“I already bought one,” she replies sheepishly. “I got it this morning.”
My heart rate speeds up. “Did you take it?”
“No!” She cringes, standing up. “What if it’s positive? Look at all the drinking I’ve been doing. I’m scared.”
“You only drank heavily on that first day. If you’re pregnant, I’m sure the baby will be fine … but to be safe, I’d refrain from any more alcohol ‘til you find out for sure. I’ll tell the guys we’re going to head back.”
She grabs my arm. “I’d rather take the test at home. You know, in case it’s positive.” She makes a worried face.
“You sure you can wait ‘til then?” I arch a brow at her. There’s no way I’d have the patience, if the situation were reversed.
“It’s just a couple of days.” She shrugs. “I can wait.”
I picture her toting a toddler around, with bouncing brown curls and big blue eyes that look just like hers, then another picture pops in my mind—a miniature Luke with tanned skin, a dimpled smile, and a pair of eyes that could melt you on the spot. Luke is going to make an incredible father.
“Why are you grinning like that?” she says, suspicious.
I’m getting way ahead of myself. “Just thinking.”
“Uh huh. I know that look. You seriously need to get laid.”
Speaking of laid, when we move out of the gambling area, I smile when I take a peek at my phone. Luke’s ears must have been ringing. The moment I open the text, everything freezes, except for my thundering heartbeat.
“What’s wrong?” she asks, shaking my shoulder. “Come on, Reese. You’re worrying me.”
I open my mouth, but am unable to speak. So I hold out my phone, and she takes it. A second later she’s bursting out in laughter.
“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Her cell phone dings, then her eyes roam over the screen. “Logan just sent me the proof! You two are getting married!” She continues to giggle, reading over the amount of money that he won. “There it is.” She shows me the picture of Logan holding up a check, then, wiping her eyes, her gaze falls over my shoulder. “Oh shit! Here comes the groom.”
The look of love and determination radiating off Luke’s face brings me a little out of my shock. The moment our eyes lock, he strides faster, then picks me up, swinging me around, pressing his lips to mine—hard and demanding. “Hey,” he whispers with a crooked grin.
“Hey,” I reply, breathless, sliding down his body.
“I’m gonna marry you.”
When I fidget a little, he frowns, looking me over.
“We don’t have to do this, if you’re not ready.” He runs his hands up and down my back in an effort to comfort me.
Of course I want to marry him. I’ve dreamt about it since I was a young girl. This is all just so sudden, and I’m still processing what we’re about to do. I clear my throat, asking, “Are you ready?”
Glancing at Logan and Gia, he excuses us then moves us to a hallway near the restrooms, his hand on the small of my back. When he faces me, his forehead creases. “Look, I know what I want. I’ve known for a while now,” he says, rubbing the back of his neck. “I don’t care about the where’s and whens, as long as you’re with me,” he says sincerely. “I know this isn’t the most romantic situation. You’ve probably always wanted a big, elaborate wedding, but trust me, I’ll do what I can to make it up to you.”
My heart sinks. “I don’t need a big wedding. That’s not—”
“Let me finish.” He pulls a small green box out of his pocket, dropping down on one knee. I cover my mouth with a shaky hand, disregarding the constant flushing of toilets. A short laugh comes out of him. “Sorry about that. For a moment, it was just you and me … not the best place for a proposal. I hadn’t really planned this part out yet. Promise. I’m working on it.”
I stifle a giggle. “It’s okay. You can go on.”
He exhales nervously. “You know, I bought this before we made the bet.” Looking from the box back to me, he continues, “I knew I wanted to marry you. That part was easy. The hard part was figuring out when to ask you. Normally, I’m a patient man, but everything changes when it comes to you. All I could think about was putting it on your finger, letting everyone know that you’re mine. I almost lost you once. I don’t want to take that chance again. I can’t.” He draws in a deep breath. I get a glimpse of the boy I remember. “I never saw myself settling down. Never had the desire. Then you walked back into my life.”
“You walked into my life,” I correct with watery eyes.
