Chapter Thirty-Six
Clay
As the sun sets off the coast of Silver Island, I take a drink, listening to my brothers’ banter on the patio of the Steele family winery, unable to take my eyes off my gorgeous wife in a floral mermaid dress that hugs her curves. I know she has no panties on under that dress. The little temptress tossed that golden nugget out as we were on our way to the ceremony. She’s dancing with Victory and Sutton, who looks beautiful in her wedding gown, and a handful of other women. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place as Flynn and Sutton exchanged vows. As perfect as their ceremony was and as elegant as this reception is, with twinkling lights and dozens of flowers, I wouldn’t change a thing about ours.
My mind drifts back to that whirlwind day three and a half months ago.
We picked out a gorgeous three-carat engagement ring with a princess-cut center diamond, haloed and flanked by round diamonds, and a matching wedding band, bought a veil at the chapel, and were married by an Elvis impersonator. I’ll never forget the love in Pepper’s eyes when she said I do , or the completeness I felt as I vowed my love to her. Our parents were sad to miss the wedding, but we sent pictures, and I bought the house I’d rented in Charlottesville and surprised Pepper with it after we got back to Virginia. We moved in two months ago and threw a small ceremony in the backyard for our families and close friends to attend. We’re enjoying filling the walls with pictures of family and all of our favorite places.
Tiffany was not thrilled with me for retiring, but she was happy for me personally, which I appreciated. She said she knew when I delayed signing the extension that my heart had found a new direction. It took some time to get used to not living on a practice schedule, and there were lots of loose ends to wrap up. But I don’t have a single regret. I’m enjoying working out with Ben and his friends, and Fielding Futures is up and running and taking applications for the first grants, which are rolling out next month. Pepper couldn’t be more pleased with how well Clare has fit into their office, and MS Enterprises came through with funding for her hands-free mouse alternative device. Although she didn’t want to use my notoriety to promote her business, I surprised her by pulling a few strings with Johnson & Johnson and was able to get her a meeting with them. She pitched the migraine device, and they just signed off on a contract to fund the project.
Seth lifts his glass, drawing my attention as he says, “Here’s to another Braden man off the market. Congratulations, Flynn. We’re all happy for you.”
“Less competition for us,” Noah says as we tap glasses.
We all drink. One of the benefits of retirement is getting to spend more time with family. I’m looking forward to running the summer football camp at the Real DEAL for Noah next month and hanging out with him. Pepper is going to take a couple of days off and we’re going to meet my relatives there, and in a few weeks we’ll be in Oak Falls for their Summer Festival. We’re also looking forward to taking a honeymoon to Greece in August, when one of Pepper’s contracts winds down.
“You guys don’t know what you’re missing out on. Marriage is the best. Right, Flynn?” I cock a grin. “ Oh, wait. You just got married. You can’t answer that yet.”
“Jackass,” Flynn teases. “You’re so competitive, you had to be the first one to the altar.”
“Clay was afraid Pepper would realize she was too good for him and run to me,” Noah says.
“Stop thinking about my wife. You’re too thickheaded for her,” I say with a laugh.
“I’m thick, but not in the head.” Noah smirks. “You guys can have that holy matrimony stuff, anyway. I like being the flavor of the month for various sexy ladies.”
“Jesus, Noah.” Seth shakes his head.
“Give me a break. Like you don’t?” Noah scoffs.
Seth takes a drink without responding, but his grin answers for him.
“If it takes Seth three years to choose a plane, can you imagine him trying to choose a wife?” I laugh.
Ignoring my comment, Seth gazes out at the vineyard. “I like this island, Flynn. Maybe I’ll give T a trip here as a bonus.”
“I’m sure he’ll appreciate the time off from dealing with your neediness.” Flynn nods toward the dance floor. “Check this out.” Wells Silver is trying to break in and dance with Victory, but all the girls shoo him away.
Sutton’s grandmother, Lenore, walks into my line of sight and heads our way. “Are you boys having a good time?” She’s stylish with a blond pixie cut, wearing a peach gown and a short fitted jacket.
“Yes,” we all say at once.
“There are quite a few single ladies eyeing you two,” she says to Noah and Seth. “I’d be happy to give you an introduction.”
“I think that’s a stellar idea.” Noah takes her arm. “You coming, Seth?”
“Someone’s got to babysit him,” Seth says under his breath to me and Flynn. Then, louder, “Right behind you.”
As he follows them, I clap Flynn on the back. “I’m happy for you, bro, but if I don’t get my arms around my wife soon, I’m going to lose my mind.”
“Guess the honeymoon isn’t over.”
“She’s married to me. The honeymoon will never be over.”
I head for my wife, and I swear she has Clay radar, because she turns and our eyes connect. Her lips curve up in a sweet smile, but the heat in her eyes tells me she’s dying to be in my arms, too. She should, since I’ve been whispering to her all night about the dirty things I’d like to do to her.
“Excuse me, ladies, but I’d like to dance with my wife.” Sutton’s friends watch with rapt attention as I draw Pepper into my arms and we begin to dance. “How’s my girl?”
“Better now.”
“Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?”
Her eyes shimmer in the moonlight. “Only a dozen times.”
“That’s not nearly enough.” I kiss her softly as we slow dance. “Are you having fun?”
“Mm-hm. Everyone’s really nice. I love getting to know Sutton’s family and friends.”
“Any regrets about not having a big wedding?”
“No way. Our wedding was perfect, like us.”
“You’re perfect, baby, but we both know I’m not so perfect.”
She runs her fingers along the back of my neck. “Your not so perfectness is perfectly perfect for me.”
“God, I love you.”
She meets me halfway in a sweet kiss, and we dance to another song. I see my grandparents and my parents step onto the dance floor. “Remember when I said I wanted what they have?”
“Yes, and you always get what you want.”
“I got something so much better. I got you.” I kiss her again, deeper, more sensually.
As our lips part, she whispers, “Take me for a walk.”
“Is my temptress coming out to play?”
She steps out of my arms and takes my hand. “I guess you’ll find out.”
As we hurry off the patio, leaving the lights of the reception behind, I thank my lucky stars I can stop playing Mr. Perfect and enjoy a lifetime with the special woman who loves me for the not-so-perfect man I am.
Get ready to fall head over heels for Seth Braden
Come along for the fun, sexy ride as this business-savvy, pleasure-oriented billionaire gets the shock of his lifetime and finds out his ever-efficient virtual assistant is not the man he thinks he is but a beautiful businesswoman who knows many of his secrets and has some of her own in Sincerely, Mr. Braden .