Chapter 20
Chapter Twenty
Bella
There are people running around the property like crazy. Lights are being strung, food is being cooked, flowers are being arranged, the band is setting up — it’s absolute chaos.
I’m grateful when I make it to my room without being cornered into helping with anything. My spirits drop however, when my gaze lands on the outfit my mother has laid out on the bed for today’s party, because of course, a twenty-one-year-old couldn’t possibly dress herself.
There’s nothing overly wrong with the outfit, it’s just not me. It’s also not what I want Reed to see me in.
I want something tempting, something that will drive him mad. My inner brat wants to play today, and who am I to say no to her?
I head to my walk-in-closet, knowing what I want to wear already, having thought about it for most of the week.
I pull a jumpsuit off the rack; it’s a sexy black number that I’ve never worn before. The spaghetti straps hold up two triangles at the breasts which join at the high waist. The fit is tight over the ass and flares out at the leg.
Like the outfit I wore to the club that started this whole relationship, there is no back to it.
There’s nothing inappropriate about it, but there’s also something inherently sexy about it, too.
I know it’s going to drive Reed mad that he won’t be able to touch me when I’m wearing it.
I smile to myself as I jump in the shower.
***
I descend the stairs out to the garden as the first few guests are arriving and grab a glass of champagne from a passing waiter.
My parents go all out for their annual party, no expense is spared and this year is no exception.
“Little sis.” My brother comes up beside me, giving me a one armed hug and pulling me in to his side.
“Big bro,” I say back, leaning my head on him.
Beau and I have always been close despite the age difference between us. I think he feels bad for how controlling our parents can be with me, not that he’s ever voiced it.
“How was San Fran?”
“It was good. I got sick when I was there but Reed made sure I had everything I needed.” Guess it’s time to start planting the seed of Reed and I together.
“Reed?”
“Yes, Reed.”
“You two seem to be getting along well,” he frowns down at me.
“No need to look so happy about it.”
“I’m just surprised. I thought there were going to be some serious teething problems between the two of you. Reed’s not the easiest to get along with.”
“Well, we get along just fine.” More than anyone would believe.
Thankfully, someone waves to him from across the garden who I vaguely recognize and my brother is distracted from any more talk about Reed and just how well we get on.
“I have someone I need to speak with. Save a dance for me.” With that he wanders off.
I see my mother approaching, a frown marring her features. Well, she’s not overly pleased with my choice of outfit, that much is obvious from here.
Whoops!
“Panic not, darling, the cavalry has arrived.” I turn away from my advancing mother to find my three best friends behind me.
“You look fucking hot, girl,” Harper says looking me up and down and the others nod their agreement.
“This is insane,” Mia drawls, looking around and taking everything in.
“Your first Knight annual bash. I forgot you’ve been away the other times you’ve been invited.” I catch the eye of a passing waiter, signalling for him to bring the tray of drinks.
“The best part is that I’m finally going to get to meet Reed.” Mia is bouncing on the balls of her feet like a giddy school girl.
“You’re insane,” I laugh.
“So he’s definitely coming?” Ava queries.
“Yep,” I say, popping the P. “He said he’d see me in a few hours when he dropped me off earlier.”
“I can’t wait to see his face when he sees you in that,” Harper smirks.
“You should have seen my mothers face when she realized I wasn’t wearing the dress she’d picked out for me.”
“If the daggers she’s shooting this way are any indication, I can only imagine.”
“Fuck sake, you can dress yourself,” Ava mutters.
We carry on chatting away together as more and more guests arrive and the volume around us increases with the additional bodies.
“Who the fuck is that?” Mia mutters a while later. If the look on her face is any indication, I do believe my friend has just had her first glimpse of my man. “Oh my God, he’s coming this way.”
“Ladies,” his deep voice rumbles from behind me. I turn on my heel to face him.
“Reed,” I murmur. Mia gasps beside me.
Yeah, that’s him, babe.
“Bella,” he rasps, his Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows, his gaze roving over my outfit. “You look lovely.”
“It’s okay, Reed, they know,” I gesture to the girls.
“In that case.” He takes a step towards me, his hand finding the small of my back and drawing me in. “You look fucking stunning and I don’t know how I’m supposed to keep my hands off you this evening.”
I shudder at his words, already desperate for his touch despite him taking me twice this morning.
“Maybe you don’t have to,” I murmur. “I’m sure we can find a moment to ourselves.”
