Jessa sneaks a tissue to Sadie and she gently blots her eyes.
“Thank you,” she whispers.
“Sadie,” Preacher Gregory says and again, Jessa hands her something, but she shakes her head. “I can do it without it.”
Jessa slowly moves back into place with the three other bridesmaids.
“Brady Carsen, my one and true love. You’ve given me a life of possibilities filled with admiration and unconditional love. I’ll find you across the room and still think, I can’t believe he’s mine. Most would think it’s because my soon-to-be-husband is devastatingly handsome,” a small grin graces her lips, “but it’s what’s inside. Inside of here.” Her hand raises and rubs my chest above my heart. “The way you protect me, cherish me and adore me, at times I feel so undeserved to have you.” I go to shake my head but she raises her finger to my lips. “I have no idea how I caught you, but I promise I’m never giving you back. It’s an honor to be called your wife, and I look forward to every day we walk life’s path together.”
I inhale a deep breath unable to process everything she just said.
We exchange the rings, and then Preacher Gregory says, “You may kiss the bride.” Cheers unite as I capture the lips of the woman I fell in love with two years ago.
Ten years later . . .
Brady and Sadie
THEY LIVE IN Brady’s childhood house off the side street of Western’s campus. Brady is a successful Engineer with a well-known airplane company, doing what he loves every day. Sadie took over Dr. Hinkle’s practice five years ago, hoping to help other’s like he did her. On most weekends they can be found at any array of sporting events played by their three boys, Theo (eight), Camden (six), and Ian (six). They’re waiting on the arrival of their fourth, a girl to be named Ella, extremely thankful it’s not another set of twins. Life couldn’t be better.
Grant and Jessa
They live down the street from Brady and Sadie, having had to upgrade their house after their second child, Kali was born. Grant owns five Barbell’s gyms in the local area, and Jessa continues to concentrate on her own art, showcasing at Ryland Davis’s gallery every other month. When she isn’t in her studio Grant built for her, she’s usually running a Girl Scouts troop and cheering on Addy and Kali at soccer. Most summer nights they can be found at Moo’s eating ice cream with all their friends.
Trey and Kailey
They’re in the same house, Jen and Caden’s, but are moving next year to a new house, that Trey designed. He started his own architectural firm, building custom houses. Kailey finally graduated, and helps him out at the office as well as runs the household. Chloe just got her first car, being she’s sixteen. For some demented reason, Trey gave her his old Chevell that’s been kept in the garage under a cloth once he took over the minivan. Tara is extremely jealous of the car, already demanding one of her own when the time comes. Drew is busy on a traveling baseball team that Trey coaches. They had two more kids of their own, Bryce who is eight and Katie who is five. With five kids, their house is slightly crazy, and they can be found outside playing in the backyard most nights with Trey’s arms wrapped around Kailey.
Dex and Chrissy
They live a half hour from everyone in Cleveland. It was a hard move, but after Dex finished his Master’s degree, they followed where the job took them. Chrissy finished school, and runs a small company out of their house when she’s not busy wrangling up their one daughter and three dogs. Ava is three and they’re fairly sure they will be having more in the future. Most weekends they are found back down in Western, hanging out with the gang.
Rob and Paige
They live in London. Gotcha. No, they live in Western. Rob graduated and his dad wanted him to come down to take over the company, but neither of them wanted to take Matty away from his friends. So, Rob works with Trey, handling the business and financials for the company. Paige runs her father’s affairs for him now that he’s getting older and doesn’t tour much. Matty is fifteen and testing his limits. Luckily, Rob was the king of bad behavior so he usually stops Matty’s plans before it gets out of hand. That is when he’s not busy with his twin girls, Lexi and Mallory. Those five year olds are constantly trying to pull one over on him. They swear the twins have some secret language they haven’t been able to figure out. Most of the time, the family is found with Brady and Sadie since they bought Mrs. F’s house. They fell in love there and wanted to raise their family in the same place.
