The Red-Hot Stakes

Chapter Twenty-Five

It felt so right having Liam beside me again. I didn’t take one second of his overcrowding for granted, loving each moment of him being in my space. Every time I moved and came into contact with his big muscular body, I’d pause to grin at him, my heart overflowing with happiness.

I insisted on walking back to our room on my own two feet. Liam agreed after making me swear we’d find a doctor first thing in the morning. After Rhonda and Greg disappeared into their room with a cheery goodnight, Avery asked me about my limp.

“Ah, that’s why Liam’s been carrying you everywhere. I thought he just couldn’t stand to put you down.” She smiled at our joined hands.

Avery went into hers, but Derek lingered. “Got a minute, G?”

I nodded, Liam leaning on the doorjamb behind me.

Derek’s gaze flicked to him, as if noting the protective stance. “I just wanted to apologize.” He shifted his weight. “A lot of Avery’s animosity probably came from being around me. I was not your biggest fan.”

I smiled wryly. That was the understatement of the century.

“Liam’s my best friend, and you ripped him to shreds.” He shrugged. “I get it now, but that was all I could see—the mess you left him in. I couldn’t forgive you for hurting him.”

“I know,” I said quietly. “If you ever did anything like that to Ave, I’d feel the same.”

He cleared his throat. “I’m sorry for judging you like that. And thank you for protecting him the way you did, for going through all that, ostracizing yourself and giving up everything. For him.” His blue eyes found mine. “He’s lucky to have you.” His voice was rough, and he reached out for an awkward embrace, one that had me tearing up. “Thank you,” he whispered again.

I nodded, unable to speak. We said hasty goodnights then he ducked into his room.

Liam gaped. “I think you won Derek over.”

My snort was loud, echoing in the hallway. “All it took was arson, blackmail and kidnapping.”

He laughed, the remnants of it fading as he leaned down to kiss me, slowly, softly. Then his phone rang. He glanced at the screen, holding up a finger to me as he stepped outside to answer.

I waited impatiently for his return, beaming when he stepped back inside. “Well?”

“That was my friend. He talked to Brad’s man and the guy is relieved to have their business concluded. Even offered me a favor.”

I frowned. “You didn’t take it, did you?”

He laughed, coming over to wrap his arms around me. “No. I’ve got everything I need right here.” I sighed, burrowing into his embrace as he said, “It’s a nice night out. Maybe we should try the whirlpool tub?”

A soak sounded amazing, but so did sex. “It’s outside. I was thinking of something with less clothes.”

No one’s going to see. It’s dark, and it’s a deep tub, behind a wall. Wear whatever you want…or don’t want.” He nuzzled my neck. “But we have neighbors next door, so we’d have to be quiet if they come outside.”

A steady thumping came from the wall that abutted Greg and Rhonda’s room making me chuckle. “Guess that takes care of them.”

Feeling brave, I stripped down, grabbing a towel off the rack, and Liam followed. We started the water, sinking into the tub and tossing the towels over the nearby chairs. Anyone walking by would only see shadows and hear the water running or the echo of our voices.

“Exciting, isn’t it?” he breathed in my ear, pulling me against him so my back was against his front. His fingers slid between my waiting thighs, and I moaned, which he quickly silenced with a kiss. “Quiet, remember?”

And I did my best, but we were lucky our neighbors were otherwise occupied.

* * * *

The day of the wedding dawned bright and beautiful. It didn’t hurt that I woke up to Liam going down on me. We made love, got some breakfast, and Liam insisted I find out if there was a doctor around.

The infirmary wasn’t busy. The doctor took a quick X-ray, confirmed it was broken and told me to stay off it as much as possible while taking anti-inflammatories as necessary. No boot, no crutches, no tape. I stuck my tongue out at Liam in an ‘I told you so’. Although the doctor did offer me a numbing shot, which I promptly turned down.

The wedding would take place at one, and there were special rooms for us to get ready, ensuring travesties didn’t happen on the walk over. Like the groom didn’t see the bride on the day of the ceremony. Oops, too late.

Derek kissed Avery once more as the guys escorted him out. “See you in a couple hours.”

We waited for them to disappear then loaded up the clothing rack they’d sent over with the bellboy who escorted us. I made sure I had tip money this time. We couldn’t talk much as we walked, the rattling noise of the luggage rack drowning out all conversation. The bellboy whisked us into the bridal suite, and I slipped him some money.

