The Running Series Box Set: Books 1-3

by DeLaine Roberts

  I heard his laughter as he walked down the hall.

  I’d stepped out of the elevator and turned the corner when I heard my name called. There was the gang. Bethany, Cooper, Zoe, Kaliegh, and Monica were all standing outside my room. We shared a group hug and kisses, everyone talking over the other.

  “Girl, are you ready to get your party on?” Cooper laughed, while elbowing me almost off balance.

  “Hey, I saved a spot for you on my dance card!” I answered, elbowing him back. “If you don’t stop, I’m going to have bruises visible in my new bikini.”

  “Well, at least you’ll have some color! I thought you and Zoe were going to get a spray tan?” He was laughing at me. He encouraged the others, and they laughed with him.

  I whispered to him, “I do have a little bit of permanent color, and I can’t wait to show it to you later!” I winked. He winked back. I’d sent him a text the day I got it, but wouldn’t send him any preview pictures.

  “Girls, please do not encourage him, or he will torment me all week. Regarding my white ass, the bright side is that I won’t have skin cancer or wrinkles and Grayson will never have a problem seeing me in the dark!”

  “I love ya anyway. Girl, this room is huge! Where is Grayson?” Cooper literally dropped all his stuff right inside my door and proceeded to make himself at home.

  “He went to check on something and to see about our dinner reservations. Seems we have some seating miscount that I don’t know about. I gave them all the RSVPs, so I don’t know who decided to show up that I wasn’t aware of. Do you know anything about it?” Of all things, Cooper knew I didn’t like surprises. I was certain he would have my back, but he had failed a couple of times when it came to playing matchmaker between me and Grayson.

  “No, I haven’t heard, but I also haven’t visited with Al or Gretchen yet. We literally just got here. Mark couldn’t make it. He had to cover a shoot last minute, and he sends his best.”

  I pulled out all the treats from the fridge. “Monica, thank you for the champagne and goodies last night. We relished the special delivery so much! I hope I can return the favor. And soon!” I winked at her.

  Cooper shot us both a glance, but he didn’t comment.

  “Glad you appreciated our treats, hope you didn’t do anything that would get you in trouble! As far as news, there’s nothing to tell on that front. You’ll all know when I do!”

  The room exploded in teases and prods. I took Monica aside and informed her she was correct on the waxing, and I should’ve done it a long time ago!

  “I wouldn’t lead my sisterhood astray, especially at a time like this, girlfriend!” We both snickered quietly, enjoying the secret.

  Zoe, Bethany, and Monica hung up their dresses in my room, so they could get ready with me before the wedding. Cooper ran through the checklist of something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and of any last minute items I may have forgotten. There was one.

  “Alex, I can’t believe you forgot the garter!” Zoe exclaimed.

  “I didn’t forget to buy one. Maybe I was saving it for a private time back home,” I hinted coyly.

  “You did not. Just admit it, you forgot it!” Zoe gave me a hard time before reaching into her bag and pulling out a gift. “Here open this. I think this is as an appropriate time as any. Cooper, will you call and order up some more champagne? We have a little celebration to get started!”

  Everyone began to whoop and cattle call, and I knew then that the party was just getting started.

  Opening the package, my hands shook from excitement. It was a garter! Upon examination, not just any garter. A beautiful white lace garter adorned with a silvery blue ribbon woven through it. There was a little heart hanging from it that read, “From this day forward, may you continue to explore and refill each other’s hearts!”

  Aw, it was really romantic. Not only did I score a great guy, but I scored great in-laws as well.

  “It’s beautiful, Zoe, and so special. I’ll cherish this and your brother, forever. Thank you!” A tear found its way down my cheek. We shared a moment, then the champagne arrived and the party jumped up a notch.

  Time flew by as we partied while dressing for the actual cocktail party and dinner. Grayson came to my room to gather me and saw us drinking and having a good time, dancing around to the music. He joined us in the champagne and grabbed some fruit, sharing a few bites of berries and cheese with me.

  “How was the rest of your spa day, angel?” he murmured against my cheek. Then he leaned in and whispered in my ear, “If I’m banned after midnight, then you better meet me at the beach after dinner. I’ll have a boat waiting for us.”

