8. Carson
I’m lost to this woman. Not that I can tell her that now. But I can give her what she wants at the moment, which is crystal clear, thanks to the hand on my thigh for the past ten minutes during dinner.
And because of the touch, the strip of condoms in my pocket is burning a hole through it. If only this meal would wrap up, so Mallory and I can slip away unnoticed. But the round tables for ten spread across the ballroom are still full, the guests enjoying the beef tenderloin with burgundy mushroom sauce and whipped potatoes with crispy garlicky breadcrumbs while soft music sets the mood.
Mallory and I are seated at the long head table, overlooking the crowd, two seats down from the bride and groom. Our absence would be noticed. So I’m biding my time, mirroring her touch and caressing the smooth skin of her thigh, making my intentions known. Because now that she’s confessed what she’s really looking for, I’m free to imagine forever with her. And give her what she wants tonight, so tomorrow, I can start putting the pieces in place to give her what she needs.
I’m draining the last of my bourbon when Sawyer rises and helps his wife to her feet. I push back my chair faster than the takeoff of a McLaren in pole position at the Monaco Grand Prix, but Mallory stops me, her grip tightening on my thigh.
“Don’t forget, you guys,” Kelsie says, addressing the seven of us seated down the table on her left. “That photo booth in the corner is also a video booth. Be sure to share your words of wisdom about marriage and what advice, if any, you’d offer Sawyer and me.”
She turns, presumably to encourage the other side of the table to make a video, as well. I lean over to Mallory. “Think that includes us or are we exempt?”
She lays her napkin next to her plate. “Bet you can’t make a video delivering married words of wisdom with a straight face.”
She’s clearly never seen me play poker. “Stakes?”
“If I recall correctly,” she says, leaning over to whisper in my ear, “we never settled the whole chance to prove I’m good with my tongue bet.”
Her warm breath skims my earlobe, and once again, my slacks are way too tight. I mimic her move, shifting close enough to brush my lips across her ear. “That kiss didn’t prove it? Your flushed face and swollen lips sure told a different story.”
Mallory bites her lower lip and tilts her head as if thoughtfully considering my question. But the gleam in her eyes is a dead giveaway. “It was a good start,” she admits, her hand sliding up my inner thigh an inch at a time. “But I’m going to need another one. You know…for confirmation.”
I scoop up her hand before it can reach the steel rod I’m sporting and weave my fingers through hers. “Happy to oblige. Lead the way.”
The booth is narrow, but the bright bulbs around the screen illuminate the space as the maroon velvet curtain falls closed behind us. The close quarters are cozy as we maneuver our bodies to settle in. There’s probably enough room for Mallory to squeeze next to me on the bench, but when I take a seat and pat my thigh, she doesn’t think twice.
But she does perch on the edge, gingerly, as if my knee is an armrest, and she’s hesitant to plant herself too firmly. After that kiss we shared earlier, I don’t share her reserve. With a hand on each hip, I tug her farther back, the satin of her dress sliding easily until she comes to rest on the thick of my thigh.
Her ass fits perfectly, tucked against me. Until she wriggles and peeks down at me with a playful smile.
Vixen.
Her chest is conveniently mere inches from my face, and I grit my teeth and force my eyes up to her face. “If there wasn’t a line of folks outside waiting for a turn in here,” I tell her, my voice thick with restraint, “I’d have no trouble proving I’m good with my tongue. Again.”
“Then you’d best be getting on with those insightful words of wisdom, don’t you think?”
“I do.”
She spins to face the small hole where the camera lens is visible, along with the screen where we can see ourselves reflected.
“Ready?” I ask as she tucks a few tendrils of hair, which have escaped from her updo, behind her ear.
“Ready.”
I take a deep breath and clear my throat, ready to wish Sawyer and Kelsie the best by confessing the truth.