We got to the room and Chris tucked me into my bed. He crawled in next to me and held me while we watched part of a show. I felt my eyes beginning to close and looked up at him.
“Thank you so much for everything,” I said. “I know this wasn't your idea of how the weekend would go. It wasn't mine either. I thought I'd be much stronger than I have been. I am so sorry for dragging you into all this. I promise to make it up to you. I hope you'll cross state lines again with me. It will be nothing like this next time.”
He laughed and hugged me tight.
“I'm going to bed. Why don't you go down and salvage whatever you can of the rest of the night. Find a hottie and hook up. The club is great. You have at least another hour down there. Have some fun for me,” I said.
He kissed my forehead, shut off the light, and pulled my door shut behind him. It felt like my eyes were pulling tightly to close, and I was out in minutes.
Chapter 12
Jackson
It had been well over an hour since she had gone back to her room. I was watching the clock.
We'd been at the club for hours, and Tim was trashed. Normally, I wouldn't have minded cutting loose with him, but that night was different. Tim and I used to party often. We'd get to a club when it opened and be there when it closed. So many years had passed since then. It was obvious he didn't drink much, and I was always too busy with work to go out and get drunk. Sure I drank at social business functions, but it had been years since I had just gone out and gotten wasted.
Tim was already going to have a headache in the morning, and I didn't want it to get any worse. Part of me knew sleep would be better for me than what my mind was doing. I wanted the weekend to be over, so I could go home and get back to real life. If I wasn't going to be standing next to Tim at the wedding, I might have actually gone home to avoid the following day. It was time to call it a night. I couldn't stand it anymore. I had done my job and made sure the groom had a great night, even though all I could think about was his sister. I grabbed Tim by the shoulders.
“It's time to get some sleep man. I promised your wife you'd be on time tomorrow for your wedding. She'll kill me if you walk in looking like this,” I said.
Tim let out a loud laugh. I pulled him to his feet and turned him toward the club exit. My eyes landed on Chris, and I quickly turned Tim back around. Chris was sitting in a booth, but he wasn't alone. I watched for a few moments. He leaned in and was kissing the person next to him. It wasn't Tina. My blood was boiling. I had no idea what I was going to do. If Tim saw what I was seeing, all hell would have broken loose. He'd either kill him or ruin his own wedding. I had no idea how it would go and wasn't about to bail him out of jail. I also wasn't about to explain to Renee why he had been there in the first place.
I knew I had to get both of us out of there without Chris seeing us or Tim seeing him. If Chris saw us, that would give him time to cover his ass with Tina. I wasn't having that shit. My goal was to get Tim to the room and come back to the club to see what Chris was up to. That fucker wasn't getting away with cheating on Tina. I didn't want to upset her before the wedding, but she wasn't going home with him without knowing what kind of man he was.
It made me even more pissed thinking about Tina crying and saying she wasn't good enough. That asshole had been the same one that told her how she deserved the best. One thing he said was true. She was better than him. How could he kiss someone else while she was upstairs asleep in their room? Would he go back and sleep with her? My fists clenched as I watched him kissing another woman. Chris pulled back from the kiss and I verified positively that it wasn't Tina he was kissing. My jaw dropped and my eyes widened. It was a man. What the hell, I thought? Chris was laughing, as he pulled the guy back in for another kiss. He didn't have the tiniest look of remorse on his face. I wanted to knock the shit out of him, but that would have to wait.
I walked Tim around to the other side of the club and made sure to angle him away from the booth Chris was in, as I guided him through the doors and into the hotel. As quickly as I could, I got Tim to my suite and made sure he was safely in bed. Then I darted back to the elevator and pushed the button over and over willing it to move faster. My feet flew me to that club. When I walked in, Chris was nowhere to be found. I looked around the entire place and through the hallways. He was gone.
I went back to my suite and fell into my bed. The more I tried to sleep, the more pissed off I was. I stared up at the ceiling until about eight o'clock. Tim was still knocked out. I couldn't do it anymore and took off out my door wearing the same clothes I had fallen into bed in. What room was she in, I wondered? The receipt, I thought. I pulled it out of my wallet and found the room number. She had to know. I had to see her.
Chapter 13
Tina
I slept all night and woke up while it was still dark out. All I could think about was Jackson and how damn sexy he looked. It was going to be a very long day, and I knew I needed something to help take the stress away. The room was quiet, and I knew Chris was still asleep, if he had even come back.
I reached beneath the sheet and let my hand slide beneath my panties. My mind went to the one place it always did when I pleasured myself. It went to that night on the beach. The very same beach I could have walked out and stood on. The image of Jackson standing above me as he removed his pants and let his cock spring free was so clear. He was muscular and sexy. I knew his body would have been so muscular if I had seen it again. I closed my eyes and let my fingers run over my wet path. I could see Jackson hovering over me with his cock at my entrance. He slid into me inch by inch. Then he thrust in deep, and I moaned into the dark air of my room. It was like I could feel him there with me. I could feel his warm, soft lips on mine claiming me. His tongue fought mine for control. It would feel so damn good to taste him. I remembered his fingers on my clit as he fucked me deep and hard. My other hand moved up my t-shirt and I rolled my nipple through my fingers. My back arched into my touch. I let my fingers below move down and thrust one into my pussy. When I moaned his name, I thought about how good it sounded when he moaned mine. It was one of the only moments he used my real name. What I wouldn't have done in that moment to have Jackson filling me again. I pushed another finger into my pussy and fucked myself hard and deep with them. The closer I got to the edge, the faster I moved. I was right there. It wasn't going to be long. I pinched my nipple hard and hooked my fingers.
