Chapter 26
CHAPTER 26
A fter a week of early mornings and late nights with Oakley, waking up in a motel room without him felt strange. Daisy was asleep in the other bed in the room and all Clementine could think about was how much she missed her cuddle buddy. When she rolled over in the morning, she texted him as much, knowing full well that he wouldn’t see it until he woke up in a few hours.
She was in Middletown for Frankie’s wedding, thirty minutes away from the man who had her distracted for the last few weeks. It was a miracle that she’d been able to research and make the pies that were going into the wedding tower. While she’d met him briefly at their Christmas party, the first time she spent time with Milo at length was when they were finalizing the pies a week ago. Now she was on location as a friend and maker of their wedding pie, ready to watch Frankie and Milo get married in a beautiful backyard wedding.
Pie had never been something she considered adding to her menu, but thanks to making the fifty handheld and five larger ones, Clementine liked to think she could pull it off long-term. The trick was getting the crust right and finding the perfect balance with the filling. It took longer than she would have liked, but by the time the wedding rolled around, she had the right recipes on hand.
Hours later, putting on her makeup in the bathroom, Daisy asked, “Why didn’t you bring your guy for the wedding?”
“Because he’s not my guy.”
But he is, isn’t he?
“Please, I saw how he was looking at you. He’s your guy.”
Clementine rolled her eyes and adjusted the shapewear so that she would be comfortable all day. There had been a few moments the night before when she could see that Daisy was itching to ask about Oakley, but hadn’t said anything. Now with them getting ready for the ceremony, there was no escape.
“You know it’s okay to admit that you’re in a relationship with this guy,” Daisy said, walking out of the bathroom. “He’s hot.”
“That’s a terrible reason to admit anything.”
“True, but sometimes being hot is a good enough reason to like someone.”
She grunted and took her turn in the bathroom, leaning over to apply her makeup using the mirror above the sink. With her hair loose and combed back, she put on her earrings and slipped into her dress. It wasn’t her first choice—something that flowed and fluttered around her was preferable—but Mack had picked it when they’d gone shopping a few weeks ago. A dark green bodycon, the dress had a wide open neck and sleeves that stopped below her elbows. It hugged every inch of her body with a slit up the back allowing for easy movement. Clementine had to admit that she looked incredible. In fact, she was tempted to take a picture and send it to Oakley, but decided against it.
She could have asked him to be her date, but at the time, Clementine was trying to set some boundaries. Feelings were flying all over the place, but she couldn’t entirely trust any of it. Her history and the countless heartbreaks that followed made her wary. He was unlike anyone she’d ever dated or known, but outside of that one time when he said he would fall in love with her, Oakley never brought it up again.
That doesn’t mean his feelings have changed , her brain kindly reminded her.
So far, she’d been enjoying the benefits of their friendship and what he was teaching her. But he was important to her and she was trying to navigate what that meant. It was supposed to be a crush and nothing else. Until he worked his stupid face and beautiful heart into her life, now she didn’t want to chase him off. She didn’t need someone to make her feel beautiful or sexy; Clementine was all those things. However, Oakley made her see herself differently and she was starting to enjoy that.
Enough. She blinked away the thoughts and smoothed down her dress. Stepping out of the bathroom to get zipped up, she came to a halt at the sight of Daisy draping herself in a gorgeous yellow saree.
“You look incredible.”
“Why, thanks!” Daisy flipped her hair over one shoulder and did a dramatic twirl, showing off the pallu covered in embroidered flowers. It was the most Daisy thing and against her dark brown skin, the saree glowed.
When she turned to face Clementine, Daisy’s eyes widened. “That’s what’s hiding under those chef coats? Drop. Dead. Gorgeous.”
Despite the eye roll, she did a twirl of her own. Then gathered her hair over one shoulder with her back to Daisy, who zipped up the dress and straightened it out as well.
“If your guy saw you right now, he’d be completely obsessed with you.”
“Good thing he’s not here then.” Even if you wish he was.
Oakley
Waking up without you was terrible for me too.
Judging by the timestamp, that text had come in as the ceremony was beginning. Clementine had ignored the buzzing in her clutch at the time, focusing on her gorgeous friend standing up there with the love of her life. Once the newlyweds were inside the house somewhere, she’d stepped to the side to check her phone just as he sent more texts.
Oakley
I was so sad about you not being here, I went back to bed.
Woke up again and you’re still not here.
Thought the first time was a nightmare.
Clementine
You’re so dramatic.
Oakley
If you met my girl, you’d understand that too.
My girl . This man was going to completely undo her and she had no power to stop it. She thought about how Daisy referred to him as ‘her guy’ and Clementine knew that using the term didn’t take away her control over the situation. Staring at her phone, she realized that maybe Oakley wouldn’t hurt her. That he wouldn’t use and spit her out like everyone else did. Her feelings for him weren’t like what it had been with Xander; this time he liked her too. While she wasn’t ready to say the words out loud yet, she was going to be better at letting him know how she felt.
