Everything I Dreamed (Everhope Road #2)

10. Oliver

10

OLIVER

S ipping my whiskey as I lean against the bar, I watch as Esme and Hailey whiz away from the dance floor, and I’m wondering why my eyes haven’t torn away from the spot where they were just standing.

A nudge of my arm causes me to glance at Keats who is indicating to the barman for the same drink as me.

“I’ve figured it out, you know.” He grins.

“What may that be?” I reply flatly.

He throws me an “oh really” look. “So, when is Liam going to find out?”

Now, that causes my attention to snap to him. “Find out?”

His cheeky smirk tells me enough. “Point proven. Let me guess, you had an eventful road trip.”

I can’t deny it with him, and I could use an ear. “It was. The road trip, however, is over.”

The barman hands him his drink, and we clink glasses. “And?”

Now, I just look at him like he is crazy. “She’s Liam’s sister.”

“And?” he continues to press.

“The guy would kill me, and let’s not have him convicted of murder on his wedding weekend. Besides, there are far too many risks if Hailey and I are just that… a little fun.”

His hearty chuckle has me scanning the area because it draws attention to us. “A little fun? Are you kidding me? You just spewed out some lies there. But hey, you keep being miserable in that little world of yours.”

“I’m not miserable,” I defend. “I have work, friends, I might even get a dog.”

Keats seems skeptical as he rests against the bar with ankles crossed. “Sure. I’m just saying that maybe let down a wall or two. Liam will be away on his honeymoon for a few weeks, and it’s a stressful time at work. It’s a good time to have someone make you laugh, and so be it if it involves no clothes.”

Glaring at him, I need to wrap this conversation up. “Maybe you should go focus on your girlfriend who didn’t catch the bouquet yet will still probably bring up the topic of marriage about ten times tonight.”

Keats glimpses cooly down to his drink then back to me. “Not a concern. I’m popping the question next week, actually. Besides, she didn’t catch the flowers… Hailey did.”

Rolling my eyes, I struggle to keep my smirk from inching wider. “That is the case.”

He winces when he sees something over my shoulder. “Eek. I think Sam is about to do the worm on the floor.” I follow his line of sight and see one of the groomsmen heading to the floor.

“Hazards of it getting late. I’m going to grab some air.” I begin to loosen my tie as I walk through the crowd of people chatting, drinking, dancing, or simply sitting at tables trying to solve world peace.

When I reach the outside roof terrace, I’m relieved with the breeze and noise floating into the background. A few people are out here chatting quietly, but it’s my internal magnet that leads me straight to Hailey who is sitting on a lounge sofa and seems lost in thought.

My feet are already taking the steps before I can even contemplate. “Is the spot next to you free?”

The hanging lights give enough glow that I’m able to see her warm eyes sparkle. “It is.”

She scoots over, and I join her, our bodies touching as there is only so much space. Leaning forward, I rest my elbows on my thighs, and my hands hang between my knees. “Good catch.”

Hailey glances down to the flowers in her hand. “I wasn’t even trying.”

“Still. Just a shame that you have about ten women back in there who are not impressed.”

“Oh, I know. Who knew it was such a vicious sport.”

A few seconds of silence surround us, except it’s peaceful. “Are you having fun?”

“Yeah. Why wouldn’t I be? It’s a happy day for my family.”

“Good. It’s a party, that’s for sure.”

She chuckles softly. “Is this you trying to make small talk? We can let certain memories go, it’s fine.” I hear a little agitation in her voice.

“No. It’s not that. Literally, I came out here for some air and you just so happened to be here wanting the same.”

“Okay.” She bounces her eyes to the flowers in her hand and back to me. “I’m not sure why I’m carrying this around.”

“Because you’re reflecting on the fact that you will be a beautiful bride one day.”

My words cause her eyes to flare slightly, through me even. Maybe she knows that the thought of her with someone else makes me bananas or that she’ll… never be my bride.

“I’ll take the compliment, I guess.” She presses her lips together and slides her gaze to the lights hanging over the balcony edge. “You’re a good guy, Oliver.”

“So I’ve been told.”

