by L. P. Dover
I nod. “You have no idea.”
Sliding back up next to me, he traces his fingers over my thigh to in between my legs. He closes his lips over mine and slowly enters me with his fingers, groaning when he realizes how wet I am for him. “Fuck, you’re so damn wet.”
Grabbing his shoulders, I push him over and straddle his bare body. Just the sight of him has me trembling. I stroke a hand over his cock and smile when his eyes roll into the back of his head. “If you keep doing that, there’s no way I’ll be able to hold out,” he groans.
I tease him for a few more seconds, but then he rolls me onto my back, pinning me down with his weight. I’m breathless underneath him and my heart’s pounding out of control. He kisses me again and I’m lost in his touch. I can feel him everywhere on my body. Reaching over to his bedside table, he pulls out a condom and slides it down his impressive length.
Caging me in his arms, he lays against me and kisses me tenderly on the lips. My hands tangle in his hair and I pull him closer, needing more of him. He settles himself between my legs and presses his cock against my opening, circling it around to get me ready.
Gazing into my eyes, Kellan rubs his nose against mine and slowly kisses me again. It’s the sweetest thing any man has done, and I didn’t expect it. With short, easy thrusts, he enters me. I hiss at first with the initial pain, but it slowly ebbs off. I love the feel of him stretching me.
“Are you okay?” he asks, coming to a stop.
Wrapping my legs around his waist, I thrust my hips into his. “Does that answer your question?”
Kellan continues a slow rhythm for a while, but then picks up his pace, pounding his flesh into mine. I’m so close to losing control.
“Give in to me,” Kellan murmurs in my ear. Those words are all it takes.
Clenching my legs tighter around him, I scream out his name as my orgasm explodes from the inside out. Kellan pushes into me a few more times and squeezes me tight as he too gives in to his release. He stays inside me for a few more seconds, but then slowly slides out, takes off the condom, and tosses in the waste basket which sits in the corner of his room before pulling me into his arms.
“That was fucking amazing.”
Closing my eyes, I rub my face against his chest. “Yes, it was.” There’s still a burning ache between my legs. I don’t want the night to end, but it must. “I should probably get home.”
Kellan kisses my head. “If that’s what you want. I can’t make you stay even if I want you to.”
Groaning, I reluctantly slide off the bed. “It’s best I don’t. I can see us getting into too much trouble.”
He chuckles and stretches out on the bed, enticing me to lay back down. “Maybe so, but I understand.” I slide on my bridesmaid outfit and run a hand through my tangled hair. Kellan throws on his clothes and smiles at me. “Come on, I’ll call a taxi and ride home with you.”
“Thanks,” I say, taken by surprise. And that’s another reason why he’s a good guy. Unfortunately, it’ll never work out. Long distance relationships are too hard. Once we’re ready to go, we walk down the three flights of stairs and there’s a cab waiting for us. Kellan opens the door for me, and I slide in. He holds my hand the entire time, but the ride is silent. When we pull up at my house, he gets out and walks me to the door.
“Promise me this stays between us. I don’t want things to get complicated.”
Kellan nods. “I promise. Nothing happened between us.”
That should make me happy, but it doesn’t. All it does is make me want things I can’t have. “Good, it’ll be easier this way.”
Kellan kisses me on the cheek. “Good night, Hope. I’ll see you at the dinner tomorrow.”
Turning on his heel, he heads back to the cab and they drive off. Closing my eyes, I lean against the door and sigh. “What the hell did I just do?”
Four
Kellan
As I lay in bed and stare at the ceiling, this would be the time to contemplate my life up to this point. Thing is, there was a party going on in the courtyard, which started after I came back from taking Hope back to her parents. They invited me when I passed by my second-floor neighbors and I told them I’d be down but as soon as I stepped foot into my apartment, Hope’s perfume lingered and reminded me of what we had just done, and I couldn’t bring myself to leave.
