Chapter 15
Cameron
Dessert Thursday night blurs into Friday.
When Juli returns after yoga class, all sweaty and glowing in a skimpy light blue tank top and matching cropped pants, my dick takes notice. Hence why we spend most of the day locked in her suite, exploring each other’s bodies, and sharing meals.
Friday night, we attend the rehearsal dinner for the wedding the following day.
It’s largely boring, and I spend most of it staring at Juli, thinking of all the wicked things we still have to do before she leaves.
She declines my offer of bathroom sex and then ignores any advances I try to make.
I’m stuck making small talk with the people at our table.
It’s not hard—I’m good with people—but also not how I want to spend my time. I’ll sacrifice for her.
After a busy day, she winds up falling asleep as soon as we return to the suite. Seeing as it’s close to midnight, I give her a pass, jerking off in the shower to release some of the tension I brought on myself.
This morning, I granted her wish of “roughing her up” with the stubble she wouldn’t let me shave, but then had enough of the itch that accompanies the longer hair and trimmed it, much to her dismay.
Now, we’re on the beach, waiting for the ceremony to begin. Though my staff can handle it, I make sure I’m available in case anything arises with the boat arrival. It’s purely selfish to see how it plays out.
The fans with the bridal party information on them do nothing to ward off the heat of the early evening. The sun, lower in the sky, still emits a good deal of heat and light.
Sitting next to me, Juli wears a plum, strapless sundress and strappy sandals she’s already kicked off as we wait for the groomsmen to enter. They’re only two inches, but it decreases the height difference between us, so it’s less of a bend when I need to kiss her.
Yes, it’s become a need.
Her light makeup is flawless, the plum eyeshadow a perfect match to her dress, giving her eyes a pop of color.
Her hair’s in a fancy updo, and like a siren, her bare neck, except for a silver necklace, beckons me.
I’ve had to refrain from leaning in several times to leave multiple kisses, settling for my fingers being the only touch points.
“Are they going to be here soon? It’s hot and I want a drink.
” There’s a bit of a whine in Juli’s tone, and I’d like to think it’s from more than the heat and thirst. Her breath catches every time my fingers gently graze her neck and behind her ear.
It has to be driving her wild. And I don’t plan on stopping soon.
Well, besides an entire ceremony and reception ahead of us before we can relieve the tension.
We didn’t get it all out of our systems earlier.
I’ve never been so insatiable for a woman, but she’s unleashed this side of me who can’t get enough.
Not enough touches.
Not enough kisses.
Not enough orgasms.
Last night’s reprieve turned out to be a good thing. In my entire thirty-four years, this is the most sex I’ve ever had in a short time span. Having approximately thirty-six hours before she leaves drives me wild with emotions I’m not willing to name.
I’ve convinced myself of two things: one, I’ve had a crush on her for years, and I’m acting on it all now.
Two, this ends. Which depresses me more than I’m willing to admit.
But after Monday morning, reality settles in. She’ll go back to Georgia, and I’ll get back to work. It doesn’t feel like a break because I’ve been on property most of the week, but it’s been a wonderful escape to clear my head. Of course, a lot of that has to do with Juli.
“You’re staring again.” She continues gazing ahead.
“Can’t help it. You’re gorgeous, princess.”
Juli guffaws next to me. “Ha. Hardly a princess.”
A loud speedboat engine rumbling toward the beach cuts off anything else I might add.
I can’t see much from my angle, but I do my best to watch as the boat pulls up on the sand down the beach from where we sit.
The engine cuts off, and a worker I recognize from Charleston Charters hops down.
He’s got a set of stairs to set up on the sand so the five groomsmen and the groom can climb down.
Jonah’s the last one off the boat, clutching his stomach. It’s too far to determine the pallor of his skin, but as soon as his feet hit the sand, he takes off for nearby palm trees.
Sucks to be him, and I feel a little bad. Enough to get me out of my chair to make sure he’s okay. My duty as the recreation director who hooked him up with the boat.
“Where are you going?”
“To check on him. Be right back.” I can’t leave without a kiss to her cheek before darting over to where the groomsmen gather around the tree.
“Anything I can do to help?” I’m not sure what I can do, as confirmed by the way they’re looking quizzically at me.
“Nah, man. We got this. Nothing to see here.”
Jonah looks up. He’s ghostly white with a distinct overtone of nausea from the water. “Water. I need water. And maybe some of those pills . . . ” He trails off, embarrassed by his actions.
