by Paige,Alyvia
Bray – LMFAO
Me – Not funny, dude.
Bray – It might be if you weren’t already all hot and bothered.
Me – Who says I was or even am?
Me – Presumptuous much?
Bray – Oh you were, so was I. I wish I was there with you.
Bray – Pick up FT.
“Hi,” I breathe out when Braydon’s face fills my iPhone screen.
“Hey yourself. Nice shirt.” I can’t help but look down to where his eyes are trained, my heaving chest. Braydon’s chuckle snaps my attention toward the screen again, his eyes a clouded blue staring at me under hooded lids. “That flush looks good on you, babe.” His deep voice a detonator to the goose flesh now covering my skin.
“Hmm.” I neither agree nor disagree; I’m safer with any non-committal responses.
“Addy, want to play a game?”
“No,” I respond far too quickly.
“So that’s a yes. Balance your phone somewhere so you can see me, and your legs… spread them wide.”
“No,” I mewl.
“Yes, do it…” I submit to his demanding voice without hesitation. I’m seriously strung so tight, any form of release is needed. Between the hot and heavy make-out session in the kitchen and missing his touch to the depths of his voice when it’s coated with lust and desire, my body is pleading to release.
“Good girl, now tell me how wet are you?”
“So wet.” I find his eyes staring into mine.
“What, gorgeous, what’s in that head of yours?” His cocky grin illuminates his face.
“So, so, very wet,” I repeat on bated breath slowly dragging my fingers through my wetness before trailing them up my stomach and into the cameras sight. Braydon’s breath audibly hitches as I suck a glistening finger into my mouth.
“Fuck me,” he groans and repositions his iPad to the pillow beside him. Toned, olive skin fills the frame, and I hear the shifting of his blankets. “You’ve got me so fucking hard, Ads.”
“Mmm,” I purr as I slide my hand back under the blankets.
“Look at me, Ads, look at me.”
I listen, opening my eyes to the screen, seeing not only his face but also the movement of his arm as he strokes his cock–the cock my body is crying for. I apply more pressure to my clit, circling the nub continuously until my breath catches and ecstasy awaits. Slipping two fingers inside, the heel of my hand triggers the perfect friction, and I scream his name as my orgasm soars through me.
“Oh, fuck yes, Ads. Fuck, you’re beautiful!” Braydon growls, cum shooting on his stomach.
Our eyes find each other’s and we lie silently, sated, our breathing in sync.
I GASP AUDIBLY CAPTURING the attention of my eye candy.
He’s breathtaking. No, not my date, Braxton–well, he’s handsome enough, but Braydon. Perfect fitting taupe slacks with a matching suit vest over his crisp white button-down dress shirt. And that turquoise tie, crap on a cracker, heart be still–his eyes almost an identical shade. I may have the most perfect seat, tucked in between Braxton and Brenton, an unobstructed line of vision to Braydon.
His smile brings a rushing flush of heat coating my face and chest. Taking a deep breath to clear my thoughts of last night, I duck my head to fight the laugh that has bubbled in my chest.
“What’s so funny, smalls?” Brenton asks me as I resituate on the hard wooden pew bench.
“Nothing,” I quietly respond as the music begins to play and back sanctuary doors open.
“Mhmm, Madi told me about that ‘nothing’ she heard when she got to Bray’s last night.”
“Shut up,” I hiss, the blush overcoming my calm again. I chance a peek at Braydon; his eyes are locked on mine, a mischievous glint and a smirk that melts my heart.
THE WEDDING WAS BREATHTAKING, as I assumed it would be. Hannah was the most gorgeous bride that I think I’ve ever seen. Her gown fit her like a glove and the embellished ribbon tricked the unknowing eye of the baby rapidly growing within her. Her glow illuminated the sanctuary just as it is lighting up the reception hall.
The room is sprinkled with round tables adorned with luxurious variations of turquoise linens with matching calla lilies and hydrangea in clear centerpieces. Brenton, Braxton, and I take our seats at our assigned table. Hannah must have been given a heads up by Madi; she’s the only one that knew for certain this was the wedding I was invited to, and I tried to avoid Braydon finding out. I just didn’t want assumed expectations to take residence.
