The Langfield Brothers: Box Set

7. Gavin

SEVEN

GAVIN

“I still don’t understand why the two of you have your own rooms, but Brooks and I have to share,” Aiden whines as we settle into the white chairs situated on the beach.

The wedding is set to start any minute, and it’s taking all the self-control I possess to not look across the aisle to where Millie is sitting.

She looks lonely.

She looked lonely last night at the welcome dinner too. She barely glanced at Lake and said about two words to her father, and though Daniel tried to include her, she was also trying to avoid me. That left very few people for her to talk to.

Lake and Ford wanted a small wedding, though small isn’t the word I’d use to describe the party gathered today. They know too many people to have the luxury of keeping it intimate. There are music industry officials and a handful of musicians. Melina, Lake’s best friend and maid of honor, is a well-known singer, and Nate and Amelia Pearson are famous musicians in their own right, but also good friends of Lake and Ford.

Then there’s our crowd. Ford’s group of friends includes my brothers and me, as well as Jay Hanson and his wife, Cat, whom I adore. Lake’s family is here too.

Yet not one person other than Daniel is here for Millie, and he hasn’t bothered to check on her, let alone talk to her.

It’s difficult to watch.

I rub at the ache blooming in my chest but force myself to remain focused on my brother. The grown-ass adult who’s acting like a child. “It’s one more night. Also, you told us you ‘fell in love,’ so it’s not like you need a room to bring a girl back to tonight.”

He rolls his eyes. “Whatever. Maybe Brooks wants to.”

Brooks arches a brow and smirks. “I’m fine. But if I walk into our room and you’re FaceTiming your new girl with your dick out, we’re going to have a problem.”

I snort. Damn, Brooks is probably speaking from experience. The two of them share a room when they travel with the team and have for years. I can only imagine the stories.

“Whatever. Beckett, why can’t you sleep with Brooks? Neither of you have a chance of getting laid tonight—on FaceTime or in real life.”

Beckett leans forward, rigid as ever, and glares at Aiden. “Face the ceremony and shut your mouth before I staple it shut.”

The laugh that rumbles out of me is deep this time, easing a little of the pain still tormenting me. Aiden crosses his arms and glares.

“Hey, I sign your paychecks,” I say, using the sternest tone I can muster. I like to give him shit, even if my status as owner of the Bolts isn’t really anything to brag about. Ownership was handed to me. This is the role I was always expected to play. Even if I’d rather be doing what he and Brooks do. Unfortunately, I was never as good as they are on the ice.

Truth be told, Aiden’s talent is indescribable. I have no doubt he’ll be in the hall of fame one day. The media will be talking about the Great Aiden Langfield for decades. I’m happy he’s on my team and even happier he’s my brother.

Not that I’d tell him that. The kid’s head is way too big as it is, and he can’t shut up. He’d never let me live it down.

Ford and Daniel head down the aisle, both wearing light gray herringbone suits and bright smiles. When he gets to the end of the aisle, Ford looks at Millie and winks.

In response, she gives him a tight smile.

Paul didn’t show up, which is probably a good thing. If he were here, he’d be more of a distraction than anything. Half the people in attendance would be more focused on him and his potential reaction than on the wedding. Honestly, Ford and Lake are soulmates. Age doesn’t matter. Circumstances don’t matter. When they’re together, it’s easy to see how happy they are.

I rub my chest again and glance at Millie. She’s sitting ramrod straight, focused on the ocean beyond the arch where her dad and brother are standing. What is she thinking? Does she really not see how happy her father is? Is she really so selfish that she’d rather he be lonely and unhappy than with a woman he adores who happens to be her age? And if she really felt something for me like she claims, wouldn’t she understand, at least to some degree?

Or was it all fake?

Was it just a line, when she said she wouldn’t take that night back?

Even as I think it, I know it isn’t true.

She’s broken.

Lost. Sad even.

Not evil.

And despite my anger over what she did—over how she seduced me—I can’t help but feel for her.

Despite her loneliness, Millie is gorgeous. She’s wearing a deep burgundy silk dress that falls to her calves. Her curly hair whips around her, and when she turns so I can see her face, I have trouble swallowing.As our eyes connect, my neck heats despite the cool breeze that comes off the ocean. The defeat in those golden irises, the weight pushing on her shoulders, and the clear shame that mars her pretty face nearly break me. I have no idea what I’m doing, but she can’t sit by herself. Not in a moment like this.

Ford is beaming—rightfully so. He’s about to marry the love of his life. Beside him, Daniel is laughing and joking, completely oblivious to his sister’s heartbreak.

I don’t know the true cause or why she’s taking this so hard. But the woman I met on Friday night was kind. Determined. She didn’t cower.

And then she sobbed after we had sex. If that doesn’t tell me that she’s struggling, that she’s not devious, that she’s not nearly the brat I made her out to be in my mind, then I’d have to be dead inside.

