Tumblina: Damn you must give great head
Bryer: You did NOT just say that.
Tumblina: I most certainly did, just call me when you get home.
“Hey, baby, do you want anything?”
The private flight attendant stands waiting for my answer.
“Water, please.”
“Make it two, then lunch later.” He barely notices her mooning. I’m not a fool I understand why she would, although I was hoping this big rock shining on my finger may deter them.
It doesn’t.
“So.” Reaching for my hand.
“You have all of my attention.” Turning to meet him eye-to-eye.
“I know who you’re picking as your maid of honor, I assume you know who I’m choosing as my best man.”
Raising a brow, subliminally sending me his concern. “Ahh I see the problem,” I say.
“Why don’t we invite them to dinner, and the four of us can lay down some ground rules?”
“Behavior boundaries?” I chuckle. This should be interesting, like catching a greased pig amusing. “You’re thinking about the wedding already?” A little surprised. “I’m listening.”
“Destination wedding, beach, just a few close friends.” A slow and sexy smile appears, knowing the idea would appeal to me.
“Do I have a Groom-zilla on my hands?” Matching his playfulness.
“Looks that way.” As he reaches over and tickles me, knowing I’m strapped in and can’t escape.
The flight is very comfortable, and we were treated like royalty, but now we’re home, and real life kicks in. I purposely left my mother’s journal at home, because I’m slightly anxious if this experience is going to be a positive one, or will haunt me forever. I’m leery about what her next entry will be about.
Me.
Nathan wanted to stop by the gym, I have the house to myself. So I head for the bedroom, curl up with the journal in my hand and open to where I left off.
Telling David I was pregnant was nothing compared to Mom and Dad. I didn’t know what to expect. David did the honorable thing and asked me to marry him. I know I’m only eighteen, but it feels like the right thing to do. We both agree. We have a plan he’ll work for his father’s insurance company, mentor him until he’s ready to go out on his own, he has a bright future. I always wanted to be a nurse, maybe I could go to night school.
Mom and Dad told me to give the baby up, that he/she would be better off. But, I would never give this baby up for adoption, and they can’t make that decision for me. We will love this child more than any other parents would.
They had a fight later that night, it was one of the worse. I felt bad, knowing I may have been the cause. Dad’s drinking is becoming obvious to others outside the family now. I can’t wait until I’m out of here.
David’s parents offered the small apartment above his uncle’s store. David’s already moved in, waiting for me, well for us to get married, then I’ll join him. We haven’t set a date but it will be soon. I told him the Justice of the Peace is fine, but he wants something more. I love him. He wants to take care of me.
And I’ll let him.
Mary
This doesn’t come as a surprise, I was preparing myself for it. But what I didn’t anticipate was the love they had for me. They wanted me, they were looking forward to my birth, and they were in love. Should I read on? I know I could read the entire journal in one sitting. It’s tempting but I also want to savor it. Silly, but it’s as if she’s here with me.
I sit in silence, recalling the events over the past several weeks. I have been put to the test, drowning in the waters of the past, driving out the negativities that tend to strangle me, even in the present. Wrapping my arms around myself and tipping my forehead to rest on my knees. I feel like a solider from battle, and my future is in sight.
Then Nathan, the total opposite of the spectrum, taking me to heights I didn’t know existed. When I’m with him, I don’t have to try to be happy, I just am.
Mark Twain, my favorite quote.
“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”
I’m closer to the why for the first time in my life. As long as I have my friends and Nathan, I know I’ll be happy. My phone rings, breaking me out of this surreal moment.
Gen’s name lighting up the screen.
“Hello stranger.”
I deserve that. “Hey, best friend, I’m glad you called, I have a favor to ask.”
“Ask away,” Gen says with a smile in her voice.
“Would you be my maid of honor?”
“Of course, I’d disown you if you didn’t ask.”
“Destination, Gen.”