  Oh, how his touch and whispers could make my heart leap and heat stir in me. I just stared into his beautiful eyes that were soaking me up.

  I leaned in to him and whispered back, “Oh, you dirty little boy. I think that can be arranged!” I bounced my flirty lashes at him and he grinned. This was one of those times he had talked about yesterday, needing me to himself.

  We all strolled down to the bar and met up with the rest of the gang to enjoy our night. After a few drinks, Grayson escorted us out to the beach for dinner. We were greeted by Polynesian dancers at a beach-themed luau. They had us sitting on blankets and pillows, very informal and festive.

  Once we sat, I heard some voices behind me. To my surprise, it was Harrison, Drew, Drew’s wife Claire, and Phillip. I was shocked that my boss, his wife, and my CEO had flown to Bora Bora for my wedding.

  I made introductions to the rest of the guests and was just about to sit down when I saw a familiar face in the distance. Tara and Jeff were here?

  I looked at Grayson, and he whispered to me, “If it hadn’t been for Tara, I don’t think you and I would be here right now. I wanted them here and Pops helped make it happen as a surprise.” His eyes were misty. We both knew what he just said was so true.

  “Have I told you today that I love you? You are my best friend, the light of my life.” I touched his face sweetly and then ran to Tara and Jeff to hug them.

  We did a round of introductions again and thanked everyone for making the journey to enjoy this special time with us. We thanked Dad and Gretchen for going to such great lengths to make sure this was a beautiful experience. I knew some would not understand who Tara and Jeff were to us, so I decided to say something special about them.

  “Most of you know that the last few months have been painful for Grayson and me. But some of you may not know the story of how we came to meet Tara and Jeff. Tara participates in a special program at the hospital in Florida that helps victims overcome their experience through a special partnering. Grayson just said to me that we wouldn’t be here right now if it weren’t for her and that’s very true. I thank God she was sent our way to help us navigate through that time in our lives.” I raised my glass to my newest friends. “Tara, Jeff, we believe you were sent to us to help find our way through the experience and keep our life on track.” Then I looked around the gathering of my closest friends and family. “Please, everyone, raise your glasses with us and toast to Tara and Jeff. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Cheers!”

  Tara joined in the toast. Then she stood and ran to me. We shared an especially long hug and a flood of tears. When I turned back to the table, there wasn’t a dry eye. Even the big, burly guys took a swipe. Grayson held on to my waist, keeping my body in contact with his, and it felt so comforting.

  Grayson decided to liven up the party and invited me out to the sand where there was a makeshift dance floor. He was definitely showing off, spinning me around. Of course, he had made a special playlist, and his choices were fantastic.

  When “Free” by the Zac Brown Band came on, he asked others to join us and almost everyone did, but they left us dancing alone to “Tangled Up In You” by Staind.

  After some time, we stood over to the side and watched everyone else, enjoying them being part of our experience. I had my back to Grayson’s chest, wra
pped tight in his arms around me, while he kissed my neck.

  “If you keep that up, boat time is coming quickly!” I teased.

  He coughed and then muttered, “Soon enough, Red, soon enough!”

  I couldn’t see him, but I knew he was smiling.

  The Polynesian dancers put on a show and even tried to teach all the girls a dance after dinner, but it didn’t go so well. Still, it certainly made for good humor.

  The next thing I knew, Zoe shouted out, “Alex, they’re playing our song!” It was “Wobble” by V.I.C., and all the girls jumped up to strut our stuff for a minute while all the guys cackled. The Polynesian dancers joined us, learning the steps, so the DJ played it over and over until we were worn out from laughing.

  The party continued as we enjoyed a fabulous feast, cocktails, and dancing for several hours before Grayson gave me that knowing look. That delicious look made me shiver.

  We said goodnight to our guests, and all of the girls planned to be in my room at midnight to start our bachelorette party. The guys would be waiting on Grayson to meet them at the beach bar for their guy thing. Another version of The Hangover? I hoped not.