I bring the pillow Hope laid her head on and cover my face with it. I’m all for the occasional hook-up, but Hope Dunn isn’t the type of girl you hook-up with, she’s the type you bring home to your mother. She’s the type of woman who wears your grandma’s wedding ring. Part of me regrets what we did, especially when she suggested we keep this between us. It’s the last thing I want to do but I will. Besides, I’m not one to talk. I am one to flaunt, and the idea of having her on my arm at tonight’s dinner is appealing. I’d also love to flirt with her, maybe even steal a kiss or two, but it’s not what she wants and I have to respect her wishes.
The alarm on my phone sounds and even though I’m awake, I jump at the piercing sound. I’m exhausted. Mentally and physically. The last thing I want to do is get up and play a round of golf with Stewart and the rest of the groom’s party, but I don’t have a choice. I’m his best friend and best man, and I will do anything he wants.
My movements are slow. My hand reaches for my phone, and my fingers squeeze the sides to silence it. I sit up slowly, waiting for my head to start pounding, and when it doesn’t, I make sure to turn off the alarm and head toward my bathroom to shower. It’s in there, under the hot water, when I come to the decision that I’m going to flirt my ass off when I see Hope later. I’m going to do my best to let her know one time with her is never going to be enough.
When I get out of the shower, and after I dry off, I spend some extra time on my beard, making sure it’s nice and trimmed. Hope made a comment about it yesterday, and the last thing I want is for it to be a turn off for her. I know some women dig the beard. The longer, the better, but it’s not for everyone.
After I dress in khaki shorts and a polo, and after I make sure my clothes for tonight are hanging nicely in my garment bag, I call the garage where I park my car. It’s a two-block walk from my apartment and cheaper than the parking structure right across from my apartment. Growing up in a blue-collar family taught me the value of a dollar, and while I have done very well for myself, I like to save as much money as possible. I never want to be like my dad, living paycheck to paycheck. I remember when I was younger, my mom would do odd jobs to help, but my father didn’t want her to work. While I’d love it if my wife stayed home and raised our children, I know it’s unrealistic to think this way.
It’s the day after St. Patrick’s Day, and you would think the streets of New York City would be covered in green, white, and gold everything, but it’s not. Sure, there are some things lingering, but the sanitation crew works through the night to make sure all the trash is gone. The walk to my car is easy. As soon as I arrive at the crosswalk, the light turned. No one spilled their coffee on me, and I wasn’t assaulted by random shoulder slamming, which usually happens because someone is paying attention to their phone and not where they’re walking. I’m also trying to keep a wide berth because I don’t want to hit anyone with my clubs.
When I arrive at the garage, I show the attendant my pass. He walks me to my car and opens the trunk, so I can put my bags in there. This isn’t how all garages operate with their monthly users. It’s part of the package the garage offered when I bought my parking spot. At the end of the year, it’ll expire, and I’ll be like everyone else, climbing many flights of stairs to retrieve my car.
As luck would have it, there’s a traffic jam on my way out to the golf course. I turn the up the radio and roll down the windows of my Camry. My head bobs to the music, while my fingers tap against the steering wheel to the beat. The weather is meh. It’s nice for March, but still a bit on the chilly side. However, anything above forty and I’m in shorts.
By the time I arrive, I’
m about forty minutes late. I rent a cart, load my clubs and cruise the course until I run into Stewart and the rest of the party. I’m not surprised to find them on the second hole, teeing off. Behind my sunglasses, I roll my eyes at them. Normally, Stewart and I can get in a decent game in about three hours or so. But with all the guys playing and already drinking, it’s going to take all day. I contemplate staying in the cart and being their caddy, but Stu wouldn’t appreciate it.
“Where have you been?” Stewart asks as I get out of the cart and reach for my driver.
“Got stuck in some traffic, got here as soon as I could.”
“Should’ve left earlier,” he says. This is classic Stewart. He was probably here when the doors opened. That’s not me. I’m not always late either, but typically fifteen minutes early. It’s the best I can do.
“Rough night,” I tell him. “Someone was having a party in my courtyard.”
He shakes his head. “I don’t know why you insist on living there when you could live on the Upper East Side in a penthouse.”
Because I don’t want to waste my money, and I don’t want to be a pretentious asshole. I’ve had this conversation with Stu many times. Stewart likes to flaunt his wealth. That’s his choice. I want people to like me for me, not my bank balance.