She squeals in excitement. “I want to help plan. Theme, Uncensored.”
Typical Gen. “What does that even mean? That’ll never happen, and Nathan wants to be involved too.”
“I guess we could let him help, he redeemed himself with your birthday party planning. Well, considering.”
“Clayton is the best man.” I just bite the bullet.
“The buffoon?” She gasps.
“You’re insane, Gen, he’ll be fine. In fact, we want to take you both out to dinner and chat about the wedding plans, over the weekend?”
“Exasperating man, but for you, I won’t let my feelings get in the way. He’s such a loser.”
“I’ll take it, I’ll let you know the details.” Cringing at the many scenarios playing out in my head.
We must have spent the next hour talking about Cash, filling her in on that ordeal. And the magical proposal Nathan arranged.
~ ~ ~
“Where are we meeting them?” I ask, nervously picking the polish off my nails, I can see Nathan glance over watching me.
“The Tenderloin Room, in the City,” he says.
Ignoring my actions, he must feel it too. “The T-Room, perfect, it’s way too elegant for a disaster,” I say
“Don’t count on it.” Nathan jokes.
We arrive first, a drink is in order prior to the tornado blowing in. Nathan arranged for a table on the upper level. I love the beautiful high end atmosphere, yet retaining the look of a bygone era. Nathan follows, guiding me with his hand firmly on my back. As we order drinks, I see Gen and order a lemon martini. I may encourage excessive drinking tonight.
“You two make a very hot couple,” Gen says, in place of hello.
“Clayton’s going to be a little late, Nathan just got a text,” I say.
“Imagine that,” Gen says with a slight roll of the eyes.
We enjoy our first round then I notice out of the corner of my eye—dark gray suit, silver tie, blond hair in place, and big brown eyes lighting up approaching us. Jesus, I didn’t know he had it in him. And as I look back at Gen, neither did she.
Nathan just smirks.
“Sexy, huh?” Claytons says, eyeing her meticulously.
“This will only work if you don’t talk,” she starts.
But I see her noticing every detail as he stands a hair too close. “Play nice,” I cut in.
The waitress approaches. “Oh hi, Clayton.” Awkward, but she takes his drink order.
“You know her?” I stupidly ask.
“Yeah, I tapped that a couple months ago.” Clayton smirks.
“Arrogant ass.” A look of contempt obvious.
Oh Hell.
“Dial it down, both of you.”
I hear Nathan say.
“As you both know.” Nathan taking control. “We’ve decided on a destination wedding, Kauai is the plan.”
Waitress returns with Clayton’s first drink, and our second round. Yep, encouraging the drinking.
“Wow, definitely not one of my better calls, I hope she didn’t spit in my drink,” Clayton says as she walks away.
“You really don’t know what you’re doing, do you?” Nathan asks Clayton, leaning in as if we can’t hear.
“Golden Boy.” As she points a finger. �
��You are fucking mental.”
He huffs, with a smile as if the she just said, let he games begin.
“Are you undressing me with your eyes?” Looking her square in the eyes.
“Don’t flatter yourself.”
I lean into Nathan, whispering, “Oh yeah, definitely a bad idea.”
“Looks that way,” he whispers back.
“Let’s order then get back to the wedding. That’s why we are here, right?” All heads nod.
Nathan waves the waitress over.
“This might get weirder,” Clayton warns.
The waitress looks pissed, I hope she’s not cooking our food.
“Four Pepperloin a la Tenderloins with your famous sauce, and your best sides.” Nathan orders without asking anyone what they want.
All eyes narrow at him.
“Where was I? Kauai, CoCo Palms Resort where you both would have your own bungalow, and it has a chapel on the grounds.”
“Hold up would you, when is this happening?” Clayton interrupts.
“One month from today, the first of the month. Is there a problem, Clayton?”
“I need time to organize my work load. Ask for time off and how long will we be gone?”
