I did my hair and makeup, tossed my cosmetics case in my shoulder bag, and headed back to Cloverleigh. It was an absolutely gorgeous day, and the sunshine made my smile even bigger.
Once I was in my office, I checked in with Sadie, who was already at the salon, and confirmed delivery times with the florist and the bakery. Then I texted Frannie to ask what time she wanted to bring over the favors—Sadie had flipped for the tiny boxes of pastel macarons we’d shown her as an option, and Frannie had offered them as a wedding gift. She texted back that they were all ready to go, and said she’d bring them over after the morning rush at the shop was over, in about an hour.
When she arrived, I was setting up a guest book on the table in the entry hall. I saw her approaching the glass door and opened it for her, since she was pulling a wagon carrying two crates full of little white boxes.
“Morning,” I said.
“You never called me back yesterday!” Frannie admonished, dragging the wagon inside.
“Sorry.” I laughed and gestured into the reception room. “I had the rehearsal and things got busy. Let’s set those up and I’ll tell you all the things.”
“You better. Chloe says you saw him again last night.”
“When did you talk to Chloe?”
“We had dinner with them.”
“Oh, right. She mentioned that.” Together we started stacking the favor boxes into a pyramid on the table. “Yes, I saw him.”
“And?”
“And I saw him naked.”
“Oh my God!” she squealed. “So how was it?”
“Amazing.”
“Better than the time in the truck?”
I added another box to the table. “Um, yeah. Less frantic and clumsy. Plus, we took our pants all the way off.”
She laughed. “He probably has a really good body.”
“He does. But he’s also really patient and funny and generous.”
“Were you at your place?”
I shook my head. “His hotel room.”
“So what now?” she asked, turning around to perch on the edge of the table. “He has to go back to California, right? Will you see him again?”
“We haven’t really talked about it.” I looked in the wagon, where there were at least fifty boxes left. “Don’t stop working. We have to get this done.”
“Sorry.” She reached into the crate for another box. “I’m just flustered. And happy for you. But also worried that he’s going to leave and take your glow with him.”
I laughed. “My glow?”
“Yes! You’re positively radiant right now!”
“It was a fun night. And I think it was good for both of us. In more ways than the obvious.”
“What do you mean?”
I placed another box on top of the pyramid. “Just that I think we’ve both been struggling with something. He needed to feel like his old self again. And I needed closure on a chapter of my life. I feel like we both got something we needed, not just something we wanted.”
Frannie was silent as we finished arranging the favors. When the crates were empty, she turned to me. “Are you seeing him naked again tonight?”
“Probably.”
“Okay, don’t be mad at me for asking this, but are you sure sleeping with Tyler is going to give you closure?”
I sighed. “I’m not sure of anything, Frannie. I just know that it feels really good to be with him. I’m trying not to read into it too hard.”
“Okay, okay.” She held up both hands. “I don’t want to rain on your parade, I just want you to move forward, not backward. Fun and games is one thing, but feelings are another.”
“I know. But this honestly doesn’t feel like a backward move.” I stuck my hands on my hips, shaking my head. “I can’t explain it, but it really does feel like I’m getting myself unstuck.”
She smiled. “I’m happy for you. I’ll see you tonight.”
Frannie’s question lingered in my head the rest of the day. My answer had been the truth—I wasn’t at all sure that sleeping with Tyler was going to give me closure, since my issues really weren’t with him, they were with my feelings surrounding the adoption. In order to really have closure, I needed an answer to my letter.
But I had no control over that, and the reality of it was, I never would. If the family chose to ignore my letter, I’d have to move on without ever knowing the boy I’d given birth to and be okay with it.
In the meantime, I didn’t see the harm in flexing my sexual muscles a little bit with a guy who made me feel like a million bucks, whether he was a piece of my past or not. It wasn’t like we were hurting anyone.
I was in my office changing into my dress when Tyler called me.
“Hello?”
“Hey, you. Whatcha up to?”
“I’m taking my clothes off. Wish you were here.”
He groaned. “Will you take them off again for me later?”
I laughed. “Not unless you buy more condoms.”
“Already done. I went to the drugstore and got an entire box. We can have very, very safe sex many, many times.”
“Then I’ll think about it. How’s your day?”
“Good. I worked out, then went over to the high school and watched practice.”
“Oh yeah? How was it?”
“It was better than I thought. The kids were really cool, and there were no asshole parents around.”
“Glad to hear it. Did you watch the one lefty kid pitch?”
“I did, and he’s good. He needs work on his motion, but he’s got a lot of potential.”
I sighed. “I haven’t been to a high school game in years.”
“Well, what’s the point if I’m not playing?”
“Oh, Jesus. Can you see my eyes rolling back in my head from where you are?”
He laughed, and the sound made my heart quicken. “Just about. Anyway, I just wanted to say hi. I’m back at the hotel getting ready now. I have to go over to Sadie’s and take pictures soon.”
“And you have to be there precisely at three o’clock, so you better get going. I’ll see you here after that.”
“Okay.”
But neither one of us hung up.
“April?” His voice was quiet.
“Yeah?”
“I had a really good time last night.”
