“Make the offer, just make certain nothing traces back to me.”
I leaned back in my new leather chair as it crinkled under my weight then braided my fingers behind my neck.
“Save your breath, Cash, this isn’t my first time covering your tracks.”
“It’s so unlike you to mouth off, Sonja.” I said then abruptly stood, grabbing her arm I turned her to face me. “Hold that sweet temper of yours before I show you there’s more going on in this body and brain than you can handle.”
“I just thought…”
“Leave the thinking to me, Sonja.”
First and foremost being involved which James Sr. was a tough pill to swallow even for me. The never truthful always toxic criminal, who I personally believed the man was insane, held the cards, and the bank account. Corruption was ingrained in every aspect of his being as if it meant nothing. Sticky fingers turned to murder and now he was doing prison time.
And I was his main connection to the outside world. I held the power over M&M Global, the former company and his nemesis dead brother. And now, the company Bryer works for. I’m his pot of gold under the fucking rainbow.
And soon I will take the power and dominate all the players. So, beware of your comfort, rejoice in your false sense of security, because before long you will surrender your safety.
Tying the knot, our union wouldn’t be official until we obtained our marriage license. Basically, a permit for our eternal love, a love anchored by a moment of pure dedication. Our wedlock wasn’t just a signed piece of paper, it was something to be savored, two hearts that would sacrifice for the other’s happiness and wellbeing. A blessing shared, a promise given, and a vow made.
The path was situated beautifully around wide grassy areas dotted with palm trees and lush tropical plants with a vibrant color and a vast landscaping with a private flare. We passed a number of attractions such as natural tide pools, stone arches and hidden benches all purposely designed for romantic talks and secluded moments.
Graceful movements swayed as we walked leisurely side by side. I reached for her hand closing my fingers around hers. Surrounded by otherworldly vines and signature stalks like something straight out of a fairy tale.
“Wait a minute.” I said and bent down to pick a flower. “Here.”
Then placed the white plumeria flower behind her left ear. Inside the protected layers were delicately scented petals their fragile casing was an expression of our love.
“It’s beautiful.” She said her voice softened, then placed it within her hair. “The left ear means I’m taken.”
“That’s true.”
Those rich green eyes swallowed me up, compelling me to swiftly catch her lips in a bruising kiss. It was a mixture of sweet and sexy, her mouth pressed against mine. I ran my tongue over her bottom lip, and she opened her mouth, accepting me. I tilted just enough to take more of her. Tipped her head the other way and devoured her luscious mouth.
Everything faded into the background and when I finally I broke the kiss, her eyes fluttered open. “We better go.” I said through frantic breaths.
“Alright, let’s do this.” Her sensual lips curled into the sweetest smile.
We entered the town’s clerk office, a man sat behind a tall counter. He wore a floral shirt, neatly pressed with casual khaki shorts.
“E kono mai, welcome come in.” He said with dark lively eyes that were kind and joyful.
“We’re here for our marriage license.”
“You’ve come to the right place.” He stood and approached, then braced his elbows on the counter. His native Hawaiian roots and olive brown skin spoke of years of heritage. “Okay, fill out these forms, then I’ll need to see a valid driver’s license and a seventy-dollar state fee.” The agent explained.
We filled out the application and signed the document together then we slid our forms across the counter along with our ID and my credit card.
“Staying long?” He asked while processing our paperwork.
“Two weeks.”
“Then you may enjoy May Day, it’s a Lei Day which is a statewide celebration including a lei making completion. Or there’s migrating humpback wales, Hawaiian sea bird’s or dolphin watching.”
“I would love to see that.” Bryer said her eyes dancing with joy.
“That makes two of us.” I said as he offered our license in return and we left the office. My heart picked up speed knowing we were one step closer to becoming husband and wife.
“Mahalo-thank you.”
We walked side by side nestled along the edge of the path the scenery included wildflower lined trails and remarkable panoramic views. Portions of the trail offered stunning coastal views with steep drop offs along the western ridge.
“Nervous?” I asked.
“Not even a little bit.” Her face turned towards mine. “You?”
“I just want to get to the part where they announce us husband and wife, and now you may kiss your bride.”
I reached for her hand, bringing it to my mouth, rubbing my lips over her fingers. Even if I tried, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face at this very moment.
“Let’s meet up with Clayton and Gen, if they haven’t killed each other yet.” I suggested.
Once we returned, we were surprised to find both Gen and Clayton side by side at the bar, still breathing.
“I’ll have another red bull and a vodka, please.”
“That’s your fourth.”
“Little snitch.”
Great. He was a goner; his balance was off and was having trouble judging where his feet should go.
“You okay, man?”
“I have issues.” Clayton said with a slight slur. “Or so I’ve been told.”
Wow. Down his gullet through his bloodstream and now the alcohol was slowing his brain functions down considerably. He was one step past tipsy on the road to drunk.
“I feel like I could do a back flip, even though I’ve never actually tried one before.”
“Whoa. Let’s not buddy.”
He was buzzing, he was one giant vibrating being. Soon everybody in the bar would be his new best friend, I’d seen this Clayton before. His favorite song would play and he’d make sure that everyone in the bar knew that he knew all the lyrics.
