Page 98 of Match Me if You Can

A bouquet full of sunflowers and hydrangeas was delivered to the bridal suite.

Then, subsequently, Jenny’s makeup was fixed.

The flower arch is complete and looking not too shabby.

Actually, it looks great.

Who knew that one of Ace’s many skills was flower arrangement?

“You and Noble should start a floral arch company in your next life,” I tease.

“Chalk that up under things that are never going to happen.” His eyes dance and he runs his knuckles over my cheek. “Thanks for doing this for Jenny. I know you don’t really know her, but it’s still sweet of you.”

“You know your brother’s an asshole,” I grumble.

“Which one?”

My lips twitch as a brother in question (though not one I’d consider an asshole) approaches. “Okay, so maybe Noble isn’t too bad⁠—”

“Rude!” he says as walks by me, tugging lightly at a strand of my hair—hair that is, coincidentally, not in my typical bun for once for reasons I’m pretending don’t exist, mostly because those reasons have solely to do with Ace hating it so damned much—before heading over to Beck and Lex and joining in on the flower arranging.

I grin then turn back to Ace. “I’ll have you know, today gave me hope for Beck. Like actual hope. Lex, on the other hand, is still questionable.”

His brows fly up, but when I tilt my head, he looks to the side, taking in what’s happening with the pots—Beck crouching and shoving flowers into them in a haphazard way that somehow works, Noble passing him the flowers so he can work faster, and…Lex scowling but begrudgingly picking up the discarded plastic and odd leaf or bloom on the ground.

Then he glances back at me and one look at his eyes tells me he agrees.

“Any other fires you need to put out?” he asks softly.

I finish perusing my mental checklist then shake my head. “No,” I say. “I think everything’s good to⁠—”

“Oh, my gosh, Violet,” Evelyn says, her and Hugo having approached without me realizing it. “You look beautiful!”

“You do,” Ace murmurs, lips at my ear as we turn to greet the Laurents.

My heart does that thing again, twisting and rolling over, exposing itself. But I ignore it because there’s no time for pondering (though maybe there is since the fires are mostly out at this point). Okay, so I ignore it because if I allow myself to ponder what Ace is making me feel, I’ll…

What?

Panic. Run. Fuck up his chances with the Laurents?

Maybe yes to all.

And maybe…maybe if I do that running and panicking I’ll miss…

Him.

Evelyn moves in for a hug and thankfully, I get it together enough to I murmur, “You’re stunning.” As we pull back, I glance down at her sleek nude Louboutins.

They’re classy.

Sexy.

The perfect combination for her fitted navy midi dress—which is the perfect color to compliment her eyes and has an off-the-shoulder neckline that showcases her gorgeous collarbones.

Like I said.

Sexy.