“Yeah, sucks to wait on something you really want, doesn’t it?”
She tried to pull away some when she realized I’d been messing with her, but I wouldn’t allow it. “You’re a jerk.”
“And you love me for it.”
Penny’s hands ran up the back of my neck into my hair. “Completely.”
There was no other reason to wait. I kissed her. She kissed back and it was the best moment in my life thus far within ten seconds of our lips touching, moving, and gliding together like we’d been doing it thousands of times before. I had never waited four minutes for a kiss if I really wanted one, but the four month hiatus she put me on changed everything. I felt her lips smile against mine. I let her have that little pause, but I was going back for more. This second approach found us more eager, more aggressive and much more sure of ourselves.
I knew how to kiss a woman, but she knew exactly how to give it back despite all that talk about her fears and inexperience. I couldn’t get close enough. I’d lost my jacket after the ceremony but I was still dressed up. I should’ve loosened the tie, but I couldn’t let go of her. Penny’s bridesmaid dress gave me more access to her skin than she had to mine. Once my left hand joined my right on her neck, we had bridged the gap from sweet, tender first kisses to fiery passionate, I will consume you kissing.
I was fully engulfed. There was no maybe about getting turned on. I was there as soon as I felt her tongue slip across my wet lips. There was one flicker of knowledge we had a reception dinner to get back to; I’d just about forgotten everything in the universe but Penny. My mouth traveled across her jaw and down her neck. She was starting to sway a little. Should I pick her up and walk us somewhere we could sit down?
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. “Penny? Are you out here?”
Penny jumped away from me. “Wait.” She tried to straighten her dress. It wasn’t like I took off anything, but that would have been awesome.
I heard Lydia laughing. “What are you guys doing hiding in the dark?”
I started to open my mouth with a smartass reply, but Penny clamped her hand over my mouth. “I’ll be right there.”
“Well, you better hurry. Mags changed into her reception dress and she’s ready for your dance any minute. She sent me after you and said I better drag your ass back that you and Chet could finish up later.”
I pried Penny’s hand away, “Thanks so much, Lydia. We really appreciate that. Always a pleasure hearing from you.” My voice was dripping with sarcasm.
“I’m sure it is, Chet,” her tone mimicked mine.
Penny said she’d be right there one more time. We heard footsteps walking away. I’m sure Lydia thought Penny followed her. She tried but I wouldn’t let her go quite yet.
“I have to go. Maggie will throttle me if I screw up her moment.”
“Well, if she perfectly choregraphed a sister dance, I tend to believe she won’t start without you, the other sister. I need a minute longer.” I took her hands and held them together with mine. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, of course I’m okay.”
“Anything else? You feeling anxious or afraid?”
“No, well, I was afraid of disappointing you, but I guess those fears dissipated after we got started.”
“Disappointing? Are you nuts? That was the best kiss of my life, babe. You mean everything to me. I love you so much.”
I leaned in and gave her another quick kiss. She hugged me tight. She mumbled she loved me too against my shirt. I knew she didn’t believe me. She still had insecurities about my previous love life. I made her look at me.
“I mean what I said. Your kisses are like candy and you know I’ve got a sweet tooth. We’re going to have so much fun in the very near future, like tonight.” I tickled her ribs. She swatted me away.
“Slow down, mister. I’m all for kissing from here on out, but it was only our first kiss. I told you we had to go slow.”
“So you think we’re still going slow?”
“Yes.”
“After that kiss? Sure, we are. Whatever you say.”
She told me she couldn’t waste anymore time with me. I grabbed her for another mind blowing kiss. “You want to rephrase that we’re wasting time.”
Penny reached for my hand to pull me along. She said ‘wasting’ was a poor word choice.
“I’m going to need a few minutes, but I’ll be there when your dance starts.”
“A few minutes?” She cocked her head in a questioning manner.
“Yeah, a few,” my voice was a bit strained.
“You’ve still got a little issue, huh?”
“Hey, what you calling little?”
