Chapter 33
33
CARLEE
“ H oney,” I hear Mawmaw say at the bedroom door.
I stir, reaching for the lamp, realizing I fell asleep while waiting for Weston. I’d had a long day full of big emotions and realizations, so it’s not surprising I was exhausted. Not to mention the ridiculous amounts of booze we drank. I lift my arm, catching sight of the bracelet attached to my wrist, knowing Weston is wearing one too.
I like seeing it and thinking about him.
Mawmaw’s hair is up in rollers, and I can’t read her expression. I can feel the energy is off though.
“Mawmaw? Everything okay?” I ask, half asleep.
I glance at the clock on the table and see it’s just after nine. It’s earlier than I thought. My hair is still damp from my shower, so I haven’t been asleep for very long. I just crashed hard.
She sits next to me on the bed. “Leelee, there’s been an accident.” Her voice is comforting, but it doesn’t stop my heart from racing.
“There’s been an accident with Weston and—” Her bottom lip quivers.
“Mawmaw,” I say, my voice trembling as I turn to her, “Is Weston hurt?”
“I don’t know. I could barely understand what Lucas said.”
I stand, growing desperate as adrenaline courses through me. “I need to know if Weston is okay.”
“I don’t know. Lucas said there was a gun involved.”
I want to understand. With each passing second, I grow more upset. “It was supposed to be family fun. No one was supposed to get hurt. My brothers and cousins were playing a joke on him.”
“Let’s drive out to the tree farm. Lot D—that’s where they are. Ambulances are already there. We can go right now.”
Tears immediately stream from my face as I grab my phone and call Weston. I call again and again and again. When he doesn’t answer, I grow hysterical. The surge of hot blood pumping through my body makes me feel like I need to throw up. The terrible thoughts make me sick. I drown in them, struggling to breathe. I think I’m hyperventilating.
“Come on. Deep, calm breaths,” she says. “It will do neither of us any good, sitting here, waiting for someone to give us an update.”
I call Lucas, but he doesn’t answer. I make my way down my family Contacts list, starting with my brothers and then moving to the rest of my cousins. I consider calling Easton, but I can’t tell him something bad might have happened. It would be too difficult to hear his voice.
Mawmaw and I get in the car and drive to the tree farm lots. She can’t see well at night and blasts the high beams, but she’s driving too slow.
I text Weston.
Carlee
Weston, please call me back. I’m so worried something bad happened. Mawmaw is driving me there.
Carlee
I don’t know what I’d do without you. I’m so scared.
Tears stream down my face. Mawmaw prays for ten minutes straight.
Carlee
Weston, I love you so much.
Carlee
Please call me! I’m freaking out.
The flashing lights of the ambulance and the spotlight of the police car make me panic. My heart pounds so hard in my chest that I feel like I’m dying.
When Mawmaw finally parks, I unbuckle and run toward the small crowd of officers gathered. As I approach, I freeze because nothing makes sense.
Lena. Why the fuck is she here?
My face contorts as her cold, dead eyes meet mine. Then I notice the blood covering her white shirt. I rush toward her, pushing her with all my strength. Seconds later, she falls backward. With my fist clenched, I’m ready to bash her face in, but an officer pulls me away.
“Ma’am, you keep this up, and you’ll be going with her,” he warns.
I don’t care what he says.
“If you hurt Weston, if that’s his blood on your shirt, I will fucking kill you,” I scream at her, my voice full of vengeance.
She laughs like I’m the crazy one. It sets me off again, and I bolt forward. Strong arms wrap around my waist, pulling me away.
“Don’t let her make you a villain too.”
Just his voice has me bursting into tears. I frantically turn around, grabbing Weston’s face, searching over him for cuts or bruises.
“You’re okay?” I ask.
“I’m safe. She broke the restraining order and attempted murder,” he whispers against my mouth, kissing me.
I hold him tight. Emotions take over as I realize how tragic this night could’ve been.
