Club Thrive: Agenda (The Club Thrive Series Book 3)

by Alison Mello

  Sky wraps her arm around me in a small hug. “We knew if you had a list you’d feel better, and speaking of lists. I took care of the club for you, so that’s all set. I just need you and Stone to decide on your menu and I’ll get it to our caterer for you.”

  “Awesome, thank you so much. I called the justice of the peace and she’s all set too. I’ve ordered the invitations. Stone and I plan to sit and finalize our guest list as soon as we’re settled.

  “Sky, who’s working the wedding?” Kara asks.

  “None of our staff. Stone and Miranda want you all there as guests, so we’ll be having a few friends of ours come in to work the bar.” Sky moves so we’re sitting in a messy circle on the floor, that way we can all see each other.

  The wedding conversation continues as we wait. We’ve managed to set a time to go dress shopping, and even talked about some nice local places we can order flowers. My wedding is only three months away, so I really need to get a move on.

  ***

  The movers have finally left and we now have furniture in the house. We’ve spent the last hour or so putting away dishes, clothes, and unpacking the knick-knacks. All the sheets and towels that our stuff was wrapped in are now going in our washer. I wanted to put them away fresh and clean. Sky and Sadie even made our bed for us.

  Stone has just ordered a ton of food to be delivered for dinner. We wanted to feed our friends to thank them for all their help. While we wait for the food, the guys are setting up the TV and stereo system. Sky plops down next to me. “Next year we should rotate holidays. I’ll take Thanksgiving, and you can do Christmas.”

  She looks to me with a smile. “I thought you weren’t a cook.”

  “I’m not, but my fiancé is.”

  “We’re not even married yet and she’s already offering up my cooking services,” Stone taps Logan with the back of his hand and laughter in his voice.

  “Oh come on, babe. It would be fun.”

  “It’s fine, baby. If you want us to host Thanksgiving, I have no problem cooking a turkey. Just don’t be upset when your friends are jealous because their men don’t cook.”

  “Fuck you, dude. I can cook just as well as you can, if not better.” Logan shoves me.

  “I wish I had a man who could cook.” Kara sits pouting in the chair.

  “Noah doesn’t cook?” Katie asks her.

  “I hardly see him, never mind have him cook anything.” She crosses her arms over her chest. “I swear he is up to no good, but he continues to promise he’s just working long hours.”

  Slade comes in carrying seven boxes of pizza, and Cole is carrying five more boxes of wings. We stocked the fridge with beers yesterday. Starved, we all move to the kitchen to eat. Slade and Cole are about to walk out when I stop them. “Guys, join us.” They give me a strange look. “Come on. You can protect us from in here.” They agree, shutting the door and following us into the kitchen.

  Kara picks up where we left off. “My gut tells me he’s up to something, and I should just dump his ass, but then if he’s telling me the truth, I’ll feel horrible.” Kara grabs some food and steps out of the way. I watch as Slade checks her out. I never noticed him look at her before. She’s dressed cute in a pair of skinny jeans and a short sleeved off the shoulder lightweight sweater. The green in her shirt makes her eyes pop. It’s too bad Kara is so busy being upset over Noah to even notice Slade. He’s a really good looking guy. He keeps his hair really short on the sides with some spikes on top. His hair is dark blond and his eyes are an amazing blue. You can almost see through them. Plus he’s well built.

  I look over to see Katie trying to give her sister some advice, but everyone is talking, so I can’t quite hear what’s going on between them. I can see Kara is thinking and pretty torn up over what to do about her man. It’s hard when they both work strange hours. Kara’s a bartender at Thrive and Noah’s an EMT. If he isn’t on the night shift with her they’ll never see each other.

  I’m so tired I can’t stop yawning. The girls made me sit while they cleaned up the kitchen after we were all done eating and the guys finished setting up the surround sound speakers. Now that everything is all set up, I really just want some alone time with my man. Another yawn slips out and Sky comes to my rescue. “Okay, everyone. I think we’ve helped our friends a great deal today. It’s time to let Miranda rest and give them time to enjoy their new home.”

  Sky leans down to kiss me on the cheek. “I’ll see you Thursday.” We’re skipping our normal Monday night dinner since Thursday is Thanksgiving and we’re going to their house.