“I’m not saying there were aliens, but there were aliens.”
“You don’t say.” I chuckled.
He was wasted, and it wasn’t even late and he was nowhere near ready to stop. He didn’t care he’d be waking up with a pounding headache, sick to his stomach on my wedding day.
“Clayton, you’re sure talking a lot but saying nothing, come with me.”
He turned back but I caught his arm, he swatted my hand away then attempted to yank out of my hold.
“Let go you acking fusshole.” He said but when he realized his mistake, he laughed his ass off. “Wow, that was so dumb.”
I was ready to tar and feather my best man. His laughing radiated outwards and soon he began to teeter as ripples of laughter became great waves of hilarity. But I knew the source and she was sitting beside my fiancé’ at the bar.
“You’re trying too hard.”
Clayton scratched the top of his head confused.
“Define trying.”
He was in that state of intoxication where he was beside himself, he caught himself before he fell to the ground. “Whoops.” Then recovered with surprising grace. “So, Nathan, do I get to throw you a bachelor party the night before the ball and chain is attached?”
“I never thought about it, Clayton.”
“You don’t get out much, do you?”
Like most well-adjusted guys the thought of normal male bonding was completely acceptable. Clayton was the kind of person who lived how he believed people should, and drunk Clayton was just as endearing as the sober version. He was like a brother, kindred spirits. I was no longer sure which one of us was being unreasonable.
“Yeah, I’ll keep that in mind, Clayton.”
>
“Fine and dandy.”
“Let’s get some food in you, bud.”
“I’m suddenly starving, I can’t go another minute without a taco or a burger.”
He needed a lesson on how to pace himself so he didn’t end up face down on the floor next to a carved wooden Polynesian goddess.
“Excuse me, can we see a menu?” I waved the bartender over. I glanced over at Bryer, her curiosity expressed by the slightest lift of her brow. Clayton wiped the spittle away with the back of his hand and grinned towards the two women.
“You can’t ignore me forever, Gen.” He said. “I just want to be friends.”
She glanced over looking less than pleased to see him. A smile flashed across her face, although it was gone quickly, the smart-ass comeback was swift.
“My best friend runs on batteries.”
“Is that a trick question?”
It was a train wreck a total fucking disaster, the kind that made you shake your head in confusion. It was so bad I didn’t want to stop watching, I just couldn’t look away. Yet, I couldn’t escape the inevitable bad outcome, viewing such a spectacle was becoming morbidly interesting. This calamity was getting him nowhere, despite his stellar attempt of awkwardness and embarrassing disastrous attempts to win her attention, I couldn’t help but watch it all unfold, helpless to stop it, there was nothing I could do to ward off the disaster.
Our food came and suddenly Clayton gulped it down without pausing to breathe, each forkful was bigger than the last. He licked his fingers and grabbed his napkin announcing he was suddenly full.
“Don’t you think it’s about time we called it a night?” Bryer fidgeted, then looked between Gen and Clayton nervously. Neither of them moved a muscle, silence lingered so long I could hear my own heartbeat.
“Right.” I said. “Tomorrow’s a big day.”
“No kidding.” Gen said then pushed herself from the bar, and stood draping her arm over Bryer’s shoulder. “I need my beauty sleep; I plan on being the best maid of honor ever. I’ll be leading the charge, your gate keeper, I’ll be your emotional lifeboat, your ball of energy, and your personal worker bee.”
“Gee, thanks. All the stress has magically melted away.”
“See? And you thought weddings were hard work.”
Gen was taking this to a whole new level, participating in the arrangements was an eye opener that went way above overseeing floral options and avoiding wardrobe malfunctions. Little did we know she registered gifts from Tiffany’s. Spread the word like wild fire about where the wedding would take place. Chose the wedding cake, assisted in the menu, booked the photographer, and just about everything else.
“Come on big guy.” I said as I shuffled Clayton towards the exit. “Clearly, you’ve reached your limit.”
“I say no to alcohol, but it just doesn’t listen.” Clayton cracked a lopsided grin, but no one noticed. “Being asked to be your best man is so cool, man. I have to admit, I don’t get the title of being the “best’ of anything very often.”
“I know buddy, let’s see how you do tomorrow.” I said teasing him. “A reminder, we meet with the officiate first thing in the morning, Mr. Kale’, ten am.”
I woke to the first rays of sunshine seeping through the shutters letting the natural light spill over the tiled floor. A light breeze blew through the open windows as Nathan’s warm body curled around my own.
“I dreamed of you last night.” I said.
“Umm, a good dream?”
“I’ll let you be the judge of that.”
I turned and kissed him slowly, the very first taste was so sweet sending me into a sexual haze. He sighed and kissed me deeper turning it into a heart stopping kiss. I slid my hand across his chiseled abs and my breathing quickened at the sight. Grabbing the back of his neck, I slowed the pace breaking the kiss.
“Did you see the outdoor rock shower?” He held himself propped up on one elbow
is thumb softly stroking my bottom lip.
“Is that an invitation?”
“It is.”
We slid out of bed wrapped in our matching white terry robes. The teak stepping stones provided an easy path nestled among the private entry leading to the outdoor shower.