Lena’s here. She’s in Texas.
How long has she been watching us?
“None of this makes sense.” I’m panicking, stuck in a spiral. I can barely get the words out as I wipe tears from my cheeks.
“I’m here, Carlee. We’re safe. Shh. Baby, it’s okay. I was going to call you, but your brothers had taken my phone.”
My mind spins. “She had a gun?”
Weston squeezes my shoulder, but my attention is torn away when I see the body resting on the gurney. My nostrils flare, and my heart drops when I notice it’s Brody.
I rush to him. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, yes.” He smiles, and then I notice his blood-soaked shirt. “Bullet grazed me. I’ll live.”
“Do you want us to meet you at the hospital? I can keep you company,” I offer.
“No. No .” He shakes his head. “I don’t even want to go, but Weston is forcing me. Enjoy your night together. Tomorrow’s important. Worth risking my life for.”
I bend over and hug him. “Thank you. Thank you for being there.”
“Don’t get sappy. I was doing my job,” he says, but I know he cares about Weston. They’re like brothers, the three of them.
“If you need anything, please text me. I’ll get my phone from whoever has it.” Weston looks pale like he’s seen a ghost,as he talks to Brody. “Thank you.”
“I’m fine,” Brody states, growing frustrated .
Lena screams something, and the officers shove her into the back of a car. It only muffles her.
“I don’t understand,” I say, shaking my head.
“She stalked Easton here after the courthouse. Lena said she’d never let me go,” he says roughly. I can hear the frustration in his tone. “Hope it was worth the years she’ll spend in prison.”
Easton rushes toward us and pulls Weston into a tight hug. Easton says something, but I can’t make out his words.
“I’m not hurt,” Weston tells him, squeezing him. “Brody saved my life. Again .”
Easton breaks down while holding his brother. Seeing them both so vulnerable, knowing what was at stake, has my anger level rising to an unhealthy level. When my cousins and brothers approach me, I finally lose my cool.
“You could’ve gotten him killed,” I say, pushing Matteo. “I’d have never forgiven you, any of you.”
“Leelee,” Lucas says, reaching out for me.
I push his hand away.
“No. Grow up. I could’ve lost the love of my life. And for what? So you could have had a laugh? Think about that.”
I walk away, but Lucas doesn’t give up.
“I understand how pissed you are, but none of us knew his psycho bitch ex was hunting him. If we had known, we’d never have done that. As soon as we heard the first shot?—”
“The first shot? There was more than one? You’d better be glad he’s walking away unscathed,” I warn.
He hands me Weston’s phone before I storm away from him.
I find Weston and give him his device just as Mawmaw approaches.
“Can we get out of here?”
“Yes,” I say, overwhelmed by the surge of emotions that travel through my veins.
“It’s probably for the best,” Weston says, taking my pinkie. “I’ve already given my statement. ”
Tears stream down my cheeks again. We climb into the back of Mawmaw’s car and drive home in silence as I hold on to him.
“Shh. I’m okay. Everyone is okay.”
As soon as we step into my grandmother’s house, Mawmaw gives Weston a hug. “Glad you’re safe, baby.”
“Me too,” he tells her as they break apart.
“Good night. Y’all get some rest. Big day tomorrow. The wedding of the century.”
“Yes,” I whisper. “Good night.”
I lead Weston to my room, both of us shaken, almost too stunned to speak.
As soon as the door closes, I face him, searching his eyes.
“Are you really okay?” I ask, reaching up to stroke his cheek. “I was so worried.” My voice cracks, and tears threaten to spill over again.
Weston pulls me into a tight embrace, burying his face in my hair. “I’m okay. Really. Brody took the bullet that was meant for me. Your brothers held her at gunpoint until the sheriff arrived.” His voice is filled with emotion.
Images of what could have been flash through my mind. I clutch at Weston’s shirt, needing to feel every part of him to reassure myself that he’s unharmed.
