by Kayla, Mia
Sex with Jeff was the last thing I wanted to hear about.
I took a step toward her, pulling her in by the elbows. “Stop.”
This was worse than seeing Sarah or Mary cry. I didn’t know why, but it was. Maybe because I hadn’t seen Sonia cry before, and my Sonia was strong and sassy and unbreakable.
“He didn’t deserve you.” My hand moved up to cup her face, my thumb brushing away her tears. “I wish you could see what I see.” I leaned in closer, taking in the scent that was signature to only Sonia, the scent of sweetness, wholeness, and honesty. “She’s not smarter than you or even remotely more beautiful. She can’t hold a candle to you, Sonia. And you know I never bullshit about anything.”
We stood there for a beat until she placed her hand on top of my mine on her cheek and let out a small, shaky breath.
When I heard a noise, I lifted my head to see that Jeff had rushed through the doors, and I didn’t think. I simply reacted. I wouldn’t let him win. I couldn’t let him see how he’d affected her, and I knew she wouldn’t want that either. Sonia had too much pride.
So, I leaned down to press my lips against hers. I heard her intake of breath before our lips met, but me? I thought I’d stopped breathing altogether because I wasn’t expecting the shock of her kiss.
Undeniable heat, uncontrollable lust, and one hundred percent desire—unlike the pretend kisses I’d planted on this woman before. I hadn’t expected her lips to be so soft, so delectable, a contrast to the friction of heat fused between our lips. I hadn’t expected her to taste like strawberries, even when she had just had a Long Island iced tea. But, most of all, I hadn’t expected to be so aroused.
When she didn’t stop me, my other hand moved to her waist, bringing her closer, flush against me. My lips moved over hers, and when she kissed me back, I flicked my tongue, outlining the seam of her lips. She didn’t fight me, and a moan escaped from the back of my throat, a sound I didn’t recognize. I bit her bottom lip and angled closer, almost bending her backward. She tasted exquisite, like a sweet wine, and I couldn’t stop.
I didn’t want to stop.
* * *
Sonia
Holy mother-freaking crap. Who knew if it was the liquor or my moodiness or even revenge that had me kissing Brad? All I knew was that this kiss, his kiss, was beyond magnificent. His lips were like magic, as though he had been born a kisser. As though he’d gone to school for it, studied it, perfected it, and now, women everywhere stood in line to get a taste.
The movement of his lips over my top and bottom lip was soft but urgent, lulling me into a stupid kissing stupor. Maybe it was all the practice he’d had before me, or maybe it was just raw, natural talent.
His mouth moved against mine in uninhibited want and need and pure, unadulterated lust, and I gripped him harder, more desperately, clutching his arms, pulling him closer. I deeply inhaled his masculine scent, filling my senses, making me dizzy and light-headed.
I can’t believe I’m kissing Brad—my boss. And, as soon as that thought filtered through my head, it was as though I’d been doused with a bucket of ice water, and slowly, I pulled back.
Our eyes locked, and he leaned in again for another kiss until I put a hand on his chest.
What the hell did I just let happen?
I pressed one shaky palm to the hollow of my neck. My heart was beating a mile a minute, my breaths coming in short, broken puffs, as though I’d just run a marathon.
This is crazy. Crazy, crazy, crazy!
And Charles, his brother, was going to kill me, kill me, kill me.
And Brad was going to fire me, fire me, fire me.
“What was that?” I asked, not expecting him to answer.
He blinked as though he were just as dazed and confused. Then, he stepped back and ran one shaky hand through his dark locks. “I don’t know.” He eyed me for a nanosecond and stepped into me even though we were already toe-to-toe.
I didn’t know how to get us back to our normal when I couldn’t even get a solid thought through my head because all I could think about was that kiss and his lips—his magical, talented lips.
Then, Brad pulled at the edge of his suit and straightened, and the boss man was back. “Jeff was there.”
“Where?” My eyes perused the area, looking everywhere behind me.
A few people had congregated around the garden, and by the looks on their faces, we had caught their attention.
“He was here, and I knew you wouldn’t want him to see you crying.”
“Oh,” was all I could say. “Thank you.”
Brad laughed deeply. “No. Thank you,” he said with a devilish smirk gracing his lips.
My cheeks warmed. I could feel the heat rising to the tips of my ears. “That is so against the Charles rulebook.”
He nodded. “And my rules, too, but I think, since I agreed to this and am playing a part, kissing you is an exception.”
“So, you’re going to kiss me again?” The question flew out before I had a chance to stop it. Crap, I didn’t think I could handle another one of his kisses.
He paused, as though debating on what to say. “Only if I have to,” he said, his emotions now hidden.
I guessed kissing me was a chore then. My heart sank, and I didn’t know how to take that, yet I didn’t want to think about it too much, too deeply.
And, with those five words, we were back into the normal world of secretary and BILK.
Once inside the cocktail area with multiple highboy tables, the first people I spotted were Jeff and Jean across the room.
I grabbed Brad’s hand and headed toward the bar. “I need another drink.”
“Shouldn’t you eat a little bit still? Maybe after dinner.”