  I decided to stay in my sundress and wrap for our moonlight stroll. Grayson had on khaki pants and a white linen shirt and went to his bungalow for his swim trunks. We made our way to the boats, and the same young men were waiting on us. They kept looking at us and back at each other grinning, but they didn’t say anything. The water was calm and the sound of the breaking waves against the beach was a distant hum in my mind.

  Grayson broke the silence. “This time tomorrow, you’ll be Mrs. Grayson Brooks. Did you plan that from the day you met me?”

  “Oh, I planned to conquer you all right, but I wanted your business, not, hmm…that business, but I wanted to work with you.” I was a bit embarrassed because that just sounded slutty. I wanted his business.

  Truthfully, that night after I met him, all I could think about was him. I didn’t know if he was married or attached. I recalled only being totally mesmerized by him and wanting more. It was a connection I’d never known and couldn’t understand. He pushed all the limits I’d set for myself that kept me from getting involved with anyone.

  “So you were a dirty little girl all along, I knew it!” I couldn’t see his eyes for the dark, but I knew by his voice that his eyes had to be twinkling.

  “Well, did you plan this from the day you met me?” I already knew the answer, but I wanted to hear him say it.

  “Yes, I did. From the minute I saw you and touched your hand, I felt like you had sent an electric pulse into my body, waking me up and forever having a hold on me. The light in your beautiful green eyes lit a fire in my heart!” It was the answer I was looking for and then some.

  “I felt it too, you know. I noticed you held my hand and didn’t give it back so quickly. I remember telling Cooper that it was an unexplainable spark of energy. We were meant to be. I love you.”

  “I love you too, and tomorrow I’ll show the world that you’re mine, taking my name to be by my side forever.” His voice was so low it almost a whisper of devotion.

  I turned to him and kissed him. He took my face with both hands and made love to my lips, my mouth. This man could kiss with his full lips, so delicate, so passionate, and so needy all at the same time. We spent over an hour kissing and just holding each other. He finally took us back to the beach where our evening came to an end. He walked me to my room, and I couldn’t hold back my tears.

  “I love you so much, I don’t want to be without you tonight. Don’t go!” I just held on to him. Fear ran through me all of a sudden that if I let him out of my sight, something would happen. “Everything’s been so perfect, if I let you go, something will happen. Forget superstition, bring the guys up here, and let’s all party together!”

  “Are you sure you don’t want to keep with tradition?” he said, winking at me.

  “No, our relationship hasn’t been anything about tradition. Go change your clothes, meet the guys, and come back up here and crash our party!”

  He kissed me and quickly left to do just as I asked. I could tell he sensed my anxiety. I was glad he didn’t put up a fight.

  When I entered my room, all the girls were there with a stack of boxes, champagne, and music. They had totally made themselves at home in my room, and it looked like the festivities had already started.

  I poured a glass of champagne, and before I knew it, I had on a play bridal tiara that said “Tramp in Training,” bore a sash that said “Give Me Wild Sex,” and was in a chair with gifts coming at me.

  Geez, a lingerie party? The prude in me was in dire trouble.

  Little did they know, the guys were crashing the party any minute. I opened the gifts quickly, wanting to put them away before I was embarrassed in male company. It went from tame to risqué in a matter of minutes.

  The first gift was a cream silk Dream Angels Halter Slip and matching thong that was beautifully elegant. I opened another box that held a pair of pink, furry handcuffs. I laughed just thinking they were toys, not the real thing. Tearing into the third box, I found a stick with fringe.

  “Okay? I think. I, hmm,” I stammered, embarrassed a bit.

  “It’s a riding crop,” Bethany yelled out with a slight giggle. She wasn’t the least bit timid.

  “Sure, Sis, you want to clue me in?”

  “It brings great energy to erogenous zones. You both will enjoy it,” she responded in hysterical laughter.

  “I’ll take your word for it.” I mustered a laugh back, but seriously had no clue about such things.

  I reached for the fourth box, a bit skeptical. It was small. I wasn’t sure what to expect. It certainly couldn’t hold much, and I was nervous to open it.

  Zoe and Tara assured me that all of this was in fun and to enjoy it.

