10. Adrian
10
ADRIAN
I can’t stop staring. I can hardly think or breathe as I take in the length of Ella again. I’ll need to give my stylist a bonus for this dress. From the moment she slipped into that dress, it has been a struggle to drag my attention away from her. The way the fabric clings to her. The way I’d like to peel it off her body.
And now that I’ve tasted her lips. Tasted heaven. I’m like an addict. I’m on edge, waiting for the next time I can claim her lips. The first kiss was too short, over before it really started. I considered asking her to skip the rehearsal dinner again, but I knew her answer. She’s in this, seasickness and all.
I feel bad about that, but I’ll force her off the boat if I have to.
I slip my hand around hers, stopping her for a moment before kissing the back of her hand. It catches her off guard as she pauses and looks at me, eyes wide.
“What was that for?”
“Couldn’t help myself. Besides,” I mutter, glancing at the large yacht next to us. “People are watching.”
She sighs, shaking her head. “Always focused on the performance.”
No, sweet girl. I’m always focused on you. And you better believe if someone’s watching, I’m going to steal a kiss from you. As many as I can until you have to push me away.
I pull her toward me, using our small audience as another excuse to hold her close to me. Feel her perfect body against mine. Breathe in her irresistible scent.
“You’re sure you want to go through with this?” I ask Ella, a few dozen feet away from the gangway. “We can still back out. I can make an excuse.”
Just say yes. Let me take you back. Let me— fuuuuuck. I’m losing control, and that’s not like me. But it’s a recurring theme when I’m around Ella.
She takes a deep breath, eyes wandering over my face, down my suit, and then back up as she flattens her palms against my chest. “I’m fine. I’ve taken my pills. I’m not backing out, especially after seeing how excited Trudy is for tonight. It’s all she could talk about during the photos.”
She’s not wrong. My mother is over the moon at finally having some time with Ella. I guess I’ll have to share her. For now.
“Okay,” I mutter, stroking her jaw as I wrap my hand around the nape of her neck. “But if it becomes too much. Seasickness. Lillian. Awkward conversations with my great-uncle Luther.”
She snorts. “I must’ve missed him on the family tree.”
“One of my grandpa’s friends. Didn’t think he’d show, actually.”
Ella’s eyes widen. “Was he the guy shaking his cane at that statue in the fountain?”
I sigh, rubbing my eyes. “Probably.”
Ella hums, and I can feel her tense muscles relax under my fingers. “Maybe we should have a safe word.”
“A safe word? I didn’t realize that our relationship has evolved to?—”
Ella groans. “Focus, Adrian. We kissed once. We’re not… Ahem. The safe word is for the awkward convos. Or if Lillian decides to steal me away to throw me overboard.”
“She wouldn’t.”
“I’m only partially joking, but I think you should have a conversation with her. She’s… obsessed .”
Lillian was the last person I thought I’d have to worry about. “Will do.”
The yacht’s horn blasts, and Ella jumps.
“I was not expecting that.”
I’m trying to formulate a response, but I don’t want to move. I don’t want to speak. I want to keep holding Ella in my arms.
“Adrian?” Ella’s voice is hardly above a whisper. But when she repeats my name again, I’m finally pulled from my trance.
“We should get going. We’re already running late.”
I nod, my throat tight. My muscles tight. Everything’s tight as I meet Ella’s gaze. “Alright.”
Ella moves, breaking away from me. I take one step but pause, breathing in her perfume. Fuck. It’s perfection.
“Adrian?” Ella calls back to me over her shoulder.
“Yeah. Be right there.”
But I don’t move. Instead, Ella strides over to me. “You should probably stay close.”
She grabs my hand, and it feels right. Perfect. Like it’s right where it’s meant to be.
“I’ll need a meat shield in case I feel the need to hurl over the side of the ship.”
I laugh. “I’ll hold your hair.”
She faux swoons. “Such a gentleman.”
I grunt a response. She wouldn’t be calling me a gentleman if she could read my mind. The way I’ve been stealing glances at her all day. Thinking about claiming those lips all over again. The rest of her. I know there’s something there. She wanted to kiss me almost as badly as I did. I could feel her body submitting to me as I tasted her sweet mouth. If only…
“You’re staring, Adrian.”
“Can you blame me?” The words come out before I have a chance to stop them, but I don’t regret them. Not when her cheeks flush that delicious shade of pink. Not when her fingers tighten around mine. Not when I hear that sharp intake of air…
“Smooth. But save some of that charm for when we’re actually on board.”
