by Kelsey King
“Everyone is eager to see you,” she adds, leading us into the room where we’re met by the whole family. Literally, everyone is there, and it’s daunting. They sit around the living area and as soon as they see me, their eyes widen like they’ve finally caught a ghost. I squeeze Brianna’s hand, giving her some courage.
“Hello, everyone,” I say, trying to stay as calm as possible. In reality, I feel like jumping out of my skin, but on the surface, I’m as cool as ice, just like the rest of them. It’s the mask that the Williams family wears.
“Hello, son,” my father Richard says, standing to his feet. He wears a pair of slacks and a white button-up shirt. His hair is grayer than I remember it being and he looks exhausted. I feel like I’m looking at who I would’ve been if I hadn’t moved to Montana.
“Hello, father,” I reply. “This is my fiancée, Brianna Carson,” I say, speaking loud enough for the whole room can hear.
Everyone gives a polite hello, and Brianna nods her head in acknowledgment. I don’t even glance over at my brother Tanner, because I can imagine the smug look on his face. I don’t dare glance at my mother either. There’ll be enough eye-rolling done at the anniversary party, I’m sure.
“Dinner is served,” Georgia, the maid says.
“Thank you, Georgia,” my mother replies.
As we walk toward the dining room, Brianna looks around at the paintings on the walls and the rich vases brimming with flowers. I can tell that she’s impressed, and I clutch her hand tightly. I feel the ring there on her finger, and it fills me with pride.
“There are place cards,” my mother says. Of course, there are. There are only ten guests, but still, everything must be orderly. Grandpa and Grandma aren’t here, but my uncle and aunt with my two cousins, as well as Rebecca and her husband Lewis, are.
Thank God my mom had the good sense to seat me next to Brianna because she’s been known on occasion to split people up, just to make them uncomfortable. A few days ago, I called to confirm with her that I’d be attending the anniversary and to give her my travel arrangements. I mentioned I’d be bringing someone but left out the fact she was my fiancée in conversation. Seeing the shock on all of their faces was worth it.
Seated at the table, I put my hand on Brianna’s knee. Her leg is warm and soft and I stroke it back and forth tenderly. I can tell she likes the feeling of it because she puts her hand over mine again. There has been a lot of touching, and it feels so right, but I don’t want to overstep my bounds.
Brianna then does something that really surprises me. She must be just as comforted by the touching as I am because she gingerly moves my hand from her knee to her inner thigh. I look at her in amazement considering we’re surrounded by my family. This is getting intense.
“I hope that you don’t have any dietary restrictions,” my mother says, looking at Brianna, who’s smiling.
“I don’t,” Brianna says sweetly.
“Good, then we’ll begin with the first course.”
Chilled pea soup is followed by a salad, lamb with roast potatoes, and then a pear tart for dessert. The food is impressive, but the whole time I can’t stop thinking about the thigh that I’m holding onto.
There’s talk of the financial market by my father, Tanner discusses his trip to Aspen, my mother talks about her charity work, and all this talk goes in one ear and out the other. They’re all trying to one-up each other, and I have nothing to add to the conversation. I can only think of Brianna. She’s the best distraction I’ve ever had.
“Tell us about you, Brianna. Considering you’re apparently a part of our family now,” my mother says begrudgingly. I don’t make eye contact with her, knowing she’s fuming over all of this. I almost burst into laughter, but don’t dare give my tall tale away. I’m actually happy for a discussion I care about. I know Brianna was put on the spot, and I hope that she doesn’t feel too intimidated by it.
“Well, there isn’t a whole lot to say, really,” Brianna says, and I clutch her thigh tighter. That couldn’t be any further from the truth. It seems like my touch fills her with courage because she goes on. “I grew up in Whitefish, and I’ve lived there all my life. I really do love it, but these days I’m the only one around to take care of my father, so it’ll always be home.” Brianna smiles warmly, showing grace in the face of what has to be an immensely challenging situation.
My father smiles sincerely and even my mother softens a bit.
