Happily Ever After: A Contemporary Romance Boxed Set

by Piper Rayne

  Heat pools in my belly and I think about wearing these sexy outfits for Leo. By doing so, we’ll be crossing the friendship line, and there will be no coming back.

  I could lose him as a friend.

  “Don’t over analyze. Just do it. This is the perfect opportunity for you to see how he really feels about you,” she says, with a waggle of her forefinger.

  “You’re right,” I say slowly. It started out by me needing a date but now I need more than that. I want to take things further with Leo. For a moment I think about us in bed, me on top riding him as he massages my breasts and teases my nipples. It’s my favorite position, and I can’t help the blush that creeps on to my cheeks.

  “Thatagirl,” Jenna says. “Forget Ben, he’s an idiot. Go and have fun with Leo.”

  I put the panties, lucky dress, condoms and lube in my overnight bag, before blowing my best friend a kiss. “You’re right. I need to forget about Ben, and focus on Leo.” I pause. “You don’t think– ”

  “Stop it,” she lifts her hand, her palm facing me. “Leo will love this side of you. Enjoy the weekend, drink champagne, dance and then go back to your room and have the type of sex you’ve always wanted with him. I want to see you come back as a satisfied woman when you return from Wisconsin.”

  “Thanks for that. I’ve been overthinking about Leo. We’ve never spent any time together like this.”

  Jenna’s smile brightens, reaching her eyes. “I think you’ll be very surprised. It’s like getting the answer to a question you’ve wanted to ask for years. It’s time to do this.”

  I bring my hands together as anticipation fills me. This wedding date is exactly that. A test. At test to see what things are like between us, without Cory and my family there. And to see if we have a future together that is more than friendship.

  “Thank you.” I slide off the bed and finish my packing.

  “I’m so glad you asked him to go with you. He just seems like a great guy.”

  “Yeah he is.” I can’t help but smile when I think about him. I cast an eye at my still open bag and see the pink lingerie there. A shudder of desire zips through me.

  I don’t know how I am going to wear this, or seduce him. I’m not one of those overly confident sexy women. I’ve never had a one night stand, and the only sex I’ve had is in committed relationships.

  I don’t know how to seduce Leo, and the idea he might reject me worries me, even more than seeing Ben with his model girlfriend.

  I push aside any worries and focus on being me. Leo likes me. I know he does. Now I need to get him to like me, more than a friend.

  “You’ve told me that Leo has a wild streak, it’s how he’s so successful in his career. For him, at twenty-eight, to have such a high powered job means he lives life. He will come for you. All you have to do is wear my dress or the negligee,” Jenna said. “Trust me, I know men.”

  I go over and hug her hard. She’s right. This is the perfect opportunity to see how Leo and I are as a couple. Maybe it will work, maybe it won’t. But I won’t know if I don’t try. I’m thirty-one, it’s finally time to take the plunge and see what Leo thinks of me.

  The following morning I’m waiting in anticipation for Leo. I’m anxious and have been awake since early morning. I’ve tried to relax, first with aromatherapy oils, then deep breathing, and then resorted to my trusty vibrator. Despite the orgasm, nothing has helped. I’m still a bundle of nerves.

  I’m wearing one of my favorite sundresses, it’s pretty, is made of a soft material that doesn’t crease and has an inbuilt bodice so no bra is needed. The material rubs against my braless breasts and I feel naughty, especially with the lacy thong I’m wearing. Do I seem any different to Leo? I hope he sees me as desirable and not just Cory’s sister.

  I grab my bag and savor the thrill that races through me. It’s time.

  It’s eight in the morning and we have a long drive ahead of us. I’ve anticipated that we’ll have enough time to arrive at the reception house, and have plenty of time to change and freshen up before the wedding.

  Between the ceremony and the reception, there is a lag of two hours. Whilst the couple and family are having professional photos taken, the guests can mingle or relax in their rooms. I’m using this time to change into Jenna’s dress. The green frock seems a tad inappropriate to wear to a garden wedding, but totally fine for the reception. And yes, I’m hoping that Leo will be interested and we’ll end up having sex.

