The rest of the ceremony was a blur for Angie. She had no idea how and when they stepped out of the church, but before she knew it, she was smiling in wedding photographs with what used to be her family.

At some point, she wound up with just Jessie and Kay for a photograph and it almost made her cry. She'd missed her best friends so much.

What she didn't miss was seeing Tom and being unable to keep her eyes off him. It was hard when he looked so good in that suit and kept laughing. Harder when Lucy was on his arm constantly, shining like a diamond.

He was best man, she was the maid of honor. It made perfect sense that they'd appear next to Sam and Skye in almost every photo. But seeing them together made Angie's blood boil. Not like she could do anything about it since she'd practically given Lucy her blessing.

Then it was back to the hotel, giving Jessie her dress back, and putting on what Jessie had bought for her. It was a flowing light silver satin that made Angie feel like she was actually wearing sexy lingerie, but when she put it on, it fit her perfectly and looked elegant rather than indecent.

When Kyle and Kay picked her up, Angie felt slightly nauseous.

"What's wrong, Angie?" Kyle asked, though by his tone, he knew it even better than her. "Not looking forward to the party?"

"Oh no, of course I am."

Kyle just hummed, raising his eyebrows and Kay was too excited about something to comment. The way they held hands as they walked plunged an uncomfortable rock in Angie's stomach anyway. It made her feel foreign, like an intruder because she'd chosen to stop being a part of their life.

In normal circumstances, if she hadn't run, she'd be a real bridesmaid, maybe paired with Tom throughout the ceremony. Instead of Lucy.

Angie swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth. Why was she so jealous? It's not like she wanted to get back together. Right?

By the time she reached the ballroom and had a seat at a random table by herself, she felt even worse. Kyle and Kay had to go be part of the wedding, just like everyone else she knew and loved, and that just left her.

It hurt to be so far removed from everything, not even at the same table as Sarah who appeared soon with Jimmy. This peaked Angie's curiosity. Where were Jessie and Jerry then? She wished she could ask, but she was too far away from Sarah to do more than wave at her.

Sarah grinned and waved in return, obviously having no issue with babysitting Jimmy who fortunately seemed a lot less aggressive. Angie wondered if Jessie had wound up drugging him after all.

"Well, you're nice and friendly with her."

The familiar voice made Angie sigh with relief, even if it was Christine. And Tina. The two sat at her table, and Angie felt a little less lonely, even if she was obviously at the ex table.

"She's actually really cool."

"So I've heard." Christine smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Why aren't you with everyone else? And what happened to Jimmy?"

Angie stared. Christine was so out of the loop, it was scary. But then again, she had no reason to know details about their lives anymore. Not since she and Sam had broken up in less than friendly terms. Angie still couldn't compute why exactly she and Tina were there.

"Um, I actually just got here. And Tom and I broke up seven months ago." The subject of Jimmy was ignored, because she couldn't get into that.

Christine's eyes widened and to Angie's utter shock, she didn't say anything. She probably did the math and realized that was about the time she and Sam broke up. And yet, here they were at his wedding. 

"Why are you here?" she asked.

Christine heaved a sigh. "Skye actually invited me. I'm still not sure why. The thing is..." She glanced around wistfully. "Sam and I were trying for friendship. This whole thing made me realize that I can't. I can't be his friend when all I can think about is..."

Angie swallowed heavily because she could completely understand. "How you wish you were Skye."

Christine just nodded and looked away. "Anyway, this is it. I guess I'll just show myself out of his life and be done with it."

"You should be proud of yourself," Angie said, because she'd honestly expected Christine to try and ruin the wedding rather than admit defeat and back off.

"I am, just a little. I'll figure it out. You obviously have."

No, she hadn't, but it was nice to hear it anyway. Especially from someone in the same predicament. Would Angie be invited to Tom's wedding with Lucy in a couple of months?