“That won’t be a problem.”
When we finally reach the deck, a steward greets us with flutes of champagne. Ella takes hers but doesn’t drink, eyeing the gently swaying floor with trepidation.
“Remember, if it’s too much,” I whisper, placing my hand on the small of her back. “Just say our safe word.”
“I don’t recall settling on one.”
“How about Snickerdoodle?”
She snorts. “Oh, god. It’s perfect.”
I sigh. “Hopefully, I won’t have to fend off any more questions about him. Her?”
“Her.” Ella nods seriously. “Which reminds me… I might have mentioned a few more details about him that I should catch you up on.”
I clear my throat. “Such as?”
“Well, he has a few health concerns that require— Uncle Luther !” Ella interjects as I turn and find Uncle Luther hobbling over toward us in full-on military garb. Oh, Jesus. I’m having flashbacks to Thanksgiving decades ago, where he sat the kids around him and told us war stories before our parents could step in.
Now that I think about it, that was the last Thanksgiving I remember seeing him.
“There you are!” Uncle Luther says, clapping me on the shoulder with surprising force for a man who has to be pushing a hundred. “Big day tomorrow. Getting nervous yet, my boy?”
Ella and I exchange a glance as he turns his attention to Ella.
“And this lovely lady must be Sariah! Even more beautiful than I expected.”
He reaches for her hand as Ella’s eyes widen, and I step in, pulling Ella back. “I think there’s been a misunderstanding?—”
“Snickerdoodle,” Ella whispers from beside me, clenching my arm.
I snort. He’s harmless. Confused, but harmless.
“This is Gabriella, my girlfriend. I’m Adrian, not Max.”
Uncle Luther stares at me like I’m speaking a completely different language. His eyes go hazy for a moment before recovering that glint.
“Have I told you the time I fought off?—”
“Uncle Luther!” Max’s voice carries across the deck, momentarily saving us.
He turns, watching as Max approaches with Sariah, Lillian, and a couple of the bridesmaids in tow, while I lean toward Ella.
“Can I use Snickerdoodle too?”
“I don’t see why not.” She shakes her head, sighing. “Is this any indication of how the rest of the night will go?”
I slide my hand on her lower back without thinking as I lean in closer, watching as Max escorts Uncle Luther’s nurse to him. “It can only get better from here, right?”
“If you say so.”
A few moments later, Max arrives with Sariah and crew in tow. “Sorry about that. He gave Vivian the slip. Couldn’t find him anywhere. I hope he didn’t start in on one of his old war stories.”
“Saved us just in time,” Ella says, smiling.
“So glad you two could make it,” Sariah says, her eyes drifting to my hand still resting on the small of Ella’s back. “We were wondering when you two would arrive.”
“Fashionably late,” Ella replies smoothly. “I couldn’t decide what to wear.”
“Well, you look stunning,” Max says as I feel an irrational flare of possessiveness.
“Absolutely gorgeous, Gabby,” Lillian coos. “Such an interesting dress, and I love that bold color choice.”
I feel Ella tense beside me and give her waist a gentle, reassuring squeeze. “I never considered navy blue as a bold choice, but thanks. I love your…” Ella pauses as she scans Lillian, finally saying, “All of it.”
I hide my smile behind my glass of champagne. I think Lillian’s biting off more than she can chew with my girl. And I think Ella likes the back and forth.
Lillian hums. “Well, Gabs. I don’t want to whisk you away from your…” She neglects to mention me in any shape or form, opting instead to wave her drink at me. “I thought you could give us a tour of the inner workings of the yacht. I’ve heard you’ve spent so much time on boats that you’re practically a pirate. Yaaaar, ” she adds, giving Ella a little bump and spilling her drink on her in the process.
I whip out my pocket square, but before I have the chance to offer it to Ella, Sariah swoops in alongside Lillian, apologizing profusely as they loop arms.
“We’ll get you cleaned up,” Sariah says before looking back at me. “Don’t worry. Gabriella is in good hands. We’ll have her back to you in no time.”
Well, we’re off to a great start again.
“I can be so clumsy sometimes,” Lillian gusts, champagne still sloshing from her glass as the three of them hobble away towards a restroom.
“We’ll grab crudités…” Sariah says, her voice swallowed by the rest of the party.
Ella turns back, mouthing “Snickerdoodle, Snickerdoodle, SNICKERDOODLE!” but before I have the chance to follow, the bridesmaid from earlier steps in my path.
