Riley grabbed her sister’s hands, looking back at that mirror image. She forced her own grief aside and gave Kenzie a genuine smile. “I’m really happy for you.”
Kenzie grinned back. “Thanks.”
Riley squeezed one last time, before letting go, to take her place in line where she’d fall into step next to the best man. “See you on the other side.”
* * * *
ZANE FOUND A WALL AWAYfrom everyone and leaned against it. He tilted his head back, studying the ceiling. When he closed his eyes, the afterimage of lights danced with women in taffeta and men dressed like penguins. He sighed and straightened.
Focusing on the reception again, he let his gaze trip across faces. So many were familiar. He was glad most of them already said their awkwardwelcome backs, told him he looked good, and moved on. Kenzie and Scott stood at the far end of the room, shaking hands and accepting congratulations. Zane had been near them long enough to know some were sincere and some were obligatory, and that Kenzie kept a quiet but tight leash on them, making sure they all came off sounding the same.
He knew there were unwritten rules about the bridesmaid not looking as good as the bride, but if it hadn’t been for the subtle but constant cloud of depression hanging over Riley, she would have stolen the night, even though the two women were technically identical. Then again, maybe he was biased.
Ignoring Riley was destroying him, but he was determined not to break.
Someone stopped behind her. Archer stood close, hand resting on her arm. She bent her head to his and responded to something he said.
Zane knocked back the rest of his punch. Time to check out the bar. He pushed away from the wall, looking anywhere but at the wedding line.
He ordered bourbon, neat, and shuffled back into the crowd. At least at a party this big, it wasn’t too hard to lose himself, except the crowds thinned as the night wore on. Why was he sticking around? Probably because he hadn’t convinced himself not to talk to Riley. Failed to ignore the desire to see if she wanted to hang out... Or more. He glanced back toward where the wedding party had been, but they’d dispersed.
He almost turned away again, before he caught a glimpse of movement in the dark, several feet back. Unmistakably Riley and Archer, standing near each other, away from anyone else. Talking.
It was time for him to take off. He spun to leave.
“Watch out.” A pair of hands clasped his shoulders, jarring him to a stop.
Fuck. He wasn’t in the mood for this.
“You know”—Scott nodded at Zane’s untouched drink—“if you don’t want that...”
Zane shoved the bourbon in his direction. “Help yourself.”
“Not for me.” Scott tugged Kenzie closer, his arm wrapped around her waist. “I need something to ply the bride with, for our honeymoon.”
Disgust crawled through Zane. This guy was worse than he thought.
Kenzie rolled her eyes, took the drink from him, and set it on a nearby table. “He’s yanking your chain. Give me some credit.”
“I knew that,” Zane mumbled. “Again, you look beautiful.” He squeezed Kenzie’s fingertips. “Congratulations one last time, before I bolt for the night.”
“Thanks, and we’re doing the same real soon.” Kenzie pretty much glowed.
“Handsome, upstanding military man like you, leaving alone?” Scott elbowed him.
The dig hit exactly the wrong nerve. “Yes.” Zane’s tone was flat.
“Didn’t mean to imply anything.” Scott held up his hands. “I’ve got a programmer who’s been eying you all night. If he’s more your type...”
Zane stared at him, irritation kicking into overdrive. “I’m fine, thanks.”
“He knows exactly who you’ve got your eye on,” Kenzie interjected. “He’s trying to poke holes in who you are and find your weak spots.”
“I’m... being trolled? Are you six?” Zane shifted his weight and crossed his arms. Though he couldn’t beat the other man when it came to muscle bulk, he had at least a couple inches on him and wanted to make it clear he wasn’t backing down.
Scott smirked. “Only on my best days.”
“You have five minutes.” Kenzie kissed Scott on the cheek and melted back into the crowds.