The thought made her nauseous, so she was more than grateful when Sam and Skye made their grand entrance to general applause, and even more so when the lights dimmed almost all the way down. This way, she didn't have to keep up the smile, pretend not to be miserable.

But when a single light shone on the center of the stage and the three couples ready to dance, her stomach sunk again. Kyle and Kay, Jessie and Jerry and Tom with Lucy. In the chords of a smooth tango, they were off, dancing in perfect sync.

And even though Kyle and Kay were spectacular as always, the air sizzling around them, this time Angie only had eyes for Tom, for the way he held Lucy, for the way she smiled back. And which each excruciating chord, she had to admit they looked great together, that there was obvious chemistry there. And all she wanted to do was break them apart, take over, melt in Tom's arms.

Why? You're the one who chose to leave. He wanted you back. Maybe it was exactly that. He'd claimed to still love her when she'd left. Did it only take four months for him to get over her?

No, he couldn't have. He still loved her and she was going to prove it, even if it meant beating Lucy away with a stick. The decision made Angie feel lighter somehow, as if she could still fit in, have purpose.

But as the introductory dance ended, she was left watching Sam and Skye taking the floor for their first dance as husband and wife. Kyle abandoned dancing and headed for the stage to sing, so it took only seconds for Kay to join her.

"How was it?" she asked, her face all smiles and looking a little flushed.

"Amazing, as always."

"We only practiced for three days, so I was a little nervous." Kay picked up a menu and fanned herself with it, turning to the dancers.

The floor was filling up now, and Lucy and Tom were still glued to each other, holding on too tight. Angie gritted her teeth, only half hearing what Kay was saying about Kyle's band. Yes, they were wonderful and Kyle was amazing, but Angie wished they were less so. That the music would stop and the lights would go out and the ground would swallow her.

"Sucks that you can't dance," Angie mumbled to Kay.

"Nah, the band doesn't have long performances. He'll be down in no time. Plus, I love to hear him sing." She winked and glanced around. "It's a really beautiful wedding."

It really was. "How much of it are you stealing for yourself?"

"At least half. Skye and I planned most of it together after all."

"So when's the wedding?"

Kay's smile slipped off her face. "We haven't settled on a date yet. I mean we're planning and we have the essentials down already, but..."

Her eyes drifted to Jimmy and Angie understood. Unlike Sam and Skye who hadn't minded, Kyle and Kay didn't want to get married without the real Jimmy being there. Would that mean they'd stay engaged for years? She didn't really want to think about it. That was one of the reasons she'd run away in the first place.

The wedding seemed to go on forever. It didn't take long for someone to take Kay and Christine dancing, so it left Angie with only huffy Tina for company. At first, she tried to make small talk, but when she realized Tina was just as lackluster as her, she gave up and just settled for watching Tom and downing fruity cocktails.

Why couldn't he dance with someone else? Why couldn't Lucy? But she hung on to him, laughing, touching him, obviously flirting, and she looked so beautiful. And he held her too close, leaning in to whisper in her ear. Everyone else was invisible, and even if a lot of people were not in their seats and she could join Jessie and Jimmy, Angie didn't.

Yep, she was being a complete idiot. When Jessie waved her over, she couldn't think of a reason to refuse, so she got up and joined them.

"What's up with you?" Jessie asked the moment she sat down. "You look like you're at a funeral."

"Guess I'm not in a partying mood," Angie mumbled.

Jessie's eyes narrowed. "Is this about someone dancing with a certain someone else?"

"Of course not."

"Just so you know, you're not subtle at all."

The affirmation dove a boulder into Angie's stomach. "Shit, do you think he noticed?"

"That you keep glaring at him? Ya-huh."

Angie balled her fists and looked into her lap. She was done staring. She'd just... Disappear off the face of the planet for the rest of the wedding.

"Come on, Angie."

"Jimmy seems better," she blurted out, just to get Jessie off her back.

It worked, since Jessie actually turned to Jimmy. He was watching the dancing people, a small smile on his face.