“Adrian,” she coos, kissing me on either cheek. “You must tell me more about Snickerdoodle.”
I blink. Is she serious? It’s a pet cat. “What’s to say, really?”
I’m distracted, glancing over her shoulder as I try to follow Ella as she’s pulled along through the crowd of guests. There are more people here than I expected. My family must have had an open invitation to anyone they ever met in their lifetime. Grocery clerks. Uber drivers. The last person they ran into on the street. I thought rehearsal dinners were supposed to be small. It’s going to be tough to track Ella down once I finally disengage.
“Let’s see some pictures. Ella mentioned she’s a Maine Coon. They’re my favorite breed. Soooo fluffy!”
I need to get out of here.
I pat my pocket. “Unfortunately, I left my phone back in the room.”
“Oh,” she says, clearly disappointed.
But not as disappointed as I am, watching Ella disappear behind a wall. Shit.
“How’s she doing by the way?”
I must be in some Twilight Zone episode because there’s no way someone could possibly be this interested in cats.
“Fine?” I down my champagne and then grab another off a passing tray. I’ll need more than a few of these to get me through this conversation.
“Gabriella mentioned you have to order her special food from Switzerland.”
Okay, Ella.
“Yes, she has some… dietary restrictions.”
“Irritable bowel syndrome, right? She said the poor thing used to have the worst accidents before you found that special food. A whole cleaning crew almost every night.”
I choke on my last sip of champagne. Coughing. Sputtering. But the woman is still staring at me straight-faced, as though this is the most normal conversation in the world. No wonder Sariah and Co. abandoned her with me. “Right,” I mutter, struggling to find my voice. “It was a messy situation.”
“You must be so relieved you don’t have to clean that up anymore.”
“Not as relieved as Snickerdoodle.”
“And the medication for her anxiety? Is that helping with the, um…” she lowers her voice, “inappropriate urinating?”
Good to know she considers urine more uncouth than uncontrollable bowels. Jesus. Well played, Ella. I’m considering us even after this, so long as I can have another taste of her. “Life-changing,” I say, backing away slowly.
But it’s not working. She’s following me. Not taking the cue that I’d like to leave this conversation. Where’s Uncle Luther? Max? Anyone? Can I just dump some champagne on myself so I can be excused, too?
My back hits the railing, and for a brief moment, I consider a different end to this conversation and evening. Fortunately, Max intervenes.
“Mind if I steal my brother for a minute, Jessica?”
“Of course not.” She turns back to me. “Next time, I hope I can see pictures of the chunky kitty.”
I nod, refusing to answer lest I’m dragged back in.
“Chunky kitty?” Max asks as he guides me to the back of the yacht, the din of the guests beginning to subside.”
I clear my throat. “Ella and I adopted a cat.”
Max pauses, staring at me for what feels like a lifetime. “Adrian.” It sounds like the voice of a disappointed parent who’s given up. But then Max laughs. “You have a cat? There’s no way you have a cat.”
“Love can do strange things to a man.” I turn around, grabbing the cold rails and staring off at the sunset. It’s gorgeous out here, but all I can think about is sharing the view with Ella. Then again, maybe waves wouldn’t be a good idea.
“Could you run that by me one more time?”
“We have a cat. Snickerdoodle,” I add, watching the silhouettes of seagulls pass by, squawking. I can’t remember the last time I was on the water, but seeing it, breathing in the salty air—it has a calming effect. And I need it after that conversation.
Note to self: Avoid Jessica.
“That’s not what I’m talking about. Love?” Max grabs my shoulder. “You’re in love?”
I bite the inside of my mouth. I should be annoyed that I let something like that slip. Making it even harder for the inevitable breakup, but I’m not. I’m hoping there isn’t a breakup after this. I’m hoping that after the wedding is over, Ella wants to stay. Or at the very least, test the waters after that kiss. I know she felt that same electricity. It was palpable. I’m hooked, and the idea of us going our separate ways after this and then breaking the news of a breakup to my family…
Well, I’d rather suffer an endless conversation with Jessica about Snickernoodle than that.
“Hard to believe?” I ask, turning to Max.
“Not at all. It’s surprising you had time to find Ella with your work hours.”
I close my eyes, a soft breeze rippling over my skin as I picture Ella. That dress. Those curves. Her smile. It’s so vivid that it feels like she’s right next to me. But when I open my eyes and only see Max, I’m a bit disappointed.
