Vibrant florals defined the entrance with delicate garland of greenery and local flowers draped the entryway creating an ethereal environment with an explosion of color. Candle lit chandleries, white draping hung from the ceiling adding a layer of refinement. Turning this chick black tie affair into a warm and inviting glow on this magical evening.
“It packs a powerful punch for the next stage of the evening.” Gen said proudly.
“You were right.” Bryer said. “You’re a genius, it’s spectacular, this is more than I ever anticipated. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”
“Thanks, that’s exactly what I was going for.”
“You set the bar high on this one.” I said.
“Glad you approve.” Gen said. “And that, my friend, is how it’s done.”
A white washed wooden table with four chairs sat facing the ocean and touches of airy décor adorned the main area. The china white and gold, a star fish sat on each silk napkin. Crystal clear vases filled with white roses, with added pearls weaved through them as they sat on the smaller tables surrounded by food and drink.
Within each champagne glass sat a single white rose bud, just waiting to be filled with champagne. On one of the tables sat a two-tier white wedding cake, with candied native Hawaiian flowers adorning the sides.
The cellist appeared and played quietly in the background. Then two Hawaiian women dressed in colorful muu muu’s appeared with covered dishes and placed them on the tables. Aside from its breathtaking scenic beauty, the Aloha state was home to some of the friendliest most relaxed people I’d ever met.
“Let’s start with a champagne toast.” Gen suggested.
“I’ve got it.” Clayton said then proceeded to twist the cork from the bottle.
“You’re doing it all wrong,” Gen said, shaking her head in frustration.” Place a folded towel over the top of the cork and neck then carefully twist the champagne bottle clockwise while holding the cork steady, continue twisting until you have eased the cork out gently.”
“Calm down, I’ve got it.”
“Ever notice the people who tell you to calm down are usually the ones that got you upset in the first place?” Gen said, putting her hands on her hips. “You know, my life could totally be a reality show.”
“Isn’t it time for your medication?” Clayton shot back. “I thought that opening a champagne bottle was common knowledge but I guess not.”
Clayton just seemed to enjoy wreaking havoc everywhere he went, he didn’t care that adding more pressure was a recipe for disaster. I had a moral obligation to step in but we were not therapists on speed dial, so maybe if left alone they’d learn to play nice.
In order to avoid gazing on her former make out partner Gen took in a big breath to keep from lashing out and stepped aside.
“I want to congratulate my best friend.” Clayton stood glass in the air. “For marrying the girl of his dreams. Most marriages end in divorce but yours is special.” After stumbling his way through, he awkwardly finishes with. “Sorry man, I’ll do better next time.”
“Witless nincompoop.” She muttered, then Gen stood and raised her glass.” Bryer you are one in a million, my best friend, my partner in crime. I will forever be grateful for all you have done for me. I know that you will devote the same love and commitment to Nathan that you have devoted to me. Nathan, if she is half as good as a wife as she is a best friend, then you’re one lucky guy. I wish you both all the happiness in the world.”
Bryer stretched onto her tippy-toes to place a kiss on my cheek. I drew my eyes back to hers, and my gaze fell to her full mouth. My fingers gripped her soft waves in my hand as I devoured her sweet mouth, and kissed her crazy. It was our real first kiss as husband and wife, and I wanted it to be memorable.
“Eh hum.” Someone cleared their throat, and we broke the kiss. “If you wouldn’t mind, I’m starving.”
“Come to think of it.” Gen added.” We haven’t eaten all day.”
“Well then, what are we waiting for?” I said, then reached for Bryer’s hand closing my fingers around hers.
Dinner consisted of exotic adventures for our taste buds. Traditional Hawaiian food, introduced us to the true taste of the island. Roasted kalua pig, pork served with Hawaiian sauces, lomi lomi salmon, poi, steamed manapua, which was a pillowy bun filled with chicken and beans and long rice. The food was so unique it combined so many cultures and flavors each bite was so out of the ordinary. Followed by Strawberry Mochi, a chewy gooey sweet rice cake, ice cream mochi balls stuffed with a whole strawberry. Causing my mouth to salivate.
