19. Maeve
“Maeve, are you almost ready?”Trey calls out from the other side of the door.
I’ve been in one of Trey’s guest bathrooms for the past hour, doing my makeup and curling my hair.
“I’ll be out in five minutes.” I shuck the bathrobe from my shoulders, carefully stepping into my dress. I slowly draw the delicate material upward, slipping the thin straps over my shoulders. Reaching around, I tug up the short zipper that starts beneath my ass and ends at the small of my back.
Sitting on the vanity bench, I slip my feet into the silver stilettos and fasten the narrow ankle straps. Standing, I spin to face the mirror and take in my reflection. I smooth my hands down over the icy-green material, and check out my profile view on each side. This dress fits like a glove from my chest to my upper thighs and then it flares slightly. There’s a slit on one side that exposes a large portion of my leg.
I open the door and find Trey with his hand raised to knock. “Here I am.” I smile.
His gaze skims up and down the front of my body like a heated caress. “You’re beautiful,” he says.
“Thank you.” Turning my back to him, I ask, “Will you please fasten the two sides into a neat bow?” The back of the dress has a thin lace that crisscrosses over my bare skin.
“I’d rather be undoing the zipper and getting you out of this dress.”
“Mmm, as much as I like that idea, I know it would be a bad look if you missed your dad’s retirement celebration.”
He growls with frustration. “I know. I’ll be spending my night thinking about what I’m going to do to you once we get back here.” He drags his fingertips down my spine, making me shiver.
“I can’t wait.” I hold still as his fingers deftly fasten the bow. He slaps my ass, taking me by surprise. “Ow!”
His lips tease the shell of my ear. “Later, I’ll kiss it better.” His teeth nibble my neck, and my knees go weak. “Are you ready to leave, Sunshine?”
I grab my small purse from the vanity and nod. “I’m all set.” When I spin around, my gaze slowly scrolls over his tuxedo-clad physique. I try to whistle, but it sounds like a sputter of air, so I settle for saying, “Hello, sexy.”
He laughs. “You can’t whistle?”
“No, not well, anyway.”
“That’s okay, Sunshine. Your mouth is good at the important things.”
Holding hands, we slowly walk down the staircase together. “I hope I don’t break an ankle in these heels.”
“If you do, I’ll carry you around,” he says.
“I know you would, babe.”
We step out onto the porch, and the air is so muggy it’s like walking into a damp wall. “Ugh, why did I move here again?” I ask.
“Obviously, to meet me,” he says, locking the door.
“If you want me to stay here, we need to get in your SUV and turn on the air conditioning.”
“Relax. I’ve got it under control.” He takes my hand, escorting me down the porch steps to the driveway. That’s when I notice the idling limousine parked along the side of the street.
My head snaps toward him. “You got us a limo?”
He grins. “I figured we’d travel in style.”
The driver is waiting and opens the back door. I carefully climb in and slide over on the leather seat. Trey moves over beside me, and the door is pushed closed.
I sigh as the cool air hits my heated skin. “I feel like I’m going to my senior prom again. But you’re way hotter than my date was.” I wiggle my eyebrows. “Are you going to feel me up on the way to the venue?”
“You’re with a man now.” He slips his hand inside the slit on my dress, curling his fingers around my bare thigh and squeezing. “I’m going to make you come.”
“Here?” I squeak. The divider between the driver and us is up but still…
He turns sideways on the seat, skimming his hand up my inner thigh. “Spread your legs.” I immediately comply, and his hand cups my panty-covered pussy. “So warm. Are you wet for me?”
“Yes.”
His hand burrows under the lace, gently gliding back and forth over me, spreading around my arousal. I’m already soaked and throbbing, and he’s barely touched me. He slides two fingers inside and continuously pumps them, then groans. “So fucking perfect. I can’t wait to fuck this sweet cunt later.”
The heel of his hand presses against my clit, making me moan. “Yes, more,” I say, rocking my hips.
His thumb rubs all around the sensitive flesh, avoiding direct contact and edging me closer to orgasm. With taut thighs and clenched fists, I balance on the precipice of ecstasy. A needy whimper slips from my lips as I beg, “Please.”
He closes his mouth over mine, his tongue sweeping along my bottom lip before dipping inside. At the same time, his thumb rubs my clit with the perfect amount of pressure to drive me over the edge. My legs quiver, and my mouth parts beneath his as I cry out from the overwhelming pleasure.