Harper is smirking at me, having heard every word between Reed and I.
His head drops forward, a muttered curse leaving his lips.
“You’re going to kill me tonight, I just know it. Fucking tease.” I merely smile at him. “Don’t forget we’re telling your parents after the party. There is no way you’re not coming home with me.” With that, he places a gentle kiss to my cheek and wanders off to mingle with the other guests.
“Holy shit,” Mia breathes once Reed is out of ear shot. “I get it. I totally get it. That man is next level hot. I mean my panties are wet just from standing next to him.” I laugh out loud at her.
“You have some explaining to do, Missy,” Harper says. “What happened to our shy little virgin? You’ve practically given him permission to whisk you off to a quiet area and fuck you silly.”
“Can you blame her?” Mia mutters. She still looks like she’s under Reed’s spell. “I mean, Christ, that man could tempt a nun to fuck on the alter.” We all bust up laughing at Mia’s choice of words — she’s definitely the more ‘out there’ of us all.
“And what did he mean, ‘we’re telling your parents tonight’?” Ava asks.
Harper nods. “I also want to know the answer to that.”
“Exactly what it sounds like; when the party has wound down, he wants to sit my parents down and tell them about our relationship.” Their eyes widen at my words. “He said he’s done spending the night without me and hiding us.” My words are met with squeals from all three of them.
I’ll keep the marrying part to myself for now.
***
I’ve danced with nearly everyone here at some point tonight; twirling until my feet hurt. There is one person that I haven’t danced with, though.
My man.
He’s watched me constantly, eyes narrowed whenever another man has led me around the dance floor, no matter the age. A smirk would grace his lips when the girls and I let loose — which we have… a lot.
But now I want him. Unfortunately, I’m currently dancing with a neighbor’s son, someone I’ve known a long time and to be honest, never particularly liked. There’s always something a little off about him, and he is definitely holding me closer than I would like right now.
“Relax, Bella. We’re just dancing, you need to let loose, baby.”
Oh no, he fucking didn’t.
“I am not your ‘baby’,” I seethe and begin to pull away from him.
“I’m cutting in.” A dark rumble comes from behind me. Reed’s hands slide around my waist pulling me back into him and out of the idiot’s arms.
“Hey, the song’s not finished.”
Does this guy have a death wish? Take a hint.
“Maybe not, but you are.” Reed’s tone is possessive and demanding, brooking no room for argument. The fool takes the not so subtle hint and backs away, and Reed turns me in his arms and holds me close.
“I didn’t like how he was holding you.” His hands tighten around my waist.
“It’s you holding me now, that’s all that matters.” I smile up at him, his devastatingly handsome face focused solely on me.
“I love you, Bella,” he breathes the words. They’re quiet, whispered words that are just for the two of us.
My eyes widen at his admission and my heart rate picks up.
I’m in shock — this incredibly handsome, experienced, loyal, kind and successful man is in love with me?
Me?
A girl who is fresh out of college? Has a job because of who her father is and is totally inexperienced? That’s the girl this playboy has decided to fall in love with?
My silence is not intentional, but it’s enough for Reed to start to worry.
“It’s okay, you don’t have to say it back. I’m aware I’m moving quickly in this relationship, and I’ll wait as long as it takes for you to feel—” I cut him off, my pointer finger pressing against his lips.
“I love you too, Reed.” His teeth nip my finger that’s still against his mouth and I draw it back on a gasp.
“I shouldn’t have said this now.” His eyes close and he draws a deep breath in through his nose as if in pain.
“Fuck, I need to hold you — kiss you — and I can’t.
What the fuck was I thinking?” He looks around him wildly, his gaze shoots back to mine.
“Go into the house and up to your room. I’ll be there in a few minutes. ”
“Reed, we can’t—” I start to say.
“Now, Bella, or I will claim you here for everyone to see.”
I quickly pull out of his arms and make my way off the dance floor and towards the house. My heart is pounding, my core already sopping wet. I don’t care if we shouldn’t be doing this. I want to.
I glance back to see his eyes following my every move, his gaze showing he’s as desperate as me.
And desperate people make mistakes.
Reed
She looks incredible, her delicate curves defined in the figure hugging jumpsuit.
She loves me.
She fucking loves me.
I don’t know what I’ve done in life to deserve the love of an amazing woman like Bella, but I will thank my lucky stars every day for the rest of my life.
I watch her every move as she makes her way into the house, unable to pull my gaze from her, even though I should.