Kennedy looked me up and down, his brown eyes sparkling.
“Kennedy.” I meant to use a warning tone, but it came out in more of a sex whisper.
He put his hands on my shoulders and pushed me back against the wall. “You look good enough to eat.”
I ran my hands down the silky lapel of his tux. “So do you.”
“I just had to see you. Wash and I were talking after he and Lincoln had their big ‘I love you’ sesh—” He faked a gagging sound.
“Wait, they made up? Like, bygones are bygones over that whole episode with that girl when they were kids?” I smiled, happiness spreading in my chest at the news.
“Yeah, it was pretty gross. Hugging and stuff.” He trailed his fingers down my neck. “But let’s talk about more important things, like whether or not you’re wearing panties.”
“I’m a southern lady.” I darted my tongue out and licked along his lower lip.
A low moan rang out from the bedroom Wash and Caroline had claimed.
Kennedy glanced over his shoulder. “Why didn’t I think of that?”
“You’re not known as the particularly smart brother.”
“Is that so?”
I nodded. “I think your talents lie elsewhere.” My gaze flickered to his lips.
He moved his hands lower, balling my skirt in his fists. “If I kiss you, will it mess up your lipstick?” He grazed his lips over me.
“Yes.”
“Then I probably shouldn’t.” He slanted his mouth over mine and pulled me to him.
I parted my lips and he took full advantage, swirling his tongue inside. I slipped my hands inside his jacket and ran my nails down his back.
He put a hand under my dress and gripped my ass, then patted around. “You said you were wearing panties,” he said against my lips.
“No, I said I was a southern lady.”
“You little tramp.” He kissed me again. His touch lit me on fire, my knees going weak until I had to break our kiss to take a breath.
He pulled back and bit my lower lip.
I giggled.
“What?”
“You’re wearing lipstick now.”
“Well, hell, stop gawking and tell me if it’s a good color for me.”
“It’s almost time.” Terrell sauntered down the hall toward us.
I laughed and gave Kennedy another peck. “Perfect. Come on. I’ll get you cleaned up.” I shimmied past him and tried to pull him into the bride’s room.
“No way. Not a chance.”
“What?”
“I’m not walking into the jaws of the beast. I’ll clean up back in groom central.”
“Places, people,” Terrell chimed.
“Okay. I’m going.” Kennedy stole one more kiss and hustled back the way he’d come.
I dashed back into the bride’s room and freshened my makeup as Evan gave herself a pep talk full of more profanity than I’d ever heard in my life.
Caroline came in right behind me and did some freshening up of her own, but her cheeks were plenty rosy and her skin had a certain glow.
“You bitches ready?” Evan pulled herself up to her full height and strangled her bouquet in a death grip.
“Yes.” Caroline and I exchanged smiles.
“Good. Prance your asses out in front. I’m right behind you.”
We left the room and made our way to the rear of the house. The wedding was outside, the weather perfect—sunny and warm with a light breeze. We stopped on the steps of the sunroom.
“You’re going to be fine.” I walked around and smoothed her train out behind her.
“I know. I do. So ready. He’s hot, smart, likes it when I break the rules, has a fascinating temper, makes me squeal. Yes. He’s the fucking one. I’m ready. Tell them.” She jerked her chin at Clinton, who waited just outside.
He nodded, and within moments, the string quartet began playing.
“Now or never. I got this. I’m the bad bitch. I. Got. This.” Evan took a deep breath as first Caroline then I walked out into the sunny morning, the chairs lined up in neat rows and filled with about fifty guests.
The center aisle was strewn with yellow rose petals, but I couldn’t look at my feet. All I could see was Kennedy, a boyish grin on his face, as he watched me approach. He crossed his hands in front of him, then put them at his sides, then clasped them behind his back, as if suddenly unsure what to do with himself.
I took my position next to Caroline. Glancing at Wash, I witnessed him giving her a look of admiration that made me smile, though it didn’t give me tingles the way Kennedy’s reverent gaze did. The song changed and everyone stood as Evan took the two steps down to the runner and held her head high as she walked slowly toward Lincoln.