“That’s my good girl,” he husks. Slipping his fingers from me, he shoves them between his lips, sucking them clean. “Fuck, you taste good,” he says while I recline against the seat with the strength of a cooked noodle. Reaching over, he pulls a few tissues from the box on the side of the limo and uses them to wipe between my legs.
“You might need to carry me around all night,” I warn.
He laughs. “You’ve got a few minutes to get the blood flowing before we arrive.”
“I’m not complaining. An orgasm trumps steady legs any day of the week. But do I look like I just came? I don’t really want to advertise what we just did. Especially since we haven’t announced we’re together.”
He skims his fingers over my cheek. “You’re flushed.”
I smirk. “And you have lipstick on your mouth.”
He takes another tissue and wipes all around his mouth until he’s in the clear while I reapply the red shade to my lips. I smooth a hand over my hair, and it feels like it’s holding up well. I’m thankful I arranged it in a neat knot on the back of my head.
Glancing out the window as the limo turns, I notice we’re pulling into the vineyard entrance. “Ooh, we’re here. I’m excited and nervous at the same time,” I say.
“What are you nervous about?”
“You and I worked on this together. I just want everything to go smoothly.”
“It will.” He takes hold of my hand and gives me a reassuring squeeze.
The limo driver pulls up in front of the area where the party is taking place. He pops around to open the door for us. Trey steps out first, helping me out of the vehicle.
“Thanks, babe,” I say.
He thanks the driver, and we head inside. I tug my hand from his. “We can’t act like we like each other.”
“Sunshine, what I feel for you goes way beyond like.”
“Trey, you know what I mean.”
He laughs. “I do. I promise I’ll be on my best behavior.”
“I don’t need to promise. You know what a rule follower I am.”
“I prefer to think of it as a need to please me.”
“There’s that too.” I glance at him from the corner of my eye. His chest is puffed up with pride.
“Maeve.” Lucy calls my name from up ahead, where she and Niall wait.
I wave, and we make our way to them. “Hey, fancy meeting you two here.”
“Hi,” Lucy says, pulling me into a quick hug. Then she looks me over. “Look at you. You’re gorgeous.”
“So are you,” I say. Lucy is stunning in her strapless black gown. My gaze moves over to Niall. “Big brother, you clean up nicely.”
He shrugs. “You look beautiful.”
“Aww, thanks. Niall, you must know my boss, Trey.”
“Yes, we’ve met. How are you?”
Trey shakes his hand. “I’m great, thanks. How’s everything been?”
“Practices have been going well and we retained all of our team, so I think we could have another great year.”
“That’s the plan,” Trey says.
“I think I need some alcohol to make it through this party,” I say.
Trey nods. “That sounds like a good idea.”
“We’ll catch up with you two later on,” I say.
Lucy nods. “Sounds good.”
Trey and I walk toward the bar set up along one side of the large white tent. We exchange greetings along the way with some of his parents’ friends. Each time, he introduces me as his employee, making me regret my reluctance to be open about our relationship. But I really think it’s best to keep it private for now.
We finally make it to the bar. “What would you like?” Trey asks.
“I’ll take a mojito, please.”
While he orders our drinks, Sheryl sidles up beside me. “Hi.” She flashes a toothy grin.
“Hey, you,” I say, giving her a brief hug. “Did you just arrive?”
“Yes. I can’t believe I’m here.”
“Well, you helped me put the slideshow together. It’s only fair you get to be here and see the fruits of our labor.”
“There are so many famous hockey players all over the place. I might lose my mind.”
“I put you at the same table with me and Trey.”
Her eyes flash wider. “Does that mean it’s Greg’s table?”
“Yes, it does.”
“Holy crap. I feel so important. I might pass out.”
I laugh. “You’ll be fine.”
“Maeve, here’s your drink,” Trey says, handing me a glass. “Hey, Sheryl. Can I get you a drink?”
“Yes, please. I’d love a glass of white wine.”
Trey turns back to the bar to order, and Sheryl fans her face. She mouths, “He’s so hot.”
I nod. “I agree one hundred percent.”
Sheryl leans closer to me. “How are things going?”
“Amazingly well. Despite our differences, we just click.”
“No problems with his daughter?”
“Not at all. She’s great.”
She glances around to make sure no one is listening. “When will you two go public with your relationship?”
“I don’t know. Things have been so wonderful that I want to keep it private for now. I don’t want to invite any outside influences in.”
