Chapter Nine
Kambry
Saxton rubs his thumb over the knuckles on my right hand as we ride in the cab in silence. The city looks even better at night. I can't believe I'm really here, sitting in this cab as we ride through New York City. This is like a dream come true. I keep looking around waiting for the clock to strike twelve and me go back to the girl I was just as Cinderella did, but it's yet to happen. I hope it doesn't. I love my life right now.
Tynleigh grabs my left hand, pulling it toward the window as she inspects it. "What the fuck, Sprout? When were you planning to tell me you're fucking getting married? After you get the marriage license? When did this even happen?"
I blink at her like an idiot, remaining quiet. I'm not sure what to say even if she didn't direct her question at him. "It was kind of random to be honest."
"Fuck you. A rock this size isn't random. Don't be an asshole. I'm your sister, your family. You're supposed to tell me these things at least, before you pop the question. I always thought you'd take me with you to purchase the next—"
She silences her own statement. He squeezes my hand. I can tell it's a reflex action. I won't lie and pretend that the mention of his ex doesn't hurt a little, but that's a part of his past that I accepted with him. It doesn't make me love him or want to marry him any less. This I want wholeheartedly. I don't give a damn about my age. Still, it kind of puts a damper on things to know it's your first and not his, but I'd never admit that aloud. At least he didn't actually go through with marriage.
"Tynleigh, everything really just happened. It wasn't planned. I saw the ring and knew it was hers, so I bought it. I was prepared to store it for a few years. Then, one thing led to another. If this is what she wants then I sure as hell have no reason to wait. She's the one I want to spend my life with. End of story. No one else knows yet, so you're the first anyway."
I glance back and forth between the two of them, staring at each other, and neither cracking a smile. This doesn't seem like the happiest way to tell someone you're getting married. Isn't it supposed to consist of champagne and giggly girls jumping up and down in excitement?
Out of nowhere a high-pitched scream occurs, causing my ears to ring, before I'm pulled into a hug so tight I can barely breathe. "Welcome to the family! This is great. Beautiful ring by the way. Good job, Sprout. When's the big day?"
I clear my throat, trying to breathe evenly. "I—" My voice comes out in a squandered whisper. She releases me, giving me air.
"That's up to her," he finishes for me.
She looks at me. "Well?"
My mind is running a million miles a minute, trying to process the simple question at hand. The words come out before I will them to. "How's a fall New York wedding sound? Is it easy to get married on a short notice?"
Her grin starts small and spreads rapidly, covering half of her face. "Holy shit. Seriously? The most logical would likely be just to go to the justice of peace and let the court marry you, but we can still go get you a dress. No girl should get married without a dress. I can take you . . . "
"I can take her, Tynleigh," Saxton says.
She gives him the most disgusted look I've seen on her yet. "You aren't supposed to see the dress until it's time. Just because you are going a little modern day shotgun wedding doesn't mean we have to bypass all traditions."
Her smile lines. "Wait. The two of you aren't going to drop the, we're pregnant, bomb on me, right? That's not the reason for this sudden engagement is it?"
I try to hide my smile. She catches it. "Oh God, seriously? Why are we going out then?"
"I'm not pregnant," I interrupt. "It does kind of seem that way, doesn't it?" I laugh, unable to help myself. "I just decided that if we love each other why wait. I guess I'm more of a simple southern girl than I thought."
A sigh of relief from her noticeably occurs. "Shit that was a close call. Not that I don't want beautiful baby nieces or nephews someday, but I was kind of planning a party night with my brother and his new found soul mate. That would have hindered the plans a little." She becomes quiet for a moment. "Damn. No wonder the two of you have been humping like rabbits. This makes me feel better. At least now I know there is a reason. This makes that normal behavior."
"Today is no different than any other day," he says, matter of fact.
"Shhh." She puts her hand up. "I can pretend I'm not in a dry spell and you are just celebrating your love. Leave me to be in peace."