“I walked into your life. You’ve made me feel things I never knew existed—taught me how to love, how to fight, how to be a better person. I know I don’t deserve you…” He pauses and opens the small box. “But I’m asking you to take a chance on me, Reese. Marry me. Say yes.”
I’m laughing and crying at the absurdity. Toilets are still flushing. The people passing through don’t pay any attention. My strong, confident man now wears a mask of vulnerability, kneeling down in front of me. My beautiful guardian angel, my old friend, my long time crush. How could I not take a chance on him?
I can’t keep the tears from leaking down my cheeks. “I’ll marry you! Yes! I’ll marry you!”
Relief washes over his features, as he slides the sparkly princess cut diamond on my finger. I cup his face, pulling him up, then he’s towering over me with his signature sexy grin. I stand on my tiptoes, kissing each of his dimples, before finally meeting his lips.
Holy cow that’s a big diamond!
Gia and I got up early this morning with only a short time frame to find our dresses and get ready for the wedding. I had to find a dress that didn’t need tailoring, and when I tried on the white, mermaid gown, with a plunging neckline, we both gasped at how well it fit to my body. “That’s the one,” Gia said immediately. I glanced over my shoulder and agreed. It wasn’t as pricey as some of the others, which was also a big plus.
A couple hours later we found Gia’s dress on display in the window of a bridal shop. The charcoal color had complemented her skin tone. The hemline hit right below the knees, and it was strapless, showing off her delicate collarbone. I loved it. We used the time it took to get some quick alterations done on Gia’s dress to get our facials then later had our toenails and fingernails painted in a shimmery shade of pink. It took a load off knowing that Luke was handling his part of the arrangements, but at the same time I didn’t know how he was going to do it. Most guys aren’t really into this kind of stuff. I never expected a fancy wedding. I never expected I’d get married.
Luke had found a beautiful spot overlooking the lake. I think the owner had recognized him and pulled a few strings. He made the place available for a sunset ceremony. Now, with minutes left until the wedding, I’m a bundle of nerves. We didn’t have time to get our hair done professionally, so I trusted Gia to do mine. I’m wearing it up, and she framed my face with a couple of ringlets.
“You look beautiful,” Gia says, fanning herself.
“Thank you. So do you.”
“Stop fidgeting. You’re going to be fine.”
I feel myself sweating. “Is there make up running down my face?”
She looks me over and shakes her head. “Luke’s gonna drool when he sees you.” She glances at the time. “I better get up there. You ready?”
“Yep,” I say, shaking out my fingers.
She gives me a hug. “I love you.”
“Love you too.” I let out a breath as I watch her leave.
We’d chosen to write our own vows, and even though I’d memorized them, I don’t trust myself not to get stage fright once I’m up there. So I’d written them down on a small piece of paper. Folding it in my hand, I walk out the same door Gia just exited.
My heart leaps in my chest as soon as I see him. My future husband stands waiting at the altar in a black tux. He’s so incredibly handsome I almost lose my step as I move toward him. His perfect square jawline flexes, as his gaze slowly
slides down my body then back up. I don’t take my eyes off him, feeling that pull drawing me in. In my peripheral vision, Logan, Gia, and the preacher stand in their places. When I come to a stop inches from Luke, Gia snickers, and I look over.
I’d forgotten to hand her my Calla lilies. Our eyes meet, and she winks.
“Sorry.” I blush, giving her my flowers, then turn around to face Luke. His eyes clearly speak what he’s thinking—that he loves the dress.
“Hey,” he says, feeling the folded up piece of paper when he takes my hands.
“Hey.” I grin.
His thumbs glide over my skin. Again, he looks me over. A smirk reaches his lips. He turns to the preacher and asks, “Any chance you could speed this up?”
“I’ll do what I can,” he answers with a chuckle.
Luke’s gaze is back on me. “Waited a long time to get this woman alone. Don’t think I can restrain myself much longer.”
