Three Pucking Wedding Dates (Hockey Harems #1)

32. Oakley

32

OAKLEY

A blush creeps up my cheeks as I stand in front of the mirror, taking in the reflection of the woman staring back at me. I hardly recognize myself, dressed to kill in a formfitting green dress that perfectly hugs my curves and brings out the emerald flecks in my eyes.

“Wow, Oakley, you look absolutely stunning!” Iris exclaims with genuine enthusiasm, her hazel eyes sparkling as she takes in my appearance. “That dress is perfect on you—I mean, look at those curves. I’m jealous.”

“You? Jealous? As if I believe that.” I roll my eyes.

“I mean it.” She grins genuinely. “You’re gorgeous.”

“Thanks, Iris,” I mumble, still feeling a bit self-conscious about being so dressed up. “But don’t you think it’s a bit…much? What if I’m overdressed for this?”

“Overdressed?” Iris tilts her head and raises an eyebrow, her red curls bouncing with the movement. “Darling, trust me, there’s no such thing as being overdressed. Besides,” she adds with a mischievous glint in her eye, “think about how jealous Dan will be when he sees you looking like a goddess.”

I can’t help but smile at the thought of Dan’s reaction. The bastard deserves a taste of his own medicine after all the heartache he’s caused me. But part of me still feels uneasy about the whole situation. Am I doing this for the right reasons? Or am I just seeking validation from someone who doesn’t deserve my time or energy?

Who cares?

“Alright,” I relent, shaking off my doubts for now. “If you say so. Let’s just hope I don’t trip over my own feet and make a fool of myself instead.”

“Trust me, Oakley,” Iris says with a confident grin, looping her arm through mine. “Not only are you going to knock everyone’s socks off, but you’re also going to make Dan rue the day he ever took you for granted.”

I can’t help but blush as Iris playfully pokes my cheek, her eyes narrowing with determination. “You know what would make this look even more stunning? A few curls in your hair.”

“Really?” I ask, my fingers instinctively reaching up to touch my long, wavy locks. “I don’t know, it’s already pretty wavy…”

“Trust me,” Iris insists, her voice full of conviction. “A few extra curls will add just the right amount of elegance and drama. Besides, I’m a pro at this—you’ve seen my hair, right?”

I have to admit, her red curls are always perfect, bouncing with each step she takes. If there’s anyone I’d trust to style my hair, it’s Iris.

“Alright,” I agree, taking a deep breath. “Work your magic.”

“Yay!” Iris claps her hands together excitedly before grabbing her curling iron and getting to work. As she sections off pieces of my hair and carefully wraps them around the barrel, I feel a mixture of nerves and excitement bubbling within me. I watch as each curl falls into place, framing my face and cascading over my shoulders.

“Almost done…” Iris hums happily, her concentration never wavering. After a final flourish, she steps back and surveys her handiwork. “Voilà! A masterpiece, if I do say so myself.”

I turn my attention back to the mirror, and my breath catches in my throat. The added curls give my hair an air of sophistication, perfectly complementing the green dress and makeup. I hardly recognize the woman staring back at me—she looks confident and radiant.

I want to be her.

“Wow,” I breathe, unable to tear my eyes away from my reflection. “Iris, you’re a genius.”

“Of course I am,” she teases, giving me a playful wink. “Now, come on. We’re running late for our grand entrance!” she exclaims, gripping my arm and pulling me down the hallway the second we’re out the door.

“Late?” I question, furrowing my brow as I struggle to keep up with her brisk pace. “Why would we want to be late?”

“Sweetie, it’s all about the dramatic effect,” Iris explains, her hazel eyes sparkling with mischief. “You see, when you make a stunning entrance just like this, everyone’s attention is on you—especially Dan’s. He’ll be green with envy when he sees how gorgeous you look.”

I roll my eyes, but my heart races at the thought of seeing Dan’s reaction. As much as I hate to admit it, there’s a part of me that wants to make him regret losing me. I shake off the feeling, trying to focus on what truly matters—rebuilding my confidence and standing my ground.

“Alright,” I concede, letting Iris guide me through the bustling hotel lobby.

The scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries wafts through the air as I glance around the hotel lobby, anticipation bubbling in my chest.

Iris grins at me. “Hey, Oakley,” she says, her tone suddenly casual, “do you mind if I join you at the brunch? I can’t resist a bit of drama, and besides, I want to be there to see your grand entrance in person.”

I raise an eyebrow, considering her request. Part of me wonders if she has ulterior motives, but then again, this is Iris—she probably does. And honestly, having her by my side could make this whole ordeal a little more bearable.

“Of course you can come, Iris,” I agree, smiling at her enthusiasm. “It might actually be fun to have some company during this…brunch.”

“Yay!” Iris exclaims, clapping her hands together. “I promise I’ll be on my best behavior. Well, as much as I can be,” she adds with a wink.

Rolling my eyes playfully, I can’t help but laugh. “Just don’t cause any scenes, alright?”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” she assures me, though I imagine her fingers are crossed behind her back.

While my eyes scan the lobby, they immediately fixate on a familiar figure engaged in conversation with another woman. Theo stands tall and brooding, his athletic physique impossible to miss. Beside him, Avery clings to his arm, her fingers tracing circles on his bicep as she leans in close, whispering something that makes him smirk.

My heart clenches at the sight, jealousy surging like a tidal wave through me. But I can’t let Iris know about my true feelings for Theo—that would only complicate things further.

“Can you believe Avery?” Iris giggles, casting a glance over her shoulder at Theo and Avery still engaged in conversation. “She’s really laying it on thick today. They’d actually make a pretty cute couple, don’t you think?”

I bite back a snarky comment, forcing a tight-lipped smile instead. “Sure,” I say, my voice strained. “Cute.”

Inside, I’m screaming at the injustice of it all. Why should Theo be with someone like Avery when I’ve shared so many intimate moments with him—and his brothers? But I can’t reveal that to Iris, not without risking everything.

“Hey, Theo, Avery,” I greet them, trying to sound casual despite the flutter of nerves in my stomach. “Are you two planning to come to the brunch?”

Theo’s piercing blue eyes meet mine for a brief moment before he shakes his head. “No, Oakley. I’ve got better things to do.”

“Really? On a Sunday?” I question, disappointment tugging at my heartstrings.

“Unfortunately,” he replies, nonchalance in his voice.

Avery is quick to chime in, her fingers still lingering on Theo’s arm. “I’ll stay behind too, keep Theo company.” She gives him a flirtatious smile, and I swallow the surge of jealousy that threatens to spill over.

“Alright then,” I say, forcing a smile onto my face. “Enjoy your day.”

As Iris and I turn to leave, I silently remind myself that today is about me—not them. I push aside my feelings for Theo.

Feelings I shouldn’t have anyways.