by Ella Jade
“Oh my...” I couldn’t stop looking around. “This is amazing.”
“My mother is excited to be planning this wedding,” Miles said. “Jameson and CC have given her all the decision making power.”
“It works for me.” CC came up from behind us. “I’m so glad you’re here.” She handed me a glass of champagne. “I love this dress.”
“I do too.” Miles kissed CC’s cheek. “You look lovely.”
“Have I told you how much I adore you?” She laughed. “My future brother-in-law and my best friend?”
“Well, we’re just doing our wedding duties.” I sipped my champagne, hoping to avoid another charade about my relationship with Miles.
“Dating the best man is not part of your duties.” CC squeezed my hand. “But I’m glad you are.”
“I’d have to agree.” Miles leaned against the stone wall. The very wall we’d reconnected over the night of the engagement party. And just like that evening, he looked as charismatic as ever. Tonight he didn’t wear a tie, leaving the first two buttons of his dress shirt undone. His tailored pants fit him with such precision. He’d opted not to shave, his stubble covering his chiseled jaw. He was beyond sexy. Any woman would be proud to call him hers. What was stopping me from taking the next step?
Taking another sip of my drink, I quickly suppressed the images of us in his bedroom the other night. I could recall the moans he’d made when I...
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“Yes, why?”
“Your cheeks are flush. Are you hot?”
You have no idea. “I’m fine.” I moved to stand closer to him. “I was just thinking about something.”
“Something good?”
“Real good.”
“Are you going to share?” He ran the back of his hand down my arm.
“No.” I grinned.
“I’m going to find Jameson,” CC said. “You two are sitting at our table tonight. Rayne is too. I only wish Max could be here.”
“Me too,” I said. “The rehearsal dinner. He’ll be back then.”
“I hope so.” CC giggled as she headed off into the yard. “You never know with him.”
Miles took my glass and finished what was left.
“Hey, I was drinking that.”
“Don’t worry,” he said. “I know where we can get more.”
He moved toward the bar, walking behind it he spoke to the bartender. The man nodded and handed Miles another glass and a bottle of champagne.
“Would you like to take a stroll with me, Dr. Dunlap?”
“Where would we go?” I asked already knowing the answer.
“Follow me.”
We walked down the path just as we’d done at the engagement party. That night I was skeptical of the man he’d become. I thought he was still that careless kid from high school. Rich and entitled. I had no idea he’d developed into such a caring, sensitive, responsible man. If I had to do this again, I never would have propositioned him. If I hadn’t initiated such a ridiculous arrangement, Miles might have surprised me. Now I’d never know what we might have been.
He popped open the bottle and poured the champagne once we reached the gazebo.
“Thank you.” I took the glass he handed me.
“I’d like to make a toast.”
“Okay.”
He sat close enough to me that our thighs touched. The moonlight shimmered off the lake and illuminated the gazebo making his remarkable blue eyes all the more mesmerizing.
“To the most amazing woman I’ve ever met.” He raised his glass. “Twelve years ago, you wouldn’t give me the time of day.”
“I had good reason.” I smiled. “You were a dog back then.”
“Lesson number, I’ve forgotten where we are, but when a man is toasting you, singing your praises, don’t remind him what an ass he has been in the past.”
“That’s not a dirty lesson.”
“Forgive me, but you need to be schooled in all matters of romance.”
“And you think you’re the man to do it?”
“I know I am.”
“Your confidence is very sexy.” I raised my glass. “Please continue.”
“All I was going to say was spending time with you, no matter how we classify it, has been the best time I’ve ever spent with anyone.”
“Me too.” I clinked my glass to his. “More than you know.”
“I’m glad I’m helping with your mission.” He sipped his drink. “I’d be disappointed if I missed out on you.”
“Mission?”
“The one where you find a man just like Jameson.”
“Jameson?” I gulped my champagne. “No, that’s not what I meant when I said...”
“Relax, I know you don’t want my brother.” He poured more of that much needed amber colored liquid into my glass. “I hope I’m helping you find what you’re searching for.” He set his glass down before taking mine and putting them on the floor. “Although, I hope you’re smart enough to realize you don’t have to look that far.”
“Miles, I—”
“Shh...” He pressed his lips to mine, kissing me slowly. I could taste the champagne on his tongue as the heat between us intensified. He rested his hand on my shoulder, circling his finger below my ear. My nipples hardened when he lowered his hand, tracing his fingertips down my throat and to the tops of my breasts. He continued to kiss me as he explored my flesh, gliding his hand down my stomach and to my thigh.
“Maybe we should go back to the party,” I suggested but I didn’t want to be around people. I wanted to have his undivided attention. I wanted to be his only focus.
“Dinner won’t be served for another hour.” He slid his hand under my dress. “Lesson number eight.”
“Are you sure it’s eight?” I ran my palm over his stubble. “I forgot to tell you how much I like this.”
“Don’t distract me.” He tugged on my panties. “Let’s take these off so I can continue on with my dirty lesson.”
“Why do we need to take them off?” I didn’t protest when he slipped them down my legs and over my feet.