“She’s hard to miss.”
And easy too. She’s only been gone a handful of minutes, but I’m already aching to find her. Hopefully, Sariah can run a little interference on Lillian for Ella.
“Well, I’m happy for you. I’ve only had a few brief interactions with her so far, but Sariah and I think she’s wonderful. And any woman who can convince you to adopt a cat seems like a keeper.”
“She is,” I say reflexively. “My favorite person in the world.”
Max sighs. “I know the feeling. Can’t imagine anyone else by my side except for Sariah.”
Max moves next to me, leaning against the railing as we both glance back at the crowd of guests on the ship. I wonder where Ella is in the crowd. And I’m sure Max is thinking the same thing about Sariah.
“Nervous?”
Max thinks for a moment. And then: “No. I thought I would be, but whenever nerves rise, I think about Sariah, and they go away.”
“You two make a great team.”
“And I’m rooting for you and Ella. The way you two…” He shakes his head. “I think you chose well. Her choice though…”
I shove him playfully.
“Kidding.”
We stay for a few more moments, enjoying the view and catching up briefly before both of us decide it’s time to get back to the party. Back to our girls, really. I’m hoping Ella’s stomach is holding out. And that she hasn’t thrown herself overboard yet, having to deal with Lillian.
“Mom’s smitten with Ella, you know,” Max says as we head back. “Couldn’t stop talking about her after the pictures.”
I smile. “Good to know.”
“Just warning you because you might have to be fighting her off. I heard they’re making plans to visit each other.”
My eyes flare but then settle. That’s a good sign. A great sign. Ella’s thinking past this weekend and into the future. Our future.
“I don’t mind sharing.”
Just this once. But as soon as I see Ella in the crowd, laughing and smiling as she talks with my mother, I have to reconsider. I’m not sharing my gorgeous girl with anyone. She’s mine.
* * *
“Did you always want to become an actress?” My father asks.
The question catches me off guard. It’s a rarity that he shows much interest, let alone genuine curiosity. I slide my arm onto the back of Ella’s chair, and she leans back, smiling at me before turning her attention to my father.
“Not at all.” She laughs. “I used to have terrible stage fright, and I was incredibly shy, too. The only friends I had were found in books. I loved stories. But when my elementary school decided to put on a play for one of my favorites, I jumped at the chance.”
I take a sip of water, watching Ella as she speaks. I’m entranced, and after a glance at my parents, I’m not the only one.
“I spent weeks reading and re-reading Charlotte’s Web. Going over the lines with my parents. I’m sure they were sick of it, but they never let on.”
I move my hand to her back, stroking her in between her shoulder blades as she glances over at me, smiling.
“I ended up getting the role of Wilbur.”
“The pig?” Lillian interjects. “You wanted to be a pig?”
“A lead role? Who wouldn’t want that?” I glance at Ella. “I bet you were a cute pig.”
Her weak smile strengthens as she squeezes my leg under the table.
“Unfortunately, I never made it that far. I threw up backstage from nerves and had to be replaced.”
Lillian makes a noise, but I ignore it. As does the rest of the table.
“Seems like it didn’t deter you,” my father says.
“It did for a while. But when I entered high school, I gave it one last chance. I’m glad I did. And I’m even more glad that I had a teacher like Mrs. Kelley.” Ella leans back, reminiscing for a moment before continuing. “She was this tiny woman with more energy than someone three times her size should have. Our school had no budget for the arts, but she turned our drama program into something special through sheer force of will. She made it fun. Magical even.”
“How so?” my mother prompts.
“She’d find ways to make incredible sets out of cardboard, duct tape, and random art students she’d pull out of class. Costumes came from thrift store finds or closets. She convinced local businesses to donate materials. Her excitement was contagious, and so was her belief in all of us. I forgot about my nerves when I was around her.”
I stroke Ella’s back gently as I grab her hand under the table, squeezing. She smiles at me briefly before turning back to my parents and continuing.
She’s never shared anything like this before. But then again, we haven’t had the chance. We’ve been moving at warp speed with more interruptions than I anticipated. We’ve been focused on nailing the fake relationship. Gabriella . I want to know more about Ella. She’s far more interesting than the fake girlfriend I created.
“She retired a few years ago, and unfortunately, with her gone, there aren’t many advocates left for the drama program. Last I heard, the school board is considering cutting it entirely. Probably happened already.”
“That’s a shame,” my mother says as Lillian groans, poking at her food.