Our hairdresser was waiting. My style was simple, as short as it was. Rhonda had an elegant French twist, but Avery’s mass of strawberry blonde hair took forever. The poor lady’s arms must have ached by the time she was done.

Then we popped a bottle of champagne and went to work on makeup, wanting to get it just right. Avery’s dress was simply gorgeous, with lace capped sleeves and a deep V-neck to show off her chest. The waist gathered high, punctuated with a silver belt, while the skirt flowed to the floor with a gauzy overlay. All in the purest white.

The dusty rose dresses we’d picked were beautiful as well—simple spaghetti straps, plain bodices with gathered waists. I liked the hemline the best, just below the knee in front, lengthening to my ankle in the back with the same gauzy overlay giving it a beachy feel.

The guys would be wearing khaki pants and white button-down shirts. I was sure they were all ready by now, probably playing cards and drinking. I envied how simple their routines were.

Avery pulled out a bag I didn’t recognize. “I have presents!”

We both received a slightly different jewelry set, silver with dangly earrings and a pendant. Mine was an elegant rose, in the same dusty pink as my dress. Rhonda’s was a lily, in the same color. They were beautiful.

Finally we were ready. The photographer tapped on our door, wanting some shots of the bride with her attendants. We had fun posing, doing both serious and silly. Then another knock sounded, letting us know it was time.

Avery gripped my arms. “Gina.”

Her wavering voice had me holding her tight. “You’ve got this, Ave. Derek is your other half and the perfect guy for you. I’ve known it since the first day I met him.” I chuckled, pulling back to grin. “In fact, I take full credit for you two being together.”

She grumbled, but I went on, “Anything you’re feeling right now is nerves. You know deep down you’re doing the right thing.” I waited for her to find it, the sense of rightness I spoke of.

A look of peace came over her, and she relaxed her grip, smiling. “I’m so glad you’re here, G.”

I hugged her tightly. “Me too.”

We opened our arms to include Rhonda who said, “As long as we don’t start calling ourselves the three musketeers, I’m in.” And we all laughed.

With one last bolstering squeeze, we broke apart, picking up our pink, purple and white bouquets. Rhonda led us to the walkway that wound to the pavilion where an archway stood in the sun. It was beautiful, wrapped in see-through cloth that flowed in the breeze, tied at the corners with the same flowers in our bouquet.

Gauzy drapes were strung high on either side, giving us relief from the pelting sun but enough light for good pictures. I caught a glimpse of our men, all eagerly watching us walk down the aisle.

Greg’s gray eyes found Rhonda and never left. He looked great, with his sandy hair swept back and a huge smile on his face. I scanned him, moving on to Derek because I knew once I landed on Liam, it would be hard to focus on anything else.

Derek’s dark curly hair was artfully disheveled as always. His blue eyes sparkled, staring past me toward the spot Avery would appear any moment. He shifted side to side, as if he was a tad bit nervous.

Then I found Liam, and I forgot everyone else. His white shirt showed off the tan he’d collected over the last couple days. It clung to his muscular chest and biceps just the way I liked it, his tattoo visible below his sleeve. He lit up when he saw me. The adoration that spread across his face as he took in my outfit made me feel beautiful and loved.

How had I gotten so lucky? Maybe the curse was broken, or maybe Liam was right that this had all been a series of crazy missteps and choices. Whatever it was, I was here, despite all odds.

And no one possessing the love of that man could call themselves cursed.

I made it to the front without mishap, then we all turned as one when the music changed. Avery stepped into the walkway, simply glowing. I couldn’t stop smiling at the sight of my beautiful friend. She’d come so far from the hurt girl who’d been too scared to believe in love.

She walked confidently up the aisle, her gaze locked with Derek’s. And I saw him swallow as he beheld her. Saw him touch the corner of his eye as if he couldn’t believe this was really happening.

I took Avery’s bouquet so she could join hands with Derek. The minister led them through their vows and, as they promised to love and cherish one another, I couldn’t help glancing at Liam. He was looking at me. Their ‘I do’s echoed between us, sending my heart stuttering.

When the minister paused and glanced at Liam, he nodded to an unseen someone. Liam winked at me, walking over to take a microphone from an employee who rushed in with it. He cleared his throat, as Derek and Avery watched with confused expressions.

Liam smirked. “Yeah, I know I don’t need a mic for the huge gathering we have here, but you’ll see in a minute.”

I gasped, trying to cover my mouth with my hand and getting a mouthful of flowers.