  I really want this, more than I ever have.

  As I step out the door and head to the elevator I will my nerves away and by the time I walk outside with my bag and face my date I’m still nervous.

  He makes a show of taking off his sunglasses to look me over, and I feel my cheeks warm.

  “Wow. Princess Ivy, you look beautiful in that dress.”

  “You’re too kind,” I answer but inside I’m skipping for joy that he could pay me such a compliment.

  “I always tell the truth.” He nods giving me one of his trademark smiles.

  “Thank you very much. You look handsome.”

  “In this old thing.” he chuckles

  “Old? Leo, that’s an Armani suit isn’t it?” I challenge with a lift of my eyebrow.

  “It is, but it can still be old.” He walks up to me to take my bag.

  “Thank you.”

  “This is all you’re taking?” He lifts the bag into the trunk of his car.

  I find myself blushing thinking about the green dress and lingerie in it. “We’re away for a weekend, not a week.” I clear my throat. “There’s a beautiful woodland area on the grounds with a lake. I thought we could go exploring tomorrow.” That’s the backup plan if we’re not having sex, or perhaps we could have sex outside? Afterall, that’s a secret fantasy of mine.

  “That sounds great.”

  I blush as it seems he’s agreeing to my secret fantasy.

  He continues, not noticing my embarrassment. “It’s been awhile since I had the chance to get out of the city and walk around nature.”

  I’m about to open his car door to get in but he stops me.

  “I’ll get that,” he says.

  “Thanks.”

  He opens the door and I smile as I slide into the passenger seat.

  He jumps in the driver’s seat and moments later we’re on the road, heading into the weekend and the unknown that now feels exciting to me.

  Leo glances over at me and smiles. “I hope I make the mark as wedding date material,” he states.

  I burst out laughing. “Leo, are you kidding? Of course you do.”

  “Just checking. I at least combed my hair and tried to dress nice.” He jokes and I shake my head at him.

  I’ve never seen this guy look anything other than perfect, even when his hair is messy.

  “Thank you.” I just say that to humor him.

  “Well that was the only caution Cory gave me. That and not to embarrass you.” He gives me a wink, and my heart flip flops.

  There’s an edge to his voice I don’t miss. I told Cory about me asking Leo to go with me to the wedding. While he said that was okay and started saying stuff like it was good that I was taking someone I knew I could sense there was something amiss in his tone. Or maybe it was more like it was cautious. I wasn’t sure if he had a problem with us going, and I decided not to ask further.

  “Cory also said not to bore you with stories of work, or talk about work at all so I brought music for you.” He taps the dashboard and the car fills with NSYNC belting out the tune to ‘Bye, Bye, Bye’.

  I burst out laughing. I loved NSYNC when I was younger. I went to every concert and even had a pillow with them, on my bed.

  “You used to worship them,” he said with a chuckle.

  “I did not worship them,” I reply but he’s right. I did worship them all those years ago.

  “Ivy, how many concerts did you go to? I should know, as I was there alongside Cory when your friends decided not to follow you in your crazines
s.”

  “Oh my gosh.” I bring my hands up to my cheeks when I think back to how crazy I was for them. “I like different music now.”

  “What kind?” He glances over at me as we stop for a red light.

  “Softer music.”

  “Okay, let’s do this. Do you like jazz?”

  I nod. “My parents like jazz so I guess I listen when they do. It’s calming.”

  “I’m glad you think so. What do you think of this?” He taps a few buttons and when the dulcet tone of Billie Holiday’s melodious voice enter the car my heart melts. I recognize the song straightaway.

  “I love this song.” I hum along to Billie singing, The Very Thought of You.

  “My mom liked Billie Holiday. She’s my favorite from that time.”

  “Well, I guess we have this in common then.”

  “It looks that way.”

  He returns his focus to the road and drives when the lights change.

  As we sail down the road and talk I feel like we both opened the door to explore something more between us.