“Once you try this, you can’t eat just one.” I said. “Trust me, open.”
The collection of sweet flavors exploded as her eyes went wide as she chewed in delight.
“Oh, I absolutely love those.”
I have had many meals and taken part in many celebrations over the years but among those, this was the time I would remember the most. I’d looked forward to this day for a long time. And as we gathered Bryer in her white wedding gown and me in my black tuxedo we talked about our future, our funniest memories and Bryer and I were making incredible memories as the cellist plays Gabriel’s Oboe Mission. Our wedding song dance.
“Allow me, Mrs. James.”
“Why thank you, Mr. James.”
The up lighting provided an incredible setting just yards from the turquoise ocean view as it faded into the blackness of the night. I pulled her into my arms, every movement was full of poetry. I pivoted and whirled her around with accurate grace. We were alive, and with each stride it became obvious how much this meant to us. The elegance, the sophistication the simple one-piece accompaniment seeming to show a glimpse into our emotions.
“C’mon puddin’.” Clayton’s voice softened as he looked over at Gen. “Who knows you might get lucky.”
“Get over yourself.” She replied yet stood accepting his hand. “I’d never date the fourth stooge.”
Then we watched in utter amazement as she willingly participated in the first dance partnered with the best man. Clayton’s grin grew so wide I thought it would split in two. They danced around us, the more their bodies swayed the more his hands became electric. He didn’t just hear the tunes he pulsed, his heartbeat a frenzy of action.
“Stay on point, boy wonder.”
“How clumsy of me.”
“You never give you, do you?”
“Not when it comes to you, muffin’.”
“Whatever, Clayton.”
Rather than being polar opposites, they were just the same. The theory had potential, and every time he looked her way something brewed between them.
“Gen I need to go into the lady’s room for a go, and it may require some tricky maneuvers.” Bryer said followed by a laugh.
“What kind of maid of honor would I be if I didn’t help you pee.”
There was a note of insistence in her voice. “Hurry.” Followed by a moment of full laughter and which none of us will forget as they stumbled through the sand as quickly as possible.
“She ruined me for any other woman.” I could hear the desperation in his voice.
“You’ve come to me for sympathy?” I asked. “You big stupid galoot, I’m surprised she hasn’t cold cocked you.”
“Read her expression she likes it.”
“Uh huh. Let me know how that works for you, pal.” I said and walked out of the covered shelter outdoor through the open sides and looked far off in the distance. A crisp breeze blew in the gathering darkness. Waves created an energy passing through the water and the distinctive whooshing sound echoed across the beach.
“Maybe it’s not going to happen for me, what was I thinking?”
They were on different planes of existence; he just didn’t know what else to do given their respective track record this would surely end in disaster.
“In the first place you need to stop acting like a perpetual adolescent.” I said. “And second, meet somewhere in the middle. You don�
�t need to understand a woman to love her.”
“It will be hard to resist the temptation to do so.”
“Then consider yourself on the market.”
I wouldn’t be holding my breath, going cold turkey could only end badly. Clayton nervously pulled out his third piece of gum and stuffed it in his mouth, he was cracking under the pressure. Then there was the statistical likelihood that as the years go by, they’d kill each other.
“Congratulations, bro, it was an honor being your best man.”
“Thanks Clayton.”
“Cake, who wants cake?” Bryer said as the ladies returned.
“Try and stop me, baby.”
The initial piece was cut, symbolizing our first joint task as newlyweds then we used the knife to cut the slice into two small pieces and fed each other the bite size pieces symbolizing our commitment to provide for one another. We were totally in the moment when a flash erupted in our faces the photographer capturing another candid moment.
I pulled her in close. “There’s somewhere else I’d rather be right now.” I whispered; my expression utterly serious.
