***
3 years later
***
"Excuse me, but I just had to come over and tell you how beautiful you are."
"Thank you, but as you can tell, I'm clearly married."
"So am I."
"My condolences to your wife."
Jake shakes his head, dimples teasing beneath the stubble. "You're going to drive me crazy for the rest of my life, aren't you?"
I rest my hands on his suit jacket, leaning into his sandalwood cologne. "And you're going to love every second of it."
His lips brush over my ear, spilling a breath of amusement. "Just like you're going to love getting punished for it."
"I could get punished right now, sir." I hide my face in the arch of his neck and give it a slow, lingering lick.
"Congratulations to the happy couple!" Molly, Nick, Kayden, and his girlfriend — Faye — appear, disrupting the heat.
Jake pulls away, cheeks slightly flushed. Hugs get exchanged. Molly looks breathtaking in her green, off the shoulder gown, auburn waves in a loose updo, signature blush on her freckled cheeks. Nick has cleaned up nicely too, ginger locks styled on one side, wearing a shy smile. Kayden's in a bow tie, his blue suit matching Faye's silk, floor-length gown.
"You look stunning," she fawns over me, smiling brightly at my wedding dress.
I mirror her excitement. "What can I say, my friend is a talented designer."
She waves me off while Kayden ogles her with lovestruck eyes. Molly notices and snorts, shaking her head at me. "He's so whipped," she mouths.
"What's so funny?" Jake asks when I stifle a giggle, wrapping his arm around my waist.
"Just that Molly is about to understand the joy of living with a boy," I say, smiling at her. "Call me if you ever need a rescue."
"Wow, you guys are settled in already?" Jake asks.
Molly nods. "Yup. I didn't even pack a thing, just a few of my clothes, ready for a fresh start. I don't want anything from my mom."
"As you should." I beam, wrapping my arms around her. "I'm so proud of you!"
She kisses my cheek and whispers. "It's thanks to you. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for all your help. Same with dad."
"Biiitch!" Anna joins the group, waving the wedding bouquet I tossed not so long ago.
"Oh my God, woman, can you get your shit together?" Ramon follows behind like a lost, angry puppy.
"Make me!" She retorts and shoves the flowers in his face. "Here, take this so I can hug my best friend."
Then she launches herself at me with a squeal, making me stumble back as we both laugh. "I can't believe you're married!"
"I know! But you're always going to be my number one, I promise."
We're still holding each other, ignoring our group chuckling a couple of feet away. Anna gives my cheek a loud smooch. "I love you so much, and I'm so happy for you. You deserve this."
Tears pool my eyes. "You're going to make me cry, I love you too."
She pulls back and holds my hands, her own eyes watering. "I will always have your back, don't forget."
YOU ARE READING
Tame Me If You Can
RomanceAfter kissing an irresistible stranger, a young professor discovers her mystery crush is one of her new students. MIA is an emotionally unavailable woman, who's dedicated everything to becoming the youngest professor at her university. Growing up wi...