Closer to her? Yes, but not because of her. That was ridiculous. After all, there was no them.
“I hope you find someplace great this time. It should be easier since you’ll be less rushed and you know the town better.”
“Yeah. That’s the last time I take advice about my living situation from Trees.”
She laughed. “I’m surprised you didn’t move in with him.”
“Then you haven’t seen where he lives.”
“No. I assumed he had some bachelor pad somewhere.”
Zy scoffed. “More like a fortress. He’s prepping for martial law or civil war, whichever comes first.”
“Is he paranoid?”
He sent her a sly grin. “He would tell you he’s cautious.”
It sounded more like crazy to her, but the world was full of different people who believed different things. Who was she to judge?
“I guess we should find our seats for this shindig.”
With a caress down her arm, he took her hand. “Yeah.”
She already knew from the debrief that Josiah and Cutter would take up positions on either side of the back of the garden to have eyes on most of the atrium. If any of the guests had come for nefarious reasons, those four would intercede. She and Zy settled toward the front, in the fourth row, to be closer to the wedding party.
The processional started. Kendra looked ethereal and misty-eyed as she walked down the aisle toward her husband-to-be, who seemingly had eyes only for her. Tessa’s heart panged with both yearning and envy. She wanted that for herself, with a man who not only loved her but whose life wouldn’t be complete without her.
Maybe she was fooling herself. How often did that happen in a Tinder-dating culture?
Beside her, Zy took her hand, his thumb absently brushing her knuckles. Shivers skittered through her body. She could definitely fall for him. Hell, she was halfway there, but even during his difficult goodbye the night he’d left her place, he’d never mentioned feelings, just sex. Just wanting what he couldn’t have. Sure, he’d been annoyed with Hunter for bringing her here tonight, probably as much because he felt protective as he was worried she’d screw up his op.
After a twenty-minute ceremony full of pomp, the newly married couple kissed and made their way down the aisle together, smiling at each other with happiness and promises of tomorrow. As an usher walked the bride’s mother out the back of the atrium, her father followed. When he caught sight of Zy, his stare snapped around. Zy cursed under his breath.
“He recognized you,” she said once the man had gone on.
“Yeah. He’ll probably say something at the reception. Follow my lead. It will be fine.” Zy sounded like he was trying to convince himself more than her.
Once they’d made their way to the back of the garden-style venue, she caught sight of Josiah and Ashley holding hands, acting as if they were the only two people in the room. On the other side of the open space, Cutter and Rebecca did roughly the same thing. Tessa was grateful for the excuse to wrap her hand around Zy’s steely arm and press close.
When they found the reception hall, Zy tried to skirt the receiving line, but Dr. Waxman caught sight of him and waved him over.
“Chase! I thought that was you.”
“Great to see you, Doctor.” His smile was counterfeit. “Beautiful wedding. I’m happy for Kendra and her groom.”
“Thanks. I’m surprised to see you here.” The older man laughed. “I guess you’re representing your family tonight? Jennifer told me your folks couldn’t make it because your dad was summoned to DC for a senate hearing on Monday.”
Tessa tried to hide her surprise. Why would Zy’s dad be testifying on Capitol Hill?
“Sounds about right.” Zy shrugged noncommittally. “Beautiful event.”
“It was. You know, there was a time Jennifer and your mother hoped that you and Kendra…” He smiled tightly. “But she’s happy with Brian. And…is this lovely lady your date?”
He held out his hand to her, and she automatically took it. “Tessa Lawrence.”
Zy leaned in and dropped his voice. “We’re here working for Colonel Edgington and his sons.”
Comprehension dawned on his lined face, and he clapped Zy’s shoulder. “Good to hear. I knew the man was smart.”
“Thanks. I don’t want to hold up the line. Congratulations.”
Before Waxman could say anything else, Zy yanked her out of the receiving line and led her into the expansive ballroom draped in white, accented by arrangements of greenery and white hydrangeas that cascaded from the ceiling, along with massive chandeliers. Similar bouquets dotted the linen-draped tables, along with pale candles and crystal.
“Fuck,” he muttered as he led them to a table to the right of the bridal party’s and seated her.
“You’ve more than met the man. Your father is friends with him?”
“I— Well, it’s…” He sighed as he sat. “Yeah. At least they used to be. I don’t know anymore.”