Fool For You

by Megan Noelle

  After contemplating for a minute, he held up a single finger. “On one condition.”

  “Name it.” I let my fingers trail down the middle of his chest, over the ripples of his abdomen.

  “You let me in on the ordering. There’s no way in hell I’m paying half if you order the entire warehouse, and only one bottle gets drunk.”

  “Deal.” I extended my hand which wasn’t the easiest since we were so close. Corey rolled his eyes; with a devilish grin, leaned his head down and placed a sultry kiss at the nape of my neck. It was my turn for the body shuddering response. When he pulled away, the grin was still in place; I wanted nothing more than to push him back into the vacant room.

  He let out a sigh, stepping away from me. “What have I just gotten myself into?” All I could do was smile.

  Expectations

  Corey followed, as I returned to my office to grab my wedding planning binder from a bookshelf. Before walking in to meet the happy couple, I looked at the small file the inn made for them. Their names and ages: Emily Kinds 22, and Benjamin Brown 24. They wanted to wed in a couple months. I let out a sigh without meaning too. What was it with couples rushing into things? Hell—those two were there because they wanted to make their relationship a permanent and ‘forever’ thing; if you wanted forever why make it start when you’re still so young?

  “What’s wrong?” Corey stood, leaning against the doorjamb; his eyes watched me carefully as I sifted through the files.

  “I don’t understand why people rush into things these days.”

  He smiled at me. “What?” I snapped; unable to hold in my irritation.

  “You do realize it only took a few hours for us to take the next step.”

  “Oh jeez, that’s different—that was sex. This is marriage, a lifelong commitment of promising yourself to another.” Corey shrugged; not understanding my aversion to the concept.

  “What’s so wrong with a couple in love, wanting to hurry into the next step, if that’s what they know they want?”

  Before responding I took a minute to stare; giving him the opportunity to say he was only kidding. What kind of guy believed in the idea of marriage—especially one like Corey—one that saw no problem in random, casual sex? I expected the subject of a binding marital contract to be considered taboo to a modern man like him.

  After I was tired of waiting, I asked. “Seriously?”

  “Yeah, why?”

  “Oh come on, Corey. You can’t believe that couples will actually last forever. People get all blissed out and feel they need a piece of paper to prove the way they feel to the world. Then when it fails—because it always does— they go through hell to simply rip up that paper. They pay excessive amounts of money for a wedding, only so friends and family can eat their food and get blitzed out of their mind. How is that love?” The words came out with a bite and I couldn’t help but wonder where it was all coming from. I knew what happened with Vince had truly stung me, but maybe I’d never realized just how badly.

  With the binder in hand I moved to leave the office, but Corey threw his arm out to trap me. “You don’t believe in marriage?” His expression reeked with doubt at my words.

  “No, I don’t.” My answer came without hesitation.

  “Yet, you are a wedding planner?”

  “I’m an event planner; I am also very good at my job and know how to get things done.” The confidence I felt in this department of my life was shiningly intact.

  Corey smiled and placed his hands on my shoulders. “You are one strange woman, Danielle Hamilton.”

  “Thank you.” Pushing past him I let out a smile, on my way to meet the clients.

  * * * *

  Corey trailed close behind as we made our way to the banquet hall. Emily and Ben were the only two in the room and stood as they saw us enter. Emily’s heart shaped face was filled with a bright, white smile, her brown eyes looked to have stars in them. She wore her wavy brown and red colored hair in a French braid to her shoulders, that looked beautiful next to her yellow sundress. Ben reminded me of a typical high school jock; his attitude came off that he knew he was ‘the shit’ and had the ‘killer smile’ to seal whatever deal came along.

  “Sorry to keep you waiting. I’m Danielle, the new owner and this is my business associate Corey.”

  “It is wonderful to meet you!” Emily squealed out; I sighed internally, this was going to be a long couple of hours.

