Page 100 of Under His Control

Penny

A year later

“I wonder if that will ever happen to me?”

“What do you mean?”

“That was supposed to be an inside thought.” Elizabeth makes a face. “I keep wondering if I’ll ever find a man who’ll look at me the way my brother has been looking at you all day.”

I glance over at where I last saw Jacob. He’s chatting with Lewis and another guy at a table, still looking as handsome as when I stood in front of him at the altar.

He’s wearing a grey tuxedo that really brings out his blue eyes. He’s so delicious in his suit which makes me want him out of it as soon as we’re able.

Jacob looks over at me and meets my gaze across the room. We’re surrounded by guests, music and loud conversation floods the resort. This man always makes me feel like when we’re in a room together, nothing else matters.

I smile at him and he returns it, that look in his eyes letting me know I’m in for the best kind of trouble once he gets me alone.

In bed, he’s Daddy.

Today, in front of a small group of friends and family, he became my husband.

“See what I mean? He looks like he might come over here, pick you up, and carry you away caveman style. I’m so fucking jealous I might snap this flute in half.”

I snort and cover my mouth so I don’t spit out the sip of champagne I just took.

“You’ll get your wish someday,” I say.

“From your lips to God’s ears and He better be fucking listening.” Elizabeth shakes her fist at the ceiling and I giggle. She takes a sip of her champagne, sweeping her gaze over me. “I can’t blame him though. You’re beautiful in that dress.”

I smile in thanks as I play with the silver choker necklace Jacob had custom made for me with June’s design. It has emeralds and diamonds evenly spaced around the thin chain.

I better look beautiful. This dress cost Jacob a pretty penny. Pun intended. He acted like it was no big deal to drop four months’ rent on a singular piece of a clothing. I’m still getting used to the fact that he’s secretly wealthy and it’s OK to spend his money.

Despite the cost of it, my wedding dress is a simple A-line with a curved neckline and slim straps. I loved it on sight because of the pattern on the organza.

It looks like I’m wearing snow, and I thought that was fitting. It was because of a snowstorm—and that damn moose!—that led me back to Jacob.

For once, winter didn’t totally suck.

Elizabeth takes a sip of her drink as sweeps her gaze around the room. Then she looks at me again, a solemn expression on her face.

“I still regret that night, Penny. I want to die every time I remember it, especially today. I could have ruined Jake’s chance at happiness with you.” She sighs and shakes her head. “We almost wouldn’t be standing here right now because of me.”

I pat her arm with a reassuring smile.

“Liz, you apologized a bunch of times already. It’s all in the past. Besides, you’re the main reason why we’re here now. You sent me to Jacob.”

Elizabeth blinks rapidly and wipes at her eyes. She gives me a one-armed hug that I return. As we separate, there’s a muffled vibrating coming from her clutch. She groans.

“I bet that’s work.” She opens her clutch and takes out her phone, nodding at she looks at the screen. “Yep, it’s my assistant. This is why my dating life fucking sucks.” She gives me an apologetic look. “I have to take this.”

I nod and she hurries away as she answers the call.

It’s the first time I’ve been left by myself today. I take advantage of it by sneaking off to my left to hide behind a wall, pulling the skirt of my dress out of view.

After hours of being everyone’s focus, it feels good to fade into the background for a bit. I peer around the wall while I sip on my drink, watching my guests like a creepy peeping tom spying on someone through a window.

The band is playing an upbeat number and some people are on the dance floor enjoying themselves. I snort at Kevin and his girlfriend who totally matches my cousin’s energy, making silly faces and dance moves together.