“I’m your boss, Clayton, so your vacation time is approved. You two are staying 5 days, Bryer and I ten.”
“Fine. I’m not wearing a penguin suit, right?”
“Uncultured swine,” Gen throws in.
“Afraid so, buddy.” The look priceless.
“Do you think you two could keep the word vomit down to a minimum?” My patience thinning.
“Yes, I can handle the goon,” Gen answers.
“Looks like we have something in common, word vomit.” Clayton smiles, looking at Gen.
Dinner arrives, and everyone is quiet for nine minutes straight.
Okay note to self, keep them apart as much as possible. Feed them, provide lots of alcohol.
Chapter Fifteen
~Cash~
“You don’t have to fucking tell me again, Sonya. I know they’re engaged.” I huff.
“I guess your charm has an expiration date on it.”
Enjoying my failure too much. “Don’t be such a bitch, so the plan didn’t work. This is far from over.” Anger spilling out of me like a God damn waterfall.
“You’re running out of time, she’ll be married and it will be all over.”
She needs to keep her mouth shut. “You’re not helping, and the tip off you gave their security team cut my time with her.” She ignores my comment, and I know why, jealousy. “You need to keep your feelings in check, woman.”
Bloodcurdling rage crippling me. I failed, I fucking failed. My plan was futile. I have to break them up. I didn’t anticipate the hold Nathan would have on her. I glance at Sonja pouring me two fingers of Macallan. I gladly take it and slam the smooth scotch in one swallow.
“Sounds like you have some cut-throat competition, Cash.”
“I said, I’ll get her back.”
“And what will you do if you don’t?”
“I’m a God damn Lawyer, If I can persuade 12 jurors, I can persuade one stubborn woman.”
She hands me a refill and with one swallow I knock it back again. She reaches up to kiss me, I’m roaring inside, I take her hair and grasp it hard, titling her to the angle I want, I take what I want.
Whatever the cost.
“Put a call into the lawyer who represents Nathan’s father, he’s scum.”
“I have an idea.”
~Nathan~
The day is here, the one I’ve dreaded for months. The prosecution has briefed me on what to expect under cross examination, my testimony being the key component to the case. Bryer is here for moral support, I wanted to spare her any more stress that has to do with “My father.” He’s done enough. We haven’t even discussed the charges concerning her kidnapping. She’s paying a high price to be with me. One crisis at a time.
“I’m here, Nathan.” She reaches for my hand.
This simple gesture unknowingly giving me strength. There’s a lot of commotion in and out of the room down the hall, my instincts warning me something’s up. Which adds to my foul mood, it’s a deadly combination as we wait impatiently. I watch as an unknown man approaches us, arm extending in my direction.
“Nathaniel, I’m Mark Palmer, we spoke on the phone several times, so good to meet you.”
“Mr. Palmer,” I acknowledge.
“And you are Bryer Reid?”
I watch her nod.
“There’s been an update, follow me.” We follow him towards a flurry of people walking in and out, phones to their ears, papers in hand. Once inside, all eyes turn to me.
“We are in negotiations with the defense attorney, working out a plea, and I want you to be a part of it.”
“As opposed to what? A long drawn-out trial?” The cynical part of me knowing I couldn’t be so lucky.
“That’s correct. We’ll take the death penalty off the table, if he pleads guilty.”
“I see.” Knowing I should have many questions, not one coming to mind at this minute.
“That depends how long?” Bryer says.
“Well, that’s what we’re working out now. We offered twenty-five years, with a chance of parole at twenty.”
“Oh and why’s that?” she asks.
“Nathan would be spared the ordeal of a trial, and we will put your father away, which ultimately is the goal.”
“Out in twenty?” I ask, finding my voice. Hating the idea this mad man could be on the streets in twenty years, still seems too soon. “Do it,” I say, looking at Bryer, she nods.
“We’ll make the offer, we’re ready to deal.”
