Series: Peach State Stepbros Series by Riley Hart
Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 79283 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 396(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79283 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 396(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
“That’s fine. You mind if I run down and grab some breakfast? I’m starving.”
He releases me, and I slip out of bed, hurrying into my sweats, tee, and Crocs. “Want me to bring you anything?”
“Nah. If you do, I can’t pretend I have to eat to delay having to do shit through breakfast.”
I chuckle and grab my key card. “Sounds good.”
As I start for the door, Brenner says, “Hey, your phone! It’s on the nightstand.”
I roll my eyes. “Bren, I’m just heading downstairs to grab a few muffins and coffee, and I can do without another fake crisis from Sherrie for like five minutes.”
He laughs. “Fair enough.”
I head out the door, and by the time I reach the first floor, I’m starting to feel a little more energy, even pre-coffee, which is promising. As I start through the lobby, a familiar face catches my attention, and I freeze in place.
A man stands at the front desk, chatting with the receptionist, who throws her head back, laughing at something he said. And as a smile plays across his lips, goose bumps prick across my flesh.
Because it’s not just any man.
It’s the Piece of Shit.
26
Brenner
I must’ve crashed hard for a little while after Taylor left because I feel groggy as hell when I open my eyes. I’m surprised our parents let us sleep in, but since they’re having an afternoon wedding, we have some time. I’m also super glad they haven’t seen that the second bed in Taylor’s and my room is untouched. I can’t imagine not having him in my bed every fucking night for the rest of my life, which should be a total mindfuck, but it’s not. It’s my favorite thing ever.
Damn it. Now I can’t go back to sleep. Groaning, I roll over and see Taylor’s phone on the nightstand. I stumble out of bed and look at the time. Hmm. He said he’d be five minutes, but I’m pretty sure it’s been more like twenty. I assumed he’d go to the buffet, but maybe he got snagged by family or someone in the wedding party and is eating with them.
I take a quick piss, wash my hands, brush my teeth, and get dressed, before grabbing both our phones and heading down to find my man.
When I get to the restaurant, I scan the tables to find him. The hotel and venue are both oversized cabins, with a lot of dark-brown logs and a rustic feel that’s perfect for Dad and Nicole.
I spot my dad first, at a table with Nicole, both sets of grandparents, and my uncle and his wife.
“Good morning, sleepyhead,” Dad says with a wide grin. I swear I’ve never seen him happier than he is right now, and that fills me with more joy than I know what to do with.
“I can’t help it. I worked my fingers to the bone yesterday.” Everyone at the table laughs, but I keep looking around for Taylor. Where the fuck is he? “You two kids ready to tie the knot?” I tease.
Dad takes Nicole’s hand and kisses it. “I can’t wait.”
“Me neither.”
“Damn, Dad…smooth. You got moves.” I wink, but my chest feels tight, and I can’t put my finger on why. It has nothing to do with Dad and Nicole. There’s not a doubt in my mind that if it’s possible, my mom is looking down at us right now and is so damn happy for him.
“He gets it from me,” my grandpa says, and we share another round of laughter, while my gaze roams the room, searching for Taylor.
“We have a few hours before we all need to get ready, right?” I ask, though I know the answer.
“Yep.” Dad tells me what time we’re meeting in the groom’s suite, where we’ll all be getting ready together.
“Have you guys seen Tay?” I nervously wring my hands together, the tightness inside me growing. I’m likely overreacting. Maybe I missed Taylor and he went up in another elevator, or maybe he’s with the guys, or went for a walk, or a million other possibilities.
“No, I haven’t. Did you text him?” Nicole asks.
“He left his phone in the room.” She cocks her head slightly, and before worry can set in, I say, “I’m sure he’s with the guys since my lazy ass didn’t want to get out of bed with him this morning.”
I feel Dad’s gaze on me, and it takes me a moment to realize what I said. If I try to cover it, it will just look worse, so I play it off like it’s nothing. “I’ll go wrangle him up.”
“Okay. Tell him to text me,” Nicole says, and I let out a relieved breath that she doesn’t sound worried. If she’s not worried, I shouldn’t be either.
“Will do.” I slip away before they can ask me anything else.