“Okay, Dad.” I grabbed a shrimp cocktail from a server’s tray that passed by. “I have been eating. See, food. In my belly. Now, drink.”
Brad shook his head, amused, and followed my lead.
“Sonia,” I heard someone call.
When I lifted my head, I saw Ava and her boyfriend, Chris.
I nearly bum-rushed her and pulled her in. “Where were you? I tried looking for you after the church.”
She flattened her pink dress with a tulle skirt. “We took a little detour after the ceremony.” Then, she leaned in, her cheeks flushing a pretty pink. “We got a little delayed when Chris saw me in this dress.”
I laughed but couldn’t ignore the pang of jealousy in my chest. “It’s quite a beautiful dress.” I stepped back to take in the way the tulle flared out by her hips.
She shimmied with an exaggerated effect. “Brad, you’re looking good.”
I had to bite my lip to prevent my laughter at her over-the-top flirtation in front of a boyfriend she’d dated for years. Chris knew she was harmless, but if it were the other way around, I didn’t think Ava would be too understanding.
“Thank you. Thank you,” he said with a little bow and not at all modest. “I have to say, I have a great tailor.”
“Yes, you do.” Ava pointed her nose in the direction of Jeff. “Better than that loser wannabe. Did he come over to get your attention yet?”
Brad snaked an arm around my back, pulling me close. And a shock of warmth filled me. I wanted to deny it but couldn’t because it felt different since we’d kissed.
“Yes, he did, and I have to say, I don’t know what my little bae ever saw in him.”
Ava’s eyebrows shot up to her hairline. Bae? she mouthed toward me and in front of Brad.
“Nicknames already. I like,” Ava said, flicking my shoulder. “Your bae is a nickname kinda girl. I know she also has a nickname for you.”
If my look could shoot bullets, Ava would be on the floor.
“I’ve heard.” He smirked and dug his fingers into my waist. “I want to know what it is.”
He didn’t know the extent of it.
I wasn’t about to tell him I had a picture of him on my wall that I threw darts at daily and that he was nicknamed BILK—Boss I’d
Like to Kill—on my phone.
That was a secret I’d take to my grave, except for Ava knowing.
“I’m your bae, and you’re my babe.” I nearly choked on the word.
Jeff and I had never given each other nicknames. We’d dated for years, and he thought the gooey couples that made up nicknames were losers.
“Chris calls me babe, too, don’t you?” Ava said, slipping her arm through his.
He nodded, mute as always, and then kissed her cheek.
“No, really.” Brad rubbed my arm, and tiny goose bumps sprang to life. “What’s your particular nickname for me?”
Ava’s eyes widened, and a chuckle escaped her. “Maybe we won’t go there today. Tomorrow maybe, but not today.”
Brad turned on the charm. “Come on, Ava. Do tell. I want to know what Sonia calls me when I’m not around.” Brad’s seductive voice was soft and coercive, and in any minute, I had no doubt that Ava would spill.
I tugged Brad toward the bar. “Drinkie, drinkie time, babe.” I threw a single wave Ava’s way and led us to our drinking destination.
“Smooth, but you know I’ll find out anyway.” He popped my nose with his pointer finger before we stopped by the bar. “I like your friends,” he said after he handed me another Long Island.
“Thanks. We go way back. I’ve known Ava since the first day of college.”
Brad thought on that for a second. “I’ve only really had Charles and Mason. I was in a fraternity in college, but when it comes to knowing me and knowing who I can trust, there have only been my brothers. And, after my parents died, we’ve only grown closer.”
He tipped back his beer that the female bartender, who was eyeing him, had placed on the counter. It was unnerving that he hadn’t paid attention to her when she was blatantly staring. Maybe the beautiful were immune to the attention. But this was Brad, so he knew. He was probably ignoring the attention.
“You have a big family, right?”
“Yeah, a big extended family. My mom came from a family of five, and my dad came from a family of seven.”
Brad raised his brows in appreciation. “Nice.”
I scoffed. “Crazy is more like it. Everyone wants to get a word in when we’re all together. If you were an outsider, you’d need a Tylenol right after.”
“Sounds like my type of party.” He smiled, looking thoughtful. “It’s only my brothers and nieces. Sometimes, after a day with them, I drink a whole bottle of bourbon.”
“So, you know what I mean.”
A commotion erupted from the far end of the room, and when I peeked up, the bride and groom and whole bridal party had strolled in.
“I want to congratulate them. There was so much commotion at the church.” I grabbed Brad’s hand without thinking. Crazy how, in a day and a half, it had become so natural for me to reach for him. I led us to the crowd and waited like everyone else to squeeze the bride.
Carrie was stunning. I had taken her all in at the church, but being this close, I noticed every tiny detail of her wedding gown. From the pearl and crystal beading flowing down the bodice of her princess ball gown-style dress to the matching crown that held her veil with a similar pattern of pearls and crystals dotting the headpiece. Her makeup was immaculate and not overdone with shades of pinks that highlighted her cheeks as though she’d been kissed by the sun to neutral-toned eye shadow that complemented her complexion and brought out the hazel in her eyes.