We watch Mr. Palmer leave, shouting orders to three legal assistants that all look stressed, but scurry away with their designated task.
“It’s the right decision,” she says, looking in my eyes.
“I know.” Despite everything, nothing will bring me closure, nothing will bring her back. “Is this justice served?” I question. Now we wait. A very long hour later in walks Palmer.
“We have another problem.”
“Of course we do.”
“They want the kidnapping charges dropped, to be included in the plea.”
“Without any additional time served?” Bryer asked, showing off that brain of hers.
“Correct.”
“He’s getting off with a fucking hand slap. This is just like him, he always did haggle over every penny, and this is no different. This time, the stakes are higher.” Pacing, I’m emotionally spent.
“What choice do we have?” Bryer asks both of us.
“I’ll agree to almost anything to spare you the torment of facing him in court.” Finally finding my balls, I won’t let him hurt her again.
“Agree to drop the kidnapping charges, but I don’t want any further contact from him or his lawyer.”
“That’s policy, the lawyer cannot contact you legally,” Palmer says.
“Does he know that?” I receive a sinister glare.
“That is completely unethical and could get him disbarred or even criminally charged, tampering with a witness is prohibited.”
“You might want to mention that.” Feeling relieved
After two hours, the madness is setting in. I know she was hiding her emotions, trying to be strong for my sake. But I know my woman, she’s pale and is through with this toxic day. I could strangle him with my bare hands for everything he’s done.
In walks Palmer, papers in hand. “We got him,” he says. “I need both of your signatures, I’ve already signed on behalf of the prosecution.”
“And it’s over?” Bryer asks.
“It’s over.”
As we walk out hand-in-hand we’re silent, processing this in our own way. I feel like we just dodged a bullet.
“It could have been a blood bath, for both of us. This is the best way to walk away without destroying us both.” Bryer breaks the silence
.
“I suppose you’re right, we can move forward with our life and not look back.” Kissing her forehead, smelling the sweet lavender scent.
“Let’s go home.”
~ ~ ~
As we lay in bed, limbs tangled together, sheets in disarray, I hold her close. “Do you want me to wear a tux?”
“At a beach wedding? I’ll spare you. But I did admire the way it looked when you proposed.” Lifting to rest on her elbow. “What are your thoughts on linen?” she asks
“I think that can be arranged.”
“I’ll let you know, that tux was all kinds of sexy.” She glances up with a heart-melting smile.
“A virgin white dress? Obviously that would be wrong on so many levels.” I tease, and I get a poke in the ribs for that one.
“Keep that up and you’ll be jonesing it til’ the honeymoon.”
“Is that right? I don’t think you’re strong enough to resist my charms, so I’m not worried.”
“Cocky, I like that,” she accuses.
“Confident, baby, confident.” Pulling her on top of me. “Yes, a white dress. Whatever dream you have, will be my dream, too. I just want to get to the part where they announce us husband and wife now you may kiss your bride.” Kissing her softly to solidify my declaration.
“Well, there’s a few steps in between that I’m looking forward to.”
Inciting feelings I didn’t know existed. “An island-hoping honeymoon?” I suggest. “As you can see, your fiancé has some clever ideas.” My body stirring beneath hers. “I have an idea right now.” My hips grinding against hers. “Feel that?”
“Hard to miss, babe,” she teases.
“As I see it, we are naked, you’re on top of me, we might as well take this opportunity.” My hands roaming, the tension building an ache deep within me is winning. I enter her slowly in one effortless motion, penetrating her very core. Watching her above me, the blood humming in my veins.
“God, you’re wet.” Already swollen and ready for me. Coaxing her to match my rhythm. “Oh fuck, Bryer.” That familiar hot body squeezing my cock into wonderland. “Lift, baby.” Giving her a completely different angle of my driving hips, also the view of her bouncing tits, is so fucking sexy.
Forgotten Promise (Forgotten Series Book 2) Page 10