“Jackson,” I moaned. “Oh, fuck.”
I continued to move my fingers in and out as I pulsed around them. When my breathing returned to normal, I opened my eyes and felt the tears sting them.
It was hard being in the same city as him again. He looked so much sexier than I remembered. I wanted him just as badly as I had before. If anything, my need for him had only gotten stronger.
I grabbed my tablet and pulled up a book, reading until the light came up. There was a knocking sound coming from the other room. I jumped out of bed and headed for the door. When I looked through the tiny hole, I saw Jackson on the other side. His hair was standing up and his fingers were buried in it. I turned around to see Chris and some guy spread out across the couch. Shit! I hurried over and shook Chris.
“Jackson is at the door,” I whispered when he looked up. “Get that guy in the other room.”
“Fuck,” Chris said, as his eyes shot open.
He jumped up from the couch, woke the guy up and told him to get his ass in the bedroom, and pulled on a pair of sweats. His chest was bare, but that didn't matter to me. The guy he was with stumbled into my bedroom and closed the door. The knock sounded again.
“Tiny,” he called out. “Open the damn door.”
I hurried over and swung the door open. He stomped into the room like a man on a mission. His eyes connected with Chris' and a growl came from deep in his chest. In all of the years I had known him, I had never once seen him such a mess. His clothes were wrinkled and barely hanging on, and his hair looked like he had just gotten out of bed as well.
I couldn't believe the dark circles under his eyes.
“Did you sleep in your clothes, Jackie?” I asked. “Were you wasted? Where the hell is my brother?”
Jackson didn't take his eyes off of Chris. I looked between the two of them. Chris walked over, put his arm around me, and pulled me into his side. Then he leaned down and kissed my forehead.
“Seriously, Jackie,” I said a little worried. “You're a mess. Is Tim okay?”
“He's fine,” he said.
“What's wrong with you?” I asked.
His eyes moved to mine, and he took a deep breath.
“Nothing,” he said.
“What are you doing here?” I asked.
His eyes moved back to Chris. I pulled away and took a step forward.
“Never mind,” Jackson snapped. “Forget it.”
He turned around, flung the door open, and took off into the hallway. I walked out after him. Something was going on, and he was freaking me out. I had never seen him as out of it as he was in my room and couldn't help feeling bad for him.
“Jackie,” I said, but he kept walking.
I picked up speed and was right behind him. I reached out to grab his arm. My fingers landed on hard muscle.
“Jackson,” I yelled.
I jumped when he stopped and turned toward me. My fingers slipped from his arm when my eyes met his. They were dark, and there was so much emotion in them.
“What is going on with you?” I asked.
His hands were on my arms and my back was against the wall in seconds. I felt my breath catch at the quickness of his movements. My skin was on fire where his fingers were connected with me. Little flames were shooting through my body. His mouth was inches from mine. I could feel the warmth of his breath on my face.
“Is that what you want?” he asked.
“What?” I asked confused.
“Him,” he said.
“What about him?” I asked.
“Do you care about him?” he asked.
“Of course I do,” I answered. “What kind of question is that? I would never do anything with someone I didn't care about, Jackson.”
His lips came toward me just as I heard a door and saw Chris out of the corner of my eye.
“Tina,” Chris said.
Jackson pulled back and released my arms.
“Your too good for him, Tiny,” he growled out. “This conversation is not over.”
He took off down the hallway and disappeared into the elevator. I was frozen, staring at the spot he had just been standing in. What in the world was he talking about? Why was he such a mess, I thought? I turned toward Chris and walked back into our room.
“What was that about?” Chris asked.
“I have no idea. He asked if you were what I wanted. He asked if I cared about you. Then he said I was too good for you. Something has him flipping out. Do you have any idea what it could be?”
“No,” Chris said. “I haven't seen him since we got back to the hotel from dinner. Maybe he's feeling guilty about something. Maybe seeing you with me is working on him.”
“It's going to be a long day,” I said with a smile. “I can't believe my brother's getting married. I won't let anything ruin his day.”
Chapter 14
Jackson
I couldn't do it.
She looked so happy snuggled in against his side. How could he cheat on her like that, I wondered? If she were mine, I would never put anyone else above her. Who was I kidding, I thought? I was no better than him. She'd said it herself. I was gone before she woke up. I'd left her. I was just as big of an ass as he was. I had to do it. She didn't understand. I didn't have a choice. If I had stayed, her brother would have found out what I'd done. They all would have known. I would have lost every single one of the people that mattered to me. I'd let my best friend down.
