Layers Peeled

by Lacey Silks

  “Allie, you won’t be able to stop me even if it’s in the middle of the living room downstairs.”

  “I’d much prefer a more private encounter.”

  “If you keep kissing me like this, it won’t matter.” He then added, “So the newlyweds aren’t the only ones getting lucky tonight?”

  “Play your cards right, and you may definitely have some luck as well.” I winked before stepping into the bathroom.

  “I’ll have that chat with Gabe after all. See you downstairs?”

  “Yes, I need a minute before I join you.”

  The truth was, a new kind of nerve swirled inside me – one I didn’t recognize. I needed to calm my pulse before going downstairs to witness a wedding with Tristan standing there as if he were the groom.

  Keep it together, Allie. It’s just a wedding, and it’s not your wedding.

  At that moment, I promised myself that if I ever got married, I’d want it to be a truly low-key event. Wishes did come true to those who were patient, didn’t they?

  * * *

  The weather held up that afternoon. As Sam and Gabe exchanged their vows under the beautiful gazebo, I watched Tristan, standing a few feet away from his friend, looking like the hottest man alive. I just couldn’t keep my gaze away from him and took the opportunity to fully drink him in. Even if I knew he preferred the comfort of something less formal, he sported his perfect tailor-made suit like a pro. Every hair and light strand on his head was combed, then ruffled into place, and gently lifted to add extra volume. The natural look with a touch of gel suited Tristan as much as it did Gabe and Julian. But then again, any look they wore was a panty-dropping one.

  The way Tristan admired the couple made my heart go pitter-patter. But when I looked to the left, where Kendra stood at Sam’s side, I couldn’t help but feel an ounce of jealousy tug at my heart. Julian sat beside his father, watching her with intent. But it seemed today, instead of focusing on the person who’d been helping her recover during the past month and a half, Kendra was choosing the younger brother, Tristan. Why was she looking at him that way? What did she want? I recognized the expression as my own, a loving one full of desire and expectation for Tristan Cross.

  It lasted not more than a few seconds, but enough for me to realize she wasn’t over Tristan the way she claimed; or perhaps she had unfinished business to discuss with him. Would he reciprocate if she told him the truth? No, I couldn’t believe that. Tristan loved me and our baby. We would be a family—the peaceful kind I’d always wanted, without stalking exes. And after our conversation this morning, I believed Kendra’s intentions were honorable.

  For a moment I wished it was us standing up there, in front of the priest, saying our vows. The thought didn’t scare me at all. I had thought it would, but it didn’t. In fact, there was something comforting knowing that the father of my baby could be my husband. But wasn’t that too fast? It didn’t seem to matter for Sam and Gabe. They’d only known each other for a couple months longer than me and Tristan, and I’d never seen anyone as much in love as they were.

  Sam looked stunning as always, wearing a white faux-fur rippled cape over her shoulders, mesmerized by the man she was about to marry.

  Sam and Gabe said their ‘I do’s’ and my gaze flew back to Tristan. I caught him starring at me with the most loving and confused expression I’d seen. What was he thinking? That sexy scar lifted by a fraction on his upper lip as he winked at me. And the room shrank, and the guests disappeared, and I felt like the luckiest woman alive.

  “You may now kiss your wife,” the priest said.

  And they locked their lips and everyone clapped and cheered. Most women dabbed their eyes with white tissue. For such a spectacular ceremony, I must admit it felt more intimate and homey than I’d expected. That’s how I saw myself marrying Tristan in the future: with all our family there to witness our union and be as happy for us as everyone here was for Sam and Gabe. They walked down the aisle between the guests back toward the house, where Gabe lifted her into his arms, pressed his lips to hers, and carried her over the threshold. Everyone cheered again.

  Emma sat beside me, squeezing my hand, and then leaned in to whisper, “Your turn’s next.”

  “Next?” I asked. “Emma, you’re thinking way ahead.”

  And before she got a chance to argue, Tristan was at my side, taking my hand. “Picture time.”

  Oh, good!

