Chapter 5 Not Happening #2
“That dress doesn’t strike me as a bridesmaid dress. Not enough ruffles. It seems more fit for a gala.”
“Brides are starting to pick dresses that can be used again these days.”
“Well, that’s… a great idea.” He’s staring at my cleavage, and I can’t help but giggle at the absolute typicalness.
“Pervy much?” I ask.
“Sorry, it’s just,” he says quickly, then leans down and whispers in my ear. “I feel bad about not giving those any attention last night. I think they deserve a turn.”
My breathing picked up the second he leaned in and only got worse with each word spoken. Speaking proves to be difficult as utter ridiculousness pours from my mouth. “Um… they’re fine. I mean, no, they don’t need any attention.”
He chuckles in response before grabbing my hand, placing it in the crook of his arm, and leading me down the aisle.
My eyes roam the crowd and find Matt right away, who waves.
I beam in his direction while noticing the scrutinizing side-eye from Braden.
What’s that about? He better not go all territorial on me after one brief interaction…
no—after one brief mistake in the hot tub.
He’s got another thing coming if that’s the case.
We make it to the end without incident and split off to take our places, allowing me to enjoy the moment.
It’s a beautiful wedding. Eli and Jackson look adorably nervous but stunning in their tuxes, as do all the men.
The minute the wedding march begins, the guests stand, and Cici and Mia make their appearance.
It’s a sight to behold. The love between these two couples is palpable to every single person here.
The moisture in my eyes is unavoidable as I absorb the feelings pouring from all four.
It becomes harder to control the tears as promises are made and the most beautiful vows I’ve heard are spoken.
The moment each couple is pronounced as husband and wife, there’s not a dry eye in the house.
Thank God for the tissues tucked into the bouquet.
Cheers erupt as the happy couples are presented, and it’s once again time to join my partner, who I couldn’t help sneaking peaks at during the ceremony. The wink he shot me at one point caused my belly to dip, and I tried to refrain from making eye contact after that.
With the audience standing and talking, it’s unnecessary to remain quiet as we return down the aisle, giving Braden the opportunity for the question I’m sure has been eating at him throughout.
“Is that your boyfriend?” he asks in the iciest whisper you could imagine. And I don’t like his tone or the implication that he has a right to care.
“Wouldn’t you like to know,” I respond nonchalantly.
“Damn straight I would, since my fingers were in your pussy last night. Is it okay if I tell him that?” Even with the hushed voice, his underlying fury is evident.
“Are you serious right now? It shouldn’t even matter to you. My personal life is not your concern, so mind your own business.”
Thinking the conversation is over since we’re around the corner and heading toward the rest of the wedding party, I yank my hand back, intending to stomp off. But before I do, he grabs my wrist and drags me through a door.
Braden
I’m furious. I won’t rest if even a chance exists that I was the other man.
No fucking way. When I saw the guy by himself in the back row wave to Poppy, and the smile she gave in return, my insides coiled.
I noticed him earlier when returning to my room to grab something before the ceremony.
Even though it was odd he was coming from Poppy’s room, I didn’t overthink it, assuming he was staff.
But my blood has been boiling ever since they made eye contact. I’d have never touched her if I thought for a second she had a boyfriend. It hit me then that she’d never answered the fucking question from the day we met.
“If you think I’m going to sit back and let you fuck someone over, you don’t know me very well.”
“Funny you say that. We don’t know each other at all. And I’d like it to stay that way.”
I lean down until I’m in front of her face. “Either you tell me right now if he’s your boyfriend, or I’ll find out myself. And I won’t care who else is around to hear me explain why I’m asking,” he snarls.
“You’re an ass.”
“At least I’m not a liar. And if you keep pushing me, you’ll learn I don’t make empty threats.”
I’m about to march out when she gives me the answer I want. “No. He’s not my boyfriend. He’s mine and Cici’s friend from Bozeman.”
“Good enough friend to stay in the same room as you?” I’m still unconvinced, but her declaration took the edge off.
“Seriously? How do you even know that? And I already told you he’s not my boyfriend, so whether we’re in the same room or not is none of your business.”
“It is when I want you in mine.” With her mouth open in shock, I dive in, crashing my lips to hers.
My hands automatically go to her neck, gripping her passionately and holding her steady while I take what I want.
Her eager response tells me I’m not out of line and that she needs this as much as I do.
She whines into the kiss, meeting my tongue thrust for thrust. Reaching down to grip her ass, I pull her into me, seeking friction for my cock.
Craving more, I shove her against the door, grinding into her.
Christ, those sexy moans, along with her hips moving in tune to mine, could cause me to blow if I continue dry humping this woman.
Knowing we’ve been away too long and that if we keep this up, I’ll have her bent over taking my cock, I decide we’d better stop before the search party arrives and catches us in the act. We have plenty of time for fucking later. And honestly, I’d rather savor this one.
Reluctantly, I pull away to a thoroughly ravished woman breathless with desire. I’m two seconds from making a bad decision and saying fuck it when she reaches up to slap me. I’m too shocked to avoid the blow, immediately stepping back while shaking my head.
“What the fuck was that for?” I ask.
“Why do you think? You can’t just… do that.”
“Do what? Kiss you? You didn’t seem to mind, considering you were reciprocating.”
“I—”
“Poppy? Braden? Where did you guys go? Everyone’s waiting to do pictures.” Lucy can be heard from outside.
“Shoot. What do we do? We can’t be caught together,” Poppy whispers, freaking out.
“Why the fuck not? We’re adults. We can do whatever the hell we want.”
“Because this is Cici’s special day. She doesn’t need to deal with drama.”
“What drama?” What the fuck is this girl’s problem?