The cabby keeps glancing in the mirror at her, making it hard to contain my grin. My nose crinkles. Eww. I'd choose the dry spell over that any day, but based on the way she looks I'm going to say he's dreaming in color when he should stick to black and white. Any dry spell that girl is going through is self-induced. She's gorgeous.
The car stops curbside, drawing my attention from my thoughts since we stopped moving. I look out the window at the large neon blue lettering labeling the building, giving it a name. The line is long, people waiting behind the poles and rope that keep them pretty much single file at the door. Saxton's arm reaches in front of me, handing cash to the driver.
A nudge occurs on my shoulder. Tynleigh hands me an ID, upping my age quite a few years. The girl's features at first glance are similar to mine, but we really don't look related. I glance at Tynleigh, confused as to how this is supposed to work. "She's a coworker that had no plans tonight and it will get you in. He knows we're coming, but he has to glance at an ID."
I nod my understanding as Saxton reaches for my hand, already standing on the outside of the door. I'm nervous. I'm in a foreign place, unlike the club back home. I really don't want to go to jail. What the hell am I thinking? I wanted to live. This is living. This is elementary stuff to Meredith. She was getting in clubs at seventeen.
I slide across the now vacant seat, letting him help me out on my feet. As I stand, he pulls me against his front so he can whisper in my ear. "I didn't tell you earlier, because I couldn't, but you look stunning. I'm not sure whether I love or hate this dress. Why have I never seen it before?"
The short, satin, black number he's referring to is narrow on the shoulders and deep cut V-neck in the front and back equally, stopping just above my navel in the front. Cleavage is not scarce and a bra is not an option. Nothing in this dress is left to the imagination between the lack of fabric and the thinness of the material.
It took me quite a while to get enough guts to walk out of Tynleigh's room from the floor length mirror I was standing in front of. She said it would make me look older, so after a pep talk here I am. Dressed like this in my small town, it wouldn't take but one glance to classify a girl as a harlot. Stores didn't carry pieces such as this around home. Even the night I wore the leather bra and skirt with the short jacket looked more appropriate than this, but why I'm not sure; maybe because this is ultimate sex appeal wrapped in a skimpy bow. I think it was totally worth it, though, seeing the look on Saxton's face when I walked out of her room standing tall in the dark pink, bootie heels that accompany it. I had to scoop his jaw off the floor, and he's been quiet about it since.
"It's your sister's. She suggested it to help with the age I'm supposed to be, clubbing in New York City." His hand skims my bare back, his fingertips causing my skin to feel like it's being zapped by electricity.
"This may be one thing she isn't getting back. Black is your color, baby."
"I'm glad you approve," I say, nervously, barely able to function with him rubbing me the way he is. "I thought you'd be upset with how . . . revealing it is."
"I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to say something upon first glance, which is why I've remained quiet this long, but the longer I see you in it, the more I remember that conversation earlier. That dress belongs on your body, and you're mine, so I may as well show you off and enjoy the looks when they realize you aren't here alone."
I wrap my arms around his waist, clenching onto the back of his shirt, not wanting to move. "Let's roll," Tynleigh says in passing, keeping her voice cli
pped.
Saxton places his arm around me as Tynleigh makes her way to the doorman, giving him our names. She instantly flashes her ID, and the two of us follow suit behind her when he moves the rope to let us through.
The door closes behind us as we walk inside the mostly dark room, only lit by the white twinkle lights spread all over the ceiling and the blue and pink lights dimmed and alternating above each seating area, keeping it to an elegant feel throughout the entire building. Now I understand why she wanted to dress the way she did. No one is dressed simply here.
I'm frozen as I take everything in. The music is loud, drowning out the voices of the bodies packed inside. The bar is in the middle, reflecting the theme of the rest of the bar, elegance to no end, the bartenders dressed in white button-downs and black pants, each with a long black tie versus a bow. My head falls back when the balcony surrounding the building catches my attention. It reminds me of a huge loft taking up the entire upper half of the building structure.
