Epilogue
Mateo
One Year Later
Microphone in hand, I stand at the front of the large room in the community center and survey the crowd, finding my gorgeous girlfriend, my sister and brother-in-law, and my friends—not just her friends, but mine—and a sense of accomplishment, of purpose, washes over me.
This is home, and I’m so happy to be back here.
“Good evening, folks!” I finally say. “Thank you so much for giving me a moment of your time. I want to start off by thanking the generous donors who have made this dream a reality. The Peacock Springs Community Center is the product of the hard work and collaboration of many. Special thanks goes out to Christina Salvatore and her fiancé, Tom Sinicola, for rounding up some of the best construction teams in the tri-state area.”
The crowd erupts into applause.
“Speaking of the Salvatores,” I continue. “If you enjoyed tonight’s appetizers, please be sure to thank Carmine and the team at the butchery. They are offering ten percent off select items for anyone who shows a ticket from tonight’s event at checkout through the end of January.
“Our drinks came courtesy of the team at The Featherweight, be sure to thank River and Lily when you get a moment. Our head bartender, Kyle, created tonight’s New Year’s punch himself.
” I hold up my glass of the delicious concoction.
“Please enjoy responsibly. If you need help getting home, members of the high school student council are here to drive or walk you home. Do not get hurt. Liam is off duty tonight.”
The guys from the fire department erupt in a chorus of boos for that joke.
“Last, I want to thank the executive director and head clinician of the facility. You may know this local celebrity for her relationship advice podcast, but I simply get to call her mine. Nessa, can you please join me up here?”
The room explodes into a hearty round of applause as she approaches, her eyes narrowed on me.
Fuck, I love when she’s feisty like this.
“Nessa,” I say when she’s at my side. “Eighteen months ago, you and I played a game of truth or drink and had a fair amount of tequila. Tonight, I have only one question for you, though I have two choices of shot glass. The one you get will be based on your answer.”
She gives me an exaggerated sigh, crossing her arms and accidentally pressing those amazing breasts into a better view. She’s trying to conceal her apprehension, so I widen my eyes, silently telling her to trust me, then lower to one knee.
Instantly, the room erupts into a deafening cheer.
“Nessa, you are the ivy that grew and wrapped itself around me, and there’s no coming free from it.
I am so much better because I have you, Wyclef, and our bunny, Karen Horney, in my life.
Will you please do me the honor of becoming my wife?
” I reach over to the tray and pick up the shot glass containing the three-carat oval diamond on a delicate band of pink diamonds.
With shaking hands, she reaches out past me and picks up the shot glass filled with amber liquid. She tosses it back, and with a heavy exhale, she gives me a Cheshire smile and holds out her left hand.
“Of course I will. I love you, you idiot!”
Once the ring is on her finger, she yanks me to my feet and presses her lips to mine.
Like this, the world around us disappears. The music fades, and people fade away. It’s just us. I can taste the smoky and tangy liquid on her tongue, feel her soft curves against me. Then, she’s grabbing my hand and pulling me through the crowd and out the double doors.
We run down the hallway hand in hand, and she drags me through the door leading to the indoor pool. On the deck, she drops her dress, and with a shriek, she jumps in wearing her bra and lace panties.
I shuck my clothes and follow her in, wearing nothing but my boxers. I don’t surface until I’ve got her in my arms. Mouth on hers, I guide her to the edge and press her back against the wall.
She squirms and squeals, the jet behind her massaging her muscles in a way that makes her go boneless.
I spin her around and prop her up so the rushing water hits the junction of her thighs and use my free hand to toy with her nipples through the lace of her bra.
A soft moan leaves her, and I slide one hand into her panties to feel her swollen lips.
“Think you can come for me before we’re discovered and we get kicked out?” I ask.
“Doubtful.” She eggs me on, dropping her head back against my shoulder.
Always up for a challenge, I press firm circles against her clit.
She clamps her mouth shut to muffle the moans escaping her. I slide two fingers into her pussy, looping my thumb over her clit, and pump into her hard.
“More,” she whines.
Obediently, I add a third finger.
She sighs and bucks against my hand. “Oh fuck,” she grunts as her body trembles.
“That’s it, baby. Squeeze my fingers. Let go. Don’t fight it,” I encourage her.
And she does. She gives in to her release, letting out small sounds of relief and ecstasy.
“Well, that was great,” I say, sliding her panties back into place. “But what was your plan for when we get out of the water?”
She cranes her neck, peering over at the empty towel racks, and laughs. We’re giggling like two teenagers when an actual teenage lifeguard comes in to test the water, and we freeze.
“Oh, sorry, sir. Ma’am. You really shouldn’t be here without the lifeguards. I’ll grab you some towels,” he says, gaze averted, before turning on his heel to exit as fast as possible.
She turns, wrapping her legs around my middle, and kisses me, laughing into my mouth.
“Take me home and fuck me properly.”