Pulling back, I tilt my chin up to look at him through watery eyes. “I don’t think I would’ve survived losing you like that. I’d have lived the rest of my life angry.”
“Let’s not think about it.” He takes a shuddering breath, holding me tight in his arms. “I was unprepared. It felt like a nightmare.”
My eyes scan over him, and I notice he’s dirty. “You should take a shower.”
“I don’t want to be alone,” he admits.
“I’ll join you,” I whisper.
The two of us sneak into the bathroom, and I lock the door. Something primal and untamed swirls between us. My heart pounds hard as he steps closer .
“Fuck, Carlee,” he whispers against my neck, placing deliberate kisses up to my ear. “You’re all I could think about. The bracelet on my wrist was a reminder of you.”
Weston sucks on my earlobe.
That’s all it takes, and I’m putty in his hands.
With messy, dark hair and hunger in his eyes, he pulls away. His pupils dilate as my fingers push up the hem of his shirt, helping him remove it. My hands slide over his tattooed muscles and down to his jeans, which I unbutton and unzip. I want to drop to my knees and worship him like the god he is.
“Love it when you look at me like that,” he mutters.
He smirks that fucking devilish smirk that makes me want to beg for him.
“I need you,” I whimper. My panties are already soaked, clinging to me; I’m damp and desperate.
Weston grabs my waist, and his fingers gently dig into my hips. I gasp, my breath hitching as he pulls me against him. He’s hard against my stomach.
“You’re my guardian angel. Brody saved me, but so did you.” His lips brush against my ear.
“Weston …” My voice breaks.
“I stayed calm, knowing if I didn’t, I’d never see you again,” he admits, kissing me.
He lifts my shirt from my body, then removes my pajama bottoms. He admires my naked body like it’s a precious sculpture in the Louvre.
Weston gently cups my breast, his thumb grazing over my nipple until it’s hard and aching. I finish undressing him, leading him into the shower. Every inch of me is on fire as hot water falls over us.
“Fuck,” he breathes out, his voice strained as he presses my back against the wall. “ You’re perfect .”
One hand slides down my stomach, leaving a trail of goose bumps in its path. He drags his fingers through my folds, teasing my clit with a firm, deliberate touch that makes me cry out.
“Shh,” he says with a laugh.
It’s the first time I’ve seen him smile all night.
I nod. “It just feels so good.”
“Mmm. Don’t want your Mawmaw to hear us,” he growls, his voice dripping with lust as he continues to rub circles against my clit.
I can’t think. I can barely breathe as pleasure washes over me.
Another deep moan escapes me when he presses two fingers inside me. Weston curls them, and I nearly lose my balance. Just as his mouth brushes against my ear, a knock taps on the door.
My eyes widen, and I hold on to him for dear life.
“Carlee?” Mawmaw says from the other side of the door.
“Yes?” I ask.
“Everything okay? I thought I heard something,” she says.
Weston’s fingers are buried knuckles deep inside my soaked cunt. His thumb rubs relentless circles on my swollen clit, and I’m so fucking close to screaming, but I bite my lip instead.
“Honey?”
“Oh, sorry.” I swallow hard. “I didn’t hear anything.” My voice is somehow steady.
His other hand grips my thigh, spreading me wider, and I bite down on his shoulder to muffle the moan threatening to spill out. His skin tastes like salt, and I can’t get enough. Gently, Weston brushes his scruff against my neck and chuckles. The vibrations send shivers down my spine, and I swear I can feel his smirk burning into my skin. He knows exactly what he’s doing and knows I’m teetering on the edge of oblivion.
“Oh, okay then. Good night,” Mawmaw says, and I can hear her shuffling down the hallway.
“Night!” I choke out., my voice strangled as Weston’s fingers hit that fucking spot that makes my vision go white.
My body tenses, and then it happens. The orgasm rips through me as my back presses against the cool shower wall. My pussy clenches around his fingers, milking them like they’re the only thing keeping me alive. The ecstasy of him nearly shreds me into pieces.
