Almost a Wedding

  “We lost Paul,” Zeke announces as he walks toward me with Gage at his side.

  “What do you mean you lost him?” I growl.

  Gage throws his hands up. “He said he had to piss—then poof. He’s gone.”

  I rub a hand over my face in frustration. I could ask them how the fuck they could fail at something so straightforward, but it wouldn’t change the situation. If the red of their cheeks is anything to go by, they stayed for a few more shots after I left them. “Have you asked security if they saw him?”

  “First thing we tried.” Zeke looks as irritated as I feel. “The little shit isn’t in any of the public areas or in his room.”

  “He wouldn’t have gone swimming, would he?” Gage asks, looking concerned.

  Zeke and I exchange a look. No, swimming wouldn’t be the dumb ass move he’d make.

  “You don’t think . . .” Tim’s voice trails off.

  “You said you found the maid of honor. Is she back in her room? I know it’s a long shot, but Paul mentioned her.” Zeke thumbed toward the stairs that led up to where the bridal party was staying.

  “He’s not with her,” I say confidently. He’d better not be.

  Gage shrugs a shoulder. “I’m up for one more look around the island then I’m done.”

  “I’ll walk the beach and pool area,” Zeke offers.

  “I’ll sweep the bar and dock,” Gage says.

  I see Audrey’s face in my mind again. She seemed genuinely concerned about Isa’s happiness. It might have been an act, but I don’t think so.

  With all the beautiful women on the island, Paul would have to be a complete idiot to go after his fiancée’s closest friend.

  When it comes to women, though, Paul has a track record for seriously fucking up when he panics. He slept with the mother of his first fiancée when he went to tell her he was considering calling the wedding off. He said it had started with her comforting him and then really, really comforting him. Yeah, that engagement came to a quick end.

  “I’ll double-check the main house,” I say.

  And I know exactly where my search will start.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Audrey

  I turn on the water in my double-sized Jacuzzi tub and pad back into my bedroom to strip. Travel hasn’t been much of an option for me so I’m savoring as much of this as I can. From the plush white bathrobes to the expensive toiletries—I’m living the high life even if only for a short time.

  Todd, Barrett’s assistant, came and went along with the tailor who promised to have my dress back to me first thing in the morning. Since the wedding is in the afternoon I’m confident I’ll have the dress back in time. All that’s left to do is have a relaxing soak and get a good night’s rest.

  A knock on my door startles me. I scramble to cover myself with a bathrobe. “Who is it?”

  “Barrett.”

  Barrett? My hand goes to the neckline of my robe. I step closer to the door but don’t open it. “Everything worked out perfectly. Even the dress. I can’t thank you enough.”

  “Open the door, Audrey.”

  I begin to reach for the door lock then stop. I’m not dressed and I’ve already met my quota for embarrassing myself in front of him for one day. “I’ll see you in the morning, Barrett.”

  “Do you have someone in there with you?”

  What kind of question is that? “That is none of your business.”

  “Don’t make me break the door down.”

  Really? I step back and fold my arms across my chest. “Do it.”

  “Do what?”

  “Break it down. I’ve never actually seen that done, but if you want to pay to have a new door installed—that’s on you.”

  “Open the door, Audrey.”

  Something in his voice had me doing just that—but only a crack. “What do you want, Barrett?”

  “I’m looking for someone.”

  “And you think he might be here?”

  “I need to confirm that he isn’t.”

  “Well, let me confirm it for you—I’m alone.”

  He leans toward me until our faces are mere inches apart. “Mind if I look for myself?”

  I put a hand on one hip. “You caught me. I had ten guys up here but they left already. I’m that fast.” Sarcasm is wasted on him.

  “I’m only looking for one.” He puts his hand on the door and nudges it open a little further. “Are you running a bath?”

  Oh, shit. I forgot the water is on. I start to close the door but doing so would mean pushing him back a step so I don’t. I turn and rush to shut off the water, which thankfully had not yet reached the rim of the tub.

