Lost Without You: Book 2 in the Chasing Olivia Series (15 page)

“Get ready? I’m having my hair and makeup done. What do I need to do to get ready?”

“Oh.” He’s still smiling.

“You really enjoyed that, didn’t you?”

“Maybe a little.”

“Well, payback’s a bitch. Remember that,” I say, walking toward him. Reaching out, he pulls me into his arms.

“I’m sorry. I couldn’t resist,” he chuckles.

“That’s okay,” I concede. “I’m not really sure I would’ve gotten up any other way. I’m exhausted. How are you so perky and awake?”

“I got up and went for a run, then worked out a little in the gym. Endorphins kicked in and I’m wide awake.”

“Too much work just to wake up. I’ll take the cold shower.”

Kissing the top of my head, he releases me. “Go grab your dress and shoes, and I’ll walk you over to Amanda’s.

“Okay.”

Walking up the path leading to Amanda and Nathan’s place, Chase and I hear yelling.

Opening the door, Chase calls in, “Hello?”, silencing the arguing.

“Olivia, thank goodness you’re here. Go to the back bedroom and have your makeup done. Miranda is having her hair done in the other room,” Amanda commands before turning around and yelling, “Mom, you need to stop micromanaging everything. Go have a drink, you’re driving me crazy!”

“I just want everything perfect for you, darling,” she answers back from another room.

“God, she’s making me fucking nuts!” Amanda whispers to Chase and me. “Chase, go. Olivia needs to get ready.” Handing me my shoes, Chase gives me a quick kiss on the lips before Amanda ushers him out the door.

“If I have to hear how I’m doing something wrong one more time, I swear, I’m going to feed her to the sharks.”

“Where’s your dad?” I ask as we walk to the makeup bedroom.

“Hiding, if he’s smart,” she says. “I think all the boys are hiding somewhere, except Justin. He’s still trying to get Miranda to talk to him. That’s why she’s in the other room getting her hair done and we’re in here.”

“How’s it going?” I ask, concerned.

Laughing, she says, “They’ll be fine. Miranda’s just making him beg. She thought Justin fighting for her last night was romantic, but wants to make him suffer.” Turning to the two makeup artists, she says, “Okay. Make us beautiful.”

We spent hours getting our hair and makeup done while snacking on canapés and drinking champagne.

Listening to the conversation between Amanda and Miranda as the finishing touches were put on us, it seems they knew the boys would find us last night.

“I never thought it would happen,” Amanda says to Miranda. “Someone has finally stopped the infamous playboy.”

“Do you really think so?” she asks, her eyes full of hope.

“In all the years I’ve known Justin, and I’ve known him for quite a few, I have never seen him act that way for a woman. Never.”

“He was so cute earlier. He was on his knees, begging me to forgive him for being a neanderthal,” Miranda says, giggling.

“On his knees? Girl, he’s whipped,” Amanda laughs. “What about you and Chase? You two seemed fine when he dropped you off.”

“We had some words, but came to a mutual agreement,” I say, my lips twitching into a smile.

“Agreement?” Miranda asks.

“Yes. He told me he’d stop running in like Rambo to save me, and I told him I’d stop dirty dancing with other guys.” They both laugh. “What?” I ask.

“That’s not going to happen,” Amanda says.

“What’s not going to happen?”

“I’ve only seen him this way once, and it was a long time ago. I’m not even sure it was this bad,” Amanda says to Miranda, then turns to me. “Honey, he’s head over heels in love with you. He is going to be in uber-protective mode for the rest of your life. You might as well get used to it.”

“Sweetie, enjoy it. It’s nice to have a man be protective over you,” Miranda adds.

“Protective is one thing. Controlling my life is something I won’t tolerate. I had one of those already, and I’m not doing it again.”

“No, not like that. He’s just looking out for what’s his.” There’s that word again. His.
Mine.
I don’t want to feel like I’m a possession for Chase to own. I love that he wants me, and I will be his, but there needs to be stipulations.