  Emma’s little comment made me wonder whether Tristan had a surprise up his sleeve I wasn’t aware of, because the priest remained in the gazebo. But thankfully we were heading into the house.

  I watched them in awe take photo after photo, and I swear Tristan posing there as the best man was the most handsome of them all. But then again, I was a little bit biased.

  Before I turned the corner, I overheard Tristan and Kendra’s conversation.

  “How’s the recovery? Do you have everything you need?” Tristan asked.

  “It’s been difficult, but much better than I would have been if Martinez had sold me. I’d probably have slashed my wrists soon, but I held on to the hope you wouldn’t abandon me.”

  “Of course I wouldn’t, K. I’m the reason you started...”

  “Please, Tristan. No need to make excuses for me.”

  “Then I’m so sorry for hurting you and rejecting you the way I did. I was an asshole and didn’t think. You belonged with Julian from the beginning and I shouldn’t have stepped in.”

  “I appreciate that, but really, I’m the one who caused it all. I wanted something to develop between us that never could.”

  “At least we’ve cleared a few things up.”

  “I tried to love him through you. That was a mistake. I’m sorry. For everything.”

  “Don’t be. I took advantage of a weak moment and shouldn’t have.”

  A long pause resonated between them.

  “Julian’s been wonderful. He helped me realize why I did what I did.” In the hallway mirror’s reflection, I saw her raise her hand to his chest and touch his heart where I knew the scar was. Tristan held her hand there.

  “I hope one day you can forgive me,” she said.

  “Of course, K. All I wish is for you to get better and be happy. Everyone has a hiccup in their life. We both did, and now we can both be happy. I’m sorry, K. I’m so sorry for what you’ve gone through. Ever since the train incident, your life changed, and I should have known better.” Tristan said to her, and took her into her arms. Their embrace pinned my heart against my back with an ice pick. I backed up and scolded myself for feeling that way. Why was I so insecure when I saw them? Tristan didn’t do anything wrong and they’d both just said their relationship was a mistake. He’d only comforted a friend who was trying to clear up not only her present but also her past.

  A gentle touch on my shoulder startled me.

  “Allie, are you all right?” Julian asked.

  “Hi, yes. I’m fine. How are you?”

  Yeah, like that will fly.

  “You know you’re going to have my niece or nephew soon, so you better learn how to tell me when you need help.” He offered his arm for me to take, and I did. “Let’s grab something to eat. It looks like my brother is dismissing his duties as a future dad to feed you and the baby, so I’ll just fill in.”

  “Sounds good.” Even if I knew Julian was kidding, it also felt nice to have the attention of at least one Cross brother.

  Julian packed my plate full of my favorite appetizers, as if he’d read my mind. But then again, anything Olivier had prepared was welcome in my mouth.

  “So, are you going to tell me what had you so lost in thought?”

  “I overheard Kendra and Tristan’s conversation.”

  “Oh?”

  You’re such a bitch, Allie, I thought to myself, knowing I’d hooked Julian in with that tad of information.

  “It wasn’t a big deal. They were just apologizing to each other for their pasts. And I sort of felt guilty. I just feel so possess
ive of him.”

  The tension eased in Julian’s shoulders. “It’s part of Kendra’s treatment. She needs to make amends and admit where she’s done wrong before she can move on. But if you’d like to make Tristan jealous, I’m always open to another kiss,” he grinned.

  I punched him on his arm playfully, “You will never let that go, will you?” I remembered the time I’d mistaken Julian for Tristan and kissed him with my full mouth.

  “Nope. It’s right here, deep in my heart. I will never forget that moment we shared,” he said dramatically.

  “What moment?” Tristan said from behind us.

  And Julian, like a sneaky fox, kissed me on the cheek, saying in a melodramatic voice, “A moment that will keep us bonded forever. Excuse me, but I see the maid of honor needs my attention.”

  I threw him a dirty look as he left, but I had to admit, he did make me feel better.

  “Something I should know about?” Tristan asked taking a plate.

  “He’s just teasing. Is everything okay?” I asked.

