OLIVIA’S POV
It was D-Day!
We got up early to finish up everything. As we put up chairs in the garden and placed flowers on the tables, the house was abuzz with excitement.
The last two days had been filled up with plannings for the wedding— decor, food, seat arrangements and all the works
By now, I was physically and mentally drained.
I wanted it to be perfect for my mom, the simple, romantic wedding she wanted, and she was delighted at how I and Alicia had gotten everything done to her taste.
Now that everything was set up, the time we had been waiting for had come. As the visitors started to arrive, there was a lot of laughter and conversation in the garden. The hard part was yet to come and Alicia wasn't making it any easier.
“So… how do you feel about walking down the aisle with your crush?”
I hissed.
“Alicia stop it!” I looked around to see if anyone heard her.
“What!” She whispered harshly.
Then she held her chest dramatically in shock and gasped, “Don’t tell me you still like Dante!”
I didn't get to answer her question, as I was asked to go next. Thankfully!
I left her looking bewildered at me.
No one wants to hear that you have feelings for your stepbrother… not even your best friend!
It was finally time for us to start the match down the aisle, and Dante walked briskly to me and presented his arm like a prince asking a princess for a dance.
I shook those thoughts from my mind as much as I could.
He was the groom's man and I was the bridesmaid. Period!
But, I had not been looking forward to this part at all. Not just because of the moment we had back then in the kitchen, but because of the setting that looked like we were getting married.
He was in a sharp three-piece tuxedo, with well shined shoes. His hair was perfectly styled. He looked like he could be a model on the front cover of Vogue magazine. and he looked at me with that silly grin and my stomach flipped. His hazel eyes twinkled with mischief.
I blinked rapidly as I averted my eyes from his face. I was sick of feeling this way whenever I got close to him, but I couldn't help it.
I had tried to make myself as scarce as possible, so we wouldn't have to run into each other.
“Are you avoiding me stepsis?" He said as soon as we began the walk. I looked ahead and kept my face in a smiling position but I couldn't stop the start of a blush creeping up my face.
“Wh-what? Why would you think so?” I stuttered.
“Really?” He asked.
I didn't respond.
He leaned down, and my breath caught.
What was he doing?
My eyes must have looked alarmed.
Then he whispered, "One would think you'd be more open to someone you consider very hot. If my memory serves me right…"
I used my other palm that wasn't entangled in his to pat my now flaming cheeks.
I heard him chuckle, knowing the effect he was having on me.
What an asshole!
But I'd be lying if I said his low hum laughter didn't do things to my insides.
We managed to make it to the altar without any more words.
Then Mum began walking down the aisle, I saw Alex sniff and it brought tears to my eyes. I was so happy Mom found someone who loved her as much as she loved him.
Mum took her place next to Alex. She looked lovely in her simple vintage gown as she stood at the altar. I squeezed Alicia's hand, experiencing a wave of emotion.
As Mum and Alex exchanged vows, I found myself shedding a few tears. I was so happy for her!