  The rest of the journey goes by so quickly and it only takes us a little under four hours to get here.

  The parking area at Paradise Hall is jam packed so I’m glad to see attendants directing us to an available space.

  We park and get out. What I’m not glad for is the dark cloud that fills me when I see Ben and Claudia walking toward us.

  Claudia’s arm is linked through Ben’s and she looks amazing, just stunning. In sky high heels, a designer dress that looks like it’s sprayed on, it’s so tight, and glorious long, straight blond hair, she looks like the model she is. In comparison, I feel short, unattractive and boring in my department store bought dress.

  He sees me, then turns his head so he can lean in close to her ear to whisper something. They both start to laugh and I feel ill, wondering if he said something about me.

  My ribs tighten and I can barely breath. All my insecurities come rushing back and my confidence seems to have remained in Chicago.

  I want to go home, eat ice-cream and watch a rom-com.

  But then I feel the warm press of Leo’s hand, and my heart melts like chocolate on a warm day.

  “Don’t worry about them. It’s your friends’ wedding, let’s go and have fun.”

  I look up at Leo, and give him a smile. “Thank you.” Before I go on tip-toes and give his cheek a kiss. He’s amazing.

  I give him a hopeful smile and push Ben out of my mind. I just hope I can keep it up. But with Leo by my side, I’m sure I can.

  Chapter 7

  Ivy

  We have an hour to get ready before the ceremony starts and I’m applying light makeup. I used to be one of those women who never wore makeup but when I found a brand that catered to women with my darker skin tone, I was thankful. The sales attendant spent time showing me how to use their products to give me a fresh look that didn’t make me feel overly made up. I also use their hair products which reduced the frizz in my naturally curly dark hair.

  An hour later, I stepped out in a soft pink strapless dress, decorated with broderie anglaise. The outfit had been an impulse buy but it suited my athletic build making me look curvier than I was. The top cinched at the waist, then flowed to mid calf. I’d teemed the dress with heels that were comfortable to walk in. With a pink clutch, and a spray of my favorite perfume, I felt good.

  “You look amazing,” Leo said, as I stepped out of the bathroom.

  “You look pretty good yourself,” I replied, seeing him in his suit that he’d pressed, and a clean shirt.

  “I’m wearing a different dress tonight for the reception,” I say as I step towards him.

  “But you look lovely as you are.” He buttons his jacket.

  “Thank you but I thought something dressier would be better.”

  “Ivy, you don’t have to compete with Ben and Claudia. You are beautiful as you are.”

  I stare at him, as surprise hits me. He thinks I’m beautiful. “I-um, I– ”

  He links his arm through mine. “You look like a goldfish, let’s go and watch your friends marry.”

  * * *

  The ceremony was beautiful, and I found myself dabbing my eyes with a tissue as Rachel and Patrick read their vows to each other.

  On a sunny afternoon, my friends declared their love before family and friends, and I was so happy for them.

  After the happy couple and close family left to have photos taken, I spent time catching up with friends. I loved being able to introduce my boyfriend, Leo, to friends, and I couldn’t stop smiling.

  “We need to go back to our room,” Leo said, making me blush as others assumed we were going back to make love, not change. I could see their raised eyebrows, and the smiles tugging at their lips.

  I went to clarify and decided not to. Let them think what they want. I didn’t care. I was with Leo, and life was amazing.

  Back in our room, I had exactly fifteen minutes to get ready.

  “You would’ve had more time now, if you hadn’t been chatting for so long,” he reminded me.

  “I haven’t seen some of my college friends for years,” I said.

  He playfully smacked my bottom. “Hurry up.”

  Back in the bathroom, I remove the pink dress and my underwear. I shimmied into the lacy emerald green thong and then into the dress. I stared at myself. Holy smokes. This was a dress that screamed “I’m having sex with my hot boyfriend”.

  I hadn’t brought a back-up dress so it was this or the pink dress. Taking a deep breath to restore my confidence, I slip on my silver heels, apply red lipstick, and put my cell phone, tissues, mints. . .and a condom in my silver clutch.