  When I return to the bedroom he’s standing in the middle of my bedroom scanning it like it’s a potential crime scene. I grab my underwear and bra off the bed and stash it in my luggage. “As you can see, I’m alone. Not that it is any of your business.”

  He walks past me to the bathroom.

  I follow him. He had been gruff near the pool but at least he’d seemed normal. He scans the bathroom then turns back to face me. “Sorry, I had to be sure.”

  “Who are you looking for?”

  His expression gives nothing away. “It doesn’t matter. He’s not here.”

  I run through all the possibilities and take a stab at what I’d consider the worst-case scenario. “You’re not looking for Paul, are you?”

  “Why would you ask that?”

  “Isa said he was out with his friends tonight. I’m sorry, it was a stupid question. Of course you’re not looking for him.”

  He doesn’t even blink. “Since he’s getting married tomorrow, it would be pretty bad if I were.” His eyes warm as they take in my state of undress.

  “Yeah, it would be.” I double-check that my robe is chastely closed. Now that he’s in my room I can’t stop thinking about how easy it would be to give in to how he makes me feel. My body is already humming for his. Isn’t this what single people do at weddings? They get impulsive, wake up with strangers, and write it off as wedding madness? I’ve heard enough stories from my friends over the years to know it absolutely happens.

  Is that why he’s here? Was his search for someone else a pretense to get in my room? That wouldn’t say much for his character, but for what I’m fantasizing it doesn’t matter.

  Oh, my God, am I really considering this? I lick my bottom lip and love that his eyes instantly rivet to the move. He’s as aware of me as I am of him.

  I’ve never made the first move before and definitely not with a man I just met. I wiggle one of my shoulders, loosening the robe over it and smile at him. “I hope you find whoever you’re looking for.”

  He frowns at me—not the response I was hoping for. His gaze drops to my scarred leg and the desire I felt for him is instantly replaced by a wave of embarrassment. “I should go.”

  I step back. I’ve always wanted to be taller, but right now I want to shrink down to whatever size is necessary for the robe to cover my legs. Why, why, why do I think he’s attracted to me? Oh, yes, because he’s so good-looking that I forget I’m not.

  His eyes darken with—sympathy? No. No. No. That only makes me feel worse. Don’t pity me.

  I rush back to the door and hold it open without looking at him. Today is one of those days that needs to end. “Good night, Barrett.”

  He stops in front of me. “Audrey—”

  I duck my head, grateful I have long hair that can provide a level of refuge. “Please don’t say anything. It’s not necessary. In fact, it would make this so much worse.”

  In one confident move, he weaves his hand through my hair, tucks it back behind my head and gives it a gentle tug that raises my face so my eyes meet his. “You’re a beautiful woman, Audrey.”

  “You don’t have to say that,” I whisper.

  There’s that frown again. His hand tightens in my hair, and I’m melting for him. I tell myself not to—he’s only being kind—but my body has a mind of its own. It’s convinced
anything that feels this right couldn’t be one-sided. I’m old enough to know better, but that isn’t enough to clear my head. My lips part and my eyes flutter shut. Even if he’s about to walk away, I’ll have this one moment of blissful fantasy.

  He groans and, with a force I don’t expect, slams the door shut with one hand while hauling me closer with his other. His mouth takes mine like it belongs to him, like we’re lovers reuniting rather than two strangers kissing for the first time. His tongue is bold and hot as hell as it slips in to circle mine. He buries his other hand in my hair and kisses me so intimately, so thoroughly, I wonder how I’ve never been kissed this way before. Classes should be taught on how to do this. Anything less is a waste of time.

  He runs a hand down one of my arms and links his fingers with mine. I’m lost in the heat from every place our bodies are touching. He tastes like tequila—and hot need. He brings my hand to the front of his trousers and turns my hand to cup his huge, fully excited cock. I don’t require more encouragement than that. I caress the length of it, enjoying the fullness of him. I imagine his cock, thrusting up into me. Filling me. Damn, it’s been too long since I’ve felt anything like this. I was beginning to fear I might never again.

