Bethany whispered amen and glanced up, Damon sliding his arm over her shoulders and smiling.
"Sorry I'm late. Long day at the office. My boss is a monster." He smirked as everyone chuckled.
Bethany leaned over and pressed a soft kiss to his lips before squeezing his thigh softly. "My prayers are answered."
"You were praying for me to have a slave-driver of a boss?" He winked and pointed to the large plate of chicken in the middle of the table. "Someone start passing that toward my end of the table. I need it... now."
"How was everything? You get anywhere on all of the stuff at the office?" Kent picked up the platter and passed it, his voice shifting to business.
"It's good. We can talk later. Let's just enjoy our dinner together, Dad. You guys get everything wrapped up in the wedding decorations and stuff? Aunt Allison driving anyone mad yet?" He smiled and stood, reaching for the platter. He offered the serving fork to Bethany and glanced down at her, a smile on his lips.
"Yes. I swear I'm not sure what I did to be blessed and cursed so much by my only sibling. She's been planning beside Karen, but we wanted this to be small. Intimate. It's going to be over two hundred people."
Bethany turned, her mouth dropping open. "On a destination wedding? That's insane."
"I agree." Bethany's mom picked up her wine glass and took a long drink.
Kent reached over and squeezed her shoulder. "The good thing is that between Allison and Matthew, we're almost done. Just a few things to be done once we get on the island, but other than that, we plan on relaxing. I want you guys to do the same."
Matt looked up from his plate. "When is Erica coming out?"
"She's already there. I believe her flight was at lunch today. She's wrapping up the negotiations on the liability contracts for one of our partners who's out there already."
"Of course she is." Matt huffed and picked up his chicken, biting into it without cutting it.
Bethany laughed. "Hey. You're breaking our promise."
He put the chicken down and started to cut it, a smirk lifting his mouth. "It was more for your benefit than mine."
"Most things are." Bethany turned to Damon as a look of question slipped across his handsome face. "I'll tell you later."
"Please do. If Matt and Erica are involved, I want to know all about it."
Chapter 6
Damon
"Why am I not surprised that you're interested in my suffering?" Matt lifted his eyebrow and stuffed a whole roll into his mouth.
"Your suffering?" Damon glanced down the table toward his dad, taking note of the warm smile on Karen's pretty face as she leaned in to whisper something to his father. "Dad. You hear this? Matt is suffering because you invited Erica to this wedding."
"Don't start." Matt shook his head and reached for his beer. "Seriously. I've already gotten a counseling session by our new sister."
Everyone stiffened at Matt's remark.
"Your new sister." Damon wrapped his arm around Bethany's shoulders and pulled her closer. "My soon-to-be forever."
Bethany glanced over at Damon, the expression on her pretty face showing discomfort. It was going to be a couple of bumpy months as their family transitioned, but they would make it through. She wasn't his sister; nor would she ever be. Damon had one sibling, and he was chewing through rolls at breakneck speed down the table from him.
"Why are you so upset about Erica going?" Karen's voice was soft, inquisitive. "I thought you guys liked her."
"It's just Matt." Beth pulled from him and picked up her fork. "He's convinced himself that she becomes a three-headed monster when the sun goes down."
"Two head." Matt wagged his eyebrows. "It's just two heads. Let's not get dramatic here."
"Oh, sorry." Karen laughed, and he couldn't help but smile. Matt would always be terrified of Erica. She was his perfect match.
"I think this will be good for the two of you." Damon shrugged and pulled his arm away from Bethany. "She'll let her hair down a little and chill out, and you might see a side of her that forces you to stop being a child about dating her."
"Is Erica interested in dating Matt?" Damon's father glanced up and turned his attention to Matt. "Why didn't you mention that? Are you not interested in her?"
Martha stuck her head through the open door to the dining room. "Oh, he's interested. He's just scared of her."
"Very scared." Bethany threw in her two cents.
Matt's complexion went from normal to pale and then to a darkening pink shade.
Damon lifted his hands. "Hey. Leave the poor guy alone. Women like Erica can be very overwhelming. We're not being fair."
"I'm not interested," Matt barked out and stabbed his chicken breast with a fork before lifting it to his mouth and biting deeply into it.
"Cut that please." His father gave him a stern look.
"He's grown, Dad. Leave him be." Damon picked up his wine and downed the glass before reaching for the bottle. "Erica's had a thing for Matt since the day she joined the firm."
"Can we maybe, just perhaps, change the subject?" Matt picked up his knife and massacred his chicken.
"Agreed." Bethany glanced up and turned to face Damon. "How much longer are you thinking you're going to have to work tonight? Any hope of you getting done and joining us? I could come up to the office after we eat and help you."
"I'm not sure, baby." He set the glass down and reached out to touch the side of her face before realizing that everyone was watching them. Clearing his throat, he pulled back and turned his attention back to his plate. "I'll get out to Jamaica as soon as I can. I don't need anything but time. Just time to sit down and finish my review."
"You sure? I can come-" Kent started.
"No, Dad." Damon glanced down the table and shook his head. "It's going to be fine. I might even be able to get through everything tonight. Doubtful, but who knows."