I smiled as a tingle swept up my spine. “Me too.”
I went a little weak in the knees when I saw him walk in. He looked great in a baseball uniform, hot as hell in nothing at all, and downright delectable in a suit and tie. Watching him come through the door and walk toward me, my jaw dropped open and I may have drooled.
But that was nothing compared to watching him lead his sister down the aisle.
From my position over to the side, I motioned for the string quartet to start the song Sadie had chosen for her processional. His gorgeous face had been stoic as he’d walked arm in arm with Sadie from the building over toward the orchard. But they’d exchanged the most adorable affectionate look at the foot of the aisle as everyone stood, and my heart melted. I knew they were both thinking of their father, maybe even their mom too, and my throat grew tight.
When they reached the end, he kissed her cheek before shaking Josh’s hand, and she smiled at him one last time before he took his seat in the front row.
Wishing I could go sit at his side, I observed the ceremony from the back, then coordinated the recessional and directed the wedding party one way and the guests another. Tyler looked at me as he walked by, and I put my hand over my heart.
Mack and Frannie came over to say hello, and as she hugged me, she whispered, “Holy shit, he looks good in that suit.”
I laughed. “I know.”
“Mack’s dying to talk old times with him. I saw we’re seated at the same table.”
“You are. Sadie asked me to put him with you guys, since Tyler wouldn’t really know a lot of people here.” I turned to Mack. “He’ll love talking about old times. Just do me a favor—don
’t mention the documentary, don’t give him any pitching advice, and don’t ask why he can’t just relax and throw the fucking ball.”
Mack looked angry. “What the hell? People do that?”
“All the time. Everywhere he goes.”
“Jesus. People are such assholes.”
I laughed and patted Mack’s lapel. “You sound just like him.”
Inside, I oversaw more wedding photos, checked in with the kitchen and head server, went over the night’s schedule with the deejay, who was serving as emcee, and then sought out Tyler. I found him standing out on the patio by himself, sipping a glass of whiskey and looking out over the farm.
“Hey,” I said, coming to stand next to him. “Hiding out?”
He smiled. “Just enjoying the view.”
“Well, don’t go too far. Dinner will be served soon. And then it’s dancing time.”
He took a big swallow of his drink. “Do I have to? We never finished the lesson. I only have one move.”
“Which you mastered. You’re going to be great, and Sadie will love every moment. And don’t worry, I cut the music so it’s under two minutes long.”
He grumbled something into his whiskey and took another sip.
I patted his shoulder. “Come on inside. You’re sitting with Mack and Frannie. You guys can discuss your glory days from high school.”
He followed me to his table, shook hands with Mack and Frannie, and sat down with them. Several times during dinner, I looked over and saw them chatting animatedly, and one time I heard Tyler burst out laughing. For a moment, I thought of how nice it would be to hang out, the four of us. Or have dinner with Meg and Noah. Grab drinks with Chloe and Oliver. Or hang out with all of them over at Henry and Sylvia’s new house while everyone’s kids played in the yard. I felt a little sad that it would never happen.
Right before the bride and groom’s first dance, Frannie found me over by the deejay’s table. “Hey,” she said. “How’s everything going?”
“Good. Just waiting for Sadie to get back from the bathroom so the dancing can start.”
“Oh yeah, the dancing. Tyler’s pretty nervous about that.” Frannie glanced back toward her table, where Tyler was sitting with Mack and a few other guests. “He keeps threatening to make a run for it.” Then she laughed. “And he offered Mack a thousand bucks to take his place.”
I shook my fist. “I’ll kill him.”
“He’s also mentioned you about, ohhh, 5,862 times. That is, when he’s not speechless, staring at you across the room.”
“What?” My face got a little hot.
“You heard me. You guys have serious chemistry. It really stinks he has to leave tomorrow.”
“Yeah.” I didn’t want to think about it, so I was glad when I noticed Sadie entering the ballroom. “Do me a favor. Can you go tell Tyler to come over here? And don’t let him drag his feet. Tell him I said right now.”
“Well, you might not want to boss him around like that if you’re hoping he’ll ever come back.”
“He needs it.” I gave her a gentle shove. “Go, please. I have to get these dances going before the guests get restless.”
A minute later, Tyler appeared at my side, and together we watched Josh and Sadie take the floor as husband and wife. “Am I next?” he asked, fussing with his tie.
“Yes.”
As their song wrapped up, Tyler glanced at the door.
I grabbed his arm. “Don’t even think about it.”
“How do you know what I’m thinking?”
“I saw you looking at the exit!”
“Oh.” His expression turned anxious again.
“Listen, you’re going to be great, and then afterward, I’ll give you a prize.”
His brow cocked. “Oh yeah? What kind of prize?”
“I’ll think of something good.”
The song finished to thunderous applause, and Josh brought Sadie over to Tyler.
She took Tyler’s hand. “Ready?”
He glanced at me. “I hope so.”
I gave him a reassuring smile. “You’re ready.”