“On it. Be right back.” I should have listened to my gut and made sure he was offered them when he first got on the boat.
Motion sickness is no joke, but his bride didn’t seem to think precautions were necessary.
I hope I get the chance to ask him why the entire boat was needed in the first place, but seeing as where he is, moments from saying “I do,” it would be wise to keep my mouth shut.
Returning to the sand, I’ve got anti-nausea pills and a very cold bottle of water. His expression mortified, Jonah accepts them graciously. “This is one way to make an entrance at my wedding.”
“I’m sure none of the other guests realize what’s going on.”
“Noticed you came running.”
I don’t take the bait. “Had a feeling it might be a problem.” I shrug nonchalantly. He can chalk it up to being good at my job.
He stands up, still slightly hunched over, his back leaned up against a palm tree. “Has this happened before?”
“Not at a wedding, but you’re not the first guest who’s been in this position.”
His eyes close. “People are going to either think I have cold feet or I’m hungover.”
“Rewrite the narrative. It’s your day.”
His eyes shoot open. “Are you hungover? Or spending too much time with Naomi?”
I chuckle, understanding how he drew that conclusion. “Neither.”
“And what’s your deal with Juliana?”
As if I owe this guy an explanation. However, if talking is going to help him feel better, it’s the least I can do. Though I’m not “on the job,” it’s hard to turn it off.
“We’re friends.” He cocks an eyebrow. “We knew each other years ago. We’re . . . exploring it this week.”
He nods without judgment. “I don’t know her all that well, but she’s more radiant than I remember her to be.”
A groomsman interrupts our conversation. “Um, Jonah. They want to know if you’re about ready to begin. The natives are getting restless.”
Jonah’s eyes study mine for a beat. “It’s your wedding. They’ll wait.”
The guy next to me snorts. “It’s Erica’s wedding. Jonah’s a mere pawn in her chess game.”
What an interesting analogy.
Jonah seems unaffected by it, and I can’t help but wonder if he feels the same way.
“Well, I’m going to take my seat. Take as much time as you need.” I’m not sure that’s the best advice, but it’s all I’ve got at the moment. “Wedding planner” isn’t ever a title I’d like to wear.
Jonah pushes off the tree, but he’s still a little uneasy on his feet. Instead, he stays against it, holding his hand out. “Thanks, man. I owe you one. Have a drink or two on me tonight.” A sly smile graces his lips.
With a hearty shake, I exclaim, “Thanks. I’ll do that.”
Walking back to the guests, there’s a lot of chatter among the rows of people. Words like “jilted” and “runaway” flitter to my ears.
“Nope, a seasick groom,” I mutter, making my way back to my seat.
“What the heck happened? Is this wedding happening?” Juli fires the minute I’m in range.
“Just another day in the life of a recreation director.”
She glowers, studying me. “That’s all you’re giving me?”
“Yep, sweet pea. That’s all you’re getting. Have to keep some mystery in this ‘ship.’”
“This ‘ship’?” she squawks. “What does that even mean?”
From the corner of my eye, I spot the guys heading over, signaling the start of the ceremony. My lips meet her cheek, then slide to her ear. “If I must, I’ll explain later.” I pull away to a hitch in her breath.
I remind myself to stop riling her up, that nothing can happen for hours. Many hours. At least there will be drinks. And dancing. Which normally wouldn’t excite me, but getting to hold Juliana close to me as we sway on the dance floor? Sign me up.
Casual, my ass, my brain taunts.
The ceremony is brief, and Jonah mostly hides how he’s feeling well. Let’s hope Erica isn’t the wiser until later.
As for the reception, it flies by. Between drinks, food, and dancing, Juli and I are a sweaty mess by the end.
Happy, sweaty messes. And not just from the alcohol.
She’s consumed her fair share, but I fed her bread all night long.
Along with cake and other desserts from the dessert bar.
I can’t be certain she ate any “real” food, but I’m not her keeper.
She’s a grown adult, which she made clear as she stomped away to join her friends on the dance floor.
Jonah pulls me aside as we’re saying goodbye. With an enthusiastic handshake, he thanks me for earlier. “Seriously, man. Much appreciated.” The words are a bit slurred, and his tie is askew. “There’s an unofficial breakfast at Sage Cafe tomorrow. Stop on by.”
“Will do. Glad everything worked out.”
After hugging Juli for what feels like forever, Erica launches herself at me. She’s more wasted than her groom, girly giggles swallowed by my chest as she burrows into me.