Empty Net by Toni Aleo Read Free Book Online Page B

with tears. “It would be an honor, honey.”
    Yup, this was going to be the best day ever.

    Tate was convinced he looked dumb in his fitted dress suit. He was too tall and thin and it made him look like a noodle. For that reason he only owned one suit, and he wore it to everything he needed to. Lucas was lucky, he thought, that he loved both of them. If he didn’t, he would be at home, eating cupcakes and watching TV in a pair of shorts.
    Tate ran his hand down the front of his suit and took in a deep breath as he looked around for either of his friends and his teammates, Phillip or Erik. They said they would meet him so he wouldn’t have to do the whole wedding thing alone. He had never been to a wedding—this was his first—and for some reason he felt uneasy. Thankfully, he wouldn’t have to think about it, because he caught sight then of Erik and Phillip.
    Phillip Anderson was the guy on the team all the girl fans lusted over. A lot of the guys didn’t like him, but Tate did. Anderson was a good guy, funny. With his dark blond hair, baby blue eyes, and easy smile, he was just an easy guy to get along with. Erik Titov looked the complete opposite of Phillip. He had dark features, with dark black hair and dark green eyes. He was new to the team, after being brought up from the Rays. Tate and Erik had been friends back in Florida, and Tate was more than glad to see him when he joined the Assassins. He was quietand a little obsessed with Xbox, but all in all a good guy.
    His teammates both nodded at him as he walked toward them. Ever since becoming friends with Lucas, Erik, and Phillip, along with the captain, Shea, and Erik’s brother, Jakob, Tate had felt more at ease. He hadn’t had an anxiety attack in months. After the death of his mother, father, and sister, they had occurred often. Coming to Nashville was probably the best thing that happened to him. He never felt alone; someone was always calling him, wanting to hang out. He wished it was someone of the female variety, definitely the Brunette Beauty, but still, he had friends and that was almost enough. At least for now.
    “You’re late,” Erik said before tucking his phone into his pocket. “It’s starting in a few. My brother and Harper are already inside.”
    “Okay, let’s go then,” Tate said, cocking his head toward the wedding hall entrance. As the three men made their way inside, Tate noticed the second glances he and his friends were receiving. It was nice to be noticed, but he didn’t believe he was the one making the girls look twice. With a shake of his head, trying to find the confidence he knew he had, he returned a few of the smiles that came his way as he followed Erik and Phillip.
    Once in their seats, two rows behind Jakob, Shea, their boss Eleanor Adler, and two other girls Tate didn’t recognize, the three men leaned back, scoping out the place. Lucas had told him that Fallon had gone nuts with the theme, and Tate could see he wasn’t kidding. A massive number of umbrellas hung from the ceiling. Lights hung from the inside, making it look as if it were raining, while rain did fall onto the umbrellas. How Fallon managed to do that was a mystery to him, but it looked awesome.
    The altar area was done in white and champagne-colored sheer fabric; it was hung in different directions and filled with big white flowers. Tate didn’t know what kind they were, butthey were beautiful. Things sparkled in various places along the fabric and flowers, catching his eye. Hanging above the altar were three more white umbrellas, bigger than the others, with large sparkling chandeliers beneath them. The aisle was covered with white flower petals along with more glitter and sparkle. Fallon sure did like things that sparkled, he thought. Overall, the hall was pretty impressive, and he couldn’t wait to see the bride. He knew she was going to outshine everything.
    “Lucas wants me to meet his sister-in-law.”
    Tate turned to see Phillip looking