“That’s understandable. It’s not like your boyfriend is some average guy no one knows.”
“Exactly. And I am some average girl, so I may be slightly insecure about it.”
She nudges her shoulder into mine. “Shut up. You’re awesome.”
I lean my head on her shoulder. “Aww, thanks. But you’re my friend, so you’re obligated to say that.”
“Trey Ledger can choose anyone in the world,” she says.
My head cocks as I look at her. “Is that supposed to make me feel better?”
She rolls her eyes so hard, I’m concerned her fake lashes might fall off. “Let me finish. My point is, you’re obviously special if he chose you.”
“Sheryl,” Trey interrupts, handing her a glass.
“Thank you,” she says before taking a sip. “Mmm.” She taps her fingernails against the side of the glass. “This is some expensive wine. You know how I can tell?”
“How?” I ask.
She whispers, “It tastes like shit.”
I laugh too loud, then cover my mouth. “I don’t know if I can handle sitting next to you all night. You might make me choke on my dinner.”
“And when you go home, Trey will make you choke on his?—”
“What are you two getting into?” Trey asks.
“That’s classified,” Sheryl says.
He grins. “I don’t think I want to know anyway.”
“Have you seen your parents yet?” I ask him.
“No, but I was talking to a bunch of people while I was waiting for our drinks. It looks like the turnout is great.”
“We lucked out with the weather. I was worried when we booked this place that it might rain or be too hot and humid.”
He shrugs. “If it rained, we’re under a giant tent.”
“I know, but it’s a decent walk from the parking lot to here. No woman wants to carry an umbrella while wearing a gown.”
He smiles at me. “I’ll take your word for it. We should head to our table.”
“Okay.” I hook arms with Sheryl. “Come on, date. Let’s go.”
“Yay, look at me. My girl’s hot as fuck,” Sheryl says.
“Yes, she is,” Trey agrees, sending me a heated glance.
I send a cautionary one his way. “Behave.”
“That’s not easy when you look fucking edible,” he says quietly. His compliment sends a burst of flutters through my stomach.
We reach the table at the same time his parents do. I hurry over to embrace them both, and Trey does the same.
Sheryl hugs Greg, and he introduces her to Lillith. We all settle in our seats. It’s not long before some of Greg and Lillith’s close friends join them on the other side of the table.
Trey’s hand possessively grips my thigh under the cover of the tablecloth while I sip on my mojito. My gaze moves about the crowd as I look for familiar faces. A couple of my brother’s teammates give me a quick nod. While I don’t know them well, we have been introduced.
“How do you know Ryder and Murphy?” Trey asks.
“My brother.”
“Are they nice to you?”
“Trey, I barely know them. But they were polite when we met and just now.”
“Just making sure they’re good guys on and off the ice,” he says.
“Hey, little brother.”
Trey’s head whips around, and he jumps from his chair, smiling.
“Phil. I was wondering where you were.” They shake hands and slap each other on the back. “Hi, Terry,” Trey says, pulling her in for a quick hug.
“Trey, how are you? We haven’t seen as much of you lately. We heard you’re busy.” Her eyes move to me, and she smiles.
“Phil and Terry, this is Maeve.” He introduces us, and I rise and shake their hands.
“It’s nice to meet you both,” I say.
“You’re even prettier than Lillith mentioned,” Terry says.
I place my hand on my chest. “Thank you. That’s so nice of you to say.”
“We better go say hello to the parents before Mom gives us the stink eye,” Phil says.
Trey chuckles. “Too late.”
Phil shakes his head and mutters something as he and Terry walk away.
“They seem very nice,” I say.
“Yeah, they’re great. I would’ve liked to introduce you to them before tonight, but there hasn’t been time.”
“Better late than never.”
All the guests take their seats, and the servers start going around to each table, placing bowls of salad in front of each person. I move my fork around the greens.
“What’s wrong with your salad?” Trey asks.
“I’m afraid I’ll spill on my dress.”
He laughs. “It can be replaced.”
“If I don’t spill on it, I won’t need to replace it.”
Trey and I have different views on money. Because he has plenty, he doesn’t worry about every dollar he spends like I do. And as much as I love how he spoils me with thoughtful gifts, it’s going to take a while for me to get used to it.
The main course gets delivered, and I dig in. Soft music plays in the background, and the conversations lower to a hum as everyone eats.
“This meal is amazing,” Sheryl says.
“It’s better than I expected. We lucked out when we found this place on such short notice.”