White catches my attention. Sheets, or curtains, are hanging from canopy style beds and secured in each of the four corners, revealing the white linens covering the bed. My body rotates in a three hundred and sixty degree turn, taking in the entire floor. Replicas of the bed are scattered as far as you can see, all currently exposed except for the two that the sheets have been pulled, closing it off.
I find Saxton and tug on his shirt. He lowers to my height, his ear next to my mouth. "What are those?" I ask, pointing to one of the beds.
"The beds? Those are private reserves, kind of like cabanas on the beach."
"What do you do up there?" I don't know why I'm so curious, but I can't look away from the one in use.
"Whatever you want."
I turn to look at him, my bottom lip lost between my teeth. "Anything?"
He shrugs. "Yeah. This is New York, baby. You aren't in Alabama anymore. You're way beyond The Bible Belt."
I stare into his eyes and remain silent, trying to figure out what I want to say. He smiles, already reading me like an open book. "You want one later?"
I nod, shamelessly. "It looks fun."
He winks at me. "Anything you want, beautiful. Go to the bar with Tynleigh. She knows what I want. I'll go reserve it for the night before they fill up."
Again I nod, glancing at it once again. He grabs my cheeks and lays a kiss on me—a hot and wet one—taking my breath away. "What was that for?" I ask, my lips tingling and raw.
"For being mine."
He releases me and walks away, leaving me standing here watching him as he does. It's hard to function when he's not near, and that's a scary feeling. The longer we're together the more I need him. I'd do anything for him, including drain my own body of blood if I knew it'd save his. "He really is different with you. It gives me a little bit of hope for a future."
I glance at her as she hands me a champagne flute. "Celebratory drinks first. How are you liking New York so far?"
I take it and sip the rim, letting the bubbly liquid enter. "It's amazing. Seriously. I can see why you live here. Is it always so . . . I don't know, alive?"
"Always," she says. "There is always something to get into. People love to party, to be vivacious and free. You guys really should come back for New Years Eve. You'll never forget it as long as you live."
"That would be a dream come true. I used to stay up and watch the ball drop on T.V., wishing I was there."
"Girl, you're family now. Come anytime you want, with or without him. My place is always open for you."
"I'll keep that in mind. Thank you." My mind begins to wander, as it does so often. It’s really a weird quirk I have, because it happens so frequently. "Can I ask you a question? What did you mean earlier? When you said it gives you hope."
"Nothing really. Just that him and I are a lot alike in some ways. We fall hard and love unconditionally. When you have a heart like that getting hurt is more like becoming a live sacrifice than a simple break. We both grew up wanting that kind of fierce love that our parents have, but the world has ways of showing you it's rare." She tips back her glass, her throat contracting as she swallows. She shrugs her shoulders. "I don't know. I guess we both had become content with letting the possibility of it pass us by, no longer seeking a stopping point in our current lives, but you've restored that in him, Kambry, and in turn kind of restored it in me."
"Have you ever been in love, Tynleigh?"
I'm not sure where my nosy outburst came from. It just kind of slipped out. She downs the rest of her champagne. "Love hasn't found me yet, Kambry. It has to be two-sided to work. I'm still having fun. You want another?"
I look down at my half empty glass, and then I glance at the busy bar. "Sure. Might as well if you're going."
I glance around after she slips away, people watching: the flirting, the looks between them, and the bodies grinding against each other appeals to me. There is something I've loved about clubbing since I moved out on my own. I'm not sure what it is. I suppose maybe it's the freedom in the night to do whatever you want, be who you want to be, and act the way you want without anyone telling you otherwise, or judging you. To most involved you're just a body in a room they'll never see again.
As I stand alone, I pull out my phone from the clutch in my hand, unlocking it. Quickly I snap a photo of the gorgeous diamond on my left ring finger, before preparing my first Tumblr post. I still am kind of clueless, but here goes.