Vince Carsen
He’s been clean and sober for twelve years and counting. He started teaching again seven years ago and currently holds the Dean of Music position again. After numerous requests from Brady and Sadie to move in, he bought his own house three doors down. Never would he return to that house; it’s one of his triggers. He’s close enough to his grandchildren for them to ride their bikes or walk to his house, but far enough to enjoy life with his girlfriend, Jan. They’ve been together for three years and he went looking for rings the other day.
Maggie Miller
She moved up to Western eight years ago when Sadie was pregnant with Theo. The two-week trip turned permanent after running into Tony, from the Italian restaurant, again at the hospital. When she’s not hostessing at his restaurant, she’s usually babysitting her grandkids.
Grandma Ida
She’s still in Florida, living it up in the old folks community. Hey, there’s a reason why it’s the STD capital. Old people have got nothing better to do than to get busy. When she’s not in bed with her man of the week, she can be found up in Western with her much younger, hunkier men.
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“PIPER.” HE HESITATES before joining me down on the cement stoop. I question why he even searched me out, although it’s been his M.O. lately. Popping up wherever I am. He places his arm across my shoulders and pulls me into him, which only brings a ripple of warmth to the pit of my stomach. “Come here.” My head burrows in his strong chest and his hand soothingly roams up and down my back. I sink into him, the tension in my shoulders of placing fifth in my swim meet slowly releases with the comfort of his arms.
Refusing to let him make my mind race with his confusing affection, I sit up. Swiping the tears from my eyes, I honestly confess, “Tanner, it was my last shot.” He begins to shake his head, but I interrupt him, “No, I have to realize it, my dream of swimming in the Olympics is over.” I rise to my feet, and the heaviness in my chest sinks back into place now that I’m out of his embrace.
He follows me over to the oak tree, coming up behind me, and my pulse races into overdrive when his hot breathe tickles my neck. My body’s response only reminds me how bad I want him. Why does he keep leading me on? He continues to only toe the line between friendship and more, but never actually steps over it. Each time his hand brushes mine, or his eyes search me out, my heart stops beating for a moment, hoping this is it—until he crushes the fluttering butterflies and steps away. I close my eyes from the view of Michigan University’s football stadium because I need to calm my insides. “Why are you here?” He should be with my twin brother, preparing for their own meet. “You should be in warm-ups.” His hands land on my shoulders and he leans down, causing a tingling to spread across my body at our connection.
“I saw you leaving the pool house,” his voice cracks and I hear his deep intake of breath.
“That’s not what I’m asking, Tanner.” When I turn around, I almost collapse when I’m face to face with this gorgeous guy. Absolutely, one hundred percent, the perfect male. My perfect male. His brown hair is tucked away in his MU hat flipped backwards, his lips and cheeks are rosy from the early spring chill in the air. With only a sweatshirt and track pants on, he’s the epitome of a college student. His good looks remind me of the unbearable yearning that pulls me toward him.
His eyes are so transparent
, I can see the torment of his inner turmoil from our situation, meaning nothing has changed for him. He’s as conflicted as ever because I’m his best friend’s sister.
“I don’t know.” His voice is soft, caressed with the sweetness he’s been with me the last few months. My stomach drops at his words. I want to grab his face with my hands and beg him to admit that the small seed of attraction has grown over the years and we can’t dodge around it any longer. But, I stand there, with my hands to my sides, silently pinning for the day he acknowledges our desire.
“Then that’s a problem.” My heart thumps as I side step him and weave through the clumps of snow that have yet to melt from the harsh winter. I hate seeing his genuine smile falter with my words, but I can’t idly stand around while he messes with my head any longer.
“SHIT,” SLURS OUT of my mouth as my foot misses the top step. I slide down the litter-covered staircase. Roars of laughter and murmurs of my name fade into background noise when I lock eyes on an emerald hue. “Tan—”
Falling into Tanner’s waiting arms, he grips me tight, and my eyes close as I smell the musky scent of his cologne. I’d never admit how many times I’ve taken a sample of the exact brand from the department store just so I could relive the moments when we’ve been this close.