  After the introductions, I wasted no time jumping right into what it was they wanted. Emily was clearly running the show, which was no surprise to me. The ceremony was to be held at a church, with a simple and elegant motif. Once the wedding entered the reception stage, we offered up our normal dining room as a place where cocktail hour would be held. During that time, the prep for a steak or chicken course would commence, while hors d’oeuvres were being passed around. For the decorations the theme was to remain romantic and whimsical; with whites, pinks and soft twinkle lights encasing the room. We also planned to have another meeting in a month to finalize everything I’d have ready for them at that point.

  I scribbled down every little thing the two of them mentioned; even if it didn’t exactly make sense. All the while, Corey sat with an amused expression on his face—taking it all in. Typically, he sat with his arm draped behind the back of my chair. Other times though, he would sit forward, take the pen from my hand, scribbling down a note of his own in my notebook. Sometimes his comments impressed me, when he caught something I’d missed, other times they were nothing but nonsense. Keeping a straight face when he wrote down, your perfume is intoxicating, was not an easy feat. Each time I would slowly turn my attention away from the happy couple, giving him my best—you’re unbelievable—face. Corey would respond with either a shrug of his shoulders, a wink or just a simple smile.

  When we began the portion of the conversation about the drinks, Corey’s attention became focused. So concentrated in fact, that he slid my notepad in front of him, and took the pen from my hands to start making his own reminders.

  Ben and Emily wanted to pay for the first $2000 worth of drinks for friends and family. Anything beyond that would become a cash bar; meaning the individual buying beverages would have to pay for it themselves. Emily mentioned her family would prefer wine over the bar idea; while Benjamin knew his family wouldn’t touch wine. Unless of course, it was made into a jello shot, as Ben pointed out. This brought a snort from Corey and produced an angry glare from Emily directed at her doting fiancé. My promise to provide enough of what both families required seemed to give her hope again.

  “Well, I say we have all we need for today. I am confident that we will provide everything you hope for on your special day,” I said with a smile. “Now, I think we need to toast this moment, as the beginning of the new chapter in your lives.” One of the passing waiters came to the table as I waved for his attention.

  “Could you please bring out four mimosas?” The waiter nodded and with a smile, he left.

  In just a few minutes he returned with our drinks on a silver tray; setting one down gently in front of each of us. I raised my flute slightly with a grin.

  “A toast to the future Mr. and Mrs. Brown, and to a lifetime of happiness to you both.” Corey was the first to say ‘cheers,’ as we followed; clinking our glasses together.

  We settled back into our seats to enjoy the rest of our drinks. Corey’s arm behind my chair shifted ever so slightly, so his thumb was tracing lazy circles against my shoulder blade. The feeling and heat coming from the movement had my body shivering at his touch. With my ex-boyfriend Vince, I couldn’t recall a time I ever responded that way to just a slight graze of his finger. Yet, with Corey I could hardly control my reaction, no matter how desperately I tried. In the midst of focusing on the path his thumb took against my skin, I couldn’t help but notice Emily’s face brighten at the simple action; I tried hiding my confusion, since both men missed the exchange and were otherwise engaged in sports talk.

  �
�Now I know why your Grandmother put you in charge of this place.” Emily blurted out.

  My face broke into a polite smile; whatever reason they heard about why I was in charge, was probably a cover-up for the real story. I just didn’t want to dig deeper into the whole—my mother is a drug addict thing—so I grinned and thanked her.

  “My mom and dad’s wedding was planned by your Grandmother and she did such a lovely job.” Emily continued.

  “Yes, she has a knack for making everything she touches beautiful.” The urge to check the watch on Ben’s wrist for the time was overwhelming. The business aspect of this meeting was over, and now I was ready to mentally check myself out from the rest of the conversation. Though, Emily’s expression told me I had no chance of an early departure.

  “We have all loved attending every wedding held here. It is especially meaningful to have a wedding planned by a couple living in a successful relationship.” Emily paused to take a sip of her mimosa. “I mean, my parents had the beautiful inspiration of your grandparents during their wedding. Now, Benny and I will have our wedding arranged by another couple, as deeply in love as the two of us.”