"Yes, he's a lot calmer. He likes music and colorful stuff."

"That sounds so wrong."

"I know," Jessie said with a groan. "But it's what I've been reduced to. I'm just glad he can be here."

No kidding. "So the treatment isn't working."

"I don't know. Sometimes it feels like it does. He has small periods of time when he seems a lot more aware. It's a day-by-day process unfortunately." Jessie bit her lower lip. "If only the Agency would let us work with them."

"Why aren't they?"

Jessie's eyelids half dropped and Angie instantly understood. For the same reason she was half-convinced that they'd set fire to her house and killed her family. The Agency didn't fully trust them, and unfortunately were justified in their skepticism. They were, after all, playing for both sides.

Lucy dropped on the chair next to Angie, and all serious conversation became impossible.

"Is it just me or is it impossibly hot in here?" She reached out and grabbed a napkin to fan herself with it.

Angie didn't even bother to answer, her eyes scanning the crowd. Tom had disappeared or was lost between the dancers.

"Also, Jessie, your dancing is phenomenal," Lucy continued. "And the way Kyle sings... Damn! Skye sure married into a good family."

Jessie laughed. "Yes, because I'm sure my dancing and Kyle's singing influenced her decision."

"Nah, Sam is pretty awesome himself. Boy's got the moves," she said with a grin. "Both him and..." Lucy's words trailed off as her eyes scanned the guests, obviously looking for Tom.

Angie couldn't handle it. If Tom came back and Lucy took him dancing again, her heart would explode with jealousy and she'd die right there and then.

"I'll go get a drink," she said, getting up and making her way through the crowd before anyone could say a word.

By the time she reached the bar, she was once again furious with herself. This was Sam's wedding, his big day, and all she could focus on was that insufferable twin of his and the gorgeous woman actively perusing him.

"Hey there."

She jumped a mile and turned to her left. Tom had stopped next to her, an amused smile on his face. God, he was gorgeous. Of course Lucy was draping herself around him.

"What?" she snapped. "Had enough of dancing?"

"Nope. Had enough of your glaring. If I didn't know better, I'd think you were jealous."

"Good thing you do know better, then." She turned away from him, but didn't really feel like drinking either.

There was silence for a few excruciating seconds, then he said, "I actually came to ask you to dance."

She turned to him with wide eyes. "Really?"

"Really. As far as I remember, you're pretty good at it."

The challenge in his voice, the way he looked at her and smiled, it got to her. And why shouldn't it? If he wanted to play this game, she was up for it. So she took his hand and pulled him to the dance floor just as a soft, romantic song started playing.

Perfect. She wrapped both arms around his neck and was more than satisfied when his hands found her waist. They started swaying at the same time, perfectly timing their movements. They'd never had trouble coordinating.

"There you go," Tom whispered. "You finally seem to be enjoying yourself."

She moved closer. "You'll have to speak up. I can barely hear you."

He leaned in, his breath tickling her neck. "Maybe I don't want to. Maybe that's the point."

"Is this what you told Lucy?"

"Are you jealous, babe?"

There it was. Though half of her was afraid the endearment had slipped out of reflex. "Not at all, babe."

They continued swaying, even as the song changed into a more alert one. It didn't matter, she was never leaving his arms.

"You're making me think you're a bad dancer," he said, sounding amused.

"I don't see you changing rhythm either, smartass."

"Oh, how I missed you insulting me."

But still, they continued to dance, teasing, making small talk, and Angie could finally enjoy herself. It was the first time in the last couple of days when she didn't feel guilty, out of place. It also made her feel so much better to have him next to her, see the smoldering look in his eyes.

Yes, he still loved her, still wanted her, and the more she stayed in his arms, the more she realized that so did she. There was nothing in the world she wanted more than to kiss him, touch him, melt into him. 

When he finally let her go what felt like hours later and took a break, she had no idea what to do with herself, so she went back to the bar. Two cocktails later, Lucy joined her and ordered her own, looking a bit rattled.

