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Chapter 26

*C H A R L O T T E*

I'm having a hard time concentrating on smiling. Hero is so close to me, again, that it takes my breath away, again. All three of us manage to smile and for a second we all look so happy. Killian sends us both the photo and I know I'll cherish it forever. One last good memory. It takes a while for the girls around us to calm down. They all want to talk to Hero and he answers their questions with patience and charm. Killian rolls his eyes at me a few times but he stays to support me.

"So, how have you been?" Hero asks casually when the girls are talking to Killian. At least, he tries to be casual but I can hear he's nervous because his voice is trembling a bit. God, this is so awkward.

"Good, I guess. How have you been?" I try to respond as natural as possible but it's hard, standing here talking to him. We've never done small talk. We've never been just friends.

"Pretty busy these last few months actually."

"Ah, yes, filming."

"Well no, actually-"

Hero was about to say something but he got cut off by the lunch announcement. We all head to the next room, also beautifully decorated and we find our assigned seats. Because Hero and I both are part of the bridal party, we're seated at the main table.

"Guess we're on the same table then," he gives me a broad smile.

"I guess so!" I can't believe I've given him such a stupid reply. Even more stupid than Baby saying she's carried a watermelon. I've got to calm down.

Luckily, he's seated next to Jack and I'm on Lizzie's side of the table. The bride and groom haven't arrived yet though so we're still close to each other. We have to say goodbye to Killian, he's seated at a different table. He leaves a massive silence.

"Where have you been, Charlotte? No one knew where you were." Hero suddenly asks.

I'm astounded that he knows I wasn't in Belgium or Cardiff. Like, why would he know that? Has he been asking around? Before I can answer his question, the man on stage announces Jack and Lizzie.

"And here they are, as husband and wife for the first time!"

Jack and Lizzie walk in the room and they're glowing. They both look so happy and I'm tearing up again. The crowd stands up and starts to cheer as they walk up to our table. They take their places between us and that's the end of our conversation, for now.

The meal is excellent and has many courses. I haven't eaten this much since last Christmas.

"You're very quiet," Lizzie whispers in my ear. "Are you okay?"

"I am so full," I sigh. "I'm afraid my dress will tear!"

Lizzie laughs.

"But seriously though, are you okay?" she asks again.

"I'm fine. You can stop worrying," I assure her. I truly believe I will be okay. I was so nervous to see Hero again but I'm calm now. I can do this. I just wish he didn't look so sexy.

After our meal, the bride and groom have their first dance. I still can't believe their getting married! Like, a year ago we were at university together and now they're married and they'll be a mom and dad soon. For the second dance, a surprise awaits me. Lizzie is supposed to dance with her dad and Jack with his mom. Apparently Hero and I are supposed to join them. I'm shocked when the man on stage invites us to the dancefloor.

"Can I have this dance?" Hero asks me. I didn't notice he stood up but now he's standing next to me, handsome and tall as ever. He offers me his hand, awaiting my response. I know everyone is staring at us and I don't want to cause a scene.

"Well, yes sir, you may!" I say with a loud voice as nerves rush through me.

I place my hand in his and he helps me to get up. On the dancefloor he puts his hands on my waist and pulls me closer to him. He's staring in my eyes as he does this, his intense green eyes are staring into mine fiercely. It takes my breath away. I wrap my arms around his neck and I see the blood rush to his cheeks. The music starts and Hero leads me around the dancefloor effortlessly. To me, no one else exists. All I am aware of are his hands on my body, the scent of his skin and his eyes pierced in to mine. The dance seems to last forever, I'm losing all track of time. His hands on my body make me tingle. They make me long for things I haven't felt in a long time. And then I hear applause. I come to my senses and I realize the music has changed. Others are joining us on the dancefloor. As if burned, I immediately drop my arms and take a step back, away from Hero. A shadow appears across his face. He looks a bit sad. Without a word he walks away to the bar. I'm still standing on the dancefloor, I haven't moved a muscle. I can still feel his hands all over me and in that moment I make a decision. I need to feel him one more time. We never got a proper goodbye and we desperately need one. Without realizing it, my feet drag me towards him. He turns around, his eyes full of wonder. Before I can change my mind I grab his tie and start walking, dragging him behind me. I hear a gasp and I know he's taken by surprise.

I find the ladies room empty and push him inside without a word. I lock the door and turn around. Shock and lust are clear on his face. Then a naughty smile appears.