The conversation shifted down to the other end of the table, and Karen filled everyone in on the decorations that they'd finally settled on. Damon half-listened as he took his time enjoying the meal. Martha was an excellent cook, the best as far as he was concerned. His mother hadn't put much energy or effort into making dinners, and as he and Matt had moved out of the chicken nugget phase, they had finally hired Martha to help out.
Damon stiffened as Bethany slid her hand up his thigh and turned to face him. "I don't want you to go back up there tonight."
"I know, baby." He gripped her hand softly, holding her in place to make sure the little tart didn't finish her ascent and grip his dick right there at the table with their family gathered around. Not that he would have been offended, but walking around sporting a tent in front of his soon-to-be stepmother wasn't happening. Just having Beth so close was a turn on. Anything extra and he'd be lost to showing just how much he liked the pretty girl next to him.
"Let me come with you. I can make copies, take notes-"
"I'd like that, but you and I both know that we wouldn't get anything done." He rubbed his thumb over the top of her hand and leaned in to brush his lips against hers. "How about you meet me in your bedroom for a few minutes after dessert."
"How about now?" She moved back and licked at the side of her mouth, teasing him.
So fucking hot.
"All right," Martha's voice stole him from the naughty thoughts that plagued him when Beth was close by, "everyone has to try my tiramisu. It's a new recipe, so be totally honest with me. You're not going to hurt my feelings."
"Anything you make is delicious, Martha." Matt moved out of his seat to help her serve everyone dessert.
"I'm stuffed." Bethany pulled her hand from Damon's lap and moved to get up. "Save me a piece for later though?"
"Yes, of course." Martha smiled and continued to dish large scoops of the multi-layered dessert out to everyone.
"You need my help with something?" Damon glanced over his shoulder as Beth walked toward the back of the house.
"Sure. I was going to try and get my makeup bag down from the
top of the closet. You could probably reach it much better than I can."
"All right. I'll be right there." Damon reached out and took a bowl from Martha as lust burned through the center of his stomach. He didn't have time to properly seduce his girl, but a quickie never hurt anyone. He took a big bite and got up. "This is delicious. Best I've ever had."
"You flatter me, boy." Martha smiled as the rest of the table started to pipe in with their accolades over the dessert.
"I'll be back for more in a few minutes." Damon turned and lifted his spoon to his lips as he walked quietly through the hall toward Beth's bedroom. She was staying with his father and her mother for a few weeks, but the time would come sooner than later where she would head back to campus, or they would get a place together.
The idea of sharing his house left Damon a little on edge. He was in love with Bethany, and wanted her in his bed every morning when he woke but living together?
"It's the next step, asshole," he mumbled and shoved another bite into his mouth.
"You talking to yourself?" Beth turned from the closet and smiled.
"Yeah. I'm the only one that doesn't disagree with me." He gave her what he hoped was a cheeky grin. "You really needed help getting your makeup bag?"
She laughed. "Yes. What did you think I needed?"
He set the bowl down on her nightstand, closed the door behind him and locked it. "That you wanted a quick fuck before I headed back to work."
"You're so vulgar." She pulled her shirt over her head and walked around the bed, reaching for him as he crashed into her.
He pulled her in tight and leaned down to kiss her. The moan that resounded around him as she wrapped her arms around his neck was delicious. He gripped the back of her thighs and forced her to wrap her legs around him as well.
"I might be vulgar, but you're naughty." He moved her to the bed and laid her down before crawling on top of her. "You know I don't have time to take care of you the way I like to."
"Properly?" She ran her fingers through his hair and smiled up at him. "Get down here and kiss me until you have to go then."
He growled softly and pressed himself tightly against her. She stole his breath with her innocent beauty. Did he deserve such an incredible woman? One who had been through so much? Would he even know how to treat her? To love her like she deserved to be loved?
"Stop thinking and start kissing." She pulled him down for a long kiss that left them both panting. "I want more," she whispered against his lips.
"Me too, but I need to get to the office. Hold that thought?" He licked her lips before grinding against her softness. "I'll be in Jamaica soon, and I plan on ravishing every inch of you."
She moaned and slid her hands down his back to cup his ass. "We can't start that process now?"
"No, pretty girl." He nipped at her soft lips and brushed her hair back. "But imagine every bit of it. I expect you to give me full details on your daydreams, and you have to use naughty words when you tell me."
She blushed and laughed. "Stop it."
"Never." He tucked his face against her neck and rocked against her a few more times.
If only life were that easy.
Chapter 7
Bethany
The night had been filled with laughter and wine, the stories everyone told embarrassing to someone in the room. Each of them got their turn in the hot seat. Damon hadn't stayed long, but gave her a long kiss at the door and promised to be in Jamaica as soon as he could.
Bethany worked hard not to think about it as she moved into the airport the next morning, her mother beside her. They walked to the long line of people already there for check-in. Kent and Matthew had stayed back with the driver, pulling out luggage and checking it all on the curbside check in.
"I'm so nervous. Tell me this is going to be great." Her mom pressed her shoulder against Bethany's, her smile tight.
Bethany wrapped an arm around her mom and smiled down at her. "This is going to be a dream come true. We'll get checked in and get us a good magazine and a coke."