"What's up?" Angie asked, in a much better mood.

"Funny story," Lucy said, stirring her orange drink with the straw. "Someone told me they were okay with me taking a shot at their ex and now they're all over him."

Angie just shrugged, refusing to feel guilty about this. "Yeah, I've noticed, but it seems mutual. You probably don't want all that baggage."

Lucy turned on her stool to completely face Angie. "Yes, there's obvious baggage there. And I can tell it's mutual, too. Not sure what you're getting at and I know that weddings can be complicated, especially when you're single, but..." She sighed and took a sip of her drink. "Do you want him back?"

The question was very complicated, but here was Angie's chance to sink the competition. Because Lucy was a decent human being and she no longer was.

"I think so. Plus it wouldn't really be fair towards you if he started something he couldn't finish."

Lucy seemed to ponder on Angie's statement, taking another sip of her drink. "You know, I've been giving this a lot of thought and how difficult it would be with me in New York and him in Chicago. But a part of me thought a fling would also be worth it."

Angie's every cell bristled at the thought, because unlike a relationship, a fling implied instant sex and there was no way she was letting that happen.

"Trust me," she said. "You don't want a fling with Tom. That's the stuff of lingering regrets."

"Agreed," Lucy said with a thoughtful hum. "Which is why I've decided to back off. The thing is..." She hesitated long enough for Angie to wonder if she'd ever get the words out. "Don't screw with him just because you're jealous of me."

Angie opened her mouth, but closed it. Lucy was being nice, so the least Angie could do was admit that she'd read the situation right. So she just nodded and returned to her own drink.

"He was on pills because of you," Lucy continued, her tone suddenly moralizing. "Think about that for a second before you make more bad choices." And she hopped off the stool and headed back to the party.

For a moment, Angie just stared into her glass, trying to make sense of the new information, but for some reason, it just wouldn't sink in. Tom was indestructible, he'd proven in time after time. Lucy had only known him for a few days and she was wrong.

So once Angie returned to the party, she took him dancing and focused on him again, on holding him, talking to him like nothing was wrong, like she hadn't screwed him and disappeared, like she wasn't planning on doing it again.

"You're scheming," Tom observed as they swayed to another slow song.

The party was nearly over and a lot of the guests had retreated for the night. Kyle and Kay had left first, followed almost immediately by Sarah and Jerry. Even Sam and Skye seemed ready to call it a night. A wedding night. For the moment, they sat at their table, heads together, smiling at their remaining guests.

"Am not," Angie said.

"How much did you drink?"

"Not that much. Plus, I burned it off by dancing."

Tom hummed. "I think we both agree our dancing was pathetic."

She tightened her hold around his neck and giggled. "Our dancing was never pathetic."

"I would've really liked to do something more complicated with you."

She raised her eyes, surprised by the seriousness in his tone. "Like what?"

"Like the opening sequence. You were meant to dance that. All the styles, the diversity. That's real dancing and I know you could pull it off, no pro--"

She raised on the tip of her toes and covered his mouth with hers. He tasted sweet, like the best champagne. Except he wasn't kissing her back. It took him a mere second to use his height advantage to pull away.

"Angie, what are you doing?"

His voice sounded a little distorted. Maybe she'd had a little more to drink than she'd thought, but it didn't really matter. She raised as high as she could without stopping the dance.

"Tell me you don't want this and I'll back off."

His gaze could've set her on fire, but it only convinced her that she was doing the right thing. They'd always been like this. Fire and gasoline, pushing each other's buttons. Wildfire.

"I guess it depends on what this is."

"I think it could be anything. You don't care."

He stopped dancing and a wave of cold had her shivering. Had she read him wrong? Was this it? Would he leave her there in the middle of the dance floor and stride away on his moral high horse?

"I do care," he finally said, but sounded hesitant. "So I have to decide how to play this."