“So fucking sexy.” His words send another shudder through me.
Weston doesn’t stop. He keeps finger-fucking me, working me until I’m gasping and begging for more like a greedy little whore. I am a whore for him. Proudly.
“You’re coming for me at least two more times before bed,” he instructs, his tone leaving no room for argument. “We have a record to break.”
I hold back a moan as he kisses me. My thighs tremble, my cunt pulses around his fingers, and I come again. I wrap my arms around him, holding on for dear life as my knees buckle. With ease, he holds me, but Weston’s not close to done with me.
My lips find his. We’re all teeth and tongue. He’ll never be able to satisfy my intense hunger for him. I break away from him, kissing down his body. My tongue and mouth trail over his chest, and his abs, until I reach the thick, throbbing cock.
The tip glistens with pre-cum, and I don’t waste time teasing him. My mouth is on him in an instant, taking him deep. My tongue swirls around the head before I plunge down again. As I hollow my cheeks, sucking him like both our lives depend on it, Weston groans.
“I’m so in love with you.” He swallows hard. His head falls back on his shoulders as he props himself against the wall. “If I wasn’t already marrying you tomorrow, I would,” he whispers.
I take him deeper, my throat relaxing around him. What I can’t fit in my mouth, I stroke in rhythm with my hand. As he climbs to the edge, he grows harder, and his balls tighten.
“Fuck, I’m so close.”
I suck him slower, moving to a crawling pace with my lips stretched around him. I edge him until he can’t take it anymore .
Hot cum spills down my throat in hot, salty bursts. I swallow every drop as he shudders beneath me.
Deep blue eyes meet mine. “Such a good girl.”
The praise sends a spark of heat straight to my already-dripping cunt.
When I finally pull away and stand, his lips crash against mine. His chest heaves, and his cock is still twitching. The hunger in his eyes matches my own.
“I’m not done with you yet,” he says again as the water falls over us.
I lift a brow. “You take this job pretty seriously.”
A smile touches his pouty lips. “I can’t let you keep your own record. After tonight, it belongs to me, gorgeous.”
“There it is,” I say. “Your sparkle.”
Wrapping his strong arms around me, Weston holds me against him. I don’t know how long we stay like that, but when we break apart, I wash every inch of him. My hands run up and down his body, paying extra attention to his cock. Just as he finishes rinsing his body, the water turns cold.
Weston dries me off, and then I do the same for him. With a towel wrapped around his waist, he cracks open the door and sneaks into my room with me.
The glow of the lamp spills throughout the room. The shift is obvious. It feels both intense and intimate as we drop our towels.
Weston moves me back to the bed, and I lean on the pillows. His breath is warm and heavy against my skin. Light fingers trace the curve of my body as his lips slide all over me. His touch is electric and sends shivers down my spine. Want pools in the pit of my stomach, and I don’t understand how I can need him this much.
I can’t get enough.
I’ll never get enough.
Weston fucking Calloway is addictive.
And he’s mine .
Right now, I have to feel every inch of him deep inside of me. Our lips brush together in a kiss, and it makes me ache for even more.
“You’re so fucking beautiful,” he whispers against my mouth, his voice full of need.
His hands slide over my hips, and he parts my thighs. Light fingers skim over my sensitive pussy. Somehow, I keep the moan buried deep in my throat.
“Make love to me,” I whisper, reaching for him.
“Is that what you want?” he asks, his breath hot against my ear as his fingers tease my hard nub.
“It’s what I need,” I say. My mind spins, my body is on fire, and every nerve ending in my body screams for him, all of him.
“It’s the closest I can be to you,” I breathe out, barely audible, but he hears them. He always hears them.
Weston moves between my legs, kissing and licking up my pussy before hovering above me. I part my thighs wide, and his cock already eagerly waits at my entrance. Reaching forward, I wrap my hand around him, feeling the thick, hot weight in my palm. I guide him to where I need him most.
