“Kyle, the only other person standing close enough to whisper, leaned in to Livia’s ear. “Quit being such a snot-flinging drama queen. Suck it up and marry him.” She turned her attention to Blake. “Are you two going to be a while? Should Cole and I get started over there?” She pointed to her previously selected location.”

“As Blake leaned down to accept her hug she whispered, “Remember when you and Livia tried to hog the spotlight at my wedding? Just when you and Livia get to the good part, Cole and I are going to have porno sex right there.”She pointed discreetly at the spot to Blake’s right, and he couldn’t help but laugh.”

“Damn it,” he gasped as she pressed gently.She continued stroking and sucking, planning to finish him still standing, just so she could see his knees shake. But Cole stepped back and away from her tender touches.“Get on the bed, Kyle.” His hands trembled.“Cole, you promised. I want to do this for you.” Kyle was suddenly worried. Didn’t he trust her?“That’s not it. I just—your legs, your head moving, your hands. I need to taste you. Get on the bed.” Cole offered a hand to her, helping her from her knees.”

“As she danced along the bar, Kyle craned her neck and caught glimpses of her sister, who sat almost nose to nose with Mr. Blake Perfection. She tried to shake off the familiar look on his face as he traced Livia’s jaw with his finger. Cole.”

“Kyle, please. Stop. This isn’t you. You aren’t even here anymore,” Cole said softly with his arms around her.Kyle blinked and shook her head. Shame. Again.Then she fought him desperately—eyeing her scattered clothes and the door.“You don’t have to do this for me. I don’t want a show.” Cole put his hands on her face and kissed her lips gently. For the first time.Their separated souls rejoiced and found each other again. He lifted her off the altar and set her on her feet.“Be you for me, Kyle. Be the Kyle you’re so very afraid of being. I’ll keep her safe.” Cole skimmed his lips along her cheek and looked at her hopefully.Kyle gazed into his eyes and nodded solemnly. The moment seemed bigger than the two of them.Cole asked permission. “Kyle McHugh, may I worship you?”A tear fell from her eye as she whispered, “Yes.”Cole took a step back and whipped the cloth off her shoulders. She was no vixen now. Kyle looked terrified. She clenched her fists, as if willing herself not to run. Cole turned and gathered her scattered clothes. He found her panties and took them to her, kneeling at her feet. Kyle looked puzzled, but as he worked the panties up her legs, she got it. Unlike all the other men, he was dressing her.”

“Blake stood at Livia’s dresser with a ceramic Cinderella and Prince Charming figurine in his hands. He almost dropped it when he looked at her, dressed for him.“Thank you, Kyle,” he said, not loud enough for Kyle to hear.”