  Stone stands to hug the girls and shake hands with the guys. “Remember our place for the Monday after Thanksgiving.”

  “And I want to see the babies,” I shout over my shoulder as everyone makes their way out the door.

  “I’ll walk you to your car that way you don’t have to go by yourself,” Slade tells Kara as he walks out with Cole.

  “Thanks.” She gives him a shy smile. Yup, I think it’s time for my girl to move on to bigger and better things.

  Stone sits on the couch next to me. He slips his arm around me and lifts me onto his lap. “Babe, what are you doing?”

  A devilish smile spreads across his face. “Carrying you to bed.” He presses his forehead to mine. “How are you feeling?”

  “Horny,” I answer with a smile.

  “Thank god.” He covers my mouth with his and instantly our kiss is heated and passionate. We have been really careful about making love because of my injuries and I really miss him.

  I pull away. “Please hurry, I want to christen our room.”

  He carries me to our freshly made bed, wrapping my arms around his neck, I hold on while he pulls the blankets down. Lowering me onto the bed, he peels off my shoes and socks, and then lifts me off just enough to dispose of my yoga pants and panties. I’m already so wet for him, and I can tell by his growl he knows it. I sit up and peel my shirt off, tossing it across the room, revealing my lace bra that is getting too small for my breasts. He makes quick work of removing it and then lays me back down on the bed. He palms one of my breasts and whispers. “I love how full they’re getting. Your body is changing and it’s beautiful. He lowers his lips, sucking my nipple into his mouth.

  “Mmm,” I moan out. My body is super sensitive to his every touch.

  “You like that, baby?” He licks between my breasts. He takes the other into his mouth, paying it equal attention before he kisses a trail down to my bellybutton. “You better behave in there.” I giggle as he whispers to our baby. Kissing down over my hip, he spreads my legs and settles, lapping up the juices that are running down to my ass. He starts at the tight ring of my ass and licks up to my clit. When he gets there, he stays there, moaning in appreciation as he devours me like it’s his last meal. I can’t believe how sensitive everything feels. My hips jerk on their own, rubbing my pussy against his face. It’s been so long I easily find my release. Stone sticks his tongue deep in my pussy, fucking me with it as I ride out my orgasm.

  Once he’s had enough, he climbs back up my body, lining his fully erect cock up and slipping it slowly inside me. He pauses when he’s fully seated. “My lord, woman. Your warm, wet pussy feels so damn good. I’m going to fucking lose it.”

  I shift my hips, burying him even deeper. He closes his eyes, trying to hold on to the last ounce of control he has. He finally shifts, feeding me his cock in slow, gentle thrusts.

  My hips start to roll, meeting him thrust for thrust. I want it harder and I want him deeper. “Please, Stone. You’re not going to break me.”

  He gradually picks up the pace, giving me what I want. He slams his mouth down on mine, kissing me hard as he continues pumping his cock deep inside me. I’m moaning into his mouth, as I’m on the verge of my next orgasm. He pulls away and lifts my leg, switching the angle slightly, and it’s just enough.

  “Stone, I’m coming.”

  “Yes, baby. Fuck, I love how your pussy tightens around me.” He bu
ries himself balls deep one last time, emptying himself as he presses another kiss to my lips. “Be right back.” He runs into our master bathroom and returns a minute later with a warm cloth. He gently cleans me up and then climbs in bed, spooning me from behind.

  “We need to work on our guest list.”

  He chuckles. “Is that really what just came to your mind?”

  I roll over onto my back and smile up at him. “I was talking with the girls earlier and we got a lot done for the wedding, but it’s really soon, so we have to be sure we get the guest list squared away so we can get the invitations out. I don’t want to forget people like the Coopers.”

  “I promise we won’t forget them. We’ll work on it tomorrow, but it’s getting late and it’s been a long day. You need some sleep. He kisses me gently and then I roll over, taking in his warmth as I fall into a peaceful sleep.

  Chapter 24

  Miranda

  We’re heading to Sky and Logan’s for Thanksgiving dinner today and I’m really excited to see their new home. Sky has been really busy setting up and decorating the place for the holiday. The great thing is, because they’re hosting Thanksgiving I offered to host Monday night dinner here at our place. That meant we needed furniture, because the small table Stone and I had at the old place we donated. We picked a new dining room set the other day and it’s being delivered tomorrow, which is perfect, because I have no desire to go shopping on Black Friday. I’m more of a Cyber Monday shopper.

