“I’ll also have the experience to see the flaws clearly. Something that took way too long last time.”
“Amen.” Charlie raises her glass in approval, not prying further. “And if you spot a fine-looking guy you want to meet tonight, come to me. I’ll be your wingman.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” she answers politely. Even though her expression reads terror at the thought of Charlie helping her land a guy.
“Let’s check out the silent auction,” Raven suggests. “I’m eyeing a weekend getaway to Florida.”
“You have the money to go anywhere you want. Why would you bid on a trip?”
“Because, Charlie, Veteran’s Suicide Awareness is one of my favorite charities. The money goes to a good cause.”
“Ember and Presley have arrived.” They’re at the bar with their husbands.
“I’m holding a grudge against Ember. She told me she was too busy to make me a dress for tonight. Then the bitch goes and outfits Presley. I’m her sister-in-law. Where’s the loyalty?” Raven’s words don’t hold an ounce of irritation.
At the news, I scan Presley head-to-toe and my jaw almost drops. The form-fitting, ice-blue cocktail dress hugs all her curves and cuts across in an asymmetrical line that showcases her legs. It’s fantastic.
“I knew Ember was into clothing design, but had no idea she could do that,” I mutter in awe.
“Yes, she’s talented. You should see her wedding pictures. Designed her own dress and swore it was a one-off. Then she broke her rule and helped design Presley’s. Now she does custom dresses through referral only. The demand for her grew too much. Having my brother, two kids, being part owner of a retail store, and designing, she’s too busy. I begged her to do a quick work-up tonight, but Presley had already gotten to her.”
“Your dress is sensational.”
She tosses her hair over her shoulder, grinning wide. “Thanks. Declan picked it out.” She purses her lips, her eyes scanning over me. When she brings them back to mine, they are shining with mischief. “You should talk to Ember about your wedding dress. She is a genius with a keen sense of style, and she likes you.”
A fluttering explodes in my chest at the thought of a custom wedding dress.
“I’m going right now to buy her a drink and keep them flowing until she’s buzzed enough to say yes.”
“It’s an open bar.”
“Even better. Let’s go.”
I get halfway across the room when a strong arm curls around my waist, folding me into a hard body. “Where’re you running to?”
“To plow Ember with drinks until she’s loose enough to agree to help with a custom-made wedding dress.”
Achilles’ lips trail over the shell of my ear. “Heard about a notary who will marry us online so we can do it naked in our bed.”
The horror!
I twist, ready to tell him this, and find him smirking in that wicked way.
“Not on your life, buddy! That boat has sailed. I may have agreed to that over a decade ago when you ruled my world. But not now.”
His smirk widens. “A decade ago, you were jailbait.”
“That’s why we’d have gotten married by a notary online, naked, and hid it from my dad. He’d have undoubtedly killed you.”
“True. Guess I missed my chance.”
“Sure did. Now we are planning a real wedding with a dress. Custom-made if I play my cards right.”
He links his hand in mine, tugging me to the dance floor, and situates me in his arms, swaying to the light music.
“What are you doing?”
“Dancing.”
“But we’re the only ones out here.”
“Don’t care.”
An old memory strikes in my mind. “We haven’t danced since your prom.”
“I haven’t danced since that night at all.”
My body melts into his, my fingers tugging loosely at the hair on his neck. He controls our speed, moving us around the dance floor as if we do this often.
“Give me a date, Harley.” His smooth voice sends a tingle over my skin.
“A date?”
“The date you’re marrying me.”
“Well, I’ve been looking at fall when the leaves change and the weather is cooler.”
“Memorial Day weekend.”
“Memorial Day? There’s no way I can get it all together.”
“You have a dozen influential resources. It’s possible. Especially if we do it at the Club.”
Thousands of twinkling lights with white linen tables seated with people fill my head. Waiters and waitresses float through the area with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. A hardwood dance floor set up on the side of the property with enough room for a live band.
I’d always pictured something like tonight. A ballroom in a fancy hotel, or a similar venue. Now, all I want is the intimate setting of the Club. And Achilles is right. I have a dozen resources to make things happen. With my new position, I’m an influential resource as well.
“I love that idea.”
He brushes his lips across mine. “I left you to become the man I needed to be on Memorial Day weekend all those years ago. It’s only right I get my reward the same weekend.”
Suddenly, nothing else matters. Not the elegance or extravaganza I’ve been dreaming of all my life. We can go to the Justice of the Peace, and I’ll die happy.
“Memorial Day weekend it is.”
He lifts me off my feet, swinging me around as his mouth captures mine. Catcalls and cheering resonate around the room, and I giggle into his mouth, not caring that we are the center of attention.
Epilogue
Ace
I pound up harder, feeling her muscles clamping like a vise. “You there, baby?”
“Oh my God, don’t stop,” she pleads, her nails digging into my shoulder blades.
My hips swivel twice, my dick scraping her smooth, slick flesh. “You are so fucking tight.”
“Love… your… ring…” Her stammers turn into cries as she flies apart. I watch until my stamina snaps and I erupt. My mouth goes to her neck, sucking hard and groaning through the power throbbing in my veins. Pulse after pulse, I release into her tight heat.