I take my turn at the tee and watch my ball sail off into the trees.
“That was rough,” one of the groomsmen says while laughing. I shake my head at his ridiculous pun.
“If you were on time, you’d have gotten some practice swings in,” Stewart says sharply. I grip my club tightly. My hand cramps, and I ease up. The last thing I want to do right now is break my club. I remind myself Stewart is under some stress with the wedding. Hallie expects everything to be perfect, and there isn’t a single thing Stu wouldn’t do for her. So, I’m going to bite my tongue and not say something smart ass in return.
Instead, I take my driver and head to my cart. What I don’t expect is for Stewart to follow and slide into the passenger seat. “You okay, man?” I ask him.
“Perfect.”
I study him for a minute before I release the brake and head toward the tree-lined area where my ball is. He stays in the cart, which is fine with me. I step on a couple of twigs and move the brush away from my ball, so I have a clean shot. However, I take my time. Not because I’m trying to win, it’s because I want to think about Hope and what she’s doing right now. If I remember correctly, Hannah told me the bridal party had appointments at the spa today, which makes me incredibly jealous of whoever is rubbing Hope down. I want to be the one to pour oil on her skin, to knead her flesh with my fingertips.
Wouldn’t you know it, it’s not my club that I have to worry about, but a legit fucking boner while I’m trying to hit the damn ball out onto the fairway. “Mother fucker,” I mutter to myself as I swing. I don’t even check to see where the ball lands, Stewart is anal enough to watch it for me. I go back to the cart and slide my iron back into my bag and get behind the steering wheel. “Where am I?”
He points and tells me one of his co-workers has to hit next. Of all the men, I’m the only childhood friend of Stewart’s. The rest are co-workers, cousins, and family members from Hallie’s side. Their wedding is enormous, ten bridesmaids and groomsmen. I think, if they had their way, Hallie and Stu would’ve had fifteen or twenty standing next to them. Their wedding is going to be one for the record books.
Everyone in the wedding party takes their turn. However, by the fourth hole, some of the guys are drunk, I’m frustrated, and Stewart is upset. I decide to call it a day and do my best man duties and make sure everyone can get to the house safely. I don’t want to remind Stewart that I thought a game of putt-putt would’ve been better for something like this, but the words are sitting on the tip of my tongue. Especially after the jabs he took earlier when I was late.
I end up with four guys in my car, yammering away about some case they have. I’m certain they shouldn’t be talking about their clients, but what do I know. These guys are loud and a bit obnoxious, and it’s evident they need to get out more.
When I pull into the driveway of the Coldwell family home, there is a line of cars. Stewart’s parents have hired a valet for the weekend, which I don’t exactly understand, but whatever they can do to show the guests they have money.
Tweddle Dee, Dumb, Dumber, and Dumbest stumble out of my car and head toward the house. Me, I linger because Hope is across the way, dressed in a short, black evening dress, and helping her mother with bags. She slides her long, wavy blonde hair over her shoulder, exposing her bare skin, and all I want to do is kiss every square inch of her. I have every intention of going over there, but I want to watch her first for a minute. Fuck, she’s perfect, and I’m not saying this because we slept together. I’ve thought of her this way since high school, but she’s always been out of my league. Blue and white collars don’t always mesh well.
As I walk toward their car, Hope sees me and smiles. I take this as a good sign. I lean into her, kiss her on the cheek, and then make a big show when I greet her mother. “Mrs. Dunn, there is no way you’re Hope’s mother. You don’t look a day over twenty.”
Mrs. Dunn blushes. “Oh, stop, Kellan.” She hands me a couple of boxes to carry. “How are you?”
“Doing well,” I tell her.
“How’s work?” she asks, without looking at me. Hope and I are, however, gazing at each other. I wink, and she smiles. Color me naïve, but I think there is something between us.
“Work is great. I hope you’re happy with my services.”
Hope looks at me, wide-eyed, and then at her mother. “You use Kellan for investments?”
Her mom smiles. “I had some money to invest, and Kellan works on Wall Street. Win-win.”
“But he does hedge funds,” Hope points out.
“I can handle investments too. Those are actually easier because I don’t have to constantly watch the market.”