  I look like I’m about to get lucky, or rather that I have been.

  The dark skin tone of my cheeks can’t disguise the flush of my skin. And my nipples are standing to attention, begging for Leo’s touch. My body is on fire, and I want to ditch the reception, and jump on Leo. I long to taste him, feel his naked body pressed to mine.

  My breasts are heavy, and I’m feeling very desirable especially as I am braless and only wearing a sexy thong under Jenna’s dress.

  My heart rate quickens, and then there is a knock at the door. “Ivy, it’s time to go.”

  Taking a steadying breath I open the door slowly, and I watch his reaction.

  An expletive leaks from his lips. “Ivy, you look. . .you look incredible.” His eyes are wide and his gaze meets mine.

  My breathing is rapid and I just stare at him.

  “I don’t mean to sound inappropriate but you look hot, and I think I may have to cover you with my jacket, to dissuade every guy from undressing you with their eyes.”

  I don’t know whether he’s joking or not. I’m not hot, Claudia is hot. And I’m tongue-tied.

  “Ivy, you looked beautiful in that pink dress today and you took my breath away but tonight, I um, I. . .you look incredible.”

  “Thank you,” is all I can say. He thinks I’m hot? Whoa.

  He takes my hand in his. “I’m not letting you out of my sight tonight,” he says with a wink.

  * * *

  At the hall, a few friends come up to me, and compliment me on my outfit. In a sea of black my emerald dress stands out.

  I feel Ben’s gaze on me but when I turn around, I don’t see him.

  Fortunately, we’re not seated at his table, and Ben and Claudia are far from us allowing me to relax and not worry about them.

  Leo never leaves my side, whether we’re talking with friends, eating or listening to the speeches, he’s close by. I catch him looking at me, and I can see desire in his eyes. It matched exactly how I feel about him, and I’m really hoping we can leave soon and go back to our bedroom.

  But we still have more speeches, the cutting of the cake, dancing and more socializing. Desire is throbbing at the junction of my legs, and I’ve never felt like this before. Never once, with Ben, had I ever wanted to leave a function to go and have sex. But all I can think ab
out is finding a quiet place, pulling the bodice down, and having Leo’s mouth feast on me.

  I can’t focus, and I can’t think straight.

  My breathing grows rapid before I realize that Rachel’s father is making his speech. It’s beautiful, and he wishes the happy couple much happiness before he welcomes Patrick to the family. There is so much love in the air, it could be cut with a knife rather than the beautiful wedding cake.

  When Ben rises to his feet and casts a quick glance my way I feel my jaw clench. My fists curl into a ball, and the past feelings of resentment hit me as he makes his way to the podium.

  Patrick gives his friend an encouraging smile before handing him the microphone.

  It was difficult for everyone when Ben and I broke up. Me being Rachel’s friend and Ben being Patrick’s. I never wanted them to have to choose between us and I told them as such. A break up like ours did something to the group dynamic as a whole. I only think it works now because we all live so far away from each other. There’s no chance of clashing, except occasions like these.

  “To my dear friend, Patrick, and his beautiful bride, Rachel.” Ben begins his speech with words of love, and praises the couple on finding each other. As much as I hate to admit it, the speech is really nice, and soon everyone in the hall is toasting the bride and groom.

  “It’s been so good to see you blossom into the couple you are today,” he continues. “You have the kind of love that’s rare and beautiful. I congratulate you today on your wedding day and wish you years of love and magic. After many failures, I’m so lucky to have found my Claudia. I pray we’re blessed with the same love you have.”

  Wow. Numbness fills me. It reminds me that I had a lucky escape from him. What a loser. There was no need to insinuate anything about us. But our friends knew. Shame washes over me. I mutter some choice words about his parentage before I stand. “Just going to the ladies,” I whisper in Leo’s ear.

  People clap and I plaster a smile on my face, trying to look like I don’t care because I don’t.

  A few minutes later, I’m back seated next to Leo and dinner is served.