She covered her mouth and giggled. “Okay, but as soon as you hear the theme from Pearl Harbor, you better be there for moral support.”
“Wait, I don’t know that theme.”
“Are you sure you’re in the industry?”
“I think I’m sure.”
“It’s Faith Hill, ‘That’s Where You’ll Be.’“
“Isn’t that a love song?”
“Normally, but it’s our sister song. It fits. Maggie wouldn’t settle on anything else.”
I needed one more kiss, so I leaned in again. Penny didn’t let me get carried away that time. “I’m so excited I can kiss you anytime I want to now.”
“Hey, that’s from a movie too.”
“Which one?”
She shook her head at me like I was hopeless when it came to chick flicks. I watched her walk off without answering. I was clueless about all these movie references, but I thought it was good to know that I would be kissing her as much as possible all night and from here on out.
I made it back to the reception just as Maggie took the mic. She and Penny were holding hands in the middle of the dance floor. “I wanted to take this opportunity to tell everyone that this day wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for this beautiful lady standing next to me. Not only is she my sister, but she’s also my protector, my role model and my best friend.”
Penny shook her head, but squeezed Maggie’s hand tighter. I could see a flush of color rush to her cheeks. She didn’t like to be the center of attention, but she loved her sister so much.
“No, it’s totally true, Poppy. If you hadn’t had your life together way before I knew how to function as an adult, I would’ve never moved to the city and I never would have met my gorgeous perfect husband.” Maggie was long winded as usual. She said they wanted to dedicate this sister dance to their parents because of all the love and support they’d given them over the years. “Okay, forgive us if we’re a little rusty, but we’ll do our best.”
Keats stepped in behind me. “This is going to be epic.”
“You saw them rehearse?”
“Hell no, man. This was a heavily guarded secret. I just know my girl. She doesn’t do anything halfway and neither does her sister if you hadn’t noticed.”
I had.
The instrumental part at the beginning started up. Someone had placed two chairs spaced apart in the background. I noticed they both had on shiny pink ballet slippers. I guess they were going all out. Each of them held up one arm and moved in fluid motions to the music. Those beautiful ladies transfixed me from the first second.
Keats whispered one more tidbit, “Mags said it’s like riding a bike.” He nudged me in my shoulder blade, “Dancers are flexible too.”
I briefly took my eyes off Penny to smirk at Keats, “Good to know.”
From that point on, Maggie and Penny captivated the entire congregation of guests as well as any resort staff in the vicinity. Frank looked proud as hell. Kate dabbed her eyes with a tissue. They glided all over the dance floor, back and forth and all around. They were completely in sync. I had a hard time wrapping my mind around the fact they practiced in Penny’s small living room. Not only that, neither of them had danced with a team in close to a decade. I knew I was partial because of my feelings for Penny, but this was one of the most be
autiful displays of artistic impression I’d ever seen.
During the bridge, they both used the chairs as props, never missing a beat or ever hinting at losing their focus. Their final crescendo of the dance had them both running from opposite corners with an impressive jump. Then they came together in the middle with a sweet embrace. Maggie was holding onto Penny and I saw them both say they loved each other. The guests, seriously, all went nuts, including me. I caught her eye. I couldn’t wait to tell her up close I was so proud of her, but they had a close moment with their parents as soon as it ended.
The rest of the night was epic. The food came soon after the sister dance. I couldn’t keep my hands, lips or thoughts off Penny. At first, she was shy. She pointed out all the people with cellphones. She was crazy if she thought I cared anymore.
I’d already danced with all the other have-to’s of the night, like Kate, Lydia, Shar and Keats’s very peculiar mother. Maggie was the star of the show, definitely in her realm. It took awhile for her to free herself, but she finally stole me for a dance as well. Maggie was sassy and bossy like normal while we danced.
“You know you’re my favorite for Poppy, but tonight we need to get a few things straight.” I told her to keep going. I wanted to know what she meant by that. “I thought you were exactly what she needed to get over her slump of being forever alone. I had no idea all this would transpire.” Maggie waved her hand over me. “Look, I get it. I know who you are. You’re bloody well one of the most famous men in the limelight right now. Penny’s not exactly cut out for your world. You better damn well protect her. I might like you, but if you hurt her, I will finish you.”