Everyone laughs, and my heart rate increases. I’d been thinking the same thing. Glancing at the preacher, I blink a couple times, sensing I know him from somewhere.
He stretches out his hand. “Honored to be here. You look very lovely this evening.”
My eyes go wide, and it clicks. “I remember you.” I cover my mouth. “You spoke at my father’s funeral. How? How did you know?” I turn from him to Luke, who just shrugs.
“He’s the pastor of your father’s old church. He mentioned him to me a few times.”
“Pastor Brian,” he says, officially introducing himself. “Andrew was a good man. I can see the likeness between the two of you.”
I nod, teary-eyed. I do look exactly like my father. “Yes. Thank … thank you for coming.”
He gestures to Luke. “This handsome fellow here is the one who arranged everything. Andrew was right about him. It’s clear he really loves you.”
I look up at Luke. “I really love him too,” I say, planting a kiss on his lips. “Thank you.”
“Hey! Supposed to wait ‘til the end to do that,” Logan cackles.
“I don’t know how you did it,” I say softly.
His eyes sparkle. “Don’t worry about it.”
We move on with the ceremony. I nervously read my vows, and even with the paper I still manage to fumble over some of the words. Luke speaks his from memory, tugging on my heartstrings with everything he says. The whole experience seems unreal—like I am in some sort of dream.
By the time the preacher announces us husband and wife, Luke is framing my face and then we kiss. My body comes alive, and I am lost in him. When his hands roam down my back, stopping on my ass, Logan whistles, reminding us of where we are.
Luke growls against my lips with hooded eyes. “You wanna get out of here?”
I nod and we politely say our goodbyes, thanking Pastor Brian once again. As soon as we step outside, Luke picks me up, taking me to a limo parked against the curb. Barking orders to the driver, he sets me down, lightly pushing me into the backseat.
“Whoa,” I laugh, never seeing him this anxious, but it excites me.
I straddle him the whole ride over. Our soft kisses start out slow, quickly heating, as soon as our tongues collide. We can’t stop touching each other. He kisses me deeply, squeezing my hips, rocking me against his erection. My stomach growls, ruining the moment. I blush when he pulls back to look at me. “We need to get you fed,” he says firmly. I want to protest, but know it won’t do any good. Luke’s priority is to take care of me—always has been. I think it’s about time that I take care of him.
When we arrived at the hotel, he carries me over the threshold into the upgraded suite he’d gotten us. He’s continued to surprise me with his thoughtfulness, keeping a small distance behind me while I walk around and take in everything. In the kitchenette, I find a bottle of champagne and a large selection of chocolate-covered fruit. Candles flicker around the edge of a jetted tub filled with rose petals and bubbles. My insides warm at the thought of using it.
I’ve changed into a shorter white dress—more comfortable—and now we’re standing out on the balcony, enjoying our fruit tray and sharing the bottle of champagne. I rest my arms on the ledge, looking out over the city. “Thank you for all that you did today. The arrangement you made with the pastor … it really meant a lot to me.”
He shrugs. “You agreed to marry me. It’s the least I could do.”
“I’m lucky to marry you,” I murmur. “I bet if my father could see us right now, he’d think we were crazy—eloping in Vegas.” Looking across the night sky, it’s hard to see the stars with all the casinos lighting up the strip.
“I am crazy … crazy for you.”
“If you haven’t yet noticed, you don’t have to sweet talk me anymore. You already have me. But I’ll admit, you’re good with your words.” I grin, and he grins back.
“I’m gonna show you just how good I am.”
“Is that a threat or a promise?”
“Both.”
I look away, feeling excited and bashful at the same time.
“You nervous?”
“No,” I lie. It’s silent for a moment, and I drain the rest of my glass.
“Still hungry?”
“No.” I bite my lip. “Well, maybe, but … a different kind of hungry.” I don’t look at him when I say this. He doesn’t respond either. “I can feel you staring.”
“Does it bother you?”
“The way you’re looking at me right now … yes and no.”
“Care to elaborate?” There’s humor in his voice.