  He backs me against the door. I’m so much smaller than he is that, as he lifts me to straddle him, a leg thrusts between mine. My robe falls open and then the real magic begins. His hands are skilled tools of pleasure. He caresses and teases until I’m writhing against him. When I don’t think it can get any better, he kisses his way down my neck to use his tongue to bring my pleasure up another notch. All the while my hand is moving up and down on his cock, driving him wilder and wilder.

  I feel the knock on my door. It echoes through my back that is pressed against it. Barrett doesn’t feel it. He continues to worship my breasts with his mouth. I try to catch my breath then dig my hands into his hair. “Barrett. Someone is at the door,” I say in a low urgent tone.

  “Audrey, are you in there?” It’s Isa.

  He groans and buries his face in my neck. I totally understand how he feels.

  Isa knocks again. “I just want to make sure you’re okay.”

  Barrett slides his leg out, slowly lowering me to the floor again. I steady myself with my hands behind me. “I’m fine, Isa. Sorry I left so suddenly.”

  “Audrey, you are one of my best friends. I know you were upset. Let me in, and we’ll talk.”

  Barrett raises his head. His gaze falls to my breasts that are still exposed and then lower.

  I hastily close my robe. “I was just about to take a bath. I’m a mess. Give me a few to get dressed and I’ll meet you at your room.”

  “Do you think I care how you look? Audrey, don’t confuse how my life is now with who I am on the inside. I’m still me—just Isa.”

  “Okay, let me get a robe at least.” I wave for Barrett to go hide in the bathroom. If I had my phone on me I’d take a photo of the expression on his face. Has he never hidden before? I turn him forcibly and give him a shove. I’m sure he can figure it out.

  He stands in the middle of the bathroom, still looking incredulous. “Don’t make a sound,” I order in a hushed tone just in case he doesn’t get the whole plan, and then I close the door in his face.

  After fixing my hair and adjusting my robe, I take a final deep breath and let Isa in. She breezes past me, looking perfect in cream pants and a matching silk shirt. She takes a seat on the edge of my bed and looks me over with concern. “How is your leg?”

  “It’s good.” What leg? My injury is the last thing on my mind right now.

  “You’re a bad liar. I saw you limping at the end of the tour.” She looks at my leg and her face contorts. “It’s red. Is it supposed to be red?”

  I pull a chair close to the bed, then sit on the bed beside her and prop my foot up on the chair. “The doctor said that’s normal for a few more months. If you think it’s red now, you should have seen it right after surgery. It used to go deep purple.”

  Isa sighs. “I’m sorry, Audrey. I didn’t realize how hard this might be for you. I feel awful.”

  Now I do as well. I chuck my shoulder against hers. “It’s not as bad as it looks. Isa, don’t worry about me. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t want to be. I’m honored to be part of your wedding, and it would have killed me to miss your big day.”

  “What can I do to make tomorrow easier for you?”

  Tears spring to my eyes but I blink them back. This is why I love Isa. “Will you stop? The only way I won’t enjoy tomorrow is if I think I’ve cast a shadow on it.”

  Isa hugs me. “You could never do that.”

  I hug her back twice as tightly. “Good, now we can both relax and enjoy tomorrow.”

  She smiles but it doesn’t reach her eyes. “I do feel better. I was starting to get paranoid when no one was answering my texts. Not you. Not Paul. None of the groomsmen. Paul said he didn’t need a bachelor party, but he went out with his friends tonight. I thought it was great that he wanted to, but he’s never not answered a text from me.”

  There’s worry in her eyes. I wish I knew Paul well enough to know if it’s warranted. “He probably went to bed early. Tomorrow is a big day.”

  “Or he’s still out with his friends. He doesn’t get to see them often, and Barrett just got in today. I know he was excited to catch up with him. That’s probably who he is out with.”

