Chapter 5 Not Happening
NOT HAPPENING
Poppy
That didn’t happen last night. It had to have been a dream. Right? I huff as I roll over in bed. Oh my God, it did, though. It was a moment of weakness. That’s all. I’m going to pretend we did not kiss—that I did not let him give me the best orgasm of my life. Nope. Did. Not. Happen.
The groan that escapes is one of frustration.
Sexual? Possibly. Disappointment in myself?
Most definitely. He came out of nowhere.
One minute we were talking, and the next, well, that damn kiss.
Who knew lips could be so fricking persuasive?
And the hand on my neck was like a live wire straight to my nether region.
His firm grip directed me where he wanted, making me hungry for more than ever before.
I may not be very experienced, but I’ve messed around.
I’ve made it to third base but held back from bringing it home.
Which, in all honesty, hasn’t been much of a hardship considering the few encounters I’ve had were unimpressive to say the least. The only orgasms I’ve had have been self-administered.
Until last night, anyway. That was… otherworldly—unholy in the best of ways. It’s fair to assume Suits knows his way around a woman’s body and should be avoided at all costs for that reason alone, which is precisely what I intend to do. Steer clear of the manwhore… magic fingers and all.
Besides, today’s the big day. All focus needs to be on the happy couples. It’s not about me. It’s not about Braden and his relentless flirting. And it’s certainly not about what occurred in the hot tub only hours ago. In fact, no one will find out. Because… It. Never. Happened.
My phone buzzes next to the bed, jolting me from my thoughts. It’s Cici, along with a text from Matt that must have come through right before I woke up.
Cici: Hey, did Braden give you any shit last night, or was everything okay?
Me: It was fine.
Understatement of the year. It was incredible.
Cici: Good. I was worried.
Me: You shouldn’t be worrying about anything. Today’s your big day. Are you excited?
Cici: So excited! You’re coming to brunch, right?
Me: Yep, somebody needs to drink the mimosas…
Going to Matt’s text, I answer him next.
Matt: I’m heading to the airport. Are you having fun so far?
Me: So much. We were at the beach all day yesterday. It was awesome. Then we had the rehearsal and an amazing dinner afterward. Her friends and family are great.
No need to mention the end of the evening.
Matt: Wish I was there. What’s on the agenda today?
Me: Mimosa brunch, then all afternoon at the spa.
Matt: Sucks to be you. I’m boarding in a bit.
Me: Yay. I’ll leave a key under your name at the front desk.
Matt: Sounds good. Can’t wait.
Me: Me too. See you at the wedding!
Since Matt will only be here for one night, I offered to share my room. I’m excited for him to be here, not only because he’ll be a buffer in dealing with the Braden situation but also because he’s a good friend. I’ve missed hanging out with Cici and him together.
Rousing myself from bed, I dress in the pajamas they provided for the ladies’ brunch.
At least getting through today will be relatively easy, considering the men and women are spending it apart.
Apparently, Eli and Jackson are too possessive for a night without their women, but they did go their separate ways this morning and won’t catch sight of their brides-to-be until they walk down the aisle.
Which is when I’ll have to face Braden for the first time after the hot tub incident.
Thank God I won’t have to see him all day.
That doesn’t mean I won’t be obsessing over that orgasm while attempting to conceal the tidbit of information from the girls.
Ugh. The last thing I needed today was that hanging over my head.
Putting my hair in a messy bun and applying a layer of lip gloss, I exit my room to wait for the golf cart to arrive that will take me to brunch. I’d usually walk, but it felt weird to be wandering the posh resort in pajamas, so I called the front desk for a ride.
“Nice PJs. You need a lift?” comes from behind me.
Oh shit. My belly drops.
With a deep, calming breath, I turn around to Mr. Talented Fingers in the flesh, looking sexy in slacks and a short-sleeved button-down.
He’s smiling as if he’s happy to see me—the complete opposite of my utter mortification.
My body doesn’t feel the same, however, as my core clenches in tribute to his pleasurable orgasm-inducing skills, and I can’t help but examine the hand that administered that pleasure.
Shaking myself out of it, I respond, “Uh… no. Concierge is already on the way. Thanks, though.”
“You sure? I’m heading to the main building anyway. We could flag them down as they pass.”
“I’m good.” This is so awkward. See? Bad idea. Bad, bad idea to give in to him.
He shrugs. “All right. Suit yourself. So I take it you’re pretending nothing happened last night?”