“And how did you two meet?” my father asks.
Brianna and I look at one another and laugh. The funny thing is that in all that time getting to know one another and preparing, we hadn’t come up with a solid story. It was going to take a bit of improvisation. Brianna dives right in, and I’m impressed with her quick response.
“I work at the Whitefish Café, and one day when Tate was there, I was having a tough shift. I dropped an entire tray of dishes onto the ground, and Tate ran over and helped me picked them all up! I asked him how I could thank him, and he said by having coffee with him.”
I glance at her and smile, though the story isn’t entirely accurate, it’s half right.
Everyone around the table smiles, but my mother knits her brow. My mother would never approve of my fiancée working at a café. Williams’ don’t have mediocre jobs like that.
“A charming story,” my father says, and the rest of my family nods their heads. It’s funny, the longer she talks, the more the mood shifts and I can’t help but thank Brianna for that.
Coffee and tea are served, and the men excuse themselves to the library to smoke cigars and drink brandy. It’s like we’re stuck in the 1800s or something.
“I’m proud of you, son,” my father says, puffing on his Cuban stogie.
“Why?” I ask, thinking there isn’t much to be proud of.
“Your fiancée seems like a fine woman,” he says, producing a donut-shaped cloud of smoke from his mouth.
“She is,” I say.
“I like her, too. She’s hot and perfect for you,” Tanner says, and I can’t believe my brother has actually said something positive in regards to me.
“I’m sure your grandfather and grandmother will be happy to meet her tomorrow,” my father says.
“Eden will be happy to meet her too,” Tanner says abruptly, twirling the brandy in his glass. I give him a sharp glare. It’s just like my brother to bring up something like that. “And Thomas.”
“The happily married couple. I can’t wait. Maybe I can finally congratulate them,” I snicker.
My brother laughs. “Happily married?”
For years I’ve avoided being under the same roof with those two, but now I feel confident to get it over once and for all. I’m ready to face it and put the past behind me thanks to Brianna.
Once we’re done with the brandy and cigars, the day finally draws to an end. I’m happy because it means that I can be alone with Brianna. I walk into the drawing room, where all the ladies are sipping on tea and talking about what they’ll be wearing tomorrow to the anniversary. I lean against the doorframe and observe, folding my arms over my chest and watching Brianna. She sits polished like a new penny, with a warm smile on her face, effortlessly interacting with the other women of the Williams family. Amazingly, she fits right in. Even Eden wasn’t able to accomplish that because she was always trying too hard to impress only it came across as fake.
“If you’ll excuse me, ladies. I’ve come to retrieve my fiancée,” I say, and all the women look toward me.
“We were talking about shoes,” Brianna says playfully.
“I had a feeling,” I reply with a smile, thinking how beautiful she looks.
I reach my hand out and pull her toward me.
“Such a pleasure meeting you,” my mother says as Brianna steps into me.
“The pleasure was all mine. Goodnight everyone,” she replies.
I lead Brianna down the hall, my hand on the small of her back.
“I felt the need to rescue you,” I say, leani
ng in and whispering in her ear.
“You really didn’t have to. We were having a good time.”
“I’m surprised,” I tell her truthfully.
“Why is that?” Her eyes meet mine.
“Because no one ever has a good time with my mother.” I chuckle, but I’m not joking.
“Well, maybe you just need to see her from a different perspective,” Brianna says.
I open the door to my old room, and Brianna’s eyes light up with wonder.
“My God, it’s huge. It’s like you have your own house,” she says, stepping in and admiring the suite with its own seating area, table and chairs, and walk-in closet.
“This is where I grew up.”
“You even have a fireplace!” she exclaims.
“Of course,” I say with a smile. “All the rooms in the house do.”
Brianna walks from one end of the room to the other, examining all the details, and finally, I can’t help myself and catch her before she can pass. I hold her by her trim waist and look down at her intently.
“Hello,” she says warmly, her face close to mine.
“Is this too much?” I ask.
