Between the desks

Chapter 39

Next Saturday...

Amren's POV

Jess and I woke up to the soft glow of sunlight filtering through the blinds. It was already 10 a.m., and we had a few hours to get ready before heading out for Jess's aunt's wedding. We had spent the previous afternoon shopping for something nice to wear—something that would match the elegance of the occasion.

I had gone for a dark brown suit, the color of rich, polished wood. It was sleek and sharp, a far cry from the casual clothes I was used to. I wasn't exactly a fashion-forward person, preferring comfort over style, but today I felt different. The black boots I wore underneath gave the look a slightly rebellious edge, like I was sealing a business deal, but with a hint of defiance.

Jess, on the other hand, had opted for something that took my breath away. She wore a black silk dress that hugged her in all the right places, its thick straps giving it a modern, slightly edgy vibe. The neckline was just deep enough to catch the eye, but still elegant, revealing a glimpse of cleavage that was alluring without being over-the-top. Her usual tough-girl aura was softened by the way the fabric flowed around her, yet her choice of black combat boots kept that air of masculinity she often carried. Today, though, I felt like the one playing the masculine role, with my suit buttoned up and hair slicked back in a neat knot.

Jess stood in front of the mirror, curling her short dark hair, and I couldn't help but admire how we looked together. "Babe, we look like a hot couple," I teased, grinning at our reflection.

Jess's lips curled into a smirk. "I want to rip that suit off you," she said with a low, teasing growl, her dominant side slipping through effortlessly.

I laughed, leaning in to give her a lingering kiss. She deepened it instantly, her hand gripping my waist, but I pulled back gently, not wanting to get too carried away before the wedding. "Not now, honey. Tonight," I said, winking as I took back control of the moment. Jess blushed slightly, which only made her more irresistible.

After getting ready, we stepped outside for a quick smoke, the crisp air filling our lungs as we shared a moment of quiet together. Just as I took a drag from my cigarette, my phone buzzed in my pocket. It was Lily, Jess's cousin.

"Hey, are you guys on your way?" she asked, her voice tight with nerves. I could practically hear the stress in her voice through the phone.

I exhaled slowly, keeping my tone calm. "Yeah, we'll be there soon," I said, my voice relaxed, trying to ease her anxiety. "Don't worry, we've got this."

"Okay, see you in a bit!" she said, her tone lightening up slightly before hanging up.

Jess flicked her cigarette and grinned at me. "Come on, babe. We don't want to be late," she said, her excitement bubbling over. Her eyes sparkled, and she was practically glowing as she bounced on her heels, clearly looking forward to the day.

By the time we pulled up to Lily's place, she was already outside, pacing nervously in her long, dark blue dress. When she spotted us, she threw her arms up in excitement, her face lighting up.

"Girl, you look steaming hot!" I yelled from the car, making her laugh and roll her eyes as she waved it off with a grin.

Lily climbed into the backseat, pulling both Jess and me into a hug from behind as we all laughed. The atmosphere was already light and fun, and I was starting to feel genuinely excited for the wedding. There was something about the buzz in the air, the anticipation of the event, and being surrounded by the people who meant the most to me that made everything feel just right.

As I drove, the wind rushed through the windows, and I felt a surge of adrenaline. I pushed the car a little faster than usual, feeling like a racer on the open road. When we arrived at the ceremony venue—a stunning barn surrounded by fields of white flowers—it looked like something straight out of a fairytale.

Jess was the first to get out, confidently walking ahead of us as we followed behind. "Hello! I'm the niece of the bride, and these are my plus-ones," she said with a playful grin, pointing back at Lily and me. The security guard gave us a quick nod and let us in.

Inside, the barn was just as beautiful as I had imagined. Fairy lights twinkled overhead, casting a warm glow over the room. White flowers adorned every surface, filling the space with their sweet, fresh scent. It felt magical, like we had stepped into another world.

Jess leaned over and whispered in my ear, "One day, we'll have something like this too." She smiled at me, her eyes full of love and excitement.

A strange feeling fluttered in my chest, something I couldn't quite place. "Yeah, I know, babe," I replied, though my mind drifted somewhere else for a moment. The idea of marriage, of making such a big commitment, felt both thrilling and terrifying all at once.

We found our seats in the second row, right behind the immediate family. I settled in between Jess and Lily, feeling the warmth of Jess's hand as she squeezed mine. I kissed her cheek, feeling a wave of affection wash over me as she smiled softly. Lily, meanwhile, was wide-eyed, taking in the grandeur of the venue, her excitement palpable.

The door at the back of the barn opened again, and more family members began to arrive, each one dressed to the nines, filling the seats around us. The anticipation of the ceremony filled the air, but for now, everything felt perfect. Jess, Lily, and I sat together, our laughter mingling with the soft music playing in the background, and for the first time in a long while, I felt like we were exactly where we were supposed to be.