I tried to shake off my feelings before opening the door to my suite. Tim was still out cold in his bed. He needed to get up, eat, shower, and get dressed.
I picked up the phone and ordered room service. There was no way I could eat, but I had to make sure Tim looked good for his woman. Food was the perfect start to that.
He looked so damn comfortable with his face planted into the pillow. How he was breathing, I had no idea. I shook his shoulder, but he didn't budge. Then I pushed and rolled him onto his back. He was definitely a sight. I couldn't help but laugh at the mess of a man in front of me.
“You have to get up,” I yelled from above him. “Renee will kick both of our asses if you're late. I think your mom and sister will be in line behind her. Come on.”
He opened one eye and looked up at me.
“Get your ass up, man,” I said.
He let out a grunt and tried to roll over. I grabbed his legs and pulled him to the edge of the bed.
“Just like old times,” I mumbled.
I helped him to his feet and walked him to the bathroom. Then I turned on the shower and shoved him in.
“Shit, Jackson,” he yelped from under the chilly water. “Give a guy a minute.”
“Leave your clothes in there. I'll get them cleaned and drop them off at your mom and dad's house on my way out tomorrow.”
I heard a bunch of groaning and grumbling as I closed the bathroom door.
Tim's phone chimed from the nightstand in his room. I hurried in to check it. There was a text from Tina. She must not have trusted that I'd make sure he was there.
Tina: Are you up? Just making sure you're going to be there on time. It's your day, big brother. I'll give you that for today only. I can't believe you're really doing this. I'm so glad you two found each other. Hang onto her, Tim. You better treat her right. Don't you ever hurt her. That shit stays with a girl forever. I love you.
I read her message twice before sending one back.
Tim: I pulled him out of bed ten minutes ago and threw him dressed into a cold shower. Food will be here any minute. He'll be there on time. I wouldn't let him ruin his wedding. Have some faith in me.
Tina: That's the funniest thing I've heard all day. Thanks for getting him up.
I couldn't help myself. I had to get her number and quickly programmed it into my phone before setting his back on the nightstand.
By the time he was finished, the food had arrived.
He piled his plate high. Tim was the only guy I knew that ate that much with a hangover. There was no way I was eating at all.
We got dressed in record time. Tim wore a very nice black suit. I brought my closest match to his. He had a white dress shirt and I had a pink one. Bridget was wearing a dress that matched my shirt. I did my best to coordinate with what they needed. My hair was wet but had the perfect, messy look going. I knew how Tina felt about my hair when we were younger, so it was looking amazing. She was an ass man. I'd known that forever. There was no missing her watching my ass when we were younger either. My suits always fit my ass like a glove. I was looking pretty damn good.
I put my arm around Tim's shoulder and laughed, as we both looked into the mirror. We used to do it anytime we went out when we were in high school.
“You ready to sign your life away?” I asked.
“Couldn't be more ready,” he said.
“I'm seriously happy for you two,” I said, as I handed him an envelope. “Open this with Renee whenever you want today. We've got a wedding to be at. I love you, man.”
We did our bro hug and headed for my car. I threw him my keys, and he got in with the biggest smile on his face.
I needed to find someone I felt about the way Tim did for Renee. Someone I wanted to go home to every day. A reason not to work so much. It wasn't in the cards for me. I'd never have what I wanted. I'd never find anyone. I didn't want to.
Chapter 15
Jackson
I took my place next to Tim at the front of the church. He had the biggest smile on his face.
When Tina walked down the aisle with her partner, I couldn't stop smiling. He was keeping his distance. His eyes w
ere on mine. She yanked his arm and pulled him closer.
It was the second time in two days I had seen her in a dress. Her long legs looked so damn sexy. The dress was pink as well. It wasn't the same shade as Bridget's, and it wasn't as extravagant. She had gotten something simple that didn't take away from her beauty. It was absolutely perfect. She didn't need those things. Her hair was long with a wave curled in, and her makeup was light. If I picked her up and swung her around, he dress would have flowed out from her body. Just looking at her did things to my cock.
She took her place next to Bridget. Her brother looked over at her and smiled. She smiled back, and I could see her lips tremble. She looked over at me and saw me watching her. I looked out to see Chris looking down at his phone. My eyes traveled back to her. She did everything she could to avoid looking at me. Our eyes connected for just a moment, and I smiled at her. Not one time did Chris look up to see how beautiful she looked. I just didn't understand him. Why was he even with her? Maybe because she paid for everything. I bet she even had to pay for his flight, I thought. I watched her through the entire wedding. The love she had for her brother was written all over her face. She was happy for him.
As soon as the wedding was over, she was right there with Chris. They laughed and joked as they waited for the photographer to take the pictures. He was attentive to her, and she seemed so happy. They were close. You could tell. I just couldn't figure them out.
Chapter 16
Tina
“I can't believe you're really married,” I said with a smile.
I was so happy for them. They were so in love. Why couldn't I find that, I wondered?
In Love with My Brother's Best Friend: Complete Box Set Page 8