“Hey,” he says, a cheeky glint in his eye.
“Hey,” I moan as he hits me deep.
Dropping down, he rests his head against mine but his hips never stop. “I never stopped loving you, B.”
Tears sting my eyes and before I have a chance to fight them, one runs down my temple. This, him, us…it’s all just a bit much to take.
“Don’t do that,” he whispers, wiping the tear with his thumb.
“I’m sorry. It’s just…I love you, too.”
Freddie
Hearing those three little words leaves me fighting for breath. I regretted what I did when I was only eighteen every day since I made the mistake. I’ve imagined what it might take to make her forgive me, for her to hear me out, but I didn’t think she’d ever give me the time of day.
This, right now, is more than I ever could have asked for.
“Freddie?” she asks softly, and I realise that I’ve stopped moving.
“Sorry. I just…” I trail off, not really knowing what to say.
“I know.” Her warm palm cups my cheek. “I know.”
Dropping my head to her neck, I slowly circle my hips, eliciting a moan to fall from her lips. Her walls ripple around me and I grind my teeth to hold back my own release until she’s found hers. Skimming my hand down her stomach, I press my fingertips against her clit and she cries out my name. My chest swells with everything I feel for this woman beneath me as I feel the first twitch of her release.
She comes with my name as a soft cry on her lips. It’s not the loud scream I wanted, but this is so, so much more. She clamps down on me as she writhes beneath me, and I follow her into my own release.
“Do you think anyone’s noticed we’ve disappeared yet?”
“Does it matter?”
“I guess not. If they have, it means this won’t be our dirty little secret any longer.”
“Good. You’re so much more to me than a dirty little secret.”
“That means we need to talk to Mac.”
“He already knows.” Bryony sits bolt upright and I fight to pull her back down to the bed where we were relaxing after our exertion.
“He does?”
“I think he’s always known, although he’s never said anything. But he saw us leave earlier.”
“But—” Her body stiffens.
“It’s okay. He’ll be fine.”
“You think?”
“I know.” Sealing my lips over hers, I set about distracting her from the thoughts of her brother.
I stay awake for hours with her asleep in my arms, taking in every feature that had started to fade in my mind. I made the biggest mistake of my life when I was eighteen, but I won’t make it again. No matter what the future holds for us, we’ll deal with it together.
* * *
Thanks to an extra long and extra pleasurable shower, we’re the last down to breakfast the next morning. The second we enter the room where it’s being served, all sets of eyes turn on us. You’d think we were yesterday’s bride and groom from the attention we’re getting.
Mac stands and my heart races. I know I said to Bryony last night that he’d be okay with it, but there’s a chance I could be wrong. Tina also goes to stand, her eyes flicking between her son and me with concern filling them.
Mac doesn’t do what I expect him to. He marches up to me and holds his hand out like he’s going to shake mine. Only, when I slide my hand into his, he pulls me close so he can whisper in my ear. “Hurt her again and I’ll fucking kill you.” His voice is low and menacing like I’ve never heard from my best friend before , and it causes a shiver to run down my spine.
“You have my word.”
“I should fucking hope so.”
Tugging on my hand, he pulls me into a hug and slaps my back. Bryony and Tina’s eyes are both wide when I look up. But they soon relax when I nod at them.
Once Mac releases me, Tina steps up. “Look after my baby.”
“Of course.”
“Is there going to be another wedding soon?” Tessa calls from her place at the table, and when I turn to Bryony, her face has lost all its color.
“Don’t listen to her,” I whisper in her ear. “We’ll do this our way.” I might not say the words, but I fully intend on her becoming my wife one way or another. I just need to figure out the best way to do it.
Bryony
“Do you have to go?” I ask, holding both of Freddie’s hands in mine.
“I’m sorry, baby. I’ll be back as soon as I can on Friday.”
We spent most of yesterday helping Tessa and Mac sort all their wedding stuff out at the hotel and then the four of us went out for dinner before they left for their honeymoon.
Thankfully, Mac seemed relatively cool with the idea of Freddie and I being together. I’m sure that wouldn’t have been the case if he found out when I was only seventeen, mind you. But I’m a somewhat sensible adult now and he should know better than to question my decisions.
With one last kiss, I watch as Freddie throws his bag in the trunk of his car and gets in the driver’s seat. Tears burn my eyes, but I refuse to cry. I’ve managed without him for ten years. Three days should be nothing.
He gives me a sad little wave before he puts his foot down and disappears from my sight.
Shutting the door behind me, I let out a slow breath, willing the tears to disappear. I’m stronger than this.
Walking over to the coffee table, I type out a message on our girls group chat.
Bryony: Anyone fancy a drink?
Rose: It’s a Monday night.
Vaughan: I’m there. Usual place?
Just over an hour later, I’m walking into our usual cocktail bar. There is no way I could sit at home alone after everything that’s happened this weekend.