  Stone walks up behind me, wrapping his arms around me and kissing me on the temple. “You look beautiful.” I’m wearing a maroon dress decorated with a floral pattern and brown calf high boots. I curled my long hair, pinning a few small pieces up but leaving the rest to sit nicely around my face.

  I smile at him through the mirror. “You’re looking pretty good yourself, stud.”

  He laughs. “Stud?” His voice is questioning.

  “Yeah, you look hot when you wear a dress shirt with your hair pulled back. Especially when your sleeves are rolled.” I turn to face him. “Showing off these sexy, strong forearms of yours.”

  “You keep talking like this and we’re not going to make it to dinner.” He presses his lips to mine in a chaste kiss.

  “We need to go. I want to see the house, and look how cute we are, matching for our first Thanksgiving together.” I rub my hands up his muscular arms. “Thank you for agreeing to dress up with me.”

  “Baby, if this makes you happy, then it’s no problem. This is simple.”

  “We should take a selfie together and then get out of here. I want to capture a lot of pictures this holiday. It’s our first real holiday together since we had just started seeing each other this time last year.”

  “Can you believe we’ve been seeing each other for a year now?” He pulls me close.

  “No. It went so fast, and now we’re getting married and having a baby.” I pull my phone from my back pocket. We pull apart slightly, Stone places his hand on my little baby bump, and I snap a few pictures.

  “Let’s get going so we’re not late.”

  He pulls out his phone to text Slade and Cole. “I feel bad that these guys are working on Thanksgiving.”

  “I know, me too, but really they only have to get us to and from Sky and Logan’s place. They told me they arranged for their families to do dinner around us, so they could work and still enjoy dinner. Cole ate with his family already, and Slade is having dinner with his family after he drops us off.”

  “Good. That makes me feel a little better.”

  Our team knocks on the door to let us know they’re here. Stone looks and then opens the door. The guys are dressed in their usual pants and polo attire. I walk up to Slade first and then Cole. I hug them both and wish them a Happy Thanksgiving. “Thank you both so much for taking time out of your day for us.”

  “It’s our pleasure.” Cole gives me a warm smile.

  “You look great. How are you feeling?” Slade points to my baby bump.

  “So much better now, thanks. We need to roll. Are you guys good?”

  “Let’s go.” We walk down to their SUV. They’re driving us so Stone can enjoy a beer or two with the guys and not have to worry about driving. I could drive my new car, but why bother when the guys have to go there anyway?

  It takes us about forty-five minutes to get to their new place. When we pull up, I swear my jaw drops. Their new house is huge. There’s one long driveway that runs up the side of the house and a second U shape that pulls up to the front door. Slade pulls up to drop us off at the door and jumps out to open my door. Sky opens the door before I’m even fully out of the car. Stone climbs out behind me and we thank the guys for dropping us off. “We’ll be back to pick you up in a few hours.” Slade climbs back into the vehicle and they take off. The entryway to their home is open and huge with cathedral ceilings. I didn’t get a good look, but I noticed the lawn was decorated with pumpkins and other gourds. She not only took the time to update the house before they moved in, but she decorated the interior with a fall decor as well. It’s gorgeous.

  “Welcome.” Sky hugs us both with baby Stephan hugging onto her leg. He’s walking now and I’m in awe. He’s getting so big.

  Logan joins us in the entryway wearing an apron, showing off that he’s doing the cooking. “Hey, guys.” He kisses me on the cheek and shakes Stone’s hand.

  “Logan, I’m going to show them the house. Are you okay in the kitchen?”

  “I’m fine, but please keep Stephan with you so I don’t trip on him.”

  She bends over, picking him up. His face lights up and we follow her through the house. The first floor has a full bath that sits next to a guest bedroom. The guest room is set up as Stephan’s play room for now. They also have a huge kitchen, a dining room that can seat an army, a small formal living room, and a huge family room. The setup is gorgeous. The upstairs has three more bedrooms and two more full baths. Their master bedroom is huge. It has a huge nook attached that has a chair and hassock set up in one corner and a desk in the other.