“Because if they’re off, I’ll have easy access all night.”
“What will you do with that easy access?”
“There are plenty of things I could so.” He kissed my neck as he moved his hand between my legs. “I can do this when no one is watching.” He pushed his fingers inside me. “Maybe even at the dinner table.”
“Miles...” I rocked my pelvis into his hand. “What else?”
“I could take you inside, find a dark corner, maybe a vacant room.” He circled his fingers inside me, spreading my arousal. “Bend you over and fuck you so hard.”
“Yes, please.” I shamelessly pushed against his hand, creating more friction, causing him to go deeper. Arching my back, I thrust my breasts forward.
With his free hand, he lowered my dress, just enough to reveal my nipple. The warmth of his tongue circled it, making my insides pulse with desire. He didn’t stop fingering me as he kissed and fondled my breasts.
“Without your panties I could make you come anytime I want tonight.” He rubbed my slit with his hand before inserting three fingers inside me. “This is just the first time.”
When he bit my nipple, I let out a low moan. I couldn’t take the stimulation.
“Come for me, beautiful.”
“For you, only you.”
He covered my mouth with his, suppressing my moans as I climaxed hard and fast. My body trembled with lust, too aroused to think. Before I knew what I was saying I blurted it out.
“Miles, please. Now.”
“Right here?” He glanced up at the house. “Someone could come down here. It’s too public.”
“I need you inside me.” I didn’t know what came over me but I had to get him to see it my way. “Think of something.” I ran my hand over his erection. “You took my panties. You said you would make me come.”
“Fuck.” He stood, taking my hand. H
e led me toward the lake. “Back here.”
“What’s back there?”
“A storage shed for our paddle boats and kayaks.”
We approached a small structure, nestled behind some trees. “What are we going to call this lesson?”
“Quick is necessary when my girl is begging for it.” He turned me around so that I was facing the shed. “Are you sure you want to do this out in the woods?”
“I’ve never done anything like this but I know I’ve never been more aroused.”
“Put your hands on the shed,” he instructed. “Arch your back.”
I did as he told me to. I shook with need, praying my knees wouldn’t give out.
“Good girl.” He lowered his zipper. “We’re going to make this fast in case someone comes looking for us.” He lifted my dress, smoothing his hand over my backside. My insides pulsated when he spread me open with his fingers, pushing my legs into a wider stance with his thigh. “Kirsten,” he breathed into my hair as he entered me.
“Oh...” I clawed at the wooden structure as he slammed into me.
He moved quick, treating me to relentless, hurried thrusts. As expected, my orgasm coursed through me within seconds. “Miles...” My legs tensed as I spiraled out of control.
“I know.” He latched onto my hips as his breathing picked up. “I’m almost there.”
With one final thrust, he came inside me. With his climax, serenity surrounded us. The band from the house played in the distance, the crickets chirped in the bushes, and the cool breeze from the lake danced over us in the darkness. I’d never been this connected to him before. How were we so in sync with one another? We were having sex. There was no great love story. But being with him made me see things from a different perspective.
I turned in his arms to face him as he adjusted his pants. Wrapping his arms around my waist, he gently kissed me. “Thank you.”
“I should be thanking you.” He smoothed my hair. “That was really hot.”
“It was the most exhilarating experience of my life.”
“Hmm.” He took my hand as we walked back to the gazebo. “Now that I know that, I have to come up with something more creative.”
“Can I have my panties back?” I arched a brow out him.
“No.” He took them off the bench and shoved them in his pocket. “You won’t be needing them tonight.”
Chapter Nine
Miles
Sunday afternoon, I found myself sitting in Kirsten’s office waiting for Cassandra and Brian. The results came in faster than I had expected. I had Kirsten to thank for that. In a few minutes I’d know if I was a father. My world could be forever changed in a few minutes. How screwed up was that?
“Miles.” Kirsten sat on the couch next to me, resting her hand on my leg. The leg that wouldn’t stop twitching. “You have to relax.”
“I’m trying but my life could change in a matter of minutes.”
“It may not change at all.”
“If it does do you think, well, if Mila turns out to be mine would you still continue our relationship?” Did we even have a relationship? According to her, we didn’t. The more time we spent together, the less that stupid deal meant to me. As far as I was concerned, this was a real relationship and I didn’t want to lose her.
“I’m not going anywhere but there’s no need to speculate. Just wait for the results.”
There was a knock at the door, just outside Kirsten’s office.
“That’s probably them. I asked them to come in through the side entrance.”
“I’ll get it.” I stood, trying to make myself useful. “I need to walk a bit.”
“Okay.”
As I headed for the hall, Kirsten called after me.
“Miles, whatever happens everything is going to work out.”
“Thank you.”
She was right. If I’d created a life with Cassandra, I’d own up to it. What choice did I have? I opened the door to find Cassandra and Brian waiting for me. They didn’t bring Mila. Maybe that was for the best.
“Hi,” Cassandra quietly said as she stepped into the hall. “This is my husband Brian.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” I shook his hand. “I’m Miles Clark.”