“It is.” Ella squares her shoulders. “That’s why I want to establish a foundation to support arts education in small towns like mine. If I ever make it big,” she adds, glancing at her plate. Ella grips my leg as she swallows, pausing before she says, “I’d just like to give back.”
Color drains from Ella’s cheeks as she grabs her water and sips.
“I’ll be first in line to donate,” my mother says. “That’s a wonderful cause.”
I slide my arm around Ella, pulling her into a hug, and then kissing her on the top of her head. “Consider it done,” I whisper. “Anything you need.”
Ella glances at me, tries to smile, but it’s more of a grimace. With the boat gently rocking throughout dinner, there’s no question her nausea’s back in full force.
“Are you okay?”
Her grip tightens around my hand as she shifts in her chair. She opens her mouth but then immediately seals her lips together, shaking her head quickly before glancing down. I need to get her out of here. But there’s no way she’s going to budge. My girl’s a fighter, but so am I.
“We should leave.”
She shakes her head, glancing at her food as the rest of the table switches into a separate conversation.
“Ella,” I rasp, pinning a strand of her hair behind her ear. “You can walk out of here on your own accord, or I’ll throw you over my shoulder and carry you out of here, kicking and screaming and…” I stop myself. Probably not the best idea to add that last word.
It’s enough to elicit a smile, but not enough to convince her.
“What will your parents think if we leave? Max and Sariah. We—” She shuts her mouth, removing her hand from my grasp as she brings her napkin to her mouth.
“I don’t care. Besides, the alternative isn’t exactly any better.”
Projectile vomiting all over the table? I think an early exit to the evening will be better for everyone.
“Gabriella, you’ve hardly touched your food. Is the vegetarian option not to your liking?” That saccharine, overly friendly tone of Lillian is grating on my nerves.
“I’m not very hungry,” she mutters, voice strained.
“You could have some of my shrimp cocktail.” She dangles a shrimp in front of Ella. “Or possibly the steak tartare. My stomach’s been roiling?—”
“Thanks for offering,” I interject, “but we’re going to grab some air.”
I slide my chair out and then pull Ella’s, offering my hand.
“Not enough in the open-air dining room?”
I ignore Lillian as Ella reluctantly grabs my hand, and I help her up.
“Thanks,” she mutters, walking slowly next to me as I guide her away from the table and toward one of the crew standing near the edge of the dining room. I’m getting us out of here.
“This is so embarrassing.”
“Embarrassing?” I stop, tugging Ella toward me. “What’s embarrassing is how little I know about you. The real you. I had no idea about your background. Your goals and dreams.” Ella’s hair flutters in the soft breeze as I guide her chin up to see her face. “There’s so much of you that I don’t know. That I want to know.” I shake my head. “There’s nothing for you to be embarrassed about.”
I stroke her cheek as she smiles. The moonlight casts an ethereal light on her that makes her even more beautiful. Not even a bout of seasickness can detract from how gorgeous she is.
“Thanks.” Her voice is weak.
“Now let’s get out of here.”
“We can’t ask the captain to turn the ship around. Do you have a helicopter ready?”
“Sadly, no. It’s back at BlackeThorne. But the crew can take us back on a small boat.”
She swallows. “I-I’m not sure I want to get on another boat.”
I collect her hands in mine, bringing them to my mouth, kissing her fingertips. “It will be a few minutes, tops. We’re not far from land. And I’ll be with you.”
She sighs. “I might hurl on your lap.”
“Apparently, I’m adept at cleaning up messes, so it will be second nature to me.”
She makes a face, and I explain my conversation with Jessica.
“Oh god,” Ella mutters as her eyes widen. “I’m sorry, but also not at the same time. What I would’ve given to see you squirm like I have all day with Lillian.”
I smile. Ella’s mood seems to have lifted. And I don’t mind if it comes at my expense. Anything for her.
“Well, I’d like to hear all about it. About you. I’m done with Gabriella, and I want to focus on Ella.”
“But the wedding’s not over.”
I pull her into a hug, savoring her scent.
“Consider your part of the deal fulfilled. I couldn’t care less how the rest of this weekend goes.”
“So, I guess I’ll book my flight for tomorrow morning.”
My eyes flare.
“Kidding. You’re stuck with me for a little while longer.”
“Couldn’t think of anyone else I’d rather be stuck with. Now let’s get out of here before…”
Ella snorts. “Great idea. Lead the way.”
I grab her hand, and everything in the world feels right again.