God, every part of him wanted to say screw it. Screw the Bro Code. Screw the rules. And screw always doing the right thing.
But he was that nice guy everyone referred to him as. And nice guys did the right thing.
From the corner of his eye, he spotted movement in the wardrobe tent Kristen had been using to get ready. It wasn’t the bride or groom, because they were still up in the crowd.
A bag flew out the flap door, spilling what looked like makeup all over the sand.
Weird. Had someone on the beach gone inside to find something worth stealing? Maybe Kristen had left her purse in there.
Damn.
Knowing he’d probably find someone from the wedding in there, but wanting to be sure, Eric jogged over to the tent and pulled the flap open.
The man and woman inside were fused together in a kiss that looked hot enough to melt the tent around them. Seeming to fight for dominance, they stumbled against the side of the pop-up, nearly toppling it.
What in the hell?
Recognition kicked in.
It was Tori and James.
Eric’s teeth snapped together with enough force it had his jaw throbbing.
Again?
Without announcing his presence, he dropped the door flap and strode back down the beach.
Seeing Hannah speaking with Kristen and Blake, he made his way over to them. Forcing a bright smile and tone, he called out, “Hey, congrats, you two.”
Glowing with happiness, Kristen gave him a hug. “Aw, thanks, Eric. We’re so glad you could make it.”
“There’s no way I would’ve missed this.” He hugged Blake. “Congrats, man. Wish I could stay longer, but I’ve gotta take off. Something came up.”
Eric slid his gaze to Hannah’s. Her gaze held a hint of unease, and her lips were tight.
“Yeah?” Blake nodded, his lips quirking. “Funny, Hannah was just telling us she was going to head out too. You guys take it easy.”
There was no mistaking the not-so-subtle implication from Blake that maybe they’d planned this.
Whatever. Eric couldn’t give two shits about it right now.
“Congratulations, and I’m sure I’ll see you guys soon.” Eric glanced at Hannah. “Hey, how about we walk back to the parking lot together?”
“Oh.” Her cheeks flushed and she glanced quickly at Kristen and Blake. “Yeah, that sounds good.”
It was only when they were up on the bridge, crossing over the train tracks toward the parking lot, that Hannah touched his arm.
He slowed and turned to face her.
“Thank you,” she blurted, before nibbling her bottom lip. “And, I’m sorry, I hope I didn’t just out us to Blake and Kristen. I know that’s the last thing you want—”
Eric crushed his mouth down on hers, looping an arm around her waist and hauling her against him. It didn’t matter who saw them or what they thought. Not now. All that mattered was tasting her. Claiming her.
Because from this moment on, Hannah was his, and fuck anyone who had a problem with it.
*
Between the fireerupting in her belly and her legs turning to liquid, Hannah’s brain went into overdrive.