She bumps my arm with hers. “It’s not a bad thing. Besides, I know you have another side to you.”

There is our reminder of our road trip, and she realizes it, too.

Hailey bites the corner of her mouth and pauses for a second. “I think I’m going to go find my brother and say good night. We still have the brunch tomorrow for out-of-town guests.”

I glance at my watch and it’s nearing midnight which is bordering on questionable. “I might do the same.”

She laughs as she stands and offers me her hand to pull me up. “Because that won’t be obvious.”

Now I want to challenge her. “Obvious of what, Hailey?” I close our distance when I stand, and I notice the movement of her chest because whether we want to say it or not, our sexual tension is still there.

“Oliver, don’t overthink everything. I’m not someone on the other side of a contract who needs to be broken down into every little clause. Sometimes, a lack of words sends the message.”

I smirk just like I always do when she spews out legal references out of her mouth. Add her confidence and it only gives her another point. And the message that I’m reading now has me teetering on an edge.

It’s up to me to act on it or not.

Hailey walks away, leaving me to ponder for a few seconds with my hands in my pockets as I watch her in the distance. A feeling washes over me that I’m not used to. I settle into the heavy feeling for far too long.

It’s a few minutes later when I spot Hailey with her brother, giving him a hug. I meander their way and catch the tail end of their declarations of sibling love.

Liam notices me and opens his arms. “There’s my guy.” He drags me into their hug. “I’m so thankful that you guys made it. I would have freaked out if you didn’t.”

His words are meaningful but slightly slurred at the end. I’ll let it go since it’s his celebration. “Anything for you.” Including keeping the honor code, except for one misdemeanor.

“One day when Hailey gets married and one day when you get married, I’ll be there ready to deliver speeches.”

“Liam, you should consider water. I hear it’s amazing.” Hailey beams as Liam keeps his arms looped around our shoulders.

He points his glass of scotch at his sister. “Where is my wild-spirited sister? We should get you a shot. The entire male population of Ava’s family has been warned away from you, but a shot is fine.”

Hailey laughs over the music, and it’s a good-for-the-soul kind of sound.

“Guys, I’m so happy you are in my life. I would hate if anything came between us.” The amusement of his current celebratory state just hit a little too close to home.

“That’s my cue to leave. Don’t be too hungover tomorrow. You have to endure pancakes and conversation.” I slap my hand on his back.

One last hug and Hailey loudly whispers good night into his brother’s ear before he moves on to the next group of friends walking by. Hailey abandons walking by my side, and I let it go.

But when I’m about to press the button for the elevator, she appears with a panting breath and heels dangling from her fingers. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude and disappear. Forgot these at the table.” She holds up her shoes.

My thumb brushes along my jawline, wondering what the hell is the next move for these unusual few days, because the original plan doesn’t seem to be a solid one.

“The elevator is super slow right now. Someone from the front desk is looking at it,” one of the guests says in passing on his way back to the reception.

“Stairs it is.” I cock my head to the side and study Hailey’s feet.

“All good. My feet are happy when no straps are involved. They might be a little dirty when I get downstairs, but you’ve seen me dirty.” She smirks slyly with pride. I don’t sense she is drunk, tipsy maybe. Either way, enough to be flirty and not freak out.

My head lolls low while I quietly grin to myself. “I think I should kill you for making that comment and taking us there.”

“To where?” she says, playing clueless.

She pivots on her feet, and I follow. We get to the stairs and head down.

“In case, you were not worn out enough from the last few days then let’s add steps,” I comment sarcastically.

“Who cares. I’m going to crash into bed. Sleep is underrated, and after the brunch tomorrow, I head back to Illinois. You’re going on to your hockey meetings, right?”

When we reach our floor, I hold the door open for her. “Correct. I’m not back until next week, so it’s a perfect example as to why getting a dog is not in my cards.”

We slowly walk down the hall, side by side, the silence pulling a string from my center up to the ceiling, nipping at my chest in the process.

Our doors are across from one another, and it would be easy to say good night and both enter our rooms at the same time.