She shakes her head, and I kiss her lips hungrily. I place my hand on the back of her head, gathering her dark, silky hair. She moans softly, and the sound only fills me with more longing. I press her body tightly against mine and feel her breasts against my chest. I wish I could feel her warm skin without the barrier of clothing. Our hips press together as our kiss deepens and in doing this, I give my arousal away. I’m hard as a rock, and I know she can feel it. Even though my body is on fire, I’ll stop at a moments notice if Brianna tells me to. This is all about her, and it has to stay that way.
Brianna pulls away, and I let her go.
“We should stop,” she says.
“Okay,” I reply.
“It’s just that, with the money involved…”
“I don’t want you to think that any of this was expected. The money was never about sex,” I tell her.
“I know,” she replies, taking a seat on the edge of the bed and putting her head in her hands. “I don’t think that I can accept that money, Tate.”
“What?” I gasp, stepping toward her.
“It’s just your family is so gracious, and you have been very generous, and it just feels inappropriate to accept it now.”
“Brianna, you can use this money for good things,” I try reasoning with her, sitting next to her on the bed.
“I know, I know. But I’m not sure if I’m going to be able to live with myself if I do,” she continues.
“Then I’ll give the money directly to your father. Money doesn’t need to exchange between us,” I say with assurance.
“There’s a bigger reason why I can’t accept that money,” Brianna admits, gazing up at me with longing in her eyes.
“And what is that?” I ask.
“Because I’m falling for you, Tate. I don’t want this to feel fake or forced. I have real feelings for you, and it scares the shit out of me.” She looks at me then her eyes move back to the floor. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have blurted that out or said anything.”
“You have nothing to apologize for.” That’s about all I say because the next thing I know I have Brianna pinned to the bed and start devouring every inch of her body. I’m undressing her, exploring her with both my hands and my mouth, and she’s moaning with pleasure and anticipation. The urgency is far too high to mess around for long because the next thing I know, her hand is on my dick and I feel like I’m going to lose it. She strokes me, and I close my eyes enjoying the sensation and warmth.
“I want you, Tate,” she whispers against my mouth, and I don’t wait to give her exactly what she’s begging for. It’s all the permission I need because I’ve been dying to touch and kiss her without reservations. She takes off the rest of her clothes, and I do the same. She settles on the bed naked, waiting for me. I crawl over her, kissing my way up her legs and when I reach between her thighs, I slip my tongue inside and taste her sweet pussy. Her fingers tangle in my hair, pushing my mouth harder against her clit.
“Oh my God, yes, Tate!” Her orgasmic cries echo throughout the room, urging me on. It makes me hard as fuck, and I can’t hold back much longer. I need inside her.
“Brianna,” I say, moaning against her stomach.
“I want you inside me. Please,” she begs.
“Fuck yes.” I crawl further on top of her, holding her gaze. She smiles sweetly at me, and when I bend down to kiss her, I grasp my cock and rub it against her wet pussy. She moans in my mouth, and I pull her bottom lip between my teeth before pushing inside and entering her slowly. We gaze into each other’s eyes, in complete awe of what’s happening at this moment.
“You’re so beautiful, Brianna. So goddamn beautiful.”
“You make me feel like the most beautiful woman alive, Tate.”
“Good.” I smile, thrusting deeper inside.
She brings her hand to my cheek as I increase my speed. Pressing my forehead to hers, I feel her body opening and inviting me in as she wraps her legs around my waist and digs her heels into my ass. I’m so deep inside, and she feels so fucking good, I’m finding it hard to control myself. Her hips arch and rock against mine, and when she digs her nails into my back, I nearly fall apart. Her moans urge me to pick up the pace until I’m thrusting with force, and she begs for more. I could stay inside of her all night long, but I can already feel the intensity of it all getting the best of us.
“Come with me,” Brianna begs, her voice quivering. She doesn’t have to ask me twice, and within moments we’re unraveling together. The orgasm rocks through me, our bodies forming as one. We’re together, inside and out—heart, body, and soul.