“This.” She motions back and forth between us. “You. Me. This can’t happen. We… are not happening.”
“It’s happened twice now, baby. You can deny it all you want, but I bet if I feel your pussy it won’t lie.”
“You’re disgusting. You don’t have to be so vulgar.”
“Ah, my poor little mouse. So skittish of a few dirty words.” Closing the distance, I lean down to whisper. “You know what I think? I think you like my filthy mouth. But I promise you’d like it even better between your legs while I lap up all the evidence of your nonarousal.”
Her shiver tells me I’m right. Without another word, I straighten my bow tie and walk out the door, leaving her in a puddle of need that I’m positive has her panties soaking.
It didn’t take long to find Lucy and tell her Poppy had to use the restroom and was delayed by a wardrobe malfunction. Women are constantly fixing something or another with their clothes, so I figured it was the most plausible excuse.
I couldn’t give a shit if anyone knows we’re messing around, but I’ll indulge Mouse for now and go with a cover story. She’ll eventually discover that it’s futile. I’ll have her sooner or later. Hopefully, it’s before she leaves. Otherwise, the chase is on.
The photographer snaps pictures of the newlyweds while we wait for Poppy. When she rejoins the group, anxiety oozes from every cell in her body. When Cici sees her, she’s immediately concerned.
“Is your dress okay?” Cici asks in concern.
Confusion flits across Poppy’s face for the briefest moment before clarity sets in, and she glances my way in surprise.
Yeah, Mouse, I can be nice when I want to.
“Oh, it wasn’t the dress, actually.” She makes a face like it’s obvious what the problem is, but doesn’t want to say it out loud. I’m guessing she’s indicating feminine issues, which is a useful cover as well. “But I’m fine. Sorry it took so long.”
“No worries, we did some solo shots. You ready?” Cici asks.
“Yep,” Poppy answers way too cheerfully.
After what feels like forever, we finish pictures and finally move on to the best part—the reception.
Many of the guests are the Dubree brothers’ business associates.
A few are from Jackson and Cici’s family business, and then a small number are Cici and Mia’s school acquaintances.
Those would typically be where my interest is, but my focus hasn’t strayed from a mousy little redhead who lights up from my touch.
She immediately goes to the guy staying in her room, and from what it appears, she’s telling the truth about him not being a boyfriend. She also doesn’t seem to be the type to play around like that. I’ve done well not to be seen watching her, or so I thought.
Jackson leans on the bar next to me. “Dude, what’s with you and Poppy? You’ve been stalking her like someone stole your favorite toy.”
“That about sums it up. She could be my toy if she weren’t so damn stubborn. She’s skittish as hell, but she sure does respond nicely when caught off guard.”
“You’ve sampled the goods then?” he asks.
Jackson and I have been best friends since college, and I’m not worried about hiding things with Poppy. He may be Cici’s brother, but bros before hoes, sisters included. He won’t stir the pot.
“Barely. We made out, and I gave her a hand job last night that was fucking out of this world. The problem is, we move one step forward, and she takes two back, and now that douchebag showed up, she’s never alone.
You know the guy?” I nudge my head in their direction.
Cici and Eli are with them, and they all seem chummy.
“Yeah, that’s Matt. It sounds like he helped her through some shit with the pregnancy. He seems okay.”
“I don’t like him. He hasn’t left Poppy’s side and is practically drooling over her.”
Jackson snorts. “Man, you’re pathetic. Go check out some of the other chicks here. Why work harder than you have to?”
“Because, like you said, I’ve sampled the goods, and now that I have, I want more.” As in, I want it all.
Jackson smirks. “Well, looks like your competition is growing. Lily just brought another guy over to introduce her to. Good luck, buddy.” He pats me on the back and walks off.
Fuck. Maybe he’s right, and I should set my sights on another woman for the night. Though the problem as I study the room, is that I’ve already found what I’m looking for. Decision made—I’m not giving up until I have her.
Shit keeps interfering though. As I’m about to force myself into her orbit, the classic clinking of the wine glass signals it’s time for toasts.
With two nuptials, four of the wedding party, and the parents are making speeches.
We agreed to keep them to a minimum with the number of people, but this is unfortunately prolonging my objective.
Parents go first, followed by Sebastian, Eli’s best man, then Lily, Cici’s maid of honor.
Lily includes some humor, while Sebastian is completely serious.
Walker is next as Mia’s… best man, which leaves me, Jackson’s best man.
With Walker’s ability to bring everyone to tears with laughter, he’s a hard act to follow.
Luckily, I’m used to speaking in front of people in the courtroom, so my confidence is natural as I take the microphone.
“This is a bit out of my wheelhouse, since typically I’m talking about why two people should be divorcing, not tying the knot, but I’m gonna give it my best shot.
I’m here as Jackson’s best man, but as I’m familiar with both couples, let me tell you, they had a heck of a time getting here.
The fact that they’ve made it is a testament to how much they belong together. ”
“I first met Mia at a poker game. She was actually the shark who took me out. Jackson and Mia weren’t together yet…
okay, they basically couldn’t stand each other.
But even then, I saw something in Jackson’s eyes that was inevitable—the game wasn’t the only thing I lost that night—I lost my wingman.
I’m still crying over both losses, but Mia, the joy you bring to Jackson far outweighs either one. ”
I turn my attention to the other couple.
“And to Eli and Cici, I just want to remind you that Cici was into me first, so you’re welcome for getting blackout drunk the night you met.
Otherwise, you wouldn’t have stood a chance.
” I wink in their direction. “Here’s to the happy couples and to me, for being the last bachelor standing.
Cheers.” I raise my glass as everyone follows.
When the MC immediately announces it’s time for the first dance, I groan at having to wait even longer to snag my sexy librarian away. Unless…