  Unfortunately, I had chosen that moment to take another sip of my drink; causing the liquid to go down the wrong pipe, creating an intense coughing fit. Corey’s amusement was far from hidden, as he began patting my back; the frustration on my face as he egged her on made his grin widen.

  “Sorry about that, my Sweets here gets a little too excited sometimes,” Corey said, as Emily stared at us with concern at my episode. Ben bit back the laughter rising—how Corey managed to keep a straight face was beyond me.

  “We’re not together.” I choked out as soon as I could properly breathe again.

  “Not officially, you know, engaged like the two of you.” Corey butted in, letting his hand rest against the back of my neck. My traitorous body heated under the touch, apparently not understanding that we were supposed to be mad at him for insinuating a relationship. “We’re just waiting for the right time to embark on the next phase of our wonderful lives together.”

  Emily placed her hands over her heart and sighed.

  It took everything in me not to roll my eyes; Emily was a sappy romantic while I had become the complete opposite. Oh joy—this was going to be a fun wedding to plan with her. “It is just so wonderful to see that this place has such an amazing karma surrounding it. I mean of course there is your grandparents and my parents, but then I see the two of you.” Pause for another sigh. “I am finally able to witness the real magic this place holds; that has obviously cast a spell over you lovers.”

  My fake smile was slowly losing steam; I hoped they didn’t expect me to sit around and deal with this crap much longer. Corey placed a kiss on my temple and flashed her a grin bringing out that adorable dimple, while he thanked her. Ben snickered at his fiancée’s hopelessly foolish—in my opinion—reaction but caught a glance at the watch on his wrist and snapped out of it.

  “Shit Em, we need to get to the cake tasting!” Emily shot her eyes up to the large wall clock hanging above the entrance.

  “Oh no! We’re going to be late, Benny!” Panic set in and I couldn’t be more pleased; we were just about free from the talk of weddings, marriage and worst of all—love.

  Corey and I helped them gather their stuff, then proceeded to walk them out to their car. We stood on the Inn’s front porch, waving as they drove away. For effect, Corey threw his arm around my waist and I could practically hear Emily’s foolish heart flutter. When the happy couple was out of sight I turned to Corey, and with as much strength as I could muster up—socked him in the arm.

  Of course the plan of hurting him failed, since his entire body—especially his arms—were nothing but hard muscle. He didn’t hold back his laugh as I stomped off to my office. Unfortunately, he took it upon himself to follow me as his laughter persisted. Once the door shut, I made sure to poke my finger into his chest with as much anger as I could.

  “You can leave now!” I scowled.

  Corey plopped himself down in the same chair as earlier; unaffected by my flustered attitude. “You don’t really want me to leave do you?”

  My arms crossed to make my point. “That’s exactly what I want. Don’t call for a while either; I am so mad at you.”

  “Oh come on; you are not mad at me.” Corey’s face transformed into his best attempt at the sweet and innocent appearance; pouty lips, and puppy dog eyes —which unluckily were working to soften my mood. Not that I was going to let him see that.

  “You’re right, I’m not mad; I’m pissed. Now leave.” I retained my harsh tone and turned my back to him. Better not to see his all-too temptingly sweet face and ultimately, cave in.

  The plan had great potential, except it failed horribly when Corey’s arms wound around my waist from behind. Before I could even attempt to fight back, I was pulled against his firm chest, while his lips brushed my ear.

  “You’re not mad at me, Dani, are you?” The low, husky tone sent a chill down my spine.

  “Mhmm.” I mumbled with a nod; trying my hardest to keep my head on straight. My body, on the other hand, was responding differently than I wanted. Letting my figure melt into his, was probably the worst decision I could have made—or best I suppose—depending on who you asked.