  “Sky, your home is beautiful.” I’m in awe of the place. Stone stands on the side of me with his hand at the small of my back nodding his agreement.

  When we get back downstairs, the rest of the gang is here. Sadie and Jonah have already seen the place, but Sky needs to do one more tour since Katie and Shane haven’t seen it. “I’ll take Stephan if you want,” I offer, holding my hands out to him. He happily leans toward me. I wander into the kitchen with him and take a seat in one of the stools at the island. He happily sits on my lap and plays with me. Logan turns around and pulls a camera out of nowhere.

  “Stephan, look at Daddy.” Stephan looks up at his father with a huge grin on his face. Logan snaps a few pictures. “Stone, stand with Miranda.” Stone comes up behind me, puts his arm around me, and smiles. Logan gets Stephan’s attention to take another shot. “Thanks.” Logan puts the camera on the island countertop and goes back to cooking.

  “Miranda, you look awesome.” Jonah comes over to give me a hug.

  “Thanks, big guy.” I sit back down with Stephan. If I stand too long, my feet ache.

  “Jonah, can you grab some beers from the fridge?” Logan nods at the fridge with his head as he stirs the gravy.

  “I’m so excited everyone is here.” Sky comes walking back into the room with Katie and Shane. Sadie is walking around with Laney, who is also quite the big girl. She looks so cute in a fall colored dress and her little headband. “Jonah, can you take a picture of all us girls?” Sky hands him the camera.

  “Um, I’m a bouncer, not a photographer.” Jonah has a look of fear on his face.

  Logan shakes his head. “Give me the camera.”

  “Good idea. If you screw it up, you have to live with her. I don’t want her mad at me because the picture came out crappy.” Jonah laughs.

  “It’s a top of the line Nikon camera. There isn’t much to screw up.” Logan then tells us girls to squeeze together. Sadie is on
one end holding Laney, then Sky. I’m next, holding Stephan, and Katie is next to me. We all huddle in, holding smiles while the guys try to get Laney and Stephan to smile. It takes a few shots, but Logan finally gets a picture he’s happy with.

  Sky insists the guys take a similar picture, and from the grunts and groans, they’re not too happy about it. She finally gets the four of them lined up to take their picture. She takes three shots of them, and tells them they can go back to enjoying their beer. Stone comes over and presses a kiss to my head. He’s about to say something when his phone vibrates. He pulls it out to see a text.

  “That was Cooper.” I didn’t think he said it that loud, but when the word Cooper came out, the entire room froze. “They have a solid lead and believe Benny and his buddy will be arrested this weekend. He’ll keep us posted.”

  “What about Higgins?” Sky takes the seat next to me.

  “They have nothing on him. We’ve been in close communication with Cooper, trying to find something to tie him to everything. He’s insisting that this was all Benny. Higgins says it was Benny’s idea to hire Miranda, and that Benny has the hots for her.” He shakes his head. “The only way Higgins will be arrested is if Benny flips on him and gives Cooper the proof he needs that this was Higgins’ doing.”

  I turn in my chair to face Sky. “Personally, I think Benny fears Higgins. There’s no way he’s going to flip, but I’m holding out hope that Cooper can convince him.”

  Sky rubs my arm gently. “We all are.”

  “Okay, enough of this depressing talk. I’m sure that’s not what Miranda wants to be discussing on a day we’re supposed to be giving thanks.” Logan pulls out a bottle of champagne and begins to pour some into glasses. “Miranda, I know you can’t drink, but I hope you will have one little sip to toast with us.” He hands me a glass with literally a sip’s worth of champagne in it. “Dinner is just about done, and I hope you’re all hungry, because Sky made me cook for an army.” We all laugh. “Before we head into the dining room, I just wanted to thank you all for being here with us in our new home to celebrate our first Thanksgiving. We have a lot to be thankful for, including some amazing friends that we now call our family.” We all start to cheer. “One of the things I’m most thankful for this season is…” His voice trails off as he looks at Sky. “My lovely wife, who is carrying our second baby.” We all begin to clap and shout as we drink our champagne. Stephan doesn’t like the noise…he begins to fuss as he runs to Sky, who scoops him up and tells him everything is all right.