  “Yes, perfect now that I have you in my arms.” And that ball of jealousy I’d felt earlier was gone. Today, both Cross brothers managed to make me feel not only as part of their family, but also loved and cared for like I’d never been before.

  CHAPTER 20

  The Christmas tree stood at least nine feet high. It was woven in ribbons and peppered with traditional red and golden bulbs. The white lights twinkled, reflecting in every piece of glass hanging on the branches.

  Sam and Gabriel departed for their honeymoon right after the wedding. The rest of the distant family had left as well, and the Crosses would stay at the house until after the New Year. On Christmas morning we all sat around the bottom of the tree, our legs criss-crossed like little kids. The scene was like a first act of the kind of family life Tristan described for me, and I couldn’t help but feel my heart swell with happiness.

  I glanced at Kendra, who held the same look on her face I did, and I guessed we had more in common than the Cross brothers after all. Had she longed for a family as well? I’d never had a chance to ask her whether they knew she was all right. I didn’t even know if she had any family left at all; after all, she’d mentioned her parents had passed. The way the Crosses behaved around her felt like she was already part of their little cult.

  “It’s family tradition that the youngest goes first,” Emma said, “So let me do the honors and see what my good Santa brothers thought of. And it better be what I wanted, because if it’s not I’ll explode.”

  I chuckled.

  “You know, Emma, soon you won’t be the youngest one opening the gifts,” Julian warned.

  “Well, until Barney knows how to open the gifts himself, I’m calling the shotgun.”

  “You’re having a boy?” Mrs. Cross’s gaze shot up. She was so quick to pick up on little hints.

  “Emma, how did you know?” Tristan scolded his little sister.

  “Oops.” She pressed her hand to her mouth. “People talk around kids. So do you two.” She pointed from me to Tristan.

  And before the tears started falling, I gave a knowing look to Tristan and confirmed, “Yes, we’re having a boy for sure.” I rubbed my tummy and then welcomed the hugs and kisses from the Cross clan and my mother.

  And one after another, everyone opened their gifts. Fred and Wilma exchanged a book, which I found odd, and kissed each other. Tristan leaned into my ear. “It’s a notebook. For the entire year they write what they feel for each other, what their wishes are for the family, for their future, and then trade at Christmas. They’ve been doing that ever since I can remember. It’s always been the only gift they’d swap.”

  That’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen, I thought, pressing my hand to my heart. And suddenly I missed my daddy. I wanted him here with us.

  My mother leaned in from the other side. “He’s here in spirit. He’s always been with us and guided us to meet this wonderful family.”

  I’d given my mother her gift earlier that morning, figuring a bottle of the smooth Comisario tequila wasn’t exactly the most traditional present. But when she saw the Kindle full of romance novels, she just sat there with her mouth open until she managed to hug me as a thank you.

  “It was Tristan’s idea.” He’d noticed just as I had the bag full of books she brought with her and ordered the package as soon as we got here, oddly delivered by a flying drone—the newest invention by one of the retailers. My mother embraced Tristan as if he were her own son, and it took my breath away.

  Emma of course squeaked and cried and over-exaggerated every single surprise she opened. I didn’t know half the gadgets she got and waited patiently until she opened mine. When she lifted the lid off the small elongated box, I knew she’d be speechless for at least a minute or two.

  She rammed into me, tightening her arms around my neck. “Thank you. I love you so much,” she said into my hair. “It’s the best gift ever.”

  “Be careful, Emma,” Tristan warned. But I’d already learned how to sit or stand around Emma and not be a victim from her heart-felt embraces driven by teenage hormones.

  “What did she get?” Mr. Cross asked.

  Emma lifted the pink pen out of its pouch.

  “A pen? You got her a pen and she likes it the most?” Julian asked, oblivious to what the gift actually was.

  “It says: To the best godmother in the world.” She read the engraving.

  “Ahh,” Mrs. Cross cooed.

  My mom wiped away the sniffle with her sleeve.

  “Yeah, I guess that is better. Emma, when I have a kid you can name him too. And you can be the godmother as well,” Julian bribed.