The deejay announced them, and Tyler led his sister out onto the floor as their song began. I held my breath as he took her in his arms just like we’d practiced and began swaying her side to side. I exhaled when I saw that not only was he moving right on the beat, but he and Sadie were both laughing and enjoying themselves. I almost cried when he spun her out exactly the way I’d shown him, and spun her back just as effortlessly. The crowd cheered and snapped photos with their phones. At the end of the song, Sadie threw her arms around her brother’s neck, and he lifted her right off the ground in a huge bear hug and held her there several seconds. I wasn’t the only one who had to wipe my eyes.
Afterward, he waited with his sister while Josh danced with his sister Mary. Then he delivered Sadie to Josh’s dad, who brought her out to the dance floor for one final number, while Josh danced with his mom. Then he made his way over to me, his smile one of total relief.
“You did it,” I said, unable to resist giving him a hug.
He held me close. “Thanks for the help. It actually wasn’t as bad as I thought.”
“See?” I didn’t want to let him go, but I stepped back so no one would speculate about my koala grip on the bride’s big brother.
“So? Do I get to claim my prize?” His dark eyes glittered.
“Oh, that. Hmm.” I checked the time. “Yes, but you have to give me a few minutes. Just until the dancing gets going and the cake is served.”
He frowned. “Can’t people serve their own cake?”
I laughed. “Ten minutes. I’ll meet you in my office.”
“Does the door lock?”
My stomach jumped. “Yes.”
“Is it soundproof?”
“No.” Then I rose up on tiptoe to whisper in his ear. “But you won’t have to worry about me making a lot of noise, because I’ll have something in my mouth.”
He gripped my elbow—hard. “Five minutes. Go.”
It ended up taking me more like fifteen minutes, because I had to locate a missing cake knife, return a diamond earring found on the dance floor to its owner, find the head server and let her know I was taking a short break (I lied and said I had to run over to the inn for a few minutes), and duck into the bathroom to wipe off my lipstick. By the time I snuck down the hallway to my office, I was practically running.
I pushed open the door and walked in, expecting to see him in there, but my office was dark—which was weird, because I was certain I’d left the lights on.
That’s when the door slammed shut behind me and I heard the lock bolt click.
I whirled around. I couldn’t see a thing. “Tyler?”
“Expecting someone else?”
“No.” I laughed. “I just can’t see anything. How do I know it’s really you?”
“Come here. I’ll prove it to you.”
My pulse kicked up as I moved toward his voice, and then I felt two strong hands reach out and grab me. He pulled me against his chest. Then his lips were on mine, and I knew it was him for sure—I knew that mouth, that tongue, that kiss. I reached down and stroked him through his pants, feeling him grow thicker and harder, his erection bulging against my palm.
“I only have a few minutes,” I whispered, unbuckling his belt.
“So let’s make good use of them.” He started pulling up the bottom of my dress.
“No!” I put my hands on his chest and pushed back. “It’s my prize to give. I told you what it is.” Then dropped to my knees in front of him, continued undoing his pants. “Do you want it?”
“Your mouth on my cock? Hell yes, I want it. But I want to see it.” He flipped a light switch next to the door, which turned on an overhead light.
I looked up at him. “Better?”
“Much.” He took my face in his hands. “You’re so fucking beautiful.”
I smiled and freed his hard length from his pants, taking it in both hands, lick
ing it from bottom to top. “Can you do me a favor?” I asked in my best sex kitten voice before swirling my tongue around the crown.
“Does it involve dancing? Fuck it, the answer is yes, I don’t care what it is.”
I laughed throatily. “It does not involve dancing. Would you mind holding my hair back?”
He put his hands farther into my hair and lifted it away from my face. “Like that?”
“Perfect.” I lowered my mouth down his shaft, and he sucked in his breath. I kept going, taking him deeper, sucking him harder.
“Good thing the music is loud,” he said, his voice thick with desire. “Because I’m not sure I can be quiet. Jesus Christ.”
“You don’t have to be quiet,” I told him, pausing for a breath. “But you do have to be fast.”
That wasn’t really a problem either.
I don’t even think a full sixty seconds went by before his fists were tight in my hair and he was rocking into me with quick, short thrusts that hit the back of my throat and threatened to choke me. I willed myself to keep going because I could feel and taste and hear him getting close, and finally he gave me the warning.
“Fuck, April. I’m gonna come, so if—”
But I wanted it just like that, so I gripped him hard by the hips and stayed right where I was. Five seconds later, I heard his deep, guttural moan, felt the pulsing between my lips, the hot surge in my mouth. He stopped moving, and eventually his fingers loosened in my hair.
I let him go and swallowed, sitting back on my heels to finally catch my breath.
His head banged back against the door. “Shit. Are you okay? Did I cut off your air supply?”
I shook my head and laughed, still a little breathless. “I’m fine. Maybe a little oxygen-deprived, but fine.”
“I’m going to pay you back later.” He offered his hand and helped me up.
“Thanks, but this isn’t about trading favors. I wanted to do that.”
“Okay, maybe pay you back isn’t the right way to put it. I’m going to fuck you with my tongue later because I want to, and you wouldn’t let me do it here. How’s that sound?” He started doing up his pants.
My insides tightened. “Good. But I’ll be here late.”
“I’ll wait for you.”
Unforgettable: A Small Town Second Chance Sports Romance Page 13