"So this is a game to you?" she asked, batting her eyelashes. She didn't mind. It was actually perfect. No attachment. Just friends falling into old habits. No pain, no lingering consequences.

He didn't answer, his gaze lost in the distance as if he was doing some really important thinking. How could he when the party was over and they were the only ones left dancing in the dark? She refused to think, to consider what this was and where it might be going.

"Lucy spoke to me," he finally said.

The ethereal feel dissolved some and Angie did her best not to roll her eyes. "Did she now? Was she everything you were hoping for and more?"

"No, I meant she actually talked to me." He spun her and pulled her back into his arms. "She said you wanted to get back together."

Oh, that. Damn Lucy and her big mouth. "She was paraphrasing."

"You got all teritorial just because we were getting along. Don't try to deny it."

Angie halted and pulled away from him. "Okay, maybe I'm not quite ready to see you with someone else. That doesn't mean--"

"You have no right to interfere in my life, Angie. Not when it was you who decided to leave it."

Her eyes filled with tears and she clenched her fists. She couldn't believe just a minute ago, she actually kissed him. "Don't get all high and mighty. You knew what this was. You're the one who asked me to dance."

He strode to her and wrapped his arm around her middle, pulling her against him. "I knew exactly what I was doing and I'm owning up to it."

"Owning up to what? You--"

The rest of her words were trapped in when his mouth crashed over hers. The kiss was deep and raw, turning her knees into rubber. She circled his arms around his neck and kissed him back, enjoying the familiarity of it, the passion.

Everything blurred, and all she wanted was to close her eyes and get lost in him.

"I know what I want," he said, pulling back an inch. "And it should come as no surprise." He kissed her again and she was more than grateful because she had nothing to say.

His hands moved from her waist to her butt, feeling and squeezing and the satin brushed her skin in the most sensual way.

"I love your dress," he whispered, kissing her jaw.

"It feels amazing against my skin," she breathed. "I think it would feel even better sliding off."

In an instant, he let her go and pulled her off the dance floor. She could barely keep up as he strode out of the ballroom, towards the elevators. The doors opened the moment he pressed the button, and in no time at all, they were inside, alone.

He placed his hands under he butt and lifted her off the floor, pressing her back against the mirror before kissing her again, with so much urgency it had her head spinning. So many memories filled her mind, one hotter than the other, and that elevator couldn't climb fast enough.

"Don't say things unless you mean them," he mumbled before he continued kissing every inch of her face.

"I'm a big girl. I mean every word."

The elevator stopped and the doors opened into a carpeted hallway. Angie didn't even pay attention where they were going, wrapped as she was in him, in her lust and what they used to be.

A door opened then closed, a light turned on, and suddenly they were alone with each other. Tom looked at her, desire and doubt battling behind his eyes. It was enough to set her on fire, so she took a step back.

"You want me," she stated.

"That's unfair," he said, the doubt sneaking into his voice. "Because I always have."

"I don't need more."

"Maybe I do."

She quirked an eyebrow, a part of her amazed by this wondrous new creature in front of her. In the light and away from the party, she could see he had changed. What happened between them hadn't left him untouched, and now that they were alone, a bit of the repressed feelings were coming out. He didn't need to smile for the guests anymore, play the role of the perfect best man. Right now, he was just Tom.

Except there was no just about him. He had always been amazing, and now was no different.

"Do you?" Her hands moved to the straps of her dress and lowered them down her shoulders. "Because if you do, maybe we could work something out."

His eyes followed her movements, the way the material slid down her skin. "I don't think we can work out what I want."

"I was right you know." She ran her hands on her hips, sliding the dress further down. "This does feel amazing."

He bit his lower lip, then broke into a naughty grin she knew only too well. "Fuck it. It is what it is." And he strode to her and pulled the dress off her skin.

He was completely right. It was what it was. Incredible, amazing, sinfully delightful and maybe the best sex she'd ever had.