“No offense,” the casually dressed man with the soft-spoken voice said. “But I wish we weren’t meeting at all.”
“I understand.” I pointed toward the office. “Kirsten is waiting for us. She’ll make this as quick as possible.”
“Miles,” Cassandra called after me before I could enter.
“Yeah.” I stopped and faced them. My heart pounding faster than it should.
“Brian is her father,” she said.
“I hope so.” I nodded. “We’ll see in a few minutes.”
“No, it doesn’t matter what that test says.” She stared into my eyes, silently pleading with me. “He was with me through the pregnancy. I had a C-section. He never left my side. He’s an amazing dad. He loves Mila.”
“I don’t doubt that.” I made eye contact with Brian before addressing Cassandra. “I know you really believe Brian is her father. I want to trust you but you must also think there’s a possibility that you were pregnant when the two of you got together. We wouldn’t be here otherwise.”
“A small possibility,” Brian said. “That’s why we’re here. We need to clear this up today so we can move forward.”
“You have a lot of money,” Cassandra said. “You know I never wanted anything from you. You’re an attorney. You have so many connections in this town. Your family gets whatever they want. I never sought you out because I didn’t want anything from you.”
“I get that.”
“What are you going to do if those results say she’s yours? What does that mean for me, Brian, and Mila?”
“Wait, do you think I want to take Mila from you?” I’d never really thought about custody. This all happened so fast. I barely had time to process what could happen if she was mine. “I would never do that. Whatever happens here today, I don’t want to disrupt your lives. You’re a family and I respect that.”
“Thank you.” Cassandra wiped her eyes as Brian took her hand. “My life is good now. I’m on the right track.”
“You’ve done well for yourself.” I tried to ease her anxiety but mine was at an all-time high. She didn’t have an easy life. She’d turned to stripping when she was eighteen to help her mother raise her younger siblings. By the time I met her, she was making a decent living at what she was doing but it was taking a toll on her. She wanted something better. It looked like she found it. “Let’s see what we’re dealing with and then will go from there.”
“Why don’t you all come inside,” Kirsten said from the door. “I could answer the question on everyone’s mind.”
“Thank you, Dr. Dunlap, for doing this on a Sunday.” Cassandra and Brian entered the office. “You’re going above and beyond.”
“It’s my job but I know how important this is to all of you.” Kirsten took a file off her desk. “Why don’t you all have a seat?”
“I’d rather stand,” Cassandra said. “Can you just tell us the results?”
“Of course.” Kirsten opened the folder and took out a sealed envelope. “I haven’t read them yet either.” She glanced at me before returning her attention to this very important task.
“You need to relax, babe.” Brian kissed Cassandra’s temple. “It doesn’t matter what’s inside that envelope.”
“You’re a very wise man.” Kirsten opened the envelope, unfolded the paper and read the results to herself. The room became eerily quiet as we waited for the answer. “It appears that...” She looked up from the paper, her beautiful eyes connecting with mine. “Miles, you’re not Mila’s father.”
“Okay.” I let out a long, steady breath. “Thank you.”
“Thank God.” Cassandra hugged Brian. “No offense, Miles.”
“None taken.” I laughed. “I’m happy for you both. Congratulations.”
/>
“Just to make it official,” Kirsten said, “Brian, the results state you are Mila’s father.”
“I know.” He continued to hug Cassandra. “Now we know for sure.”
“I’m sorry we had to go through this.” Cassandra took Brian’s hand. “But thank you both for everything.”
“It wasn’t a problem.” Kirsten walked them out to the hall, making conversation with them.
I leaned against her desk, taking my time to process what had just happened. My life hadn’t been altered. I was the same guy I was on Thursday afternoon before I bumped into Cassandra and her little one.
When Kirsten made her way back into the office, I realized how lucky I was to have her. Who am I kidding? My life had been altered. It didn’t happen on Thursday though. It occurred that warm May evening in my parents’ backyard when I spied the stunning Dr. Dunlap on the patio. My world had never been the same. Now I just had to get her to see how much we belonged together.
“Are you okay?” She took my hands in hers. “I know you’ve been trying to keep this on the back burner all weekend.”
“I couldn’t change the outcome so I tried to put it out of my head. You were a big help.” I squeezed her hands. “Thank you for taking care of all of this.”
“I’m glad I was able to do it for you.”
“You really had no idea what was in that envelope?”
“I didn’t want to know before you.” When she kissed me, I realized how lucky I was to have such a strong, understanding woman in my corner. “It wouldn’t have been right.”
“Champagne and lobster are in order.” I took out my phone. “I’m getting us a table on the water tonight.”
“Whatever you want.”
“Thank you for being so wonderful through this.”
“It’s easy to be wonderful to you.”
***
Kirsten
As I entered the paternity results into the computer for Mila’s records, I couldn’t help but feel relieved. I had no right to harbor that emotion because what Miles had done in his past was none of my business. If Mila had turned out to be his daughter that wouldn’t have affected me either. We weren’t in this for the long haul. At least that wasn’t the way we set this up.