“Go on.”
“In case you forgot we have a luxury suite awaiting our arrival.”
A smile crept up the corners of her mouth. “Then what are we waiting for?”
Muffled voices echoed from the back, not thrilled by the idea of another brewing argument. “You’re single, I’m single. What are we waiting for?” Clayton said warily.
So, if she hooks up with her fool of a best man. They may have horrendous judgement but they are not mentally incompetent, just fundamentally flawed.
“Did you eat paint chips when you were a kid?” Gen socked back.
“A sharp tongue is not proof of a keen mind,” Clayton said with a lopsided grin. “So, if it would be okay, if that’s what you want too, I want to date you.”
“What’s wrong with you?”
“You’re lucky I’m so cute,” he continued. “I want you to be my girlfriend.”
Considering the situation, allowing him to go on and on was a little heartless. But suddenly I had other priorities, and they’d already taken up most of my wedding day, and it was time to put a stop to it.
“I don’t know why I even bother, but play nice.” I said watching Clayton roll his eyes, the look was priceless. “But after hearing this all day, we’re done. There, I said it. Try to enjoy the rest of the night, we’re leaving.”
I think I hit a nerve, because they both fell silent as I walked away into my brides awaiting arms.
“There, all done.”
Strolling back to our bungalow, there was a welcoming silence, our fingers interlaced together as anticipation hung in the air. The trail crossed along the ridge creating a path through the surrounding flowers moments before we entered our suite.
I was convinced this was one of the happiest moments of my life, I lifted my bride over the threshold and into the room which was dimly lit with candles flickering yellow and gold across the walls. Stepping through the archway to a beautifully warm setting as I set her down on the floor.
“I will prove every day I am worthy of you love.”
“Oh, Nathan you already do.”
Her palms slid up my chest, twisting the satin lapels in her fist then found my bow tie, pulling on one end until it slid from the confines of my collar. And when she glanced up and smiled suddenly everything was a little bit magical.
My mouth fell on hers in a hungry kiss but it wasn’t enough. My fingers gripped her soft waves in my hand as I devoured her sweet mouth. Then I kissed the beautiful landscape of her neck, my warm breath whispering in her ear.
“You are astoundingly gorgeous, but that’s not the best part of you.”
Groaning at the slightest touch she muttered. “Tell me, show me.”
Again, our lips connected, her mouth opened, allowing my tongue to tangle with her own. I felt a shiver of pleasure shudder through her body answering my question. She wanted me as much as I wanted her.
I was breathless and shaking with excitement as blood pulsed and gathered in my groin. Her eyes stayed on mine as I toed off my black Patten leather shoes.
Those taunting fingers unbuttoning and dragging my Armani jacket over my shoulders and down my arms where it now lay on the floor.
My hand reached behind her to unzip the top of her dress, and I slowly lowered it exposing her breasts. Then I reached under the layers of chiffon to find her silk panties, wet and wanting. I pushed them aside to find the bundle of nerves at the peak of her sex swollen with need. I circled her clit and captured her moan in my mouth, kissing her, losing myself in her. Pent-up energy fueled my body as I inserted one finger into her slick heat. Then I started to move at a frenzied pace to fulfill her every desire.
I uttered gravelly words against her flesh as heat radiated off of her in waves. The next sound was the growl of my zipper as she finally freed my aching cock.
“Mrs. James, let’s take this to bed.”
“Hurry.”
We crossed the floor into the bedroom then her dress landed on the floor. I wrestled off my immediate desire and laid her out on the bed, stripping off any remaining garments. I wanted no barriers between us, nothing but raw flesh rubbing against each other.
One knee landed on the mattress, bringing my body down to the bed. Her hands fell on the mattress as I slowly climbed her body. Fully aroused, the wildness in me was brewing beneath the gentleness. Her eyes were blazing with desire as she parted her thighs, never relinquishing the locked gaze of fire between us. I kissed, licked, and nipped her inner thighs.