And even if she’s in the wrong, I can’t sit here while she’s sad and alone.

“I’m going to go sit with Millie,” I say to Beckett.

He glances across the aisle, and his eyes crease in understanding. “I’ll watch Tweedledee and Tweedledum,” he says. The small quirk of his lips is about as close to a smile as he gets.

I stand and head her way, garnering Ford’s attention in the process. He tilts his head and watches me until I take the seat beside Millie. Then he shoots me an appreciative smile.

There’s no way in hell he’d look at me like that if he knew the things I’ve done with his little girl, but I’m going to forget all about the way she tasted or felt beneath me and focus on being a friend to her when she needs one.

“What are you doing?” Her voice is quiet and filled with uncertainty.

I fiddle with the button on the front of my jacket and keep my attention trained on the altar. I can’t look at her when she’s this close. I’m liable to kiss her. “Shh, Peaches. Wedding’s about to start.”

In my periphery, she bites back a smile and ducks her head, her cheeks turning pink.

Up front, Daniel nods at me, then smiles at Millie. Her smile comes easier this time, filling me with an irrational sense of pride.

When the music starts and all eyes turn in the direction of the wedding party, I find that my focus is fixed on her.

As Melina comes down the aisle, Millie elbows me. “You’re supposed to be focused on the wedding.”

“Can’t look away from the beautiful girl next to me.”

She rolls her eyes as she continues to keep her gaze on the show before us.

In a deep red dress, Melina takes her spot opposite Daniel and winks at Ford. “Hey, Daddy Hall. Your girl looks gorgeous.”

With a laugh, Ford shakes his head. “Mel, the nickname.”

He hates being called Daddy. And for the first time, I really get that. The last thing I’d want is the girl next to me to call me daddy. And yet

I close my eyes, forcing the horrible thoughts—thoughts about the ways I could teach her, the ways I did teach her—from my mind.

The music switches to a soft melody, and the people around us stand and turn. Beside me, Millie sucks in a breath, almost like she’s summoning her courage, and then she stands as well.

Every person here is focused on the bride, most of all my best friend, who is wiping at tears that fall despite his big smile. He’s in love, and he’s proud to show it. Nothing could tear his attention from Lake now, so I grasp Millie’s left hand and step closer.

She snaps her head to the side and blinks at me, stunned, as the procession continues. We don’t look away from one another. I hold her hand, stare into her eyes, and silently lead her through deep, even breaths as Lake makes her way down the aisle. When the wedding officiant asks us to be seated, she breaks eye contact, and I release her hand.

We sit side by side, not touching, through the ceremony. And the whole time, I can feel the warmth of her palm beneath mine. It’s imprinted on my skin just like her body is from our night together.

This woman has stained me, changed me, and I’m not sure what to think about that.

Nor do I have any interest in reverting to the man I was before.

Fortunately, Daniel keeps Millie by his side for the reception. That means she’s by my side too, since Daniel spends the night hanging with my brothers, and I’m a glutton for punishment who acts like I’m being forced to hang with them as well.

I could easily go and chat with a half dozen people right now. Instead, I stand beside Beckett at the bar, with Millie, Daniel, and my brothers to our left.

And I’m doing a terrible job of not staring at her.

“You might want to keep your eyes off his daughter. He’s on his way over,” Beckett says with a nod in Ford’s direction.

I clear my throat and stand up straighter, avoiding my brother’s knowing gaze. Fuck, I hope he thinks I’m feeling awkward about my puck bunny comment on the plane and he doesn’t know what’s really going on.

“Surprised you let go of her long enough to come say hello,” Beckett teases, craning his neck like he’s looking behind Ford for his bride.

The man just laughs, his eyes bright and his smile wide. He’s never hidden his obsession with Lake. Pretty sure that only a few months ago, when we were teasing him about his fixation on his son’s ex, his exact words were “you don’t look away from perfection.”

He was never ashamed of going after what he wanted, forbidden or not. Never hid how he felt. And now he looks like the happiest motherfucker I’ve ever seen.

“She went to the bathroom to freshen up since the dances are about to start.”

“You probably should do the same. You’ve got evidence in your scruff,” I tease, pointing at the red lipstick Lake is famous for on Ford’s neck.

His grin is so wide it splits his face as he rubs at the spot. “What can I say? When he pronounced her my wife? Fuck, I needed her.”

I roll my eyes, wondering if I’ll ever feel possessive about someone like that.

And once again, I find myself seeking Millie out. Aiden’s gesturing wildly like he’s telling a hilarious story, and she’s bright eyed and laughing. Damn. Just seeing her relaxed makes me feel lighter.

When Ford follows my gaze, his softens. “I’m glad she came.”

“You didn’t think she would?” Beckett asks.

Ford turns back to us, his lips tugging into a frown for the first time today. “Honestly, I wasn’t sure. She’s taking this hard. I don’t know what to do to make it better for her. She dropped out of school.”