  “Do you really want me to leave?” Arms wrapped tighter around my middle; lips moved down my neck. My knees would have buckled if Corey hadn’t been holding me. I sensed my inhibitions drifting away and in a matter of seconds, I forgot everything else. All good intentions to kick him out of my office vanished and were replaced by a lust driven version of myself; ready for round two. Corey placed a couple solitary kisses against the base of my neck. Even the simplicity of it was body-trembling good; my head fell back against his shoulder. Corey turned me around in his arms so we were face-to-face; our eyes held the others as our lips met in a heated kiss. Seconds later my mouth opened for his tongue which stroked mine in a tantalizing dance.

  I didn’t remember saying a thing but I heard my desperate-breathy whimper: “Lock the door.”

  It seemed as though one minute I was irritated at him and the next, I was sitting on my desk; Corey standing between my legs. My fingers managed to get off his belt and yank his zipper down as fast as possible. He produced another condom and this time I took on the task. I worked leisurely sliding the protection into place; allowing myself to apply enough pressure that brought out a sexy growl from the back of Corey’s throat. Our eyes had yet to stray from one another, even as we slowly stripped each other. His skillfully, fervent hands grabbed hold of my thighs; pulling me towards the edge of the desk. Painfully slow, Corey linked his fingers into the waistband of my panties and pulled them down my legs until they dropped at my feet. Our eyes remained trained on the fabric gliding along my body and then to the floor. When my eyes met his, the steam and passion that stared back at me, nearly sent me over the edge. In the next moment, I felt him buried deep inside me. Sensation blazed between us, as we dropped eye contact for the first time. Corey started to move leisurely at first, making my insides clench at the delicious friction. His fingers gripped down deeper into my thighs as he rocked into me.

  The drawn-out movements were driving me wild, making my body scream for more. I need this man to take me over the edge into a world that I had only experienced with him. My fingers laced together behind his neck and pulled him down to my lips; craving his taste. The kiss heightened all other senses as he finally began moving at a more rapid pace. His lips left mine as they explored my neck and ear. A soft moan escaped as his caressing hands and mouth caused me to shake with pleasure. My head rolled back; I arched my body prompting him to thrust faster and harder. Soft groans escaped him as our bodies reached the climax.

  His name grazed against my lips as we were sent over the edge together. My arms wrapped securely around his shoulders, while his mouth covered my moans of ecstasy. It took a few minutes to come down from the out-ofthis-world orgasm, su
rging between us, but eventually we untangled ourselves. I was in the middle of straightening my desk when Corey seized my hand and turned me around to see him. His lips pressed against mine; an electric current sparked between our touch. Twisting, my sated body into knots.

  Corey brushed a strand of hair off my face, shaking his head in what seemed to be amazement. “Jesus Christ, Danielle.” He whispered. “I already can’t get enough of you.”

  A schoolgirl giggle sprung out as he beamed with a soft, satisfied expression. * * * *

  After Corey left, I returned to my work. At various times throughout the day I caught myself with a goofy grin on my face. Whether it was because of my multiple Corey-induced orgasms or for some other reason—I couldn’t fight it. Truthfully, I was even enjoying reviewing my notes for Emily and Benjamin’s upcoming wedding. For lunch I stopped in the dining room and enjoyed one of the specials whipped up by our impeccable kitchen staff. Bailey popped her head in numerous times as the day progressed to check on me.

  After first couple of intrusions, I admit, I was slightly irritated and offended at the gesture. Then I remembered for the past few years she was an assistant to my meth-head mother. Double checking everything with her was an unfortunate necessity and explained further why I was needed. My mother did nothing to draw in new clientele or manage the people already there. Bailey was pulling doubles on a regular basis but the work had still piled up.

  All that was going to change now with me in charge—I was good at what I did. Personal ties to business aside; I still knew how to make that establishment thrive. My first plan of action was to spend the week evaluating the Inn and how it ran, without interference from me. Next week would start the beginning of my New York style meticulous methods that would turn this business around for the better. Then I could return to the life I’d made and get the hell out of this place.