  “You don’t know what you’re asking for, brother,” Tristan joked, jutting Julian in his ribcage.

  Tristan turned to me, saying, “It’s your turn Allie. Open your gift.”

  “There are none left,” Emma said. “Did you not get her anything? Because if you didn’t, you’d better run to the closest store, if you can find one open, and buy her the one you were looking at the other day when we went out.”

  “Emma!” Tristan raised his voice.

  Now I was curious about what he’d gotten me. Tristan threw Emma a knowing look and she knew to shut up.

  Although I’d felt like I’d already received the best Christmas present there was: a holiday with my family.

  “Allie’s gift is somewhere on the tree. You have to find it, beautiful.” He grabbed my hand and helped me up. I searched through the branches; their fresh needles pricked my skin. The scent intensified, and my hand finally caught on what felt like a velvet box. I pulled the gift out and asked, “This one?”

  “Yes.” Tristan grinned from ear to ear.

  I lifted the lid open to find a beautiful platinum necklace, a bracelet, and a matching pair of earrings. It was simple enough to wear every day, and I appreciated that. I’d never worn jewelry while out in the field, but now that I worked at Cross Enterprises this would really come in handy. Especially since I’d been dying to buy a set for the office.

  “I love it, thank you.” I kissed Tristan.

  “Your turn,” I whispered to Tristan, pulling out an envelope from a bag I’d held onto. There was no way I’d risk a chance of anyone finding out what I’d gotten him, and I’d never been so anxious to see his reaction.

  After all, what do you get a man who already has everything? A surprise he wasn’t expecting.

  He carefully tore the seam of the envelope and pulled out the Christmas card.

  “And it is my wish that you keep it to yourself,” I said to him.

  “Not fair,” Emma whined.

  First were the coupons I’d made. He could use them anywhere and anytime he wanted, no questions asked.

  Tristan’s eyes widened as he flipped through the twenty-page booklet of me offering sex on the spot, blow jobs, mutual masturbation, pure fuck-me-now requests, a few sixty-nines and massages—just so he didn’t think I was a nympho. He adjusted
his pajama bottoms with discretion when he changed his sitting position, and then opened the letter I’d written. I bit my lip, waiting for the reaction, and when the tears began falling and his lips parted I knew he’d come to the part where I’d told him we were having twins.

  And the next thing I knew I was in his arms being kissed with a deep longing of happiness. When he pulled away, he said, “It’s the best Christmas gift ever.”

  “What’s it say?” Emma pointed to the letter.

  “It’s private, but I promise to share the gift with everyone one day.”

  “You’re happy?” I asked.

  “No, I’m so in love with you and Puss” – he winked – “I can’t thank you enough.” He pressed his lips to mine again.

  “Get a room, you two.” Julian interrupted.

  And that was exactly what I intended to do.

  CHAPTER 21

  A few days later, the family was getting ready to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the small town in the valley. Truthfully, I had a feeling everyone wanted and needed a change in scenery. As I reached for my jacket in the closet, Tristan grabbed my wrist and guided me inside, closing the doors behind him.

  “What are you doing?” I asked, acutely aware of how his fingers held onto my hand so provocatively, almost burning my wrist, and how my heart raced as he pinned me between him and the back of the closet.

  “I want to make you come.” His lips grazed my earlobe as his thumb caressed the base of my neck.

  I closed my eyes, feeling my resistance dwindle. “Tristan, someone’s going to hear us.” I tried to squeeze from between him and the wall, but his mere strength was too much for me. And I didn’t really try that hard to leave.

  “Ah, come on. Where’s your sense of adventure?” The soft light from the hallway squeezed through the thin slit between the doors highlighting his smug grin. He wouldn’t let this go. Tristan would have me here, now, yielding to his will. And with that his mouth was on mine, biting my lip and sucking on my skin like a possessed man who hadn’t been kissed for centuries. God, he was so good! Yet I pulled away, trying to stall, or perhaps teasing him on purpose. I wasn’t sure.