Tim looked dapper beside her in his fitted tux, but it wasn’t what he was wearing that took my breath away. It was the sweet way his eyes studied her, as though he’d never in a million years find someone as beautiful.
Pang. Right in the center of my chest. You’d think the jealousy would dim, but watching them together only made it hurt more.
It wasn’t as though I hated them for their happiness because I wanted the same thing for myself. They had dated throughout college, and there were no two people born on earth who were more made for each other.
I sighed, but in the next second, we were up in front, and I went in to hug Carrie. “I’m so happy for you, friend.”
I pulled her tight against me, squeezing her boobs. She laughed but returned my suffocating hug.
I stepped back and held her forearms as I took her all in. “You’re stunning. Gosh, I don’t even have words for how great this reception is or how beautiful you look or how heartwarming the ceremony was.”
Her eyes brimmed with tears, and she looked up and blew out tiny breaths. “Sonia, don’t make me cry again. I’ve been crying all day.”
I turned toward Tim. “And you. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in a suit actually.” I patted his lapel, trying to recall but coming up short. “Looking good, Timmy boy.”
He grinned. “I’m only looking this good because I’m standing next to her.”
Carrie rolled her eyes. “He’s turned up the corniness today.” But then she tiptoed and met his lips. “But it’s kinda cute.”
I couldn’t help but smile, cheesy-style. “Super cute.” Another pang.
Someday. I’ll have that someday.
At least, I hoped so. I had hope that, with time, I’d realize that Jeff wasn’t my last relationship.
Tim placed a strong hand on Brad’s shoulder. “Are you ready to drink tonight? Carrie’s dad’s requirement for our reception was top-shelf liquor.”
Brad tipped his head toward me. “I think I’m the designated driver tonight.”
“You guys didn’t book a hotel?” Carrie asked. “We have a bus service that will take you back to the hotel.”
I could feel the blush rushing to my cheeks. “No. Not tonight.” Goodness, thinking of Brad and me in the same hotel room had my heart racing.
Flashbacks of his lips on me and his slow, shivery kisses had warmth pooling in the deepest part of my gut.
I swallowed, knowing I needed something cold and strong to drink. “We’ll see you guys in a bit. It looks like you have a long line forming.”
I turned to see the slew of people waiting to hug the couple, including Jeff and my replacement.
“I can’t catch a break,” I said under my breath.
Brad’s line of sight followed mine, and then he said, “Let’s get you another drink.”
I fluttered my eyes and then smiled wide. “And, to think, I was worried you wouldn’t be the perfect date.”
Chapter 13
Brad
A drunk Sonia was a hilarious Sonia. She was a nonstop chatterbox, talking with feeling and elaborate hand movements. We were at a table with her college friends. Ava and her boyfriend and four other couples that had been together for a long time.
Sonia engaged and laughed with her former classmates. I could empathize with her, knowing what she wanted and knowing that she wasn’t there, relationship-wise. Two of the four couples at our table were engaged, and if she were with Jeff, there would be no doubt that they would be engaged by now, too.
Still, as I stared at Jeff and Jean, who was all over him, I couldn’t help but cringe at the thought of him and Sonia being together. No doubt, she was way too good for him. Too good for his cocky, sorry ass who had left her and had probably been two-timing her all the while.
I smiled as I listened to her rant.
“And, one time, I said that the dry-cleaning place had ruined his favorite shirt, but in all honesty, I had thrown it out.” Sonia laughed, retelling the stories.
I merely smiled, thinking back to how I had known about that little debacle. I’d been so pissed off that my favorite shirt could not be found that I went to the dry cleaners myself and was told it never made it there. Not like Sonia had known that. The whole table was laughing at her little joke, but little did she know that the joke was on her because I’d known all along.
Dinner was over, and dessert was being served. I’d been shoving water down Sonia’s throat and had to cut her off since her last glass of wine an hour ago. Sonia was feeling good, and I didn’t want to have to carry her out.
She groaned. “I hate that word. It’s the name teenyboppers who don’t know how to speak English give their significant others. They make up their own words, this new generation, and it’s such bullshit. You can’t just make up words.”
She’d read my mind.
Damn it. If she weren’t so cute, I’d strangle her.
Cute. Adoringly sassy. Petite.
I grinned. “Fine. Shorty—that’s your new nickname. You’re my Shorts.” Then, I kissed her forehead and proceeded to the bar.
But not before I heard Clarisse, who was sitting next to her, say, “You guys are the cutest couple ever.”
I laughed, and as I stared back at Sonia, I staggered to a stop. She was stunning. Not like I hadn’t noticed earlier because I had definitely noticed. But, with color in her cheeks and her smile that had been absent earlier when Jeff was around, she was drop-dead beautiful.
It took me a few seconds to collect myself, and then I headed to the bar and raised a hand to the bartender. She’d been openly flirting with me all night, but I was blatantly ignoring her. With her hair swept up in a curly ponytail and her tight white button-down shirt accentuating her perky breasts, I would have given her a second glance if Sonia wasn’t here. But, for once, I preferred Sonia’s sweet innocence to the bartender’s in-your-face beauty.