"You're right. I just feel so jittery."
"That's a good thing. This isn't just a vacation, Mom, but a huge change in your life. I'm so proud of you." Bethany squeezed her mom tightly before releasing her and moving up a little. She glanced over her shoulder, looking for Kent and Matt and not finding them yet.
"Well, your pushing a little helped. I probably would have stayed on the fence until I convinced myself that I was really good enough for Kent, which would never have happened."
"I do the same thing with Damon. I swear I'm waiting for the other shoe to fall. There's no way someone as incredible and so put together could want me." Bethany moved up another step.
"You have to be kidding me, right? You're the full package. It's him that should be worried." Bethany's mother cocked her hip and gave a funny look.
Bethany laughed and turned as Kent called to them.
"Girls. Come over here. Let's take the premier line for check in." He urged them to join him as Matt walked up to the counter.
Bethany repositioned her bag and shrugged as her mom glanced at her questioningly.
"You and I have a lot to get used to." Bethany's mom chuckled and moved back through the crowd.
"I'm just stoked to have more than one meal a day. Martha has officially spoiled me. She's my favorite person now." Bethany moved in behind her mom.
"Hey. Watch it. That's my spot." Her mom glanced over her shoulder, moving out of the long line of impatient people. They moved through the premier line within a few minutes and made their way to security.
Matt seemed to be laser-focused on getting them through the various stops and safely to the gate. His demeanor was all business, the sight of him being so demanding and taking charge almost comical. He did it well though.
They found the gate and sat down, Bethany looking up at him as he let out a long sigh.
"Your guard is down." She tilted her head as her eyebrows lifted.
He looked down at his pants, checking his fly. "No, it's not."
Bethany rolled her eyes and stood, glancing down at her mom and Kent. "We're going to get a drink and some snacks for the flight. You guys want anything?"
They put in their orders. Bethany slipped her arm into Matt's as they walked to the open market in the center of their terminal.
"Since when does someone refer to the fly on your pants as a guard?" She had to know.
"Hell, who knows. You kids today have all new names for old stuff. I thought you were talking about my pants. What guard is down?"
"Yours. You were very mature and businesslike back there. You better watch yourself, or your father might think you capable of doing something grown up, like running a business."
"Oh no! You don't think he noticed do you?" Matt gave a look of panic, the expression melting into a sarcastic smile. "He's not fooled. Neither are you."
"This is true." Bethany released him and moved to pick up the latest fashion magazine. The girl on it looked far too familiar. She moved toward Matthew, making sure not to walk on the outside of the store and have the item pick up the security device. That's all she needed - to look like a thief.
"Matt. Do you know this girl?" She held up the magazine.
He scowled and pushed it away. "Ugh. I hate that bitch."
Bethany pulled the magazine up to her face and studied the girl. "Is she on a TV show or something? She looks like someone I know."
"You don't know her and be thankful. She and Damon were a thing a few times over the last thousand years. Her name is..."
Bethany cut him off. "Bridget."
"Yes. Go put that up. Don't support her shit. She's a venomous snake. Not sure what my brother ever saw in her." He turned and walked to the cash register with a bunch of items. "Grab what you want and come on. I'll buy, but you have five seconds."
She chuckled, putting the magazine down and picking up a candy bar. She stood there for a minute more before picking it back up. She was a glutt
on for punishment. She had to have it, needed to know more about this girl. How in the world was she supposed to compete with a model?
You're not. Stop it.
Bridget was beautiful, no doubt. Her silky looking blond hair and big full lips had nothing on the mixture of blues that made up her eye color. Bethany dropped both on the counter, and Matt picked up the magazine.
"No. I'm not buying that. You seriously don't want to know anything about her, Bethany. She's a horrible person, and all you'll see is what she wants you to see. She wears a tight mask."
"Please? I want to read all the other articles."
"You're not getting it to read up on Damon's old flame?"
"No. Promise."
"Liar."
***
The flight to Jamaica was much quicker than Bethany imagined, but most of that had to do with the fact that she had fallen asleep.
Matt pushed softly at her shoulder, waking her. She jerked up and looked around as everyone began getting up and pulling their bags from the overhead bins. Finally gaining awareness of her surroundings, she grabbed her magazine from the seat pocket in front of her and slipped it into her handbag.
"Come on, sleepyhead. No more rest for you." Matt moved back and made room for her to get out.
The seats in first class were large and worn leather, so incredibly comfortable. She didn't remember even hearing the safety announcements before she had passed out. Moving out in the aisle, she lifted to her toes and spotted her mother and Kent getting off the plane in front of them.
"I didn't even realize I was tired. I slept good last night." She glanced back at Matt. "Are we going to baggage claim next?"
"Yeah. We'll get our stuff and load it up on the resort’s van. They should be sending one after us." He walked behind her as she moved off, the air warm around them in the tunnel that connected the plane to the terminal building.
"Is it an all-inclusive resort?" She slowed a little, letting Matt move up beside her as they walked out into the building. Her mother waved at her.
Mister Big Stuff_A Single Mom Friends to Lovers Novel Page 52