Except we reach our destination, and when she pulls out her keycard to swipe, it only takes a second for me to check right and left. There is no one in sight which means we’re invisible.

Which is exactly why when that little green light flickers, I urge Hailey forward and follow her into her room while she voices a sound of surprise, only for me to slam the door shut with my foot.

The moment she turns to me, dropping her shoes in the process, our lips crash together.

She rips my loose bow tie away from my neck as I walk her back.

“One more night. I get to have you one more night,” I breathe into her ear as my fingers begin to slide the straps of her dress down, giving me ample opportunity to kiss the slope of her shoulder.

“Please,” she pleads as she begins to fumble with my belt. “I want you inside of me.”

I chuckle sinisterly against the skin of her neck. “What a coincidence. I want that too,” I deadpan. “Now turn.” I square her shoulders to move her faster.

She lifts her hair while I unzip the dress. I’m cruel to myself and drag the zipper slowly down, admiring her bare back and the curve where her hips meet her waist. I kiss the blade of her shoulder just as the dress pools at her feet.

“Your body is heaven.”

Hailey hums a sound as she sneaks her hand behind her and between our bodies. She dives into my boxer briefs to grip my length, and I moan into the back of her neck. “And your body wants me,” she whispers.

I’m not gentle when I push her onto the bed, but her squeal and smile inform me that she doesn’t mind one single bit. We both hurry to get completely naked, and her thighs part, welcoming me.

We are in too much of a rush for foreplay. Instead, I delve into her with her body lifting on the first thrust. Her warmth around my cock always causes me to stop and soak in the feeling of taking her bare. I get to touch every single hidden corner of her body. When she clenches around my shaft, I feel the connection of how much she wants this too.

“This probably isn’t a great idea, but it’s also kind of fantastic. You feel so good,” she cries out as I hit her deep on my last thrust.

Hovering over her body, I capture her mouth and flick my tongue against hers.

“Tonight, you’ll take every last drop from me like the good girl that you are.”

Her body bucks, and she murmurs a sound. “Fuck, your words.”

I move faster inside of her. “I have plenty more for you.”

But none of them convey what I really want.

My body stirs, and I feel weight in my arms as I adjust to the daylight peeking through the curtains. It doesn’t take long for me to remember last night because I’m spooning against Hailey’s body, naked the way she should be.

Either she was already up or we seem to have synced our clocks, because she yawns and begins to wiggle in my hold. She stills for a second before looking over her shoulder, and her lips part softly when she sees me.

“You’re still here.” Her voice is far too neutral. Not sure if that was a good or bad statement.

“I am. Or should I have disappeared?”

The corners of her mouth gently pull up as she slides up to sitting. “No, I mean. Wait…” She rubs her forehead as she twists her words. “I meant it more as a statement, not in surprise or disappointment.”

I sit up and rest against the headboard. “That’s a relief.” I reach for my phone, ignoring the new alerts on my home screen of work emails. The time is what I’m after, and it’s not in our favor. “We have a brunch to be at in about twenty minutes.”

Hailey groans. “Shit. Forgot about that. I need to get ready.”

There is no time to dawdle, so I swing my legs out of bed and search for my clothes that are on the floor. “I need to go do my three-foot walk of shame back to my room to shower and get ready.”

She scoffs humorously. “Shame? Gee, thanks.”

Pulling my boxer briefs up, I’m quick to come sit on the edge of the mattress near her. “It was a joke. I do need a shower, though. Didn’t exactly plan on not sleeping in my room.”

“Fair point. I would say join me in the shower but that will just add a whole other level of complications to our stellar life choices lately.” Her face turns slightly panicked. “This.” She gestures to me then back to her with her finger. “We weren’t supposed to sleep together last night, and…”

I touch the ends of her hair and comb it behind her shoulder, needing a way to feel her against my skin. “We did what we did. I don’t regret it, but we can’t?—”

“Yeah, I know.”

Our eyes tie in a knot of thick silence, but we foolishly accept the situation.

I rub her arm once. “I’ll see you later at the brunch, okay?”

She throws me a weak smile. “Yeah, I need to go scrub and throw on clothes.”