My breath catches in my throat, and I dart another look at her. She didn’t mention that. Though why would she have? Despite the connection between us, I really know little about her, and only the details she chose to share with me.

I know she likes peach margaritas, that she has one hell of a singing voice, and that if she could do anything, she’d write music.

Instantly, I’m studying her again.

She writes music.

Fuck, is that what this is about?

As if she can feel my attention on her, she meets my gaze, but a moment later, she breaks the contact and goes back to chatting with Aiden. All the while, my head continues to spin.

“Thanks for sitting with her.” Ford grabs my shoulder and squeezes. “I wish she’d brought a date, or a friend. She seems so lost.”

My stomach sinks at the same time my chest aches. For both of them. I wish they’d open up to one another. Ford is hurting and would do anything to make this easier for his daughter. And Millie is lost and unsure of how to be all right with it all.

I didn’t before, but now that I know Millie, now that I’ve gotten to spend a little time with her, I see this is killing her. She doesn’t want to be angry with Ford. But she doesn’t know how not to be.

“She’ll figure it out,” I croak. “She’s young.”

Young . I’m not sure why that’s the word I cling to but, nevertheless, it’s the one I choose.

Ford nods.

“My bride is back.” He leans forward, like he’s being pulled by an invisible force, as Lake walks toward us.

Her dress is long and hugs all her curves, and beneath the beaded fabric that sparkles like a disco ball is a nude-colored layer that makes it look as though she’s showing far more skin than she is. But we all know Ford would never allow any of us to walk out of here with our sight intact if she were bare beneath that dress.

“Hey, will you do me a favor?” Ford tears his gaze away from his wife for only a second and turns to me.“Will you ask Millie to dance tonight?”

“Me?” I ask, likely gaping like an idiot.

“Yeah,” he urges. “She seems comfortable with you.”

“Don’t you think she’d rather dance with someone her own age?”

“Like one of your brothers?” Ford shudders. “Yeah, I’d prefer not to think about my daughter like that, so do me a solid and ask her to dance. I don’t want her to be lonely, but I have zero interest in setting her up with one of the hockey guys. I know how Daniel is. I’m sure Aiden and Brooks are no different. Don’t need her actually interested in anyone here.”

A little wave of indignation runs through me in response to that last comment. My best friend is asking me to dance with his daughter because, in his mind, she’d never be attracted to me and I’d never touch her like that.

I should be offended. I should feel chastised. But he’d be singing a different tune if he had any idea that I’ve had her on almost every surface of my apartment.

Before I can formulate a response, Lake arrives, and Ford is already dragging her out to the dance floor, a glass of champagne in his hand. “Excuse me, everyone. I’d like to make a toast,” he starts.

Once again, my attention is drawn to his daughter, who’s watching, curious, like everyone else here.

Lake tilts her head back and gives Ford a dreamy look as he pulls her close.

“Thanks for traveling all this way for our wedding,” Ford starts. “We appreciate it more than you know. I never expected that I’d be doing this again. Never thought I’d meet someone who’d make me risk my career, my reputation, and my heart. But then again, I don’t think you can ever prepare for love.” He holds Lake’s gaze and smiles. “Falling in love with you was the easiest thing I’ve ever done. It wasn’t a choice. It wasn’t calculated. It took absolutely zero thought or effort on my part. Because you’re you. The sweetheart who made me smile and reminded me that I still had a whole lot of life to live. You make me want to live a thousand more years, and you make me feel far younger than my knees would have you believe.”

Chuckles ring out around us. Like me, the rest of the guests are captivated by my best friend as he pours his heart out.

“I love you, Lake. I’m proud to be your husband. Proud to call you my wife. I’m thankful that I get to spend my days with you by my side and thankful for the love of music we have in common. A connection that has created a true friendship between us on top of all we already share. Because of that shared love, I have one more wedding present for you.”

Lake’s lips twist as she beams at Ford, her eyes glassy and her cheeks flushed. “What are you talking about, Mr. Hall? You are my present.”

A chorus of aww s rings out as she pops up on her toes and kisses his jaw.

“Well, Mrs. Hall ,” Ford says, his tone full of teasing, “I sure hope you won’t be disappointed with another present, since spoiling you is my favorite thing to do.” He clears his throat and addresses the rest of us. “As you all know, Hall Records has had its best year yet, and that is in no small part because of my wife. Lake, you work your ass off day in and day out, speaking to the hearts of millions of fans, and my label has been the benefactor of that. Which is why I want it to now be our label.”

Lake sucks in a breath and slaps a hand to her chest, the tears welling over now.

Hoots and hollers go up all around as Ford holds up his glass. “To my beautiful bride, the amazing and talented Lake Hall. Musician and now co-owner of Hall Records. I love you.”

Glasses clink, and as the happy couple kisses, I turn to look for Millie. But her seat is empty, and I have a feeling I know why.

Shit.