But I’m fairly certain that the assumed turned into actual last night, well, over the past few days really. My brain keeps telling me not to take the plunge, not to set myself up for the potential for failure if I leave. But my heart… my heart is still deeply in love with my best friend. So, I’m going to do the thing I’ve not done in at least a decade. I’m choosing my heart because in the end, I’m worth it, he’s worth it. We’re worth it all.
Making my way back from the restroom, the bridal party dance comes to an end with the entire group laughing at something I and all the other spectators clearly missed. I stand at the far right of the dance floor swaying to Ed Sheerin as he croons his song Photograph.
“What’s a gorgeous woman like you doing standing alone?”
“Oh, well, your best friends ditched me for booze,” I laugh softly, my breath catching as Braydon’s eyes peruse my body.
“I missed you,” he whispers pulling me into his arms.
“You look stunning, Bray.”
“I know. Hannah loves me like that. She promised I would be the most fetching brood of the bunch.” His voice holds confidence, but the words are laced with humor.
“Funny,” I laugh as I pull back and look him up and down, appreciating his form that is all consuming. “Bet ya didn’t notice how Hannah had you all in the same dang thing?”
“Hmm, nope, I didn’t notice.”
I arch my brow before catching movement in my peripheral vision. Turning I see Hannah and Carter approach us.
“Braydon you already know Adalyn? I was going to introduce you guys.” Hannah side eyes Carter then laughs, “I knew you would look perfect together!”
“Hey, Hannah, Carter. Beautiful wedding. Hannah, you look breathtakingly beautiful,” I compliment her and attempt to drive the conversation in a different direction.
“Thank you, I think I ate enough for three,” she laughs resting her hand below the ribbon of her dress.
“You did, babe, you definitely ate enough for three,” Carter laughs and jumps behind Braydon when Hannah moves to strike him.
“So you know each other?” Hannah prompts again. I nod in agreement and Braydon faux coughs over his shoulder.
“What am I missing?” she asks confused. Rightfully so.
“Oh shit, this is her. The one!?” Carter grins smacking a hand on Braydon’s shoulder.
“She is,” Braydon confirms.
“Huh?” Hannah and I say in unison.
“Hannah, Carter, meet Adalyn Charleigh Miller, my w… one.” I can’t help the breath bursting past my lips. “But if you’ll excuse us,” linking his hand with mine, he starts to lead me away, “I’d like to dance with this beautiful woman.”
“Aww,” Hannah coos as we slip onto the dance floor.
Yours by Russell Dickerson flows from the speakers, and I look at Braydon suspiciously. “Did you plan this?” I ask as my hands slowly move up his chest and lock around his neck.
“Maybe, shhh listen.” And I do, I soak up every word the artist pours out. “Addy, be mine. Forget the filing, just be mine. We can—”
“Braydon, I’m yours. I’ve always been yours.” I look into his blue eyes, blinking away the pooling tears. “But I have to tell you something… something important.”
His smile is bright and wide, complete bliss written across his face with the sunken dimples on full display, his eyes crinkling at the side. “Okay.”
“I received a letter this morning,” I start as we mak
e our way off the dance floor.
“Keep going,” he urges as we make our way into the hall so we can hear each other better.
“Well, it’s an acceptance letter for a position in the neonatal intensive care unit.”
“Ads, that’s amazing!” he shouts as he picks me up in his arms spinning me in circles.
“In Alabama,” I add quietly.
“Wait, what?” He pauses, me still off the ground in his arms, his voice incredulous.
“In Alabama.”
“Okay. And…”
“You have a life here.” I sigh.
Braydon
“WE CAN HAVE A life there,” I counter patiently as I lower her to the floor.
“Bray,” she whispers, her eyes closed, forehead resting against mine.
“Adalyn, look at me.” Tears swim in her deep brown gaze. “We will figure it out; tonight let’s just enjoy our night. Hang out with our friends.”