First night out as an engaged woman! I can't believe I'm marrying the man of my dreams. #LuckyLady #DiamondsAreAGirlsBestFriend #HeDidGood #LovingNewYork #Hopelesslyinlove #ILoveHim #ShowOff #ClubSexLater #BeJealous —XOXO, Kam
Click here to view post.
I post and quickly look through the notifications. The video from earlier today has three reblogs and six notes. A few catch my attention.
BigAl35: Wishing I were you right now, bro.
Marriedcouple15: Nice video! Following . . .
Sinisterslave: Classy women don't allow men to demoralize their bodies for the world to see. Any good man doesn't want a woman that acts like a whore; at least not for life. Don't be a slut and you'll find a real man.
"Wow, what an asshole."
"What's the matter?"
I jump from the soft words spoken into my ear. "Shit, you scared me. Read this," I say as I turn around, showing him the post. His eyes scan back and forth quickly, before he looks back at me.
"Just a jealous douchebag. I'm sure it won't be the last. Don't worry about it, baby. If it bothers you we don't have to post. I told you we don't have to do this."
"What? No, fuck him. I don't give a shit what some asshole thinks. I have a real man. I've never questioned that. It just took me by surprise that some people are so blunt about their opinions."
"When you become a public emblem for sex, or whatever type you are, you also become a target for the haters. That's just the way it is."
I lock my phone and place it back inside of my clutch, returning my focus on Saxton. I grab his waist and pull him against me. "How did I get so lucky?"
He wraps his arms around my shoulders. "Shit, girl. You aren't the lucky one. You just got stuck with someone that wouldn't let go."
"Not true."
"You two are sickening. God, I feel like I signed up for a couple's tour. I’m about to catch a ride to the singles’ island. It's cute for about two seconds and then I want to gag even though I love you both." Tynleigh shoves a drink at me, forcing me to grab it, and does the same with Saxton. All three match. It doesn’t go without notice. "Don't ask me what it is. Just drink it. Whether the two of you like it or not I'm getting you wasted. I need something besides all of this sappy shit reminding me a million times a day just how single I am. I need you two to be wild for just one night. This can be your bachelor . . . and 'ette party of sorts. We can even pretend we're in Vegas if you want."
"Okay," I say, shrugging my shoulders and pulling the cup toward my mouth. She places her hand over the top just as I bring the rim to m
y lips. "What?"
"Just one question so I don't regret this later. Do you have any underlying medical conditions?"
My brows scrunch. "Not to my knowledge. Why?"
"Just checking. Drink up." She moves her hand and I again try to drink but Saxton pulls my wrist, moving the cup toward him, causing it to slosh inside of the cup and almost spilling some of the drink.
"Fuck no. What's in the drink, Tynleigh?" Saxton's voice is razor sharp and laced with venom.
She rolls her eyes, as if she isn't scared of him at all. Funny, because that tone has my hairs standing all over my body. I've never heard it from him before. "The same thing that's in yours." She stares into his eyes; boring into each other so hard I feel it. "Just trust me. It'll be fun. I would never hurt her or you. I vow with my life."
They continue to stare, questions being asked and answered leaving me out, moments passing as she sips her own drink, before he finally breaks the silence. "What about your damn job? You're telling me they don't periodically check?"
"Oh, don't be stupid. I'm not going to, although, I wish I could. I miss those days of occasional carelessness, but I have to somewhat adult tonight. You know . . . grown up career and all. It's better this way. I can keep my eyes on the two of you." She winks, my curiosity about to kill me, before she carries on. "Neither of you do, though, with your cool-ass jobs, so I'm going to live vicariously through each of you. Please," she begs. "I saw you reserve a bed. Call it an early wedding present. You'll thank me later."
"She's never done this shit before, Tynleigh."
"If I recall correctly, neither have you . . . " The pitch of her voice is different, intrigued, and ready to play a game. She's instigating.
"Not the point I'm trying to make. You don't just experiment on my wife to be for an hour or so of fun. You don't know how a person's body reacts to that shit. It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt."
Sex Sessions: After The Cut (Camera Tales #2) Page 10