I made an alarmed expression. I was pretty sure Maggie threatened to kill me and I kinda thought she meant it.
“I mean it, Chet. Protect her at all cost. Penny’s not strong.”
“That’s not true, but protecting her is top priority.”
“No, she’s brave, but she’s not strong enough to get hurt again. Unless, you want to be de-nutted, never forget what I told you.”
I promised Maggie she could trust me. Her whole family could trust me, I would never let Penny down or intentionally hurt her. I was happy when Keats pulled her away as soon as the song ended. I thought the dance with Maggie would be fun and light-hearted, but it turned out to be the most serious moment of the evening.
Penny and I shared all our dances the last songs of the night. I was happy to have only her in my arms for the rest of the evening. She finally brought up my obvious comfort regarding showing affection with her.
“I thought you didn’t like pieces of your private life out there in the open for the whole world to see.”
Why hide? Of course, I’d never be one of those over-sharers or attention seeking celebs. I was a household name, but now I was also Penny’s serious boyfriend or vice versa and there wasn’t anything wrong with that.
Penny mentioned she thought her feet were about to revolt. She said they’d gone numb. Maggie and Keats cut the cake recently, but we hadn’t gotten a piece yet. I made us a plate piled high with two slices of our favorite champagne cake. It was kind of our thing since we probably got together because of it. I had no idea at the time a bite of cake would change my entire life. I just wanted the woman to go out with me and now I never wanted to spend a day without her.
We were both hitting the champagne regularly between dances. I felt great, but noticed she was getting a bit louder and more affectionate with each glass. She also giggled for no apparent reason. Obviously, she was a lightweight, but I already knew that. Tipsy Penny was my fave and I enjoyed every second of her antics.
Pretty soon, the entire party wound down. Maggie and Keats had already turned in for the evening to the honeymoon suite. Penny leaned in to whisper in my ear, she needed to say a few goodbyes, but we could leave as soon as she was done.
The whole time we strolled the paths of the resort to head to our rooms, Penny stumbled and stopped. Then she’d laugh and start up again. I did my best to hold her up at that point. However, I carried my jacket and tie over one arm and Penny gave me one of her many shoes to carry.
“How the hell did you end up with three pairs of shoes when you were barefoot most of the night?” She still was.
“Duh, I think that’s obvious. You didn’t expect me to suffer all night in those heels I wore during the ceremony, did you? I needed my slippers for the dance and Maggie gave the bridesmaids these special wedding flip flops.” She reached behind me to paddle my butt with one of her flip flops.
We arrived at my door, Penny dropped her shoes. I searched my jacket pocket for my key card. She wasn’t helping with her grabby hands all over me. I finally managed to unlock the door. Instead of going inside, I backed her against the wall next to the door and held her hands over her head. “You better watch those hands, you might grab hold of something you’re not quite ready for.”
Penny captured my mouth with hers. When she pulled back, I was at a loss for words. She had plenty of unlikely things to say. “Who says I’m not ready?” Well, shit. She did, actually, only a few hours before. I tried to stutter out a reply, but she asked another question in her sexy voice. “Aren’t you going to invite me in for a drink?”
A drink? I think she had already consumed her limit. “A drink of water, maybe.”
“Okay, that sounds hot.” She attacked me again. I attempted to pull her in the door when a throat cleared behind us.
Penny looked around me, “Oh, hi, Mum . . . Daddy. Off to bed?”
I had no choice but to turn around and face Penny’s parents. How the hell was I not aware they were staying across the hall from me? She wiggled out of my arms so she could give them both a hug and kiss on the cheek. Kate said goodnight to me, but Frank only stared. He had this look, I like you but I’ll kill you just the same.
“You seem tired, little girl. Long day and we have brunch in the morning.” That was her father’s response. He was good, I’d give him that. I can’t believe he called her ‘little girl’ in front of me.