“Wow…” I murmur against her lips as we come down from our highs.
“That really was…wow.” She sighs, chuckling. I lean down and press my lips to hers.
I hold Brianna as she rests her head and hand on my chest. My fingers trace down her arm, and I feel goosebumps line her skin.
“I can’t believe this is really happening,” Brianna says, quietly.
“I can, wife-to-be,” I reply, pulling her face to mine for one more kiss before we fall asleep holding each other.
12
Brianna
The Chicago Ritz-Carlton Hotel is like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Between the lush ambiance, and what happened between Tate and me last night, I feel like I’m in a dream. Utterly transported in every way.
“You look stunning,” he says to me when we’re seated at the ceremony, waiting for Tate’s grandparents to walk down the aisle.
“You don’t look so bad yourself,” I reply, admiring just how strikingly handsome Tate is when he’s cleaned up in a tuxedo. The funny thing is he’s just as sexy when he isn’t cleaned up. Tate places his hand on my knee protectively, and I’m becoming really attached to the feeling of it.
Although I woke up in a warm glow with Tate’s naked, muscular body by my side, I still can’t help but be conflicted about this whole thing. We’re pretending after all, aren’t we? But last night was very real. We shared so much passion that I can’t help but wonder what’ll happen when we get back to Whitefish. Will he pay me and send me on my way? I can’t accept that money any longer. Not after this. I’d live with guilt for the rest of my life over it.
“Here they come,” I hear someone whisper, and the crowd of Chicago socialites become hushed and turn their heads. Sure enough, Tate’s grandpa walks down the aisle, a flower in the lapel of his tuxedo. He’s a handsome man, just like Tate. His hair is white, but he’s still in great physical shape.
There’s a four-piece orchestra in the opulent ballroom, and they play softly as Tate’s grandma finally makes her descent, carrying a lovely bouquet of white flowers. She’s a very attractive woman, and I can tell she’s taken care of herself over the years.
“Isn’t she beautiful?” Tate whispers in my ear with pride.
“Just amazing,” I whisper back.
Tate’s fingers move from my knee to my hand, clasping it tightly.
As the remarkable couple exchange vows, they’re smiling with utter joy. Tate turns to me from time to time, and he’s looking at me so intently that I can’t help but look back. I’ve never in my life felt the kind of connection that that lovely couple has, but when it comes to Tate, I know loving someone like that is possible.
After they finish their vows, they kiss, and the crowd breaks out in applause. They should be cheering their asses off, but they’re far too haughty and dignified for that.
“It’s so moving,” I tell Tate, wiping away a tear.
“I’m just happy you’re here to share it with me,” he says with a genuine smile.
Servers walk around offering cocktails, canapés, little sandwiches, fruit, and crudités. There’s a band playing, and people are dancing on the ballroom floor. Together, we make our way through the crowd, drinking champagne, and I’m offered a fresh piece of Ahi Tuna on a crostini.
“Yum,” I say. I’ve never tasted fish this good.
“It’s imported from Japan,” Tate says to me, placing his hand on my lower back. I watch as he scans the room, his jaw tightening as he finds who he’s looking for. I glance in the direction he’s zeroed in on and notice a beautiful red headed woman and a tall, blond man next to her.
I look up into his eyes, and I don’t even have to ask who they are to know.
“Eden,” Tate confirms softly, and my heart sinks. I wonder if he misses her or if he’s been anticipating seeing her this whole time. I push the thoughts away, because Tate isn’t mine, as much as I want him to be. I let out a sigh and Tate smiles.
“Come on, you have to try the tartlets. They’re my grandpa’s favorite.” He’s smiling as if seeing them together didn’t bother him, but I have a feeling he’s brushing it off. He picks up one of the goat cheese pastries and hands it to me on a napkin.
“You’re tense.” I take a bite, and he’s right, it’s delicious.
“Sorry,” he says and gives me another quick smile, but he’s not getting out of it that easily.