  Holy cow. It was a small, white vibrator, called The Wonderland White Wabbit! There were batteries in it already, and the giver had been generous enough to throw in extra batteries in the box.

  OMG, I’d only heard about them in college, but I’d never touched one, much less owned one.

  I stared at the vibrator in my hands until Monica suddenly reached over me and turned it on.

  “Girl, trust me, you’ll love this thing. You both will!” She must have seen the look of panic on my face because she leaned toward my ear and whispered, “Just let yourself go a bit and enjoy the party. I got this as a fun gift, but if you can’t go with it, just toss it. It won’t hurt my feelings. But if you dare to show it to him, I promise you, he’ll take you to paradise with it!” She backed away and nodded.

  I asked her, “Really that good, huh?”

  “Yep!” She giggled.

  The vibrator was still buzzing in my hands when I caught movement out of the corner of my eye. Perfect timing. The guys walked in with me holding a vibrator that was powered on, just my freaking luck! I never heard the room key for the buzzing of the Wabbit!

  It was beyond mortification, me holding a vibrator and the guys just looking at me. Grayson’s eyes were locked on it. Finally, he met my eyes and said, “Oh, baby, hell yes!” He kissed me and then asked, “Who do I thank for that?”

  Monica raised her hand.

  He ran over to her and kissed her, too. “What other treats do you have there, sunshine?” He looked wide-eyed at me, full of excitement.

  I couldn’t say anything. I was so embarrassed. I had to excuse myself and slip out to the bathroom.

  Apparently he grew impatient and came to retrieve me. “Sweetheart, sex toys can be fun to experiment with. Don’t be embarrassed. Keep an open mind about it, and we can have some fun while we’re alone. They’re simply toys. Besides, most women have a vibrator. Come on, this your party. A once-in-a-lifetime event to let loose and have fun.”

  “Sorry, you’re marrying a prude.” I shrugged.

  “It’s for you and for us to have fun. You’ll look back on this and wonder what the anxiety was all about. By the way, wh
at’s in the last box?”

  “No idea, and it’s even smaller. I’m terrified to open it!” My eyes were big, looking for his reassurance.

  “I’ve got your back, just roll with it. Whatever it is, it’s going to be fine, I promise.”

  Sure it was, I thought. My face flushed from embarrassment.

  He sat me down on a chair in his lap and asked me to open the last box. He leaned closer and whispered, “Trust me. I’m sure whatever’s in that box will create a room of laughter, but I can assure you, tomorrow night you’ll be enjoying these things beyond measure. Open it…”

  I opened the box and found a bottle of Spot On G Spot Stimulator. Just like he said, the room erupted in cheers, and everyone had a good laugh. I looked at him and shrugged my shoulders, saying, “In twenty-four hours, you’ll be making good on that promise, or you’ll be sleeping by yourself for embarrassing me!”

  The guys called out, “Uh-oh, it’s the dog house already!” But we all had a good laugh, and my tension eased. I should’ve known that they would pull something, but I wasn’t mentally prepared at that particular time. I had other things on my brain.

  With the couples pairing up for conversation as the night wore on, I realized my stepbrother Kane and his girlfriend Kaliegh had been gone for some time.

  A little while later, they returned and announced, “We’re engaged!”

  “Congratulations, you two!” I climbed out of Grayson’s lap to give them give a hug.

  All the girls wanted to see the ring, and I wanted to hear about the proposal.

  “Kane and I were swaying in a hammock down by the beach, just listening to the sound of the waves crashing against the reef. We talked about how happy you and Grayson were and how you were unafraid to take the big leap.” As Kaliegh told the story, her hands shook with excitement.

  “Who says I’m unafraid?” Grayson quipped as he came up behind me and pulled me in tightly to his chest. I knew he was just kidding.

  “A big wave came crashing into the reef, sending a water spray over us. I jumped to avoid the water and flipped us out of the hammock. We rolled in the sand, laughing. Then Kane got all serious on me. He asked if I was afraid of a little water, and I said of course not. He asked if I was afraid of his love, and I said of course not, how could he ask that? Then he pulled the ring out of his pocket and said, ‘I need to love you forever, will you marry me?’ Of course, I said yes.”