Blowing out a breath, her eyes scanned the backyard. The couple was supposed to be changing, but if Frankie’s history of oversharing was any indication, they were probably doing a lot more. Guests milled around, a few of them stopping at the pie tower to take pictures. She saw Ginny and Daisy, and the rest of Frankie’s friends moving about. Then returned to her phone.
Clementine
What are your plans for today?
Oakley
Besides missing you?
*sad face emoji*
Hopefully going for a run later this evening
Clementine
Ugh, running. What a waste of time.
Oakley
You think I look this good naturally?
Clementine
Yes. You were clearly born with abs and thick biceps and delicious thighs.
Oakley
Look at you, objectifying me.
Clementine
Isn’t that why people work hard on their bodies? To be admired?
Oakley
I’m not complaining about being admired and objectified by you
But no, that’s not why we work on our bodies
I do it because it keeps the demons at bay
Her heart ached for him. He’d told her stories about his family, memories that he clung onto, and how much he missed them. Her life was better because of her family, so she couldn’t even begin to understand what it felt like to not have them there. While he didn’t often talk about his addiction or recovery, she knew that part of his life still haunted him in little ways. He would be exhausted after a therapy session or show up late because he went to a meeting. For as much as she wanted to know more, Clementine respected his boundaries.
Clementine
Are you holding up okay?
Oakley
I am. Got a session in a bit, then maybe hit up a meeting too.
Clementine
I’m proud of you.
Oakley
Thanks, babe.
How was the wedding?
Clementine
Incredible. Frankie and Milo are the perfect couple.
Oakley
I dunno, we make a pretty good picture.
*sends a selfie taken of them in bed*
Clementine
My eyes are crossed and your tongue is out.
Oakley
Is that not attractive?
She snorted at the puzzled emoji he sent along with the text. Followed by four more selfies—two of which were them making more silly faces and the other two of them looking at each other lovingly. It was ridiculous of her to think she could get away with not admitting her feelings for him when she looked like that.
Clementine
Much better.
*sends picture of the decorated backyard*
Oakley
I thought I was getting one of you.
But that’s gorgeous. Ginny did all that?
Clementine
She’s very good at her job
Oakley
As are you. Show me your pie tower.
Clementine
*sends pictures of the tower and people standing around it*
Oakley
Can barely see them, but of course people are crowded around your baked goods.
Now show me what you’re wearing.
Clementine
Nope.
Oakley
Why?
Clementine
Because it will distract you from your day.
Oakley
Now I’m imagining all of the things you could be wearing and I’m distracted!
Clementine
*sends pictures of the bottom half of her dress, legs and heels*
Oakley
Cruel temptress
Clementine
I think that should be my nickname from now on
Oakley
I’ll call you anything you want if you show me the whole outfit
Clementine
Gotta go. The newlyweds have returned.
Oakley
You’ll pay for this!
Clementine
*purple devil smiling emoji*
Clementine joined Daisy as they greeted the couple, hugging and congratulating them, as they moved around the backyard. Milo thanked everyone for showing up at such short notice and then directed their attention to the pie tower. Nerves were not something she usually experienced at weddings, not with her cakes. But this was new and while they looked good, she hoped that they tasted right. It didn’t matter how many taste tests she and the staff had done, something could go wrong.
She stood by the table with two members of her staff as the newlyweds fed each other tiny pies and when Frankie’s groan echoed through the party, Clementine could finally relax. The guests swarmed the table, picking the tiny pies and biting into them. She wanted to make a lot more than fifty tiny pies, but Milo insisted that a small number was enough. Besides, the bigger pies were also there if they ran out.
“You have outdone yourself!” Frankie said as she hugged her. “Please add them to your regular menu.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed them.”
Frankie leaned back with an arched eyebrow. “How is it that after all these years, you’re still so bad at taking compliments?”
“Because they make me uncomfortable.”
“You’re so weird, but I’m glad you’re my friend.”
Clementine chuckled and then hugged Milo as well, congratulating the couple. As her husband stepped away to talk to someone, Frankie leaned in and whispered, “Thought you might bring a date.”
“Uh…a date?”
“Tall, blond and handsome. Lives across the hall from me.”
Her eyes widened. “You know?”
“You’re not as sneaky as you think you are.”
“We weren’t being sneaky.”
Frankie snorted. “We heard whispering behind the door one time. But seriously, good choice.”
“Thanks.” Blushing, she looked away because while they had been sneaking around, she honestly didn’t think they’d get called out this way.
“So where is he?”
“Wildes.”
“Then what are you doing here?”
That’s a great question . She frowned and gestured at Frankie. “Attending your wedding.”
“As someone who snuck out of a wedding once to get laid, I highly recommend it.”
