She Had No Date, No Friends at the Wedding — Then the Groom’s Millionaire Friend Sat Beside Her
An Unexpected Meeting at Table Seven
Emma Rosewood smoothed her thrift store dress for the hundredth time as she entered the Grandmore Hotel’s crystal ballroom.
The champagne-colored fabric had looked elegant under her apartment’s dim lighting.
But here among the sea of designer gowns and tailored suits she felt like a dandelion among roses.
Her best friend Chloe had begged her to be her plus one to this wedding then promptly abandoned her the moment they arrived to chase after the wedding photographer.
The ballroom sparkled with a thousand fairy lights casting dancing shadows across marble floors that probably cost more than Emma’s annual rent.
Round tables draped in ivory silk filled the space.
Each centerpiece was a masterpiece of white orchids and cascading pearls.
Emma clutched her small clutch purse tighter feeling more out of place with each step.
“Table 7,” she whispered to herself checking the elegant card in her hand.
“Of course it would be in the back corner practically hidden behind a towering floral arrangement.”
“The table for overflow guests the ones nobody really knew what to do with the mysterious stranger.”
As Emma settled into her chair she noticed the seat beside her remained empty while the rest of the table filled with chattering strangers.
She picked at her salad trying to look busy while conversations flowed around her about exotic vacations and country club memberships.
The bride and groom looked radiant at the head table completely absorbed in their fairy tale moment.
“Is this seat taken?”
A deep voice interrupted her thoughts.
Emma looked up and felt her breath catch.
Standing beside her was possibly the most handsome man she had ever seen in real life.
Tall and broad-shouldered he wore a perfectly fitted black tuxedo that emphasized his athletic build.
His dark hair was styled just messy enough to look effortless.
And his eyes were an unusual shade of green that seemed to hold secrets.
“No please,” Emma managed gesturing to the empty chair.
“It’s all yours.”
He slid into the seat with fluid grace and Emma caught a hint of expensive cologne mixed with something uniquely masculine.
“Sebastian Blackwood,” he said extending his hand.
“And you are?”
“Emma Rosewood,” she replied shaking his hand.
And trying to ignore the electric shock that ran up her arm at the contact.
“I’m here with my friend Chloe though she seems to have disappeared.”
Sebastian’s smile was warm and genuine.
Nothing like the practice smile she had seen from other wealthy looking guests.
“Ah the classic wedding abandonment.”
“I’m actually the best man but I needed to escape my duties for a moment.”
“The bride’s grandmother keeps trying to set me up with her granddaughter.”
An unexpected connection laughed despite herself.
“Sounds terrifying.”
“You have no idea.”
“She cornered me during cocktails and started showing me baby photos.”
Sebastian’s eyes crinkled with humor.
“So Emma Rosewood what brings you to this circus besides a disappearing friend?”
“Chloe works with the bride. I’m just the plus one who doesn’t know anyone.”
Emma found herself relaxing despite her nervousness.
There was something about Sebastian that made her feel at ease as if she had known him longer than 5 minutes.
“Oh you know me now,” Sebastian said raising his glass of champagne.
“To new friendships and surviving wedding receptions.”
Emma clinked her glass against his surprised by how natural it felt.
“To surviving,” she agreed.