Yep.
“I’m not sure what you’re talking about,” I answer instead.
“Hmph.” His head bobs as he rocks back on his heels. “Well, enjoy the day with the ladies, then. And just so you know, I won’t be joining you in the land of make-believe. I’m not through with you yet.” He has the audacity to wink before getting in the cart and driving off.
By the third mimosa, I’ve mellowed out and managed not to blow my cover.
It’s been easier than I thought it would be with all the excitement from the pending nuptials.
After brunch, we’re scheduled at the spa for the full treatment…
massage, facials, nails, makeup, and hair—the benefits of marrying a billionaire.
It's when our nails are being painted that Cici finally brings up the topic I’ve done so well to avoid. “I still can’t believe Braden was the guy from the plane. It makes total sense, looking back on your story. So, how did the ride to your room go last night? Did he hit on you again?”
Shit. I was so close to making it through the day.
I’m glad we’re not sitting face-to-face, so she won’t notice the inner turmoil from spouting a bald-faced lie.
No way can I fess up to the truth when she specifically warned me about him.
Not to mention, Cici was into him right before meeting Eli.
Sure, that might have been years ago, but doesn’t that break some sisterhood rule?
“It was fine. Just the usual Braden.”
“Then he did. Did you set him straight?”
Oh boy.
“I think so, but I guess time will tell.” That was pretty convincing if I do say so myself.
“Well, he’d better back off,” Cici says angrily, and now I feel like shit for throwing him under the bus. It may have been his fault, but I was a willing participant… all too willing.
“Especially since I’m hooking you up with Jordan at the reception,” Lily chimes in. “You’re going to love him.”
“I’ll meet him, but don’t get your hopes up. I’m only here for one more night.”
“Girl, one night is all you need,” Walker says, making everyone giggle while Mia smacks his shoulder.
“Not everyone gives it up as easily as you,” she tells her best friend.
“Speaking of giving it up, tell me about this Matt guy. I’ve always wanted to ride a cowboy.” Walker looks at me and Cici.
“I’m not sure he bats for the same team,” I say while giggling at the thought.
“Firm or up for negotiation?” he asks.
Cici takes over. “Matt’s definitely into women, but if anyone can turn someone, it would be you.”
“Oh, I second that,” Lucy interjects right before Walker responds, “Damn straight, as in he won’t be for long.”
We all burst into fits of giggles, even the moms joining in.
Much to the makeup artist’s dismay, the rest of the afternoon goes the same.
Trying to get us to stay still becomes a job of its own, but by the time we’re primped, plucked, and primed, we all look like we’re ready for the runway.
The photographer has certainly been busy capturing the day.
After finishing touches have been made, we head up to the bridal suite to get dressed.
I feel like an absolute princess. I’ve never been so pampered or had that many things done in one sitting.
The dresses Mia and Cici picked out are gorgeous, and thankfully, the colors for their wedding, sapphire blue and amethyst, couldn’t have been better if I’d chosen myself.
Sometimes it’s hard to pair anything with fiery red hair.
When we’re all dressed and minutes away from the ceremony, the nerves are starting to set in for everyone.
Cici looks amazing in a fitted gown over the cutest pregnant belly a girl could ask for.
You can’t even tell she’s pregnant when she’s turned away from you.
The V neckline accentuates her huge boobs in a classy way that doesn’t dip too low, and the train that flares out under her fitted backside is beautiful.
Mia chose a strapless dress that perfectly flatters her tiny frame.
Unlike Cici’s more form-fitting gown, Mia’s flares at the waist like a princess dress.
They’re both unique on their shared special day, and it’s easy to see the love they have for each other and how excited they are to become family.
The wedding planner comes in to get our attention. “All right, ladies and gentleman, it’s time to take your places. Cici, Mia, and Walker, you guys hang back a minute. Cici, your dad will meet you just outside.”
We all squeal in unison before Lucy, Lily, and I grab our bouquets and head out.
My nerves are more about the man I’ll be walking with rather than the ceremony itself.
The minute I round the corner, we make eye contact—his widening in surprise.
I may do a better job at concealing my assessment, but holy shit does the man wear a tux well.
This takes Suits to a whole new level—a sinfully sexy one.
“Wow. You’re… stunning,” he says, making me blush.
“You clean up pretty nicely yourself.” I wouldn’t want to inflate his ego more than it already is.