After brushing away the tears that tried to sneak down her flawless face, I lead her back to the reception hall. The music is blasted, bodies are moving rapidly to the beat, and my girl is happy again. I refuse to think of the “what ifs” that could occur, our future is in our hands. We make it what we want. We just have to figure out how.
“Dude, this reminds me of college, but more lavish and way cheaper,” Brenton laughs.
“I wouldn’t know, you never invited me over…” Madison smarts back at her boyfriend.
“Aww, Madi feels left out still,” Braxton taunts.
“Oh man, I missed this,” Addy adds when we all reach the open bar.
“Me too,” I say as I wrap my arm around her middle. “You staying here with me tonight?” I whisper into Adalyn’s ear before nipping the lobe.
“No.”
“Wow, don’t think about it or anything,” I retort slightly offended.
“Babe, Brax is staying with me as a guest. You’ll be fine.”
“But, Addy,” I whine loudly and everyone in our small group laughs.
“What’s your room number?” Brenton asks me as he pulls a key card from his wallet. “Madi’s in room seven fifty.”
“I’m seven fifty-three, I think. Brielle just threw the key card at me before we ate.”
“Where is my cousin anyway?” Madi questions as she looks around.
“They went upstairs. I saw Chase approach them before the elevator pinged earlier. No cops, so apparently Jase decided to save his hand and not break Chase’s face again.”
“Braxton, did you see Keelie’s little boy yet?” Madi asks. Inquisitive little shit tonight. Alcohol does that to her. It’s the best time to get dirt on Brenton.
“Nope, well, yes I have. I saw him from a distance during the ceremony but not since. They wouldn’t allow him to stay at the reception with all the alcohol and loud music would they?” Braxton asks seemingly concerned for the little tyke. The little tyke that may be his spawn. The little tyke that he could or could not have a clue is his.
“Well, anywho…” Madi stalls before tugging on Brenton’s arm. “I’m wiped, you ready for bed, baby?”
“See ya, bitches,” Brenton laughs as he hoists Madi over his shoulder and heads to the elevator.
“We better get going too,” Adalyn yawns.
“Whenever, Ads.” Braxton smiles finishing off his beer.
“Adalyn,” Hannah chirps. Her voice sounds peppy, but she looks utterly drained.
“Hannah, hon, are you okay?” Adalyn implores as Hannah comes closer, her concern showing in her crinkled brow.
“Yeah, just tired. We are making rounds before I’m ordered to bed.”
“You need to rest,” Addy interrupts.
“Yeah, I know, I am. But I wanted to see if you were coming to brunch tomorrow with Bray?”
“Um, I’m not sure. It really depends on a lot of things,” she answers then glances at me quickly.
“Okay, well, try. You can bring him too,” Hannah points at Braxton then blinks a few times. “Alright, now my eyes are making me see things, you look eerily familiar, yet I don’t know why.”
We all laugh, but I know who she sees, I think Adalyn picks up on it too because of Madi’s earlier questions and the photo I have of Isaac. Small world I say, small world. Carter excuses them both for the night, and Adalyn makes her move to leave.
“I’m tired too, Brax, ready?” she asks expectantly.
“Told ya whenever.” He smiles.
I’m not jealous of my best friend. I’m not… okay maybe a little jealous. I want her in my bed. I want to feel her against me. I need her.
“Alright.”
“Braydon,” she sighs, “don’t be like that. I promise I’ll see you tomorrow… or in a few hours, I guess.” She rolls her eyes after looking at her watch. “We’ll talk tomorrow.”
“Okay,” I concede as I wrap her in my arms holding her tight. “I hate letting you go when I’ve just gotten you back,” I whisper into her ear.
“You’re not.” She leans back, her eyes bouncing from my eyes to my mouth. “I promise,” she continues, whispering against my lips before closing in with her own.
“AT LEAST BRAY DIDN’T need the sperm jackets tonight.” This comes from Brielle in between a gaggle of giggles talking to Hannah’s belly.
“What? Wait a minute,” I shout, slamming my Corona bottle onto the side table beside the couch I’ve taken residence on. Fuck this is a huge ass suite. We invaded Jase and Brielle’s room about thirty minutes ago. I couldn’t sleep, Derek, Max, and Lucas were pissed because their condoms went missing from the time they left the hotel to the end of the reception.