This is normally when people in a relationship based on mutual benefits normally escape one another, but that’s not Hailey. She deserves one more kiss, and I steal that from her.

“Go away. I’ll never leave this bed if you do things like that,” she warns me with a grin.

I hold my hands up in surrender. “I’ll be on good behavior the moment that I stand.” Standing up, I half-smile.

But leaving her in bed isn’t the highlight of my morning.

Racing to the elevator, I adjust my collar. I’m already later than planned. I see Keats and Esme holding the doors open.

“Good morning, you two,” I greet them.

“Wait!”The sound of Hailey’s voice prevents us from hitting the button to close the doors.

She too joins us. She throws me a nod then gives a lopsided smile to Esme and Keats.

The doors close, and the quiet is unnerving.

I stay intent on staring forward, and in the corner of my eye, I sense that Hailey is doing the same. It also feels like we have watchers, but I refuse to glance at our friends.

“Seems we all had eventful mornings,” Keats comments and smiles wryly.

I shoot him a death stare because he is privy on the details of my road trip.

“I hope there are waffles. I’m dying of hunger,” Esme says while she no longer takes notice to the rest of us.

Hailey nervously rolls her lips in and seems to study the numbers lighting up above the door.

“I bet Oliver has worked up an appetite.” Keats smiles cheekily at me now.

“Keats,” I mutter through my teeth.

Hailey zooms her gaze to Esme. “You told him?”

“You told her?”I accuse Keats.

Esme raises her arms. “Told who what?”

We all look at one another, but most of all, I’m stuck in a stare with Hailey and our shoulders fall.

“I told Keats about the road trip,” I confess.

She winces. “I told Esme.”

Esme begins to chuckle under her breath. “Ah, classic. You think Keats and I told one another that you two might have… well… built up an appetite.”

Keats joins in with her laughter, but Hailey and I are not amused.

“Can we just not talk about this? It’s Liam’s wedding weekend, and I just want to focus on omelets.”Hailey huffs.

“I kind of feel that I need to have a bet going on of how long it will be before Liam figures out that you two, well…” Keats goads us.

“It was one night!” Hailey and I say in unison, a little white lie. It was two nights, but semantics.

Esme winces. “ Yeah … not buying that.”The elevator dings open, and Keats follows Esme out who stops to glance over her shoulder at us now standing motionless in the middle of the elevator. “Hailey caught the bouquet last night. If you two are looking for a discussion topic.”She grins brazenly.

They disappear, but Hailey and I remain, ignoring the fact the doors just closed again.

“I’m sorry. It just popped out of my mouth to Keats. He doesn’t know about last night.”

Hailey’s shoulders sag. “Likewise with Esme.”

“Maybe not our smartest move. They will never let this go.”

Her cheeks puff before she exhales a long breath. “No pressure or anything,” she adds dryly. “This is why we can’t be involved.” She snaps her fingers. “ Poof . There goes our friendship group if we fuck up our sleeping-with-one-another skills.”

“And even if we didn’t, there is…”

“My brother,” she finishes, pointing out the obvious.

Our reasons. We’ve just repeated them. We’re all good again and on the same page.

But she’s so damn breathtaking even in a simple summer dress that doesn’t show any patches of scandalous skin.

Scratching my cheek, I’m aware that we’re late, and we have to tiptoe around Liam. “Look, I’m leaving early. I got an email that the team are flying me out earlier for a few meetings. I’ll be away for a week. That’ll give us plenty of time to reset and leave it all as is.”

“Perfect.” She tosses me a smile that feels a little overdone, but I can’t study further because Hailey presses the open button with a strong prod of her finger. She can’t escape fast enough.

Halfway out of the elevator she stops, sighs, and looks at me. “I need to go spend some time with my folks and uncles, didn’t do that enough yesterday. But if I don’t see you again then have a good trip. Maybe I’ll run into you at Foxy Rox when we’re back in Everhope.”

It all sounds so simple and lacks emotion. That’s what it is supposed to be, right?

“Sure thing,” I reply, feeling defeated.

I guess we move on.