  I swallow hard. “Maybe. Or maybe with the others. Either way, his whole family is here, so it’s not like you have to worry about him doing anything stupid.”

  Her face goes pale. “Stupid? I didn’t even think of that.”

  I slap myself in the forehead. Why do I speak? “Don’t listen to me. I’m tired and I was half asleep when you knocked.”

  She clasps her hand on her lap. “I didn’t tell you because I don’t like to think about it, but remember when I told you he was engaged before?”

  “Yes.”

  “It was three times actually.”

  “Okay.” Holy crap.

  “He backed out each time—pretty last minute. He says it’s different with me. I want to believe him. What if—”

  “Don’t think like that.” My heart breaks a little for Isa. Her concerns are valid. This isn’t the conversation I thought I’d be having the night before her wedding, and I lower my voice, hoping Barrett can’t hear. “You love him and he loves you. Everything is going to be okay.”

  She purses her lips before answering. “You’re right.” She looks down at her lap, twisting and untwisting her fingers. “I wish it was just about us, though. We laugh together like I’ve never laughed with a man. We’re friends first. And I love that. I can’t imagine him not in my life. His mother brings out a side of him I don’t understand. She knocks down every idea he has, belittles every effort he makes, then judges him for not achieving anything. I don’t know what he would do if she decided she didn’t like me. I could walk away from all this and start over—with him at my side. I don’t know if he could do the same.”

  “Oh, Isa—”

  “He’s a good man, Audrey.” She laughs nervously. “I guess this is what they call pre-wedding jitters. Who knew that’s a real thing?” She stands and glances toward the closed bathroom door. “Mind if I use your bathroom?”

  I’m on my feet and in front of the door in a flash. “Actually, I do.” I grimace. “You—I—I forgot to flush.”

  She gives me a funny look then hugs me again. “Well, I’ll head back to my room. I should try to get to bed early anyway. No one wants luggage under their eyes in the wedding photos.”

  I shudder and smile. “God forbid.”

  She cocks her head to one side. “Promise me something?”

  “Sure.” Is she worried I’ll say something? No way.

  “Don’t ever feel like you can’t be honest with me. I’m getting married tomorrow, and my life is about to change, but you will always be part of it. Always. There are a lot of people here I don’t know. They don’t ma
tter to me. You do. If you need something—if you’re not comfortable and I can adjust anything so it’s easier for you—please tell me. I love you.”

  I cross the room and give her another tight hug. “I love you too. Now, stop worrying about me because I’m fine. Go get that beauty sleep you don’t need because you are gorgeous even on your worst day. Everything is going to work out.”

  After hugging me she steps back and wipes at her eyes. “I know it will. Thanks, Audrey. Thank you for always knowing what to say to make me feel better.”

  I don’t feel like I said anything motivational, but I’m happy if I brought her some peace. “Be happy, Isa. You’re getting married!”

  The smile returns to her face and this time her eyes light with it. “I am.” She walks to the door. “I would stay longer, but I really have to pee.” Her smile reminds me of when we were much younger and overly honest with each other. “Oh, why did you need the dress?”

  I hate lying to her, but she already has enough on her mind tonight. “I’m having it pressed. I saw a wrinkle in it when I tried it on.”

  “You should have said something. I could have had it done.” She meets my eyes. “I know. You didn’t want to worry me. Well, I appreciate that, but next time tell me.” She opens the door. “And answer my texts because apparently I’m a nervous bride.”

  “I will. I promise.”

  “Good night.”

  “Night.”

  She closes the door behind her and I let out an audible breath. The door of the bathroom opens and an unhappy looking Barrett steps out.

  I don’t have to ask if we’ll be picking up where we left off. He looks like he wants to punch someone.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Barrett

  I don’t judge other people’s relationships. In general, I couldn’t care less if they work out or not, but I’m also not usually an upclose witness to the carnage.