough and tough.
And . . . huh, he’s staring at me. Why is he staring at me?
Maybe he’s been arguing with someone too and forgot I was coming to this?
He jerks forward slightly, mumbling a “hey,” that sounds as tense and unprepared for this as I feel, then clears his throat and offers out his hand. “Sorry. I don’t think we’ve met yet. I’m CJ. I’ll be your partner in crime at this shindig tomorrow.” He furrows his brow, squints, and looks down with his hand still extended. “Did I really just use a cop reference?” he murmurs.