“So,” Rose starts the second I join her, Vaughan, Lacey, and Cherry at our usual booth at the back. “Vaughan says you’ve been keeping secrets.”
My cheeks heat and I break my gaze from Rose. She’s been my best friend for years and I feel guilty that I’ve never confided in her about Freddie.
“I’m sorry,” I say, taking the seat next to her and grabbing the glass that’s waiting for me.
“What for?”
“For not telling you about him.”
“Don’t be silly. But I do want to know everything now.”
* * *
The girls helped to take my mind off the fact that not only was I in a proper relationship for the first time in my adult life, but it was a long distance one at that. By the time Thursday rolls around, talking to Freddie on the phone and sending messages practically every hour of the day is already starting to get old. I know he said everything would work out, but this really fucking sucks.
I’m curled up on the sofa in my pajamas with a tub of my favorite ice cream watching the latest season of The Bachelor on TV when my doorbell rings.
Checking my phone to make sure one of the girls hasn’t said they’re on their way, I put the tub down and make my way over to the door.
Looking through the peephole, I can’t believe my eyes. I quickly look in the mirror to my left, but I don’t have time to fix how I look because he’s there, on the other side of the door.
The second I open it, Freddie’s on me. He pushes me backwards into the hallway until we crash back against the wall. His lips descend on mine and he kisses me like he’s been gone months, not only days.
“Freddie, what are you—”
His lips cut me off again, his tongue sweeping deep into my mouth. “Missed you,” he mumbles.
“I missed you, too,” I manage to say when he eventually pulls back, not that I’m complaining. “How come you’re here?”
“Why, don’t you want me here?”
“Of course I do. I’m just surprised.”
“How surprised would you be if I were to tell you I was here to stay?”
A smile twitches at my lips, but I refuse to allow it to break in case he’s just winding me up.
<
br /> “What?”
“Bryony,” he says, taking my hand and standing back a little. My eyes widen and my heart pounds that he’s about to drop to one knee, but thankfully he stays on his feet. “Can I move in with you?”
“Can you…move in with me?” My brow creases as I stare at him. He’s joking, right? This is a joke. “What about your life? Your job?”
“I left. I was losing my job anyway. I gave notice on my apartment and packed up all my stuff. Just say if—”
“You’re serious?”
“Deadly.”
A smile spreads across my face before I launch myself at him and slam my lips down on his.
“Yes, yes…you can move in.”
Bryony
Six Months Later…
“Pack a bag, we’re going away for the weekend,” Freddie says the moment I step through the front door.
“Sorry, what?”
“Go and pack a bag, we’re going away for the weekend,” he repeats slowly like I’m a total idiot.
“I heard, dick.” I go to slap his shoulder, but he’s quicker. His fingers wrap around my wrist and I’m pulled up against his chest.
“Hey,” he says, smiling down at me.
“Hey. Where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise.” I narrow my eyes at him in question, but he doesn’t break.
“How long have you been planning this?” I ask as I head for our bedroom.
“A while. Now, hurry up, we don’t want to miss our flight.”
“Flight?” I ask, feeling a little flustered about having to pack on the spot. I usually plan my packing weeks in advance for any trip.
“Yes, flight.”
“Well, what do I need?”
“Clothes and stuff.”
“Clothes and stuff?” I repeat. “How well do you even know me?” Placing my hands on my hips, I wait for a better explanation.
“You’re such a girl,” he complains. “Just grab a pair of jeans, a couple of t-shirts, some nice dresses, and some sexy shoes.”
“You’re such a boy.” I roll my eyes, but I turn and start pulling clothes from my wardrobe.
“Hand luggage only.”
“What? You’re kidding?”
“No, I’m not. We’re leaving in ten minutes,” he calls over his shoulder with a laugh.
“We’re going to Las Vegas?” I ask when we walk into our departure gate.
“We are.” His eyes light up with excitement. It’s infectious.
“Amazing. It’s on my bucket list. Thank you.”
Leaning over, I give him a quick kiss before we walk over to board the plane, hand in hand.
* * *
“I can’t believe you booked us a suite. A fucking suite! I feel like a freaking celebrity,” I squeal as we ride the elevator towards the top of the most lavish hotel I’ve ever stepped foot in.
“Only the best for my girl.” Tingles fill my entire body. We might have been together for six months now, but I still can’t quite believe it.
After a few weeks of living with me back in St. Louis, Freddie managed to find himself a job. It wasn’t anywhere near as good as his previous one, but he’s never once complained. He’s fallen into my life and routine easily, and thankfully he gets on with my girls’ boyfriends.
“This is us.”
“Are you okay? You look a little stressed.”
“Yeah I’m good,” he says, but his face is a little hard, nothing like his usual happy-go-lucky self.
“Okay.”
He slides the key through the machine and pushes the door open for me to enter first.
