Chapter 34
34
T apping the address of the party from my text with Nicholas, the directions load, and I punch the gas pedal, the Camaro’s engine rumbling in response.
Claire smiles bright, and yeah, today is going to be a good day.
I like that she’s adventurous.
I knew she wouldn’t hesitate much about the mission, and I love that about her—open, free, willing to play.
It’s a short drive to the barbecue, but as we pull through the towering iron gate, we exchange questioning looks.
Beyond it stands one of the largest homes on Geneva Lake.
It’s modern, newer than most of the lake houses, all glass and steel.
“Whose house is this?” Claire breathes in awe.
I shake my head, equally stunned.
Nicholas has more money than the rest of our group combined, but he’s not flashy.
A place like this?
It doesn’t add up.
Unless …
this isn’t just a barbecue.
Is he going to propose?
He’s had the ring for a while, waiting for the right moment.
As we roll closer, I scan the lineup of cars in the circular driveway—Chad’s truck, Chris’s minivan, a few others I recognize.
The gang’s all here.
Right on time, as usual.
“Valet?” Claire mutters as a young guy in a crisp, white shirt approaches the car.
She arches a brow, giving me a knowing look.
“Do you think he’s going to propose?”
I shrug, handing over my keys, relieved both of us are dressed nice.
The guys make fun of me for how many polos I wear, but they are ready for any occasion.
“I don’t know anymore,” she says, looking at me with cautious eyes.
I lean in close, brushing my lips to Claire’s temple.
“Don’t know about what?”
“The mission. What if … it’s too naughty.”
I steal a quick handful of her ass under her dress, unable to resist.
“Jake!” she scolds in a whisper, her cheeks coloring as she glances around.
“It’s up to you how you want to end your vacation.”
She hums, trying to fight a smile, but it’s already there.
Claire interlaces her fingers with mine, and we walk down the hall.
When she points toward a bathroom, releasing my hand, I’m in love.
I’ve been in love, but I fucking love that she is doing this.
“See you outside,” I say, my smile showing my excitement.
The expansive patio overlooks Geneva Lake, and the stone pavers look as expensive as this house.
I spot Chad and Anna talking to Chris and immediately scan for his wife, Lauren, but don’t see her.
There is an oversized outdoor sectional with a fire pit, a large yard leading to a beach with Adirondack chairs.
The catering spread catches my eye next.
A seafood tower?
My suspicion grows.
A sudden squeeze on my ass makes me flinch, spinning around to find Claire smiling up at me, her laughter bubbling up.
“Good girl,” I say, sliding an arm around her shoulders and dropping a kiss on the top of her head.
I love this secret we’re sharing.
“An upgrade from Cassandra,” Chris says, approaching with a beer in hand.
A little early?
It’s barely past ten.
He’s already drinking?
Between the comment about my ex and the beer, irritation flares in my chest.
“Claire, this is Chris,” I say, ignoring his comment.
“Where’s Lauren?”
Chris shrugs.
“Couldn’t make it.”
He’s been off lately, and he’s not fooling anyone.
Chris used to be the guy with the best marriage advice.
I need to check in with him later.
“Gotta grab another cold one since no one’s here to tell me otherwise,” he says before wandering off.
Shaking my head, I look back at Claire.
“He’s an asshole, but he’s our asshole.”
She smiles, tilting her head.
“Cassandra?”
“The last person I dated.”
“Do you have a thing for girls with names starting with ‘C’?” she teases.
“Maybe.” I pull my phone from my back pocket, opening the vibrator app with a smirk.
“Do you really want to fuck around and find out here?”
She bites her lip, and I tap the lowest setting.
She flinches, and I bite my lip, loving this.
“That’s the lowest setting,” I say, my voice low.
“I’ll behave,” she breathes, but I tap the pulse setting, and she sucks in a sharp breath.
“I will!” she squeaks.
“Good girl.” I turn it off—for now.
Her chest rises and falls as she steadies herself, biting her lip.
It’s impossible not to do anything but smirk at her reaction.
Before I can say more, I catch Nicholas out of the corner of my eye for a brief moment, stepping onto the patio.
A white button down.
That’s not what Nicholas would wear to a barbecue.
This is happening.
He’s going to propose.