“This would be a great place to hold your wedding reception,” she whispers, waggling her eyebrows.
I shake my head. “Talk about premature.”
When I finally put down my fork, it’s almost time for the slideshow to begin, which I’m really excited about. Greg doesn’t know about it, and Lillith gave Trey a bunch of pictures to include. I’m predicting by the end of the slides, Greg will be tearing up.
The vineyard staff turns on the massive white screen at the back of the tent. One of the staff members, holding a tablet, turns on the slideshow. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong starts to play, calling everyone’s attention to the screen. The pictures start when Greg was a baby, which elicits a lot of “Awws” from the guests. When “My Way” by Frank Sinatra, the second song we used, starts to play, it’s the beginning of the pictures from when he became the team owner. Images of him and some of hockey’s biggest legends flash on the screen. The song ends with a pic of him holding the large silver championship cup after the team won this season.
The third and final song was going to be “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” but Trey thought it should be something funny to lighten the mood. He chose “Take This Job and Shove It”by Johnny Paycheck. I’d never heard it, but when I looked it up online and listened to it, I had to agree with him. Judging by all the laughter, I’m guessing I’m one of the few who wasn’t familiar with it. All the images for this song are from the party we threw him in the boardroom on his last day of work.
Trey nudges my thigh with his, and I smile at him. “Good choice.” I hold my fist up, and he bumps it. We’re halfway through the song when an image comes up on the screen that makes me gasp—Trey and I engaged in a kiss in the break room.
“Oh my God,” I whisper behind the hand covering my mouth.
“What the fuck?” Sheryl says, seeming to be genuinely shocked.
Trey rubs my back. “Relax, Sunshine. It’s okay.”
“Okay? That’s not the word I’d use.” It feels as though every pair of eyes in the room is no longer focusing on the slideshow and instead are watching us.
He shrugs. “It’s too late to do anything but lean into it.”
“Are you all right?” Sheryl asks.
“I don’t know what I am.” I’m panicked and sick to my stomach. It’s all I can do to remain in my seat until the slideshow is over. But once it is, I jump from my chair and speed walk from the tent.
“Maeve!” Trey calls my name, hurrying after me. I slow down, allowing him to catch up. “Where are you going?” he asks, grabbing my hand.
“I don’t know. I couldn’t stay in there with everyone’s judgy eyeballs on me any longer.”
“No one cares that we’re together, Maeve. They’ve all got their own lives to worry about.”
“People love gossip and scandal.”
“What’s so scandalous about two people meeting and starting to fall for each other before they end up working together?” he asks.
“Nothing, but that picture makes us look bad.”
He squeezes my hand. “No, that picture shows everyone we’re in love. What could be wrong about that?”
“Maeve, are you okay?” Niall calls out as he walks toward us.
“Yeah, I’m just embarrassed and humiliated.”
“You two are together?” Niall asks.
Trey nods. “I’m in love with your sister.”
“You love him?” Niall asks.
I nod. “I do.”
“I hope you’re both happy together. But, Trey. I know you’re my boss, but if you ever hurt my sister, I’ll make you regret it.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less,” Trey says.
“Maeve, march back in there with your head held high,” Niall says.
“I don’t want to,” I whine. “Can’t we go home?” I ask Trey.
“No, your brother’s right. There’s no reason for you and me to feel ashamed. We’re going to return, listen to my dad give his speech, and eat some cake.”
“Ugh. Fine,” I relent.
“I’ll be with you the whole way.” Raising our joined hands, he kisses mine, and we start retracing our steps.
“Walk in with a smile on your face, sis. Act like nothing’s wrong.”
“I’ll try.”
“Think about Rogan and what he’d do in your position,” Niall suggests.
I laugh. “He’d be happy to have all the attention on him.”
Niall nods. “He would. So pretend you like it.”
We’re almost to the tent. I drag in a deep breath and exhale slowly.
“Ready?” Trey asks.
“Yeah.”
“Come on, sis. You’ve got this,” Niall says.
I relax the crease between my brows right before we step inside. All the guests don’t fall silent like I imagined they would. In fact, as I glance around, I notice hardly anyone is looking our way. My smile is genuine as we cross the floor. “Thanks, Niall,” I say. He squeezes my arm before he returns to his table, and Trey and I take our seats once more.
“You good?” Sheryl asks.
“Yeah.” My head swivels to the man I love, and I smile. “Actually, I’m great.”