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Chapter 24

*C H A R L O T T E*

I cannot even begin to describe what his smile makes me feel. I feel everything all at once. Happiness to finally see him again, sadness because he is no longer mine. The memories of our last moments together still haunt me. Even after my apology, even after pouring my heart out, he still was cold as ice. He dismissed me so easily. And then there is Melany. There is no denying that he picked her over me. But even after all this I can't deny that he still affects me. Just that smile, my favorite boyish grin, is enough for my body to react. I feel the blood rush to my cheeks and the butterflies inside. I'm drowning in those eyes. I can see every eyelash curling around them. I start to breath fast and shallow and I'm aware of the fact that we're still staring at each other. We're not paying attention at all. The thought of that makes me smile and I'm aware that I'm finally smiling back.

The ceremony is over and we follow the couple outside. I'm not walking beside Hero, I've waited a little so there are some people between us.

"God, he is dreamy, isn't he?" the girl next to me says.

I wasn't paying attention to her so I give her a confused look.

"Hero!" she sighs. "Hero Fiennes-Tiffin!"

"Oh. Yeah, he really is."

She starts telling the story of how Hero and Jack met. Obviously she's not aware of who I am and I must admit I'm not listening at all. I'm staring at him again. He's talking to Jack's dad and he's smiling. Oh how handsome he looks. And how sexy. I've missed looking at him. I'm also kind of sad that no other man could make me feel like this these past few months. One look at Hero in his tuxedo and I feel an ache in my lower stomach. I feel all tingly. It's a feeling I haven't felt in a long time. Once outside the photographer takes some photos of the bride and groom and their families. I try really hard to talk to Lizzie's other friends and not to focus on Hero alone but I'm too aware of his gaze on me. I can feel his eyes burning on my back. I've always been aware of him, even when we weren't friends at all.

Suddenly Hero and I are asked to join as well. For the first photo the photographer wants me to stand next to Lizzie and Hero next to Jack. That's easy enough and the smile comes naturally to me. The second photo is more difficult. He wants Jack holding Lizzie on one side and us on the other.

"Hi," Hero whispers underneath his breath as he comes standing behind me.

"Hi," I whisper back. I don't dare look at him.

Hero wraps his arms around me and places his hands on mine, a little in front of me. I was not prepared for the explosion of feelings his touch would cause. At first, it feels like an electric shock. It reminds me of the first time he touched me. Then there are tiny waves of electricity rushing through me. It's hard to focus on keeping my breathing steady. I'm sure he can hear my heart pounding, hard and fast. I'm aware that his face is close to mine, too close. Not close enough for the photographer's taste. He instructs Hero to put his face closer to mine. There is a slight touch and his cheek brushes against my hair. I can smell him and that brings back so many memories. I haven't touched him in so long. I don't dare to look back at him because I'm painfully aware of how close his mouth is. Those lips have cast a spell on mine and I'm trying really hard to focus on smiling for the photos. I try to pull my thoughts away of kissing him and focus on what we're doing here.

"Okay, that's it everyone," the photographer dismisses us.

Hero holds me just a little longer and I stand still as a statue. I want to remember this moment forever and I want it to last just a little longer. And then the moment is gone.

"Come on you two, let's go to the wedding reception!" Lizzie's cousin yells.

I glance back and give Hero a small smile before breaking our embrace and walking towards Lizzie's cousin. I know I'm such a coward but I didn't dare to say anything. I'm afraid my voice would betray my feelings. I can hear him follow me. Lizzie and Jack are off to take some more photos. For the women and the elderly there are carriages with horses to drive us back to the castle. The boys are walking back. I glimpse at Hero one last time before entering my carriage. He gives me a confused and sad smile.

The waiter gives me a new glass of champagne. The reception is on going and I'm trying hard to blend in with Lizzie's other girlfriends. I look around and I spot Hero talking to Killian and Jack's dad. He looks like he's having a good time.

"As I was saying to this one earlier, he is sooo hot!" The slight touch of the girl next to me on my arm snaps me back in to reality.

The other girls agree and giggle.

"I'm sorry, I missed your name earlier," the girl who talked to me earlier apologizes.

"Oh, I'm so sorry! I don't think I introduced myself. I'm Charlotte."

As soon as I say my name she realizes her mistake earlier. All the girls know who I am and what happened. Of course.

"Oh, so you were there when Jack and Lizzie met?" a very tall girl on my right says. "Tell us more about that!"

I'm thankful for her intervention. I give her a broad smile as I start telling the tale of our first year.