Never in this lifetime will that sound and sight get old. Watching, feeling, hearing her come alive while impaled on my cock. The way she reacts from the second I slide inside her until she’s writhing and moaning has become my addiction.
I glide in and out, letting her catch her breath and enjoying these last few moments alone for the day.
“Don’t let me go. My limbs aren’t working.”
I smile into her skin, shutting off the water and walking her to the vanity. She helps me dry us off, and I wrap the towel around her.
“I could be a very rich woman if I sold pictures of this right here. People would pay big bucks.” Her fingers trail down my shoulders, arms, abdomen, and back up to my chest. She traces the numbers on the newest numerical addition to the dates already there.
Doesn’t matter I was just inside her; my dick reacts to the appreciative glint in her gaze as she ogles my chest. She licks her bottom lip before pulling it through her teeth. “So damn sexy.”
The rasp in her voice is all it takes. I’m fully hard again.
“I’m so lucky.” Her knuckle grazes lower, circling my crown.
“Playing with fire, baby.”
“You got to have all the fun this morning.”
“It was out of my control. My dick has a mind of its own. It’s addicted to your pussy.”
“It wasn’t your cock that woke me up.”
“My mouth has an addiction to your taste.”
“I have my own addiction, too.” She eases off the vanity, sliding down my body with her purpose clear.
“We can’t.” The words score my throat.
Her tongue darts out, licking the length and teasing my ring. “Fuckin A’.”
“I’ll be quick.”
“Your—”
“Shhhh.” Cool breath b
lows on the tip, and my argument dies.
“Your stamina is impressive this morning.” She takes me perfectly into her mouth and my chin drops, watching her take me as far as she can. Her tongue rolls around my flesh, and by impulse, my hips flex. When she swallows, she sucks me all the way, hitting the back of her throat.
“Fuck,” I hiss, my fingers threading through her hair.
She hums her approval, working me faster.
Her fingers tickle my balls, rolling them lightly, increasing her suction.
A knot coils low in my gut, my muscles straining not to pump mercilessly and fuck her face.
My phone blares with an alert, and my blood runs cold. “Goddammit.” I want to fucking lose my mind.
She slowly and expertly pulls her mouth away, kissing the slit. “Looks like we have company.”
A growl rumbles from my throat.
She rolls on her toes, bringing her mouth to mine. “I’m addicted to your taste, too. As soon as these people leave, it’s my turn to have the fun.”
“What the fuck am I supposed to do about my raging dick?”
She bites her lip, regret flickering in her features. “Think about Grandma Lucy invading your house in a few minutes.”
That does it. The image of her grandmother flashes in my head, and the tightness in my balls shrivels fast.
“Jesus, babe. That wasn’t cool. “
“It was the only thing that came to mind.”
“Your grandma is a cockblocker.”
“Dare you to tell her that.” She brushes past me with an amused shimmer in her eyes.
I follow her, dressing in my running clothes quickly. “I’ll go let them in. You finish getting ready.”
She shoots me a grateful grin and yanks a dress over her head.
All the women are coming up the steps when I open the door. Jewls, Rowan, and Ginger followed by Mom, Amanda, Grandma Lucy, and Aunt Tina.
Every woman’s arms are loaded with bags.
“Holy shit, what’s happening here?”
“We’re planning a wedding, dear.” Mom swooshes past.
I take the bags from Grandma Lucy, allowing them to pass, and trail behind them to the living room.
“I’ll set up the food samples in the kitchen,” Mom declares.
The monitor on the table dings with another arrival. This time Robbie’s Suburban drives up the road.
“That’s Ember and Presley. They may need help,” Jewls instructs. “They are bringing a platform.”
“Platform?”
“For Harley’s dress fitting.”
I go to see what they may need, catching Finn and Robbie with them.
“Thought you could use some help today,” Robbie calls over his shoulder, lifting the hatch.
“Help with what?”
“You moving Harley’s things to storage?”
“Yeah, but it isn’t much. Already moved the furniture.”
“Thought Finn and I could lend a hand since the other guys are on shift.”
“That really what you want to do on your Saturday?”
“Considering you’re covering the bar tab afterward, yeah,” Finns speaks up. “Unless you’re rushing to get home and discuss centerpieces and flowers.”
“Fuck that shit.” I jog down the stairs to help Robbie with what I assume is the platform.
Finn pulls out a case of champagne and beer.
“What the hell is that for?”
“Achilles, we’re planning a wedding in one day. We need our creative juices flowing,” Presley chastises with exasperation.
“You ladies getting loaded or planning a wedding?”
“You’re the Roadrunner who set the wedding date. We’re the organizing crew.”
Ember surprises me by wrapping her arms around my middle in a gentle hug. “Hey, Ace,” she says in a soft voice.
“Hey, sweetie, what’s with the hug?” I look at Robbie for guidance, and he’s eyeing us. There’s more amusement than jealousy on his face.
Same with Finn, but Presley is grinning sneakily.