By the time we’re finished being primped, it just after four o’clock. Miranda and I are dressed and ready to go, waiting in the living room for Amanda. After a few painful minutes, she finally walks out of the bedroom.

“Ohmigod! It looks even better than it did in the boutique,” Miranda gushes.

“It’s beautiful,” I say, appraising the gorgeous dress. It fits her perfectly, like it was made for her, which it probably was.

“Thanks. It was designed by Jim Hjelm,” she says as she spins around so we can see the back.

“He designed a wedding dress for Kim Kardashian,” Miranda announces.

There’s a knock at the door and Miranda answers it.

“The flowers for the Berkeley wedding,” a gentleman holding a large rectangular box announces.

“Yes, can you put them over there?” she asks, pointing to the coffee table. He places the box down and leaves with a nod of his head. Miranda opens the lid with a squeal. “These are gorgeous!”

Our bouquets are beautiful. For Miranda and I, they are brightly colored orchids in brilliant hues of pinks, oranges, and yellows, with the stems wrapped in silk the color of our dresses. Amanda’s bouquet is filled with white roses and white orchids wrapped in white silk.

“Okay, ladies, let’s go take some pictures. Mom, Dad, let’s go!” Amanda yells toward the back of the house.

We all walk outside toward the beach where three photographers Amanda flew in are setting up. They’re supposed to be the best of the best. One photographer directs us where to go and how to stand while another holds the camera, snapping pictures. The third is somewhere with the guys.

As our pictures are being taken, Sheila shows up, ready to take charge. Once our photo op is finished, she directs us down the beach, where the ceremony will take place.

We’re brought to a boardwalk aisle leading toward the beach. The boardwalk is decorated with fresh flower petals, palm leaves, and conch shells. Sheila directs Mr. and Mrs. Berkeley to their seats, along with Mrs. St. Claire.

Sheila brings me to the front since I’m starting the precession. I get the slightest glimpse of where we’re walking to, but can’t see Chase. “Wait for the music, then I’ll tell you when to walk. Remember, you go to the left,” she tells Miranda and me.

A few minutes later, a string quartet begins to play
Canon
in D Major
. Sheila is standing in front of me with her hand up, telling me to wait. Closing her eyes, she listens to the music for a moment before her hand drops and she signals for me to move.

I make my way down the boardwalk, toward the makeshift altar surrounded by white flowers and flowing lace across a dark wood pergola. Simple, yet elegant. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I see him. My heart nearly jumps out of my mouth and I have the urge to swallow. Dressed in cream linen pants, a vest with a white button-down shirt rolled up to the elbows, and a tie to match our blue dresses, he is the most magnificent thing I’ve ever seen.

As I come into his view, a slow, sexy smile crosses his lips. I can’t take my eyes off him, and his follow me as I make my way down the aisle.

Finally arriving at the altar, I take my place on the end. Chase is still watching me, his eyes smoldering. Miranda comes and stands next to me a few moments later. The music changes and the familiar strains of
Trumpet Voluntary
come from the quartet.

Amanda strolls down the aisle, her father at her side. She has that same loving glow that Chase has as she looks directly at Nathan. When Amanda’s father places her hand in Nathan’s, a tear runs down my cheek. I can feel the love exuding off both of them and for a fleeting moment, I’m jealous. I hope Chase and I can have that kind of love someday.

The minister starts to speak and I envision Chase and me standing at the altar instead of Amanda and Nathan. I look over to find Chase still watching me, his eyes glued to mine. During the entire ceremony, we gaze at each other and I can’t help but wonder if he’s thinking the same thing I am.

“You may kiss the bride,” the minister announces, snapping me out of my daydream. Nathan grabs Amanda and dips her low, placing a passionate kiss on her lips. We all clap and cheer.

Paired with our significant others, everyone walks back down the aisle opposite of our arrival. Chase saunters toward me and I loop my arm around his. As we walk, he whispers, “Do you know how sexy you look? I couldn’t take my eyes off you.” Was he at the same wedding? I couldn’t take
my
eyes off
him
. I don’t think he realizes just how sexy he really is.