Not a coincidence… not after Ellie’s comment just now.
“Huh?” Hannah ponders aloud. “What a shame.”
“Mrs. Jacobs? Is it your fault that these dickheads woke us up?” Carter growls, eyeing both Hannah and Brie.
“I have no idea why you’d ask me that. I was clearly puzzled. I said ‘huh?’ and all.” She and Brie cackle.
“It’s bad luck to argue with and question your bride, Carter,” Brielle deadpans before again… more laughter. One might think these two were drunk except neither of them is drinking; Hannah because she can’t and Brielle, well that’s what a best friend is for.
“What’s got you so glum?” Jase asks as he points his bottle in my direction.
“Nothing,” I grouch back.
“Blasphemy!” Brielle shouts. “He wanted to get lucky… and lucky he did not get.”
“Let’s play a game!” Hannah shouts over her best friend. That’s how the rest of the night went. We split into teams, couples versus, well, us. I call bullshit on the third round. Hannah and Brielle are practically mind readers, both each other, and Hannah of Carter, and Brielle of Jase.
Fucking cheaters.
The sun is rising over the hills, peering through the curtains before we all make our way back to our own rooms. And thankfully, sleep finds me quickly.
NOW IT’S TIME FOR brunch. Yay, spending a few hours with the entire bridal party. The bridal party that includes my half-brother. The half-brother I never wanted or knew about until my life flipped upside down a few year ago. Bright side… Brenton and Madi are waiting in the pool area and Adalyn is on her way. I texted her before I made my way downstairs for brunch.
Standing off to the side of Brenton and Madi, who are especially quiet today, I watch Brie scatter like a terrified mouse from the table she, Jase, and Isaac had been sitting at because if I had to guess, Chase, Isaac’s uncle and legal guardian, and Alison sat down. Awkward. Max and Lucas cause as much racket as possible hooking up the net for water volleyball we all decided we wanted to play during our “slumber party,” as Brielle and Hannah dubbed it.
The door marked EXIT at the far end of the room that connects to the outside pool area opens, and Adalyn passing through the entryway blocks the blinding rays of light. The acoustics of the high vaulted ceiling produces a loud piercing echo.
“Yay! You came!” Hannah
shouts. I can’t help but grin as she saunters toward me. Brielle snickers breaking my stare. I look over just as she drops her swimsuit cover.
“Holy shit, Ellie, when did you get so damn sexy?” I drawl loudly, eliciting a double salute from her and Jase.
“I’d be jealous except, after your sad woes of yesteryear last night, I know there is nothing I’d ever have to worry about,” Jase jokes.
“Watch the language around the baby,” Adalyn chastises as I pull her into a hug. God she feels like home. Feeling the stare of everyone on us, I release her and clear my throat.
“What are you staring at?” I ask quietly. Her eyes are trained to the table Jase and Brielle were once sitting at, and when I look back, I see Isaac. Madi is looking from me to Isaac and then to Adalyn.
“Umm,” she whispers. “Oh my gosh, you were right, he does have Keelie’s eyes, Bray.” Adalyn’s voice while still speaking at a whisper bounces off the walls. “But his hair and nose, that’s so Zach… don’t you think? You see it right?” she asks me, her smile huge, her eyes adoring little Isaac playing at the table.
“Yeah, he does look just like Zach, Adalyn,” I agree. “Go visit with Hannah while the crazies stare,” I whisper then kiss her exposed neck before watching her make her way to the kiddie pool with Hannah, Alison, and Isaac.
“Who in the fuck is Zach?” Jase asks Brielle following me into the pool.
“Dunno, I barely know, numb nuts,” she laughs splashing the water in my direction after I tell them both to shut up.
“Bray-Bray, if I braid your hair and paint your toes tonight, will you tell me your secrets?” Jase probes in the most feminine voice I think he can muster. “I’ll even ru…” Before he can finish his sentence, I’ve dunked him under the water. He comes back up sputtering for air as I toss Brielle away from me causing her to laugh hysterically. She just couldn’t let it go.
Adalyn