In one long, slow thrust, Weston pushes inside me, making my toes curl.
“Wes,” I whisper, my breath catching in my throat as he pushes deeper.
My head falls back on the pillow as he rocks his hips in rhythm with mine. I grow overwhelmed with pleasure as I hear his ragged breaths in my ear. Together, we’re utterly perfect.
His hands and mouth are everywhere like he’s memorizing me with admiration. His hand slides down to grip my hips as he fucks me with a tenderness that makes my heart ache.
This isn’t just sex. It’s raw and real and so intimate that it leaves me breathless.
I wasn’t prepared to feel this with him .
“I love you,” he whispers against my skin, his lips brushing against the curve of my neck as he thrusts into me again.
My body tightens around him as pleasure builds deep inside me.
“I love you too,” I gasp, my nails digging into his back as I get closer and closer to the edge.
He shifts his hips slightly, the angle changing just enough to make me see stars. I whimper, knowing I need to stay quiet as the orgasm pulls me under.
“Wes, more,” I whisper, my back arching. I need him deeper.
He keeps fucking me as I pulse and clench around him, his own release building.
And then he lets go.
His cock pulses inside me.
His face is buried in my neck, his breath hot and ragged against my skin.
“I want to have babies with you,” I admit.
“Yes,” he says, nuzzling against me.
We stay like that for what feels like forever. His body pressed against mine, his cock still deep inside me.
This is easy , I think to myself, and oh-so fucking right .
The next morning, I wake up naked in an empty bed. At first, I’m not sure where I am. The sun is high in the sky, and birds are chirping like they’re spreading Merryville gossip. I listen for the sound of a TV in the living room or Mawmaw chatting on the phone to her friends, but all is quiet.
Last night felt like a dream. The only indication that it wasn’t is my towel lying in a heap on the floor where I dropped it. As I sit up, the door opens. It’s Weston, carrying a cup of coffee, dressed in a collared shirt and slacks. He closes the door and then sits on the edge of the bed.
“How’d you sleep?” He hands me the cup.
“Great.” I squeeze my thighs together.
He smirks, his brow lifting. “That’s what I like to hear.”
I set the coffee down on the bedside table, then slide the comforter down, showing him I’m still naked. With a lifted brow, he slides his hand down my stomach and between my legs. His fingers trace down my slit, brushing against me. A moan nearly escapes me, but I bite my lips to stifle the sound.
“Wes,” I whisper, knowing my grandmother is awake.
“Mmhmm?” he asks, teasing my clit.
As my mouth falls open, I spread my legs wider for him. “ Fuck. ”
He slides a digit inside of me, and I’m so needy as he quickly works me to the edge. Right before I lose myself, he pulls away, placing his finger into his mouth and sucking it clean.
“The next woman I make come will be my wife.” He stands, smirking.
“Weston, finish what you started,” I say.
He kisses me. “It will be worth it, I promise.”
I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him back to me. “Already miss you.”
“I’ll see you later today,” he explains.
Sadness sweeps over me, and he returns to me, sitting on the edge of the bed.
“If you keep looking at me like it might be the last time you see me, I’ll never be able to leave.”
“Can’t help it. Especially after last night.”
He pulls me into a hug. “I’ll be with Brody, and he’s like a cat. He’s always watching, and he has nine lives.”
I can’t help but laugh. “I guess the next time I see you, we’ll be tying the knot?”
“That’s right, gorgeous. And I can’t fucking wait for it to be official. See you soon. ”
Weston steals another kiss before he leaves me.
I fall back on the bed and sigh, wearing a smile.
Today, I’m marrying Weston Calloway.
After I drink my cup of coffee, I get dressed. The smell of freshly baked cookies floats through the house, and I follow it to the kitchen. Lexi and Mawmaw are sitting at the table, laughing.
“There you are!” Mawmaw says, her eyes lighting up with happiness that makes me feel instantly at home. “How’d you sleep?”