“A man of many talents,” Hope says.
Once again, I lean into her. “I’d like to show you a little more,” I whisper. She turns her head slightly into me. I use this to my advantage and press my lips to her skin. I move away quickly when I hear Mrs. Dunn scream, “ouch!”
“Here, let me help you.” I go to her aid and finish getting the rest of their stuff out of the backseat.
Mrs. Dunn is talking animatedly as we walk toward the house. I notice Hope and I are the only ones carrying anything. We both hang back and put some distance between us and her mother.
“Last night . . .” I begin.
Hope sighs. “You promised, Kellan.”
“I promised not to say anything, and I won’t, but I have to tell you, I don’t want it to be just one night, Hope.”
She stops dead in her tracks. Her mouth opens but closes suddenly when Hallie yells out for all the Hamptons to hear, “I’m getting married tomorrow!”
Five
Hope
“I’m getting married tomorrow!”
The sound of Hallie’s scream echoes so loud I have no doubt the whole city can hear it. She rushes toward me, all decked out in her silver, sequin party dress with her blonde hair pulled high in a ball of curls. We spent the entire morning at the spa getting our nails, hair, and makeup done. We’ll be doing the same thing tomorrow before the wedding. All this pampering has to cost a fortune, but I haven’t had to pay for any of it.
Kellan steps away just as Hallie reaches for my arm and squeezes me. She looks over at Kellan and then back to me, her breaths coming out as pants from excitement. “I didn’t interrupt anything, did I?”
I quickly glance over at Kellan and he nods behind Hallie’s back, but I glare at him which only makes him smile. “Of course not,” I answer, daring Kellan to contradict me. His smile widens, but he turns his attention to the house, still holding those boxes my mother gave him.
Hallie notices the computer bag on my shoulder and sighs. “Seriously, Hope? You couldn’t leave that thing in Arizona for o
ne weekend?”
Kellan peers down at the bag and lifts his brows. Rolling my eyes, I focus on Hallie. “This is a busy time for me. If I can squeeze in a few minutes of work, I’m going to do it.”
Hallie throws her hands in the air. “You’re supposed to have fun. The rehearsal’s tonight and tomorrow’s the wedding. I don’t want to see you on that thing.” Stewart’s mother walks out of the house and waves for Hallie to join her. Hallie gasps. “Oh, gotta go. Carol needs me for pictures.” She takes off, leaving me and Kellan alone again. I didn’t want her to go. Being alone with Kellan is dangerous. Last night was amazing, but I can’t let it happen again. Do I want it to? Of course, I do. Being with him last night reminded me of everything I’m missing. Who wouldn’t want to be with a man like Kellan? He’s ruggedly handsome, sweet, funny, and an all-out great guy. I’m already enjoying his simple touches way too much.
“No comment on what I said before we were interrupted?” he asks, smirking mischievously.
We’re almost to the door and my mother is just inside. I have no clue what to say. Before I can even reply, my mother walks out and takes one of the boxes from Kellan. “Come with me, young man. I’ll show you where these go.”
Kellan smiles and starts to follow her but lowers his voice as he walks by me. “We’re not done talking, Hope.”
For now, we are, and I breathe a sigh of relief. He wants more than just last night, but what do I want? Well, I don’t want to want things I can’t have. Yes, Kellan was mine last night, and yes, he wants more, but I don’t know if I can give that to him. At least, not without losing a piece of myself in the process. One night is fine, but two? I’m already in the danger zone of losing my heart. I can’t afford that right now, not when I’m only in town for the weekend.
Kellan disappears inside the house and I walk in, completely in awe of the splendor. I set the box of wedding favors on one of the foyer tables and look around. There are flowers all in the main entryway and living room, making the whole place look like a garden. Everywhere you look, something shimmers and sparkles. Stewart’s mother has an extreme fascination with Swarovski crystals. The lamps, chandeliers, table trinkets, you name it. I bet she has over a million dollars’ worth of crystals in the living room alone. The last time I was here was the summer before college when Stewart had us all over to hang out. Kellan had his girlfriend with him, Hallie had Stewart, and the rest of Stewart’s friends were by the pool with me and Hannah. Those were good times.