OLIVIA’S POVThe ceremony didn't take too long because we didn't want to waste anyone's time and the reception started. There was a lot to eat since mom went all out. They were called to have their first dance and after that, they danced with each of us. I told Alex how happy I was to know that he was the one who got to marry my mom when we danced and I told Mom not to break her spine before she came back from her holiday. That earned me a smack on the arm but we both laughed.When the party ended, we packed up and helped mom and Alex get on their way for their honeymoon. They would be gone for two weeks and I know that's going to be the longest two weeks of my life. Dante and I alone in the house? I shook my head at the thought alone.Once we got home, in his Bentley, he brought out some leftover drinks and asked that we have a mini party in honor of our parents. It was a very bad idea but I needed something to aid me to sleep and I agreed. It had been a while since I drank alcoho
OLIVIA'S POVOr not.I stood up abruptly, shying away from Dante's presence that seemed to overwhelm me at that moment. I wanted nothing more than to have this—whatever this meant— yet I didn't want to because of the logical reason of how wrong it was.I walked up to the window and opened the drapes with a sigh. I sensed him walking up to me from behind.“The night sky looks incredible today…” I said in conversation. I didn't know what to say. Suddenly, I flinched as his hands ran the length of my arms. He pressed himself against my back and I could feel him… all of him— hard, solid muscle and all. He leaned his chin on my hair and my already racing heart started to beat even faster.I felt a rumble come from his chest that sounded like the beginning of laughter. He wrapped his arms around me and his closeness disarmed me.“Olivia, are you nervous?” Dante asked and I could feel him smiling.I blushed at my reaction. I must have looked stupid. “No,” I lied. “Don’t be nervous, Olivi
DANTE'S POVThe sound of snippers cutting woke me up. I groaned and held my pillow over my head, as the sound grew louder and louder, making my head ache badly. I had chosen to indulge myself in more booze after Olivia had left me last night—with that look of bewilderment and fear in her eyes. I had been confused and had pondered alot last night, on every single moment that we had spent together, wondering if I had made a mistake.Did I assume her interest? What went wrong?Did I screw up?I had thought for so long until I had drifted to a fitful sleep.I ran my hand through my hair and lay staring at my ceiling. My bed still had the faint smell of citrus and lilies that were her scent. I wondered if it was her shampoo or her perfume.It was intoxicating, and it was driving me insane.And so was that noise, coming from my bedroom window. I pulled the covers, stalked to where the sound was coming from and there, I saw our gardener trimming the bushes.“Morning Dante.” He waved at
DANTE'S POVI was thrilled to see Olivia working at The Barnes, but I couldn't help but feel that she didn't feel the same way about seeing me.Her hair was pulled into a bun, held together atop her head as she served customers with a warm smile.My thoughts were on her since then, and I couldn't get her out of my mind, even when Linda called again this afternoon to meet.“Hello??? Are you even listening to me?!”“I thought I made it clear to you. There's no chance of us getting back together! It's over, for good.” I spoke that phrase into the mouthpiece of my phone and ended the call. I don't know why I bothered with her. She was too dumb to unders
DANTE'S POVIt was a bit rough returning to school because I had to meet a certain quota to apply for the four-year program I intend to take after I was done.The community college baseball team I was a part of, was hosting a game. Some recruiters from universities looking to scout for potential players that were very good at baseball, came to watch. It was a very intense game, especially for those in their final year, who really wanted the scholarship. I didn't really need a scholarship, but it felt good to be seen and accepted on the basis that you were good at something. And baseball was what I loved. It was all, or nothing.I wasn't sure I could do it at first, because my doctor had insisted I take a much needed break. But I knew I had to, if I wanted to achieve my dream of playing baseball p
OLIVIA'S POV“Oh shit!” Alicia muttered as the restaurant door chimed and was nudged open.I frowned and looked up to see who had just come in.“Wow!” It was my turn to exclaim.Dante has been coming up with excuses as to why he came to the restaurant everyday ‘I’m just here to enjoy a burger', ‘I’m expecting someone… oh crap, the person just canceled. I can just wait for you', ‘Rhonda said I should deliver lunch to you' I had scoffed at the last one which was yesterday because Mom knew I ate at work. It was am eye-rolling week for me though.Today, however, he had come along with two of his friends I had remembered fr
DANTE'S POVI didn't get a letter.It had been three days since Olivia's interview at Wexford and I was yet to get my own letter.Tired from practice and lectures, I got home and grabbed some leftover lemonade from the fridge.I heard laughter coming from the backyard and guessed that the two lovebirds were at the pool…again.I went out to the mailbox and checked the mail. Nothing from Wexford. I sighed and went to see my Dad and Rhonda. Let's hope they’re not naked. I pray to the heavens.“Hello! Dante Incoming…are you guys decent?” I shouted so loud they can hear me.
RHONDA'S POVI was back to the office, back to my work after a much needed break. I couldn't remember the last time I had been off work for so long.“Welcome Rhonda.” My secretary hugged me tightly.“Leah, you're gonna choke the life out of me.”She released me immediately.“Oops! Sorry… wouldn't want Mr Addams running up here to lock up whoever harmed Mrs Addams.” She enunciated my new name with a dramatic flair.I giggled.It was good to be back.Not just to Colorado, but to the office