“You look amazing,” I say, my voice breathy.

“
You
are the most beautiful thing on this island. Bride included.” Leaning in, he places a soft kiss on my cheek.

Getting to the end of the aisle, I notice other people standing I could swear weren’t there before. “Where did all these people come from?” I ask Chase.

“What do you mean?”

“Were they here during the ceremony?”

“Yeah, you walked right past them,” he says, smiling.

“Really? Well, I was pretty nervous. I don’t remember walking down the aisle.”
I don’t remember them since I was gawking at Chase.
“Who are they?”

“Most are friends from Nate’s PR firm. A few VP’s and some other associates. I think there are a few of Amanda’s friends from college here too. We’re the only ones staying here. The rest had rooms on the main island.”

“I thought she wanted an intimate wedding.”

“Are you kidding? This is intimate. If her mother had her way, there would be five hundred guests. I think there are only fifty or sixty here.” All of these people stopped what they were doing to fly to an island for the weekend? Either they really love the bride and groom or they have more money than common sense.

As we talk, we’re escorted to a secluded section of the beach surrounded by trees. There are several round tables set up with long white table cloths and a bouquet of tropical flowers in the center. Next to each table is a pair of hanging lanterns positioned across from each other holding a candle. The tables surround a large dance floor with a DJ at the end.

At the end of the path is a square table with sterling silver photo frames holding our table numbers. We’re sitting with Justin and Miranda and Nathan and Amanda on the dais. I’m surprised they didn’t want to sit by themselves.

We all stand by our chairs with the exception of Nathan and Amanda, who are introduced. They stroll down the wooden path hand in hand, smiling from ear to ear. Chase has his arm around me and pulls me close as the newlyweds make their debut.

Once the DJ finishes the introductions, the keys of a piano sound over the speakers, the beginning riff of
A Thousand Years
leading Nathan and Amanda into their first dance. Christina Perri’s voice pours through the space as the guitars kick in and my heart squeezes. This is one of my all time favorite songs. It already stirs such strong emotions within me, and now I have this beautiful memory to add to the sentiment. Nathan takes Amanda’s hand and pulls her close as he whispers something for only her to hear. Her whole face brightens into a huge smile before she pushes up and kisses him.

Once the bride and groom have finished their wedding dance, the DJ asks all of us to come dance with them. The music changes to Ed Sheeran’s
Thinking Out Loud
and Chase drags me onto the dance floor. Wrapping his arms around me, he holds me close and we dance, cheek to cheek. As we sway to the music, he sings the lyrics softly in my ear.

I’d love nothing more than to love him until we’re seventy. I’m just too chicken to say it out loud. How can one person damage me so completely? Right now, I’m living in the moment, but I know there’s going to come a time when that won’t be good enough. I hope I can work through my demons by then and give Chase the love and life he deserves.

The song ends and everyone leaves the dance floor to find their seats. As the servers come around with our appetizer of cold seafood salad with Meyer lemon vinaigrette over mixed greens, Justin stands, lifting his glass in the air.

“Can I have everyone’s attention?” he asks, looking into the crowd. “I would like to make a toast, but before I do, I’d like to share a story with everyone.” Turning, he looks back at Nathan, who looks surprised.

“This should be good,” Chase whispers in my ear.

“When I first met Nate, we were in our first year of Harvard. I met Chase a few weeks earlier, since I originally wanted to go into law, and we all know how well that worked out. Anyway, Chase and I went out for a drink at the local bar near campus, and this guy,” Justin says, motioning to Nathan, “was trying to pick up this really hot chick. The only problem was she had friends. Really hot friends, and everyone knows you can’t pick up a chick who has friends if you’re by yourself. So, being the great guys we are, Chase and I jumped over to be his wingmen. I mean, you can’t leave a guy hanging like that.” Laughing, Nathan nods his head and smiles.