“Thanks,” I mumble into his damp charcoal T-shirt.
The sweat is proof he’s been here for a while, and I half-wonder if he searched for me. My silly schoolgirl crush surfaces, wishing he felt the same as me.
“I’ll always catch you.”
His promise brings a flutter to my stomach.
“I mean, your brother would kick my ass otherwise.”
Then, my heart shrivels from his admission of consistently being there for me only to please my brother. When my head drops as I begin to pull away, his hand cradles my cheek, and he gently lifts my face up.
“What’s wrong, Piper?”
His concerned eyes searches mine, and I question my thoughts from seconds ago that he doesn’t have an interest in me as more than a friend.
“Nothing.” I bite my lip, afraid I’ll crack from the way his green eyes cling to my brown. If I don’t tear them away soon, I’ll confess the lurking love I’ve hidden for years.
A small smirk cracks his lips, and he shakes his head. “Okay.” He lets the fact that I’m lying go. “Well, let’s have some fun tonight then.”
His hand leaves my cheek and travels down my arm until his long fingers link with mine. I hold back my squeal of excitement and follow his broad-shouldered frame between the throng of drunken college students.
Tanner stops in the middle of the dance floor. Since I’ve never heard a song I didn’t shake my ass to, when my blood is filled with liquid courage, my hips swing, and my arms flail to the newest and hottest hip-hop song. I circle around, joining the blur of other bodies around me. Strong hands grip my waist, and I step into a hard chest. Leaning back, I bring one arm up to his neckline and Tanner’s light-brown strands of hair, tickle my fingers. His face nuzzles in the crook of my shoulder, and shivers run up my spine when I hear his deep inhale of breath.
A small smile graces my lips as I realize the hands tightening around my curves belong to the unattainable guy I might never have long-term. I hope tonight will be different since we’ve both been drinking, and our desire for one another appears to be in line.
The question is, can I handle only having a one-nighter with Tanner? Granted, it would be fun-filled, but nonetheless, it’d be over at dawn.
I answer my question when he yanks me closer, bringing our bodies flush against one another, as he circles his hips behind me.
The alcohol helps me toss my worries to the side. I decide to live in the moment, and lose myself in the music. The more Tanner’s lips brush along my neck, the faster warmth radiates throughout my body. The people dancing around us fade away, and for a second, it’s only him and me. I’m immersed in the boy who turned into a man in the time I’ve known him. His smell of manly cologne mixed with sweat emanates in the air, bringing a sense of euphoria around me. His soothing hands hold me firm to his developed muscled chest I’ve admired since adolescence. I welcome the sensory overload of Tanner McCain even if it’s only temporary.
I swivel around, and our eyes connect. I wrap my arms around his neck, fiddling with the small waves along the back of his head. My heart skips a beat from the smoldering heat in his gaze tonight. Instead of his best friend’s twin sister that he grew up with, for once, I feel like a girl he wants to take home. A rush of heat pumps in my veins from the lust and desire pouring from his unwavering eyes. In all the years I’ve known him, he’s never looked at me like he wanted to whisk me to a bedroom and have his way with me.
In slow motion, our hands explore each other. His fingers inch under my shirt and rub along the bare skin of my back above the waistline of my jeans. From the shivers shooting up my spine, my back arches, and I push my breasts out as I lick my lips from his fingers touch.
A sheen of determination crosses his vision, and I’m absolutely certain he’s going to kiss me. I lean in, my imagination already ramped up with the dream of his lips on mine. This will be our first real kiss, not counting the one when we were fourteen. It was a peck, if anything, but now, on this dance floor, he’s going to fulfill my dream.
