“I don’t know. Whenever you’re around each other, the room becomes very… tense. It’s like you hate each other but are attracted to each other.”
“Attracted to Axel? Axel Whatever-his-last name-is? Never.” She laughed, tossing her head back, and her cheeks turned rosy. She was most definitely attracted to Axel. I’d never seen her giggle or blush about any man.
“Your cheeks are kind of red, and where did that girlie giggle come from?” I arched my brow.
She instantly calmed. “Well, your ridiculous questions warranted a good laugh.”
“It’s okay if you like him.”
“I don’t.”
“But if you did, it’s okay. He’s handsome and crazy intelligent and looks like he could rip a man in two with his bare hands. I’m certain he can.”
“Out of all that, you had the crazy part right.” She rolled her gorgeous, mocha-brown eyes. “I hate him, okay? That’s where the tension comes from. He got Will into all kinds of shit.”
“That’s not true. Will was already in all kinds of shit before Axel arrived at SJI. And even then, Will didn’t tell Axel what was going on with Jason and Cori until he was knee-deep into the fake affair.”
“Why are you defending him? Axel is a meathead bodyguard who couldn’t even keep you safe. He doesn’t talk. He grunts. He has a creepy stare and makes me—”
“Want to jump his bones? Climb him like a tree? Lick every inch of his muscly body?” Had I really said all that? Jeez, showed how horny I still was after my morning activities with Will.
Simone gaped. “No.”
“I would if I wasn’t so in love with Will.”
“Stop it. You would not. You have refined taste.”
“Just admit it. Axel intrigues you. He turns you on and it’s driving you…crazy,” I teased her.
“Is this what they call pregnancy brain? You’re talking nonsense. Now let’s go show everyone the dress.” She opened the door and dashed out.
I looked at Bella. We both smiled and nodded.
Simone had the hots for Axel, no question, but knowing her as I did, she would never admit it. She was the most stubborn St. James out of the whole lot of them. Henry was a close second. He at least showed Lily he liked her. He just refused to pursue anything more than a thirty-six-hour sex marathon.
When I walked out of the dressing room, the chorus of gasps and watery eyes had mirrored my own when I first saw myself. It was enough to tell me this was the dress.
“You’re absolutely stunning,” Claire said.
“It’s perfect—you’re perfect,” Lily said.
“My sweet girl, you’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.”
I caught a glimpse of Axel behind the women. He even looked in awe. I’d have to tell him to not breathe a word about the dress to Will, which shouldn’t be too difficult for him.
“Is this the dress?” Bella asked with hopeful eyes.
“Yes. This is the one.” Thank goodness too. I didn’t think I could stand trying on any more.
We all celebrated with another glass of bubbly, which for me meant sparkling ginger ale.
I couldn’t wait to go home and be with Will, but that would have to wait until after dinner. Claire had insisted on hosting an elegant meal this evening for everyone.
It was a kind offer, but I wanted to snuggle with Will on our deck and watch the tide roll in and the sun disappear into the ocean.
Just me and the love of my life, that was all I wanted
39 Will