“Join me?”
“Where else would I rather be?”
I stepped in studying the panel with more than a dozen options to regulate water pressure and temperature. Nathan followed in behind me and chose the correct settings.
“How’s that?”
“Nice.”
The stone walls blended the shower’s architecture and landscape creating a vertical garden around it. Layers of succulents emerged from copper troughs which looked stunning against the stone shower surround.
We were warmed by the sunny rays, embraced by the natural surroundings of rock and stone. I lifted to my toes and kissed him. There was something so heavenly about a kiss in the rain-shower. Tender and gentle bursting with urgency as the water soaked our skin. A connection that only showed the depth of our feelings. He buried his face in the curve of my shoulder, his hands flexing around my back tugging me closer as the water pelted us from all different angles. We were both cemented to the floor, neither willing to untangle.
“We don’t have much time.” I said.
“Don’t worry.”
His lips found my neck warm and waiting, and he placed kisses behind my ear as he dragged his tongue, leaving wet tracks down my neck. He drew his hand over my fevered skin and found my bundle of nerves at the peak of my sex. Then circled my clit with a rhythmic pace.
He gently placed me against the wall as his fingers played in my wet folds, his knee nudging my legs apart. My hips instinctively began to rock against his hand. Then my fingers snaked around his neck, holding on, swept up in the moment and trusting him with every touch. It was then that he pushed a finger inside.
“Oh God.” I cried then he swiftly lifted my hips and pinned me to the wall.
The hard length of his erection nudged at my entrance then entered slowly, building with each stroke as my body closed tightly around his. He thrusted in, and stilled, my hot flesh sheathing him. Joined together as one, my body wild against his, flesh on flesh in a riding rhythm as our thrust got harder and deeper and faster, until he filled me completely.
“Christ Bryer, marry me.”
“Yes, yes. I’ll marry you.”
I erupted, taking him with me. Waves rippled through me as a powerful force took over my body.
“How gorgeous you look when you come.” He whispered.
My head rested against his shoulder as my gaze lifted, our eyes met, and in this moment, it was pure genuine happiness. Our hearts slowed; our breath subsided slowly diminishing the euphoric trance back to this moment of pure bliss. I placed a soft kiss across his lips yet to recover.
“We have an appointment with Mr. Kale’ the officiate at ten am, in the chapel.”
“I know.” His forehead softly landed on mine. Then he reached for my hands and he entangled his fingers with mine. “Okay baby, let’s get hitched.” He muttered under his breath, then he handed me a white fluffy towel, he then wrapped the second one around his waist.
We dressed and grabbed two coffees to go.
The footpath, though winding, remained shadowed in the pale morning light. It flowed through the lush vegetation and suddenly opened to a row of bungalows. The sudden muted light became clear, my hazy vision obscured by the sun’s penetrating rays.
But I was stopped in my tracks, frozen in place. I bit my inner lip to keep from screaming. I lifted my hand in a salute fashion shielding my eyes from the sun, but my jaw nearly hit the ground.
Words alluded me, I nodded towards the two huts far off in the distance. Nathan’s gaze followed mine and his expression faltered.
With disbelief we shared a look of confusion, as if witnessing an accident in slow motion, followed by a moment of clarity as we came to realize what was happening.
The crease between N
athan’s eyebrows lowered as we watched it unfold before our very eyes, it couldn’t get any more cringe worthy than this.
Forever seared in my mind were two figures moving in the shadows on their shared bungalow deck Gen was being pressed against the shingles, her leg was hooked around his hip. Clayton’s shorts wrapped around his ankles getting busy.
“What’s going on?” I asked.
“Maybe they should have tried a position that required a spotter.” Nathan said in a low voice.
“Personally, I don’t see the appeal,” I said. “I mean the exhibition part, not the wall sex.”
Then in a display of urgency Gen’s second leg wrapped around his body, her sundress blowing wildly in the breeze. Now pinned against the wall doing the deed as heat combusted, as the wall buffered her back forcing him to have stealth like balance and covert maneuvers.
“Maybe they should take it inside?” I said, baffled by this new turn in events.
“Isn’t this considered a misdemeanor?”
“We knew this would happen eventually.”
“True, but—"
Though I was mildly weirded out witnessing such an intimate moment I couldn’t describe the sense of dread. Was this a budding relationship or would the day of my nuptials be forever remembered by our best friends hook up.
“Most men are players until that one girl comes along that causes them lose their game.”
“I hope that’s true.”
It was such an awkward moment, just lurking in the shadows I only wanted to run and hide. In an effort to avoid the horror and embarrassment and the phrase ‘that’s right I busted you perve.’ we kept walking.
As I glanced around there was something about the airy space that took my breath away. Maybe it was Mother Nature’s way of adding her own romantic flair to our big day, or maybe it was the jaw-dropping view overlooking the ocean.
I took a closer look at the open-aired swoon worthy chapel, with exposed white beams and an iron bell tower. Pairing nature-inspired details with laid back elements to create a casual, easy going aesthetic atmosphere.
Forgotten Chance: Book Three (Forgotten Trilogy) Page 5