“More.” She begged.
Then my tongue was there. Right there. I could taste her arousal as I drank freely from her wet core. My tongue was buried within her folds, circling her clit, drowning in her scent.
Her hands fell on the mattress, tangling her grip within the sheets. I couldn’t stop my tongue flicking her clit, and I felt her about to explode. I was a greedy bastard, and I wanted to own her in every way. She was mine; her pleasure was mine. Her heart, body, and soul were mine.
Her climax washed over her and I heard an anguished cry escape her as I gazed up to witness her pleasure as she melted before me.
I climbed her body, now wild undermine. I wrapped her leg around me and shoved into her roughly, filled with aggressive need.
“Wrap your legs around me, baby.”
Each long stroke of my cock filled her body with mine. I had never wanted anything more. I fucked her hard, taking what was mine. I took it all.
I buried my face in her neck. Her fingernails dug deep into my back.
“I love you so much.” I whispered.
“I love you too, my husband.”
With explosive force my self-control evaporated. My cock thickening as I came, filling her with every part of me. My soul at peace, a warm glow inside burned as I watched as another climax rolled through her.
I kissed the slender column of her neck, behind her ear, and finally gave a gentle sweep against her lips as my body slipped from hers.
Lying beside her utterly, madly in love. “You’re all I’ll ever want, now and forever.”
And in that moment, we both knew that this was a life time love.
“I trust everything went as planned.” I said, assuming he did what the fuck I paid him to do.
“Yes.” He answered, he kept his voice neutral, but he seemed like a nervous man. Seemly uncomfortable with the situation.
“You’re certain Mr. Kale’? It would be a mistake to double cross me.”
“I’m the only one who had possession. Trust me, it’s buried.”
All he had to do was perform the ceremony and conceal the license. His pay-off would be short lived if he fucked this up. I wouldn’t tolerate incompetency.
“They’ll never even know it wasn’t legal.”
“Even better.”
But he was too arrogant, unpredictable, changing moods too quickly.
“Don�
�t worry, it’s as if they were never married at all.”
“That’ll do, I don’t think we need any further contact. Keeping your mouth shut is part of the deal, do I make myself clear?”
“Crystal.”
And we ended the call. Electricity shot though my veins, I felt the power rippling through me, my mouth twisted into a smug smile knowing my clever plan was unfolding perfectly. Feeling pleased with myself, the scent of heavy perfume wafted in the air.
“It’s done, Sonja.” I said as I turned in my leather chair to face her. “To be precise, the marriage is a farce.”
“I’m not as confident as you Cash.” She said, but she could be very manipulative when she wanted something.
“What’s gotten into you lately?”
“I just don’t like it.”
“You mean you don’t like the idea I’ll be with Bryer.” Her eyes flicked from mine to the floor and back to mine again. “Don’t worry about it.”
But she whooshed past me as if this were her office instead of mine and perched in my favorite chair, folding her arms across her chest. A perplexed expression crossed her features, she was pouting because she was jealous.
“You’re doubting me again, Sonja. At some point you’re going to have to trust me.”
But this explanation got me absolutely nowhere and I wasn’t about to offer long-winded explanations why I made every move. Her insecurities only drained my energy and left me feeling frustrated.
“I don’t ever want to see you with her again.”
“I don’t feel anything for her, my plan is ruthless and ambitious. And in the end, it will be just you and I. If I recall you doubted if I could possess the company she works for and have someone else pay for it, mind you. which I did.”
She nodded slowly, licking her wounds. I’d gone over it a thousand times, it was the perfect scheme.
“When push comes to shove, darlin’, always bet on me, now book our flights, we’re going to Texas.”
I woke to shards of light glistening through the shutters and a light breeze blew as I stretched, noticing the same lizard climbing up the wall in our bedroom. I was corrected, it was a Brown Anole, but it looked like a lizard to me.
Forgotten Chance: Book Three (Forgotten Trilogy) Page 7