“Good, after I fell asleep,” I admit.
“I was just asking Lexi about the pregnancy,” she adds, a knowing smile on her face.
“Oh.” I move toward them. “Sorry, Lex. I only told her because sh?—”
“It’s fine,” she reassures me. “Now, come on. I have something to show you.”
I follow her to the living room and see several garment bags folded over the back of the couch.
“What’s this?” I ask.
“Wedding dresses,” Lexi explains, moving toward them with excitement. “Billie and Harper brought them, just in case.”
“That was so kind of them.” My smile widens at the thought. “But I was actually thinking I might wear your dress, Mawmaw.”
Her face lights up, eyes sparkling with pride. “Sweetie, I’d be honored, but I think you’re way tinier than I was when I got married. Let’s see.”
As soon as she disappears into the other room, Lexi pulls me into a tight hug. “I heard about last night. I was already asleep, but Easton told me this morning over breakfast. He spoke to Brody. He was sent home last night after a few hours.”
“Good. I’m happy to hear that.” The memory of seeing Lena’s dead eyes is still fresh in my mind. Her coldness is unsettling. “It was scary. Mawmaw said a gun was involved, and I thought …” I want to push that feeling away. “Brody saved Weston. I don’t know if I’d have survived a different outcome. ”
“Here it is,” Mawmaw calls out, returning with a silk garment bag. I’m happy for a change of subject. She carefully unzips it, revealing a stunning sleeveless A-line dress with a full pleated skirt that sways. With pride, Mawmaw hands it to me. Her smile is sweet and encouraging. “Go try it on. Don’t keep us waiting.”
I grab Lexi’s hand, dragging her with me. “No wonder you eloped,” I tease.
“It was great,” she says, her happiness contagious. “Was just us.”
She follows me down the hallway into my room. With care, she removes the dress from the hanger. Her fingers gently brush the fabric as I search for a strapless bra in my suitcase.
“Oh my goodness,” Lexi gasps. “This is a vintage Dior dress.”
I glance at the tag in disbelief. “This must have cost a fortune.”
“I think it will fit you,” she insists, holding it up against me with a smile.
Excitement bubbles in my stomach.
“You’re going to make Weston so happy,” she says.
“I hope,” I admit as she helps me slide the sheer material over my head.
She carefully zips it. The flowy fabric hugs my shape and cuts low in the back.
When I turn to face her, she’s in tears, her eyes shining.
“Wow,” she whispers. “You’re a beautiful bride.”
“You approve?” I ask, knowing this is our tradition.
“He’s going to be obsessed with you. But we both know he already is,” she encourages.
I turn toward the full-length mirror, my heart racing as tears start to fall. I run my hands over the silk, realizing this is my dream. “This is how I always imagined it.”
“Oh,” Lexi says, digging into her pocket with a cheeky smile. “I have Weston’s ring for you.”
My eyes go wide. “Shit. I forgot.”
Her laughter is light and airy. “It’s all good. Mawmaw took care of everything you could ever think of. That woman should be a wedding planner.”
“She’s only been planning our weddings since before we were born.” I pull Lexi in for a tight hug, feeling so grateful. “Thank you for being my best friend.”
“Thank you for becoming my sister, little Mrs. Weston Calloway. You two are made for one another. I’m not just saying that.”
“That means a lot to me. I couldn’t keep pretending. I tried.”
She pulls away, giving me a knowing look. “You weren’t very good at it anyway. Neither was he. Weston is friendly and flirty, but not that friendly and flirty.”
“I love him, Lex. I loved him before you knew Easton,” I admit.
“I don’t know how you survived him that long. Now, can you please get knocked up so I don’t have to do this pregnancy bullshit alone?”
Laughter spills out of me. “When it happens, do you want to start a moms club?”
“Oh my God. We totally should. Now”—she lifts my hair and places it over my shoulder—“let’s get you ready to marry the love of your life.”