“You two are perfect for each other. Derek, you’ve always been there for me, man. And Avery, I can’t tell you how much it means that you’ve got Derek’s back. You’re part of the family now. I love you, both. This one’s for you.” He nodded again to the unseen person off stage and the opening bars of Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud started.

Though his voice was deeper, Liam sang it perfectly. Avery gaped at first, turning to me and glaring when she saw I knew of his talent. Then she stared up at Derek, melting into him as the sweet words about growing old together washed over us. I watched them fade into each other, the rest of us disappearing.

Liam’s cashmere voice draped over my body, his silken notes caressed me and I couldn’t look away from him. A smile played on his full lips as our gazes locked. I blew him a kiss, and he winked again.

When the song finished, the minister smoothly took over, not even giving Avery time to scold Liam for his secrets. Next was the exchanging of rings, and the minister explained how the ring was a symbol of infinity. How, just like the love Derek and Avery had for one another, it too had no end.

Then he announced proudly, “Mr. and Mrs. Derek Elgin.” The minister turned to Derek. “You may now kiss your bride.”

Derek dipped Avery backward, kissing her soundly as we cheered. She came up with flushed cheeks, grinning ear to ear.

“Who’s ready to party?” she yelled, holding up their joined hands and admiring her ring. After we cheered some more, she went right to Liam, her finger in his face. “What was that?”

He smirked. “Surprise?”

Then she whirled on me. “And you knew!”

Liam slid an arm around my waist. “You didn’t think I was showing up at her bar just for the drinks, did you?”

A light dawned on Avery’s face. “Oh my gosh. You’ve always been a sucker for a guy who can sing.” Her glare intensified. “I cannot believe you didn’t tell me!”

“It wasn’t my secret to tell.” I smirked, glancing at Derek across the way. I had no qualms about throwing him under the bus. “Derek knew, though. He used to hear him sing with Piper all the time.”

Avery gasped, stomping off to yell at her new husband.

Liam chuckled. “Remind me not to get on your bad side.”

I grinned, tilting my chin up for a kiss.

After pictures, we had our own private buffet in the pavilion with unending champagne. I brought out sashes that read Bride and Groom, draping them over the appropriate people’s heads.

Avery grinned. “All right, ladies. I paved the way. Who’s next?”

I shook my head. “No way. I’ve had enough excitement to last me a while.”

Rhonda’s cheeks went pink as she ducked her head. She wasn’t usually one to blush, so my curiosity piqued. “We weren’t going to say anything, because we didn’t want to take away from your celebration. But Greg asked me last night, and I said yes!”

Avery and I squealed, rushing over to hug and congratulate her. The guys took turns thumping poor Greg on the back.

“It’ll probably be a while yet, what with the new business. But we’ll let you know.” She smiled over at her fiancé, who crossed the room to kiss her.

I smiled hopefully up at Avery who shook her head and said, “Don’t think I’m dropping this.”

I sighed. “I know you mean well, but how about you let me recover from being blackmailed and kidnapped, and enjoy having my boyfriend back. At least for a little while?”

She reluctantly nodded. “Fine. Oh, and I’m taking full credit for you two hooking back up. That one bed trope works every time.”

* * * *

The next morning, the newlyweds joined us for breakfast, and we all catcalled, making a huge fuss to the point that even Derek had red cheeks.

I had something to make them redder, my intelligence saying Avery had pulled out the penis costume last night. “So, Captain, how was playing dress up last night?”

Derek’s jaw dropped, and he glared at Avery. He pushed back from the table, storming off as the other guys watched curiously.

Avery leaned over, whispering smugly, “It didn’t fit. It was too small.”

I pressed a hand to my mouth. “No way. You actually got him to try it?” I burst into peals of laughter.

Rhonda joined me, laughing so hard she laid her head on the table, tears streaming down her cheeks. “That little captain’s hat…”

“Wait, wait.” I sucked in a breath. “Even the mustache?”

Avery’s mouth twitched as she nodded, then we all doubled over, nearly falling out of our seats.

Greg and Liam stood, taking that as their cue to leave. We finally caught our breath just as Derek stalked back by. I tried to hold it in. I made it to the hallway before the giggles slipped out, the three of us leaning on each other once more.

When I came back with my plate full of food and my mimosa in hand, I slid into place next to Liam. He automatically plastered himself against me, and I welcomed his heat along my side. No longer feeling stifled or penned in, I beamed at him, realizing I had exactly the right amount of space.