“You look like you want to eat me.” I blush. “It makes me feel desired. What woman doesn’t want to feel desired?”
He moves toward me, gripping my waist, before pulling me against him. “So you like feeling desired?” He trails kisses down my neck, his breath hot on my skin.
“Yes.”
He tugs on my earlobe. “Tell me what you don’t like.”
I shiver. “Um … my brain gets all foggy, and sometimes it’s hard to breathe.” The words come out shaky.
“Like now?” His tongue glides up the side of my neck.
“Yes, like now.”
“What about your heart?”
“My heart? It races.”
“You don’t like that?”
I stretch my neck, as he continues to kiss the skin there. “I like how I feel. I don’t like losing control.” I swallow. “When I’m with you, it’s easy to lose control.”
The balcony door slides open, and he moves us inside. His fingers pause on the zipper at the back of my dress. His eyes search me. “Do you trust me?”
“More than anybody.”
Slowly unzipping my dress, he slides the material down my body and over my hips. When it falls to the floor, his eyes glaze over. “First day I saw you, back at the gym…” A short laugh comes out of him. “Threw me off balance seeing you all grown up. I knew I was in trouble,” he says, lifting my chin. “So many ways I’ve thought about making you come. So many times I’ve fantasized about it.”
My breath hitches. “You thought about it from the beginning?” He nods once. I hadn’t known he’d felt that way back then. “If that’s true, you’re a great actor.”
He takes the clips out of my hair, and it spills over my shoulders. “Didn’t matter what I wanted.” Searching my eyes, he adds, “I knew you deserved better than me.”
I completely disagree. “Luke?”
“Hmm?”
“Now that I’m yours, will you show me what you’ve wanted to do to me?”
Framing my face, he crashes our mouths together. I tear at his shirt, gasping from the intensity. The buttons fly off, and scatter on the floor, as our tongues slide together. He angles his head, palming my breasts in his rough hands. I glide my fingers over his sculptured chest, down the planes of his stomach, and he shudders beneath my touch. I work to take off his jeans, my body burning with so much need it almost hurts me. Picking me up, he kisses me harder, cupping my ass. I wrap my legs aroun
d him then we’re moving. When my back meets a cold, hard surface, I rise up on my elbows, sprawled out on the dining table. Luke sits in a chair between my legs.
I laugh nervously. “Wh … what are you doing?”
He trails wet kisses along the apex of my thighs. Spreading them open, he licks the center of my panties. A strangled moan escapes my lips, and his eyes darken. He focuses between my legs, sliding my panties right off me.
“The first time you come as my wife, I’m gonna taste it.” The words alone have me soaked. Bringing his face to my center, he slides his wet tongue along my crease in one slow lick, then another, and another.
The back of my head thumps against the table. I cry out, grabbing a fist full of his hair. He strokes me with his tongue in the same way he kisses my mouth. It feels wonderful. It feels dirty. It feels absolutely amazing. Over and over he licks me, firmly gripping my hips, as I desperately try to move them. “Luke,” I whimper.
“I always knew you would taste like this,” his voice rumbles. “Don’t wanna stop.”
“I don’t want you to stop. Please don’t stop.”
He grunts his reply, sliding a hand up my stomach to play with my nipple. The other hand pushes a finger inside me. I arch into him when he adds another. I’m close to coming. My quiet whimpers turn into desperate moans, as he skillfully hits all my erogenous zones. “That’s it baby.” He licks again. “Come for me.”
When his mouth moves over my clit, he switches between sucking and lightly using his teeth. My vision blurs, and I soar, exploding all over him. In the background I hear him groaning, then I fall into a post-orgasmic haze.
I don’t even realize I’m being carried until my eyes open, and he lays me down on the bed, crawling over me. His thumbs hook into his boxer briefs, pulling them all the way down. I reach over and grip his hardened length.
His eyes close when I stroke him. I bend down and try to put him in my mouth, and he stops me with a strangled laugh. “If your mouth goes anywhere near my dick, I’m not gonna last.”
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