“Because I’m ecstatic with the design Harley chose, and once you see her and how stunning she is, you may cry. Then you may never hug me again.”
Jesus, this woman is fucking awesome. “Babe, my girl is always stunning, but the only way you’d make me cry is if you shattered her dreams of this dress. Even then, it may be more of a rampage.”
She giggles softly into my chest. “You Marines are ridiculous.”
“Us Marines are smart fuckers. Look at the women in our lives.”
She stares up at me, her eyes lit with admiration and smile genuine. “My husband and Finn are heroes like you. And heroes deserve everything, especially to tear up on their wedding day.”
“Make you a deal. You get a tear out of me, Harley and I’ll babysit for date night.”
“I’ll take you up on that!” Robbie yells. “My money is on my wife.”
She shares a thoughtful look with him and moves to pick up a plastic container. “Fair warning, my cousin and his partner are coming over later. They fell in love with Harley when she came to the shop to look at designs.”
“Babe, with Cruz and Alex in the mix, should we plan on everyone being sloshed?” Robbie eyes his wife.
“Yes,” she chirps. “They’re closing the shop early and bringing the evening cocktails.”
“How did a wedding planning party turn into a rave?” I question.
“Because you’re Usain Bolt!” Presley and Ember parrot back.
Apparently, Jewls shared her feelings.
“Ember, where you want this?” he asks his wife.
“Living room.”
“You need any help?” I offer.
“Nah, I’m used to it.” He heads up the steps.
“I’ll take these then.” I remove the bins from Ember’s hands and notion with my head for her to lead.
The prattling goes wild when Ember and Presley join the women. Harley stands in the middle of the room, her wet hair tied back with two ribbons that hang to the middle of her back. She informed me the colors were azure and champagne.
To me, they look blue and cream, but I now know what azure fucking is.
She also informed me that after her day in Ember’s formal shop, Clyde’s, she wants these as the wedding colors.
Once again, I don’t give a shit which colors she chose as long as it ties her to me.
But I kept that to myself.
“Trust me on this, unless you want to answer questions you don’t give a shit about, we need to exit fast,” Finn utters under his breath.
He read my mind.
“Let me get my stuff. Meet you around front.”
I head toward my room when I hear Grandma Lacy declare, “We need more pictures of that handsome fella.”
By fella, I assume she means me, so I glance at Harley.
“Your mom brought pictures of you growing up. I have tons of us together, but do you have any from the Marines? It’s for a slideshow.”
“I may have some in an old box in my closet.”
“Let’s look.” She eases out of the huddle of women and takes my hand.
“You sure you don’t want to taste any of the food?”
“You know what we like. I’m taking care of the bar.”
“Any additional addresses I should add to the invitation list?”
“Baby, I gave you over a dozen.”
“Invites get addressed today and go out on Monday. Don’t want to miss anyone.”
“Didn’t you order extra?”
She nods.
“In the off chance someone’s forgotten, we’ll send it later.”
“I hope your Marine friends come.”
It’s cute to hear her refer to these men as my friends. The ties that bind us are so much deeper. Any man who will take a bullet for you is a brother for life.
“I’m sure most of them will.”
“Really?” she asks hopefully.
“Yea
h, if they can swing it. Most of those fuckers won’t give up the chance to meet you. Especially since Talon spread that twinkle shit wide.”
I let go of her hand, going to the closet and finding a box that would hold any pictures from my years in the service. “Anything I have will be in here.”
She scans through the contents and brings out a shot of me with the guys in training after boot camp. “It’s like opening a time vault.”
I grab my keys, wallet, and cell, bending for a quick kiss. “I’m headed out the back way. Call me if you need anything.”
“Sneaking away? All these women scare you?”
“Nope, but seeing as I have a dick, that’s not my scene.”
“Such a romantic way with words,” she teases.
“Tonight, I’ll show you romance.”
“Love you, Achilles.”
“I’ll remember that when your mouth is wrapped around my cock finishing what you started.”
A heated flush splotches her chest, making its way up her neck and face. The blue of her eyes lightens right before they drop to my waist.
My dick stirs and I adjust myself, trying to stop a full hard on. “Swear to God, Harley, I’ll tackle you on that bed if you don’t stop staring at me like that.”
“You better go before I let you tackle me.”
“Go plan our wedding while I transfer your shit to storage and make this move official.”
“Okay, Achilles. Suck you… oops,” she giggles, “I mean see you later.”
This fucking woman is going to be the end of me.
Achilles,
Thank you for being my friend.
Thank you for being the best, most wonderful, most loyal friend in my life.
Thank you for letting me know the incredible person you are hiding from the rest of the world.
Thank you for not embarrassing me that first day when I declared we were friends, and you weren’t getting rid of me.
There are a thousand little things to thank you for, but last, I’ll say thank you for being such a good man.
All my love,
Harley
The words are on replay in my brain, making it impossible to beat back the memories of those first few weeks of boot camp.
When Harley handed the letter to me earlier, claiming she was incorporating these words into her vows, my chest seized. I’d kept the letter for a reason, and by the state of it, you could tell I read it frequently my first year.
Speed King (Men of Action) Page 33