I’m expecting to walk into a silent hotel suite, so when a group of people suddenly shout, “Surprise!” I just about shit my pants. My heart pounds as I struggle to process what I’m seeing.
All my friends, my parents, and Mac and Tessa are standing in front of me with huge smiles on their faces.
I look back over my shoulder to find Freddie, but he’s gone. Well, he’s not gone, he’s just not standing anymore. Instead, he’s on one knee with a little black box in his hand.
“Holy shit.”
I can’t drag my eyes away from his intense stare as he waits to see if I’m going to freak out.
“Bryony?” he asks. All I can do is nod. “You okay?”
“I…I don’t know.” My heart’s racing so much, I feel a little lightheaded, but to my own amazement, I want to know what he’s about to say.
“Bryony, I know how you feel about your own wedding, but there’s no way I’m spending the rest of my life without you as my wife. So, will you do me the greatest pleasure of agreeing to spend the rest of your life with me and having the most low-key wedding I could come up with?”
I can’t help the laugh that falls from my lips because as utterly insane as this is, it’s also incredibly perfect and so thoughtful.
“Yes. Yes, of course I will.”
Freddie’s smile splits his face before he jumps up, wraps me in his arms, and spins us both around. I’m vaguely aware of cheers behind us, but they fade into the background as Freddie sings, “She said yes,” in my ear.
“Shit, the ring,” he says, placing me back on my feet and opening the box for me. Inside sits a stunning, simple princess cut diamond on a platinum band. I couldn’t have chosen something more perfect if I did it myself.
Holding out my trembling hand, he slides the ring up my finger.
“Oh my God. I can’t believe we’re engaged,” I say, staring at my ring.
“You’d better get used to the idea fast because we’re getting married in about...” He glances at his watch. “Two hours.”
“What?” It’s only then I look back at the others and everything starts to make sense. “They’re here to watch us get married?”
“They are. Even though you don’t want a show, I thought you’d regret not having them there.”
Sliding my arms around his shoulders, I pull his head down so it rests against mine. “Do you have any idea how much I love you?”
“Hopefully as much as I love you. Now, there’s no time for chitchat. You’ve got a dress waiting for you.”
Bryony first appeared in my matchmaker book All Star Player. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
Something old
Something new
Will you say “I do”?
Sixteen best-selling Flirt Club authors are headed down the aisle with a new collection of steamy, sweet stories!
Always a Bridesmaid by Dee Ellis
At Last By Tessa Blake
Fake Plus One by Arlo Arrow
Garters & Groomsmen by Kim Loraine
Kiss the Bride by Amelia Wilde
My Wedding Knight by Alexis Adaire
Something Blue by Fiona Starr
Something Borrowed by Tracy Lorraine
The Bridal Auction by Vivian Ward
The Worst Man by Rebecca Norinne
Three Weddings & Forever by Laney Powell
Wanderlust Wedding by Rebecca Gallo
Wedded and Finally Bedded by Olivia Hawthorne
Wedded Miss by Angel Devlin
Wedding Wishes by Dori Lavelle
With This Ring by by Dori Lavelle
I’ve been looking forward to writing Bryony’s story since she first appeared as Rose’s best friend in All Star Player. She was the loud and slightly crazy friend who was clearly hiding something. I’ve really enjoyed discovering what that secret was, and I hope you’ve enjoyed discovering a little more about her.
I’ve loved writing this little group of friends’ stories and I’m excited to dive into Vaughan next and discover the man who’s going to make her knees a little weak. That’s going to be coming very soon, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled for details.
As always, a huge thank you to Michelle, my alpha, reading Something Borrowed for me at the last minute, and to Michelle for editing for me. I couldn’t have done this without either of you.
Obviously, I can’t forget my incredible author f
riends. I still can’t believe I was lucky enough to find myself working with you all. You challenge me and inspire me daily, and I can’t wait to see what’s coming next for us.
And last, but never least, my husband and daughter for your love and support.
Until next time,
Tracy xo
About the Author
Tracy Lorraine is a M/F and M/M contemporary romance author. Tracy has just turned thirty and lives in a cute Cotswold village in England with her husband, baby girl and lovable but slightly crazy dog. Having always been a bookaholic with her head stuck in her Kindle, Tracy decided to try her hand at a story idea she dreamt up and hasn’t looked back since.
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www.tracylorraine.com
Also by Tracy Lorraine
Falling Series
Falling for Ryan: Part One #1
Falling for Ryan: Part Two #2
Falling for Jax #3
Falling for Daniel (An Falling Series Novella)
Falling for Ruben #4
Falling for Fin #5
Falling for Lucas #6
Falling for Caleb #7
Falling for Declan #8
Falling For Liam #9
Forbidden Series
Falling for the Forbidden
Losing the Forbidden
Fighting the Forbidden
Chasing Series
Something Borrowed (Wedding Season Series) Page 5