“ Frankie. ”
“Clementine.” Frankie wiggled her eyebrows. “Look, I am forever grateful that you helped my husband —” she swooned, giddy smile lighting up her face “—bring my dream to life. And I’m so glad that you’re here, but the best gift you could give me today is to go see your guy.”
That was the second person to call Oakley that, but the more important thing was that Frankie was encouraging her to leave the wedding early. Just so she could get laid. She’d been holding off on penetrative sex because she was afraid of how that would change their relationship. But everything had changed, hadn’t it?
“Thank you for making my pie tower,” Frankie added, still grinning. She gave Clementine’s arm a squeeze before stepping around her.
“What the hell just happened?” she whispered to herself and set a hand against her chest. Her heart was racing, fast enough that it made her feel slightly breathless. In the last few days, she had been thinking about taking the next step with Oakley. Maybe Frankie had just given her the nudge she needed.
Stepping out of the way, she pulled out her phone and opened the group chat. The group had been recently named Snap, Crackle & Pop by Ginny—Clementine was the Crackle to their Snap (Ginny) and Pop (Daisy).
Clementine
I’m heading back to Wildes.
Daisy
What, why? I was looking forward to our road trip home!
Ginny
What happened?
Clementine
I have a guy to see.
Daisy
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh my god, I knew it! *dancing lady emoji*
Ginny
Fuck yes, get some! *eggplant emoji* *eggplant emoji* *eggplant emoji*
Clementine
Okay, calm down.
Daisy
I’ll be expecting updates in a few days
Because if you text me tomorrow morning, I will be disappointed.
Ginny
Text me between rounds of wild, passionate sex. I’d appreciate it.
Clementine
I’m not texting either of you. This was a courtesy to let you know I’m leaving
Daisy
We want texts!
Ginny
You better text us, or we’ll show up unannounced.
Clementine
Why am I friends with the two of you?
Daisy
Love you too, Clem
Shaking her head, she put her phone away and asked one of the drivers to take her back to the motel. There, she swapped her pumps for sneakers and packed her things up. Making sure she’d taken everything, she loaded her truck and set off.
Never in her life had she done anything like this before, but that told her how different things with Oakley were. Mack often reminded her that anybody would be lucky to be in her life. She knew how she came across, even if she had all of the beauty to balance it out. All Mack had said when she repeated that to him was, “Because you’re so much more than what you want people to see you as.”
Which was very much the case with Oakley. He could have assumed she was a scowly, grumpy and irritable woman that everyone else did. Instead he spent time getting to know her and uncovered all of her soft spots. The fact that he cared that much had shocked her at first, but she liked the way it felt too much. Clementine never struggled with her self worth, but he saw her and that warmed her soul in ways she never thought possible.
The sun had set by the time she pulled up at Oakley’s building. Parking her truck, she grabbed her things from the back and made her way up to his floor. But when she got there, she realized that she had no way of getting inside. Even though they’d exchanged keys, she wasn’t carrying his. Ringing the bell twice and only hearing Gracie barking on the other side told her that he wasn’t home. She dug into her bag for her phone when the elevator dinged behind her. Looking over her shoulder, her mouth went dry at the sight of him.
Oakley’s eyes were dark as they trailed over her and voice was strained when he said, “I don’t think my girl would like you waiting around here for me.”
“What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her.” Despite the way her knees knocked at his appreciative gaze, she held herself steady.
“I would never do that to her.”
Clementine returned the favor, biting her lip as she stared at him. Shirtless and sweaty, his basketball shorts hung low on his hips. A dark backwards ball cap hid his blond hair, giving her a clear view of his beautiful face. All of his tattoos—the sleeve on his right arm and the script along his chest—glistened under the low light and she wanted to lick him.
When their gazes met, he whistled. “Jesus, you’re a fucking vision. Look at you.”
“Look at you , Oak. What the fuck?” she muttered, a shaky giggle coming out of her.
His mouth tipped up in a smile as he stepped towards her. “Is the wedding over?”
She nodded and pressed one hand to his stomach. He was so warm and firm under her fingers, his abs flexing as she traced them. “You’re so beautiful,” she said softly, stepping even closer to him.
“ Melor .” She hummed in response and he grabbed her hand before she could explore further. “I wasn’t expecting you until tomorrow.”
Nodding, she met his eyes. “Standing there surrounded by all those people, the only thing I could focus on was how much I missed you.”
“Say that again,” he mumbled, eyes dropping to her mouth.
“I missed you, Oakley.”
The minute the words were out, he was kissing her. He pinned her against the door, nudging her lips apart and plunging his tongue into her mouth. She moaned and gripped the waistband of his shorts, her tongue battling with his for control. One of his hands cupped her jaw as the kiss deepened, their hips pressed against each other.
Clementine broke the kiss to suck in a sharp breath and asked, “How do you feel about fucking me tonight?”