by E. L. Todd
“Keep it,” Mike said quickly.
Janice looked horrified. “Can you get a tattoo removed?”
Ryan smirked. “It’s permanent, baby. You’re stuck with me and I will knock you up.”
“We’re naming our kid something normal,” Cassandra said. “Like Bill or John.”
I cringed. “Both plain and horrible names.”
“You know what I mean,” she said quickly.
We took a few more pictures until I saw stars in my eyes. I couldn’t see anymore. I grabbed Scarlet’s hand and walked her up the beach, making sure she wouldn’t fall and hit the sand.
We took our seats at the table and I got her a glass of apple cider.
“Cassandra looks so pretty,” Scarlet said as she stared at her.
“Yeah. But you look definitely outshine her. Honestly, I’m surprised she asked you to be her maid of honor.”
She rolled her eyes. “She outshined everyone.”
“Not in my eyes.” I kept my arm over the back of her chair and gave her a firm look. “I wish you knew how beautiful you are when you’re pregnant. Like, your hotness level skyrockets, and it’s already pretty damn high.”
She smirked. “We both know I’m nothing special.”
“Yes, you are. I remember what I was thinking the first time I saw you. Believe me, I wanted to fuck you.”
“How sweet,” she said sarcastically.
“But now I’m obsessed with you. I want to lock you up so I’m the only person who gets to look at you.”
“And creepy…”
I smirked then rubbed my nose against hers. “You’re fucking gorgeous, Scarlet. All these women have nothing on you.”
“I think you’re a little blinded.”
“Maybe by love. But my cock speaks for itself.” I grabbed her hand and placed it over my hard-on through my slacks.
She grinned then pulled her hand back. “It’s probably because my damn boobs won’t fit in this dress.”
I looked down at her cleavage. “Well, that helps.”
She hit my arm playfully. “Don’t stare.”
I kept looking. “I put a ring on your finger. I get to stare all I want.”
“How would you feel if I stared at your crotch all day?”
I cocked an eyebrow.
“Nevermind. Don’t answer that.”
I put my hand on her stomach. “You doing okay? I know you’ve been running around a lot.”
“I’m okay. Just a little tired.”
I rubbed the back of her neck then moved to her shoulders. “Can I get you anything? Something to eat?”
“I’m fine.”
“Are you sure? Anything you want, I’ll run out and get it. Just say the word.”
“I know.”
I continued to rub her back, trying to make her as comfortable as possible.
Everyone else sat at the table. Couples were paired together, except for Kirk, who was at the very end. I didn’t care about his loneliness. I never liked him much. Okay, after the comment he made about my wife, I hated him. The only reason I wasn’t stirring up drama was because it was my brother’s wedding. If I were ever alone with him again, my fist would break his nose.
The food was served and the wedding party got their meal first. It was chicken with greens. I immediately grabbed my fork and knife and started cutting Scarlet’s chicken for her.
“What are you doing?” she whispered.
“Helping you.” What else did she think I was doing?
“I’m not handicapped. I can eat my own food.” She pushed my arm away and gave me a firm look, silently telling me not to argue with her.
I backed off, realizing I was taking it a little too far. My constant need to take care of her could sometimes be excessive. It was a habit that I would never break.
Scarlet ate her food quietly then sipped her apple cider. Everyone laughed at the table and had a good time. Mike kept kissing Cassandra when she tried to eat, distracting her. She laughed then wiped some potatoes on his mouth so he wouldn’t kiss her anymore.
Mike wiggled his eyebrows then leaned in to smear it on her face. She laughed and pushed him away. “Don’t get me dirty.”
“You’re already dirty, baby.”
She hit his arm playfully. “You’re lucky we’re already married.”
“Nothing could stop you from becoming my wife,” he challenged.
A second later, they were back to kissing like a couple deeply in love.
I turned back to Scarlet. “We’ll always be this way, right?”
“What do you mean?”
“You and I will always be in love, never getting tired of being with each other.”
“I’m sure we will. Look at your parents.”
I cringed. “Just when I got those gross old people out of my head.”
“They aren’t old. They’re like fifty.”
“Still disgusting.”
It was time to do the speeches, and since I was the best man, I went first. After I cleared my throat, I took the microphone and started talking. I didn’t prepare a speech because I liked to wing it. It seemed more spontaneous and natural that way.
“My brother and I have had our ups and downs over the years. There was a time when he and I didn’t even speak to each other, but since those dark times are over, I won’t even mention them other than to say I’m glad we aren’t in that place anymore. Growing up, he was my best friend, and now twenty something years later, he’s still my best friend—other than my wife.
“Mike and I weren’t always the nice guys we are now. My dad can tell you how crazy we were. We definitely didn’t make him proud while we were on this journey becoming men. Most of the stories I have with my brother aren’t PG, so I can’t even share them.” The crowd laughed at my words.
“Mike claims the reason he settled down was because I settled down and ended up with an amazing woman, and while that influenced him, I’m sure, I don’t think that has anything to do with his relationship with Cassandra. The moment he laid eyes on her, he was hooked. Even if I never married, I’m certain they still would have ended up together. If you’ve seen them around, you’ll know they are soul mates. It’s pretty obvious.