“Oh yeah, I’m turning in soon, but Chet invited me in for a drink.”
His face twisted like I disgusted him. Fuck me. Frank probably carried a concealed handgun. “A drink?”
I stumbled over my words like a nervous sixteen-year-old picking up his date in his mom’s minivan. “Water, I meant water. I wanted Penny to stay hydrated. Sometimes champagne gives me a headache the next day. We were just going to have a bottle of water and then I’m taking her to bed.” Penny started giggling uncontrollably next to me. I quickly corrected myself, “I mean her bed, not my bed. More like I’m walking her to her room, then I’m coming back here to mine.” I pointed behind me, “right here.”
Frank didn’t budge. I knew it looked bad like I was taking advantage of his buzzed daughter which they all knew had been in a delicate way about relationships for a long time now. He kept giving me the stink eye. Kate couldn’t care less, she left the rest of us in the hall after announcing she had to get to bed.
“Don’t you have water in your own room?”
“Yeah, Dad’s right, Chet. Why can’t I have water in my room? Do you think your water’s better than mine because you’re so famous?”
“What? No, of course not. She’s joking. Sure, let me put my coat inside.” I hurled my jacket, listened to it hit the floor, slammed the door and walked her down the hallway away from her father. I had this feeling we were being watched the entire way. I never heard the door shut to Frank and Kate’s room.
Penny fumbled with her tiny bag to locate her key. I took it from her and did the honors. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Frank’s shoe sticking out into the hall. He was still watching.
I whispered, “You knew they were next to me, didn’t you?” She laughed and nodded her head. “That was awkward as fuck and he’s still watching.”
Penny tried to look around me but I wouldn’t let her. “Oh that’s absurd, I’m almost 26 years old. I’m going to say something.”
>
I pushed her inside. I didn’t want her to do that. I was already embarrassed enough. Penny launched herself into my arms. “Kiss me goodnight, Chet and make it a good one.”
I thought they’d all been good. I gave her my best effort and soon she was moaning into my mouth and trying to hike one leg against my thigh. I had to stop her right there.
“Okay, that’s enough kissing for tonight.” Who the hell was I? I’d probably never said such a thing in my entire life. “Your dad is no doubt watching and waiting for me to leave. He thinks you’re drunk.”
“I am drunk,” she slurred.
“I know and it looks bad. Frank liked me up until this point. I have a feeling your entire family is way over-protective of you and I’d like to keep all my items intact. We might need them at a later date. Goodnight, beautiful. I love you and I’ll see you in the morning.”
She had one more request that almost killed me. “Night, but will you unzip me first?”
I found the zipper hidden inside the fabric of her dress and slowly pulled it down so I didn’t snag it on anything. There was one strip of light pink fabric across her back. Who knew seeing her bra from behind would have such an effect on me. I needed to get the hell out of there and fast. I left the next second almost expecting to run into Penny’s father, but I didn’t seem him. I inserted my key into the slot that unlocked my door. One other sound echoed in my ears. The door to Frank and Kate’s room made a click as it shut all the way. First time being put to the test by the dad and I was pretty confident I passed.
“You are an idiot,” I pointed to my reflection in the large mirror behind the vanity. My head. I looked almost as bad as I felt. I never drank that much, especially champagne. It’s so deceiving. It feels light and bubbly in the beginning, barely like I’m even consuming alcohol and then bam, the hammer falls.
It was imperative I started the de-tangling process before stepping into the shower. My hair masqueraded as a separate living entity at times. It was completely out of control, probably from all the dancing, head shaking and crazy sleeping. I thought of one more reason it might be a little wilder than normal. Chet. I totally made out with him, several times. Some things are clear, but other things are fuzzy. I was too aggressive. I noticed my dress tossed over the back of a chair. Memories of Chet taking that off flooded my memory, but then everything else until Mum texted this morning was a blur. Hopefully, Chet was a little buzzed as well and doesn’t remember. We drank most our champagne together.
The Price of Penny Page 26