Tanner’s tongue snakes out of his mouth. He licks his lips, and I close my eyes, waiting for him to break the minute distance. The breeze of his breath chills the wetness on my lips, and my heart races. It’s coming . . . almost—
“Tanner!” Brad screams.
Screech to a damn halt.
“Crap,” Tanner mumbles.
His hands fly off my body as fast as a thief with a gun to their head. I slowly open my eyes, half-praying it wasn’t my brother’s voice booming through the crowd. My prayer goes unanswered when Tanner looks away, and his hand runs down his face. Guilt replaces his desire with the sound of Brad.
Brad slaps Tanner on the back, and Tanner’s focus snaps up to meet my brother’s.
“What’s up, man? Sorry I’m late. Taylor wanted—”
“Ahem.” I purposely clear my throat.
My brother notices me and then skeptically looks back to Tanner to assess the situation. Brad’s silent for a second, and my heart pounds until an easy smile breaks his lips.
“Shit. Sorry, Piper.” Brad walks over and wraps me in a bear hug, lifting my feet off the ground.
The worst part is, I can smell his new girlfriend, Taylor’s, perfume on him. I’m surprised he hasn’t kicked her to the curb yet. One girl is not Brad’s style.
Pushing him off me, I distance myself from the two men in my life. Thankfully, Brad doesn’t notice Tanner’s ping-pong eyes bouncing between us. He’s too self-absorbed while spouting off facts about Taylor in some nonchalant guy code. He acts like I couldn’t have a clue to what his innuendos mean. His sex life repulses me.
“Excuse me you two.” I slide between them, hoping for one last brush against Tanner.
What I don’t expect is for Tanner to sneak a hand out, grazing his finger along my lower back, as I pass by. Once I’m a safe distance from them, I can’t help but turn, and I notice Tanner’s classic smirk on his face while he admires me leaving. All of this is going on while my brother continues to ramble in his ear about how great Taylor is in bed.
When I reach the kitchen, I see a few girls lingering around a table full of guys playing beer pong. Diverting my steps to the open area by the sink, I grab another red Solo cup and make myself a concoction from all the hard liquor strewed around. Mindlessly pouring a little bit of each one and dribbling some Coke in the cup, I become ignorant to my surroundings.
“Hi, Piper. How are you?” I hear Taylor’s sweet Southern voice alongside me.
I roll my eyes. This is what I hate the most—the part when girls try to kiss my ass because I’m Brad’s sister. Brad doesn’t usually see a girl more than once, much to my dismay and shame for the female species. Taylor t
hough has held Brad’s attention longer than most, and I wish I could figure out why. She’s attractive, yes. She’s nice . . . for the most part. She’s a little too clingy . . . definitely.
I can’t stand clingy girls, and from an early age, I swore I’d never be one. Being an outsider, watching girls lose their dignity by tossing their own interests and lives aside for Brad and Tanner, is to blame.
Leaning against the countertop, I cross my arm across my chest and bring the cup to my lips with my other hand. “Taylor,” I respond like the chill bitch most think I am.
“So, I heard you and Jake went out on a date.”
This is her way of making small talk? A lame rumor about Jake Lincoln practically molesting me at a party? Someone referring to it as a date shows that the person obviously didn’t see how he accosted me.
“You heard wrong.” I sip my drink, trying not to engage in more conversation. I’m not naive enough to think that she won’t switch the topic to Brad and ask me if he’s dating anyone else.
“Well—” she steps closer to me and lowers her voice a smidge. “I just saw Jake on the porch, and he was asking about you. I think he really likes you.”
“I think he likes my tits.”
A nervous giggle escapes her while my face remains straight.
“Oh, Piper.” She laughs.
I watch her manicured nail on her right hand swipe at my shoulder. Seriously, I need to get myself out of this predicament.
“Nice talking to you, Taylor, but I gotta find Beatrice and jet out of here.” I push off the counter and notice her fake smile turn down at the corners.
Love Me Always (The Invisibles) Page 9