“Cassandra is an awesome girl. When my brother told me he wanted her, I wasn’t surprised. But I was grateful he picked someone so smart and fierce. I knew Mike needed a woman that would put him in his place and tell him off.” I raised my glass to her. “Bravo.”
Cassandra laughed at my words.
“When it comes down to it, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for my brother and there’s nothing he wouldn’t do for me.” I remembered that horrific night a week ago. It still echoed in my mind, a memory I’d never forget. I didn’t want to address it because no one knew about it. We didn’t want anyone to panic, and Cassandra was embarrassed because her ex was the one responsible. I kept her secret. “It’s really been an honor standing beside my brother and watching him get married. I know they’ll be very happy together. The most exciting part is the fact our kids will be so close in age, and we only live a mile apart. I suspect we’ll drive each other crazy.” I looked at my brother. “I love you, man. And you did a great job picking her.”
The audience clapped and I sat down. The rest of the party gave their speeches. Cortland’s was the best, because, well, it was Cortland. He always knew how to make something more emotional than it needed to be. When he sat down, Monnique practically moved into his lap. Those two were in love all over again.
When the dancing started, I cut in and pushed my brother back. “Payback time, bitch.”
His eyes burned in irritation.
I took Cassandra by the hand and twirled her. “You’ll dance with me?”
“I will,” she said with a smile.
Mike stood there, pissed that his toy had been taken away. Then he marched to Scarlet and started dancing with her.
“Looks like he has some collateral,” Cassandra said with a laugh.
I smiled. “We can switch back when we’re done.”
She swayed with me then looked across the crowd.
“Thank you for marrying my brother. I know he’s a lot to handle sometimes.”
She shook her head. “He’s wonderful.”
“And I’m really glad you’re a part of our family. I’m sorry about before…”
“It’s okay,” she said quickly. “It’s in the past, Sean.”
“So…we’re okay?”
“You’re my brother. Of course, we’re okay.” She rubbed my shoulder. “You saved my husband’s life. I’ll be forever indebted to you.”
“How about we just call it even?”
“That’s even better.” She gave me a wide smile and kept dancing with me.
“My turn.” My dad came to us and cut in.
“Hey, Dad,” Cassandra said.
“My beautiful daughter.” He took her and spun her, giving her his best moves.
Mike came back to me, pulling Scarlet with him. “Where’d my wife go?”
I shrugged. “She started crying and took off, saying something about the biggest mistake of her life.”
His eyes were bigger than I’d ever seen them. “What the—”
“Kidding,” I said before he exploded.
He breathed a sigh of relief. “Where is she?”
“Dancing with dad.”
He growled. “I’m never going to get her back now.”
“Probably not,” I said honestly.
“So, how does it feel to be a married man?” Scarlet asked.
“So far, so good,” he said. “But I’m looking forward to tonight…” He gave us a wink. “Then I’ll really be a man.”
“Too much info, dude,” I said.
He looked around the sea of people, his hands on his hips. “Where the hell is my wife?”
“I don’t think she’s looking for you,” I said. “So I’d forget about her.”
“You’re lucky I can’t hit you right now,” Mike threatened.
Scarlet rolled her eyes. “I’m going to get a drink while you two deck it out.” She marched off.
“See?” I said. “You scare away everyone around you.”
“I think she took off because of you. I saw you cutting her chicken like she’s too inept to do it on her own.”
“How about you stare at your wife’s plate instead of mine?” I snapped.
Mike looked through the crowd and spotted Ryan dancing with Cassandra. “Why is everyone trying to take my girl away?”
“Because she’s easy to take.”
Mike marched off then pulled Cassandra away from Ryan, locking his arms around her like he’d never let go.
I smiled while I watched them then looked for my wife. She was standing at the bar, talking to—Kirk. My blood boiled when I looked at the guy. I saw him glance down her top and I was about to explode. I marched over, my intent to kill.
Scarlet was sipping water while Kirk laughed at something she said.
I moved to her side and put my arm around her waist. “Get away from my wife.” I stared him down, threatening him.
He held up his hands. “Dude, chill.” I could tell he was drunk by the droop of his eyes.
“Go.”
Scarlet rolled her eyes. “Calm down.”
“Not now,” I snapped at her.
Kirk laughed. “I don’t even know what she sees in you. She’s so much hotter than you are. I mean, look at those—”
He was on the ground before he could finish his thought.
“Sean.” Scarlet grabbed my arm and pulled me back. “Knock it off. Now.”
Her words stopped me before I could get in another punch.
Kirk moaned while on the ground then got back to his feet with a bloody lip.
“I’m granting you mercy,” I hissed. “Now walk away.”
He cursed then marched off, stumbling slightly.
Scarlet was immediately on me. “You can’t punch every guy that makes a comment about my rack.”
“Yes, I can,” I snapped.
“You provoked him. He didn’t even do anything before you came over here.”
“At the bachelor party, he said you were hot. Yeah, I had every right to do what I did.”
She sighed then grabbed my hand, checking it. “You okay?”
“I’m fine. Let me know if he bothers you again.”
“I doubt he’ll be able to do anything because you won’t leave my side.”
“The second I do, the wolves descend.”
She shrugged. “I guess I attract wolves.”
“Man, having a hot wife sucks.”
“He wasn’t hitting on me.”
“Any time a guy is talking to a hot girl, he’s hitting on her.”
“You just danced with Cassandra,” she pointed out.
“Totally different. She’s my sister now. Gross.”
“Sean, it’s going to happen for the rest of our lives. I suggest you just let it go.”
“I would definitely live longer.”
She laughed at my comment. “You’re lucky I love you so much.”
“Since I defended your honor, how about I get a reward?” I wiggled my eyebrows at her.
“I will when we get home.”
“How about now?”
She shook her head. “We’re at your brother’s wedding.”
“So? Let’s go in the bathroom. I want you to get on your knees and do that thing I like.” I gave her a sinister look.
“I’m not giving you head right now.”
I growled. “How about I give you head?”
“You’re ridiculous,” she said as she shook her head.
“Come on. Let’s sneak away.” I rubbed my lips into her hair. “Baby, please. I want you.”
“You always want me.”
“So? Is that a crime?”
“Definitely not.”
“Then please your husband.” I placed a gentle kiss on her neck. “Come on.”
She growled. “Fine. But it has to be quick.”
“That’s fine with me.”
18
Cortland
I couldn’t fight this feeling. My heart was warm and fuzzy, and every time I was near Monnique I wanted to break down and cry from joy. I didn’t realize how miserable I was until I finally forgave her for everything and took her back. My life was right again.
Every time I looked at her, I wanted to pull her into my arms and never let go. Perhaps the wedding was getting to my head, or maybe it was the booze. All I knew was I was desperately in love, and had fallen in love with the same girl all over again. A touch of her hand made me shiver. When she smiled at me in a special way, my stomach pooled with warmth. I couldn’t get enough of her.
I got Monnique a glass of wine but she brushed it away. She eyed the glass then looked away. “This is a great party, huh?”
“Baby, you can drink around me. Have a good time tonight.”
She grabbed the glass and set it down at a random table. “I’d rather be drunk on you.” She wrapped her arms around my neck and held me close. “Dance with me.”
“Anything you want.”
She pulled me to the floor then circled her arms around me. It was a fast song, and she wanted to get down and dirty. She turned around and pressed her ass into my crotch, making my dick spring to life, and then grinded on me.
God, she was driving me crazy.
Her arms wrapped around my neck and she moved her hips, keeping up with the beat of the music. She was a very good dancer. Or maybe she was just hot. I wasn’t sure. But the way she was moving against me was impressive.
Monnique ran her fingers through the back of my hair while I grinded my cock against her backside. There was no way she couldn’t feel it.
“You know there are old relatives here, right?” I said into her ear.
“You think I care?” She shook her ass slightly, driving me wild.
“Baby, I’m on fire for you.”
“I noticed.” She turned around then grinded her hips against mine, her arms moving back around my neck.
I was never interested in dancing and I never learned. But I just acted like I was having sex and it worked out pretty well. No one ever made fun of me or thought my moves were odd. And I was definitely thinking about having sex with Monnique.
She leaned in and sucked my bottom lip while she kept her dance moves. “You’re so damn hot, Cortland.”
“You sure you aren’t drunk?” I asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Yep.”
My hand moved down and I grabbed her ass, losing my control just a little bit.
She grabbed my hand then pulled me away from the dance floor and toward the beach. “Let’s listen to the ocean.”
The music faded as we walked away from the main party. Her hand was held in mine and we walked side by side. The waves pounded the shore, the tide rising.
“It’s beautiful here,” I said.
“It is.” She pulled me to the side, out of sight from everyone else behind a tree.
“What are you doing?”
She pressed her back to the tree then pulled her dress up.
When I looked down, I realized she wasn’t wearing any panties. My cock started to throb. “No. Someone might see us.”
“And what if they do? It’s private property. We aren’t doing anything wrong.” Her bravery was a turn on.
“We can wait until we get home.”
“I’m not waiting for anything.” Her hands went to my fly and unzipped it. “I want you now. All of you.”
It was impossible to resist her. She looked so beautiful in her green dress. The color was perfect on her skin. Gold earrings were in her lobes, and her eyes were bright. She was definitely the most beautiful woman in the room tonight. And I was the one who got to take her home.
“I love you,” I blurted.
Her eyes softened. “I love you too.”
I pressed her body into the bark and kissed her slowly, relishing the taste of the cider on her lips. It was quiet near the beach, with the exception of the music coming from the house. Light was limited and visibility was even worse. We probably wouldn’t be seen by anyone. And I was desperate to be inside her. I always wanted to be inside her.
Everything about today was making my head spin. I wanted a happily ever after with Monnique. Months had been wasted dealing with our problems, and everyone was getting married one by one. I didn’t want to patiently wait for my turn. I already found the girl I loved. I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her—starting now.