Olivia was the master of creating an ambiance. All the furniture in the living room had been temporarily placed in storage. In its place were serving tables covered in gold tablecloths, set up with hors d'oeuvres. White pillars were strategically positioned throughout the room, decorated with vases of lilacs, roses, and blossoms. The flowers draped over the pillars as white lights crawled up along the sides, intermingling themselves with the blooms. The arrangements reminded me of fireflies on a summer’s night, buzzing around rose bushes.
Scattered throughout the room were dining tables covered in the same satiny fabric. Candles and arrangements of flowers adorned the centers. In the corner of the room, a small orchestra had set up and was testing their instruments. A dance floor had been constructed in the middle of the room, waiting to be used.
I glanced outside to see Drew and Jared standing with Gavin, Morgan, and Natasha. Andie was supposed to be with them, but she’d been delayed once again. Olivia was livid over Andie’s absence, but Kat reassured her that Andie would make it in time for the dinner. In front of the wedding party stood a judge, holding an open book in his hands. It didn’t come as any surprise to me that the Wise family would chose a judge rather than a minister to preside over the ceremony. Jonathan and Kat sat in the front row with Morgan’s parents, watching them run through the
program for Saturday.
Dusk was setting in, and the beauty of the evening cast a fairy tale haze over the bridal party. White lights hung on every tree, sparkling as bright as the stars. A gorgeous arrays of flowers lined the yard, adding elegance and grace to what I knew would be the most beautiful wedding I’d ever seen.
“You better get upstairs and change.” Olivia interrupted my ogling, appearing out of nowhere behind me.
I nearly jumped out of my skin, turning to face her. She was wearing a pale pink, silk gown that bunched low between her breasts and highlighted the round shape of her baby bump. Her dark hair was piled up in messy curls on top of her head, and she managed the smoky eye look that I longed to wear but could never make look right on me. Olivia was quite a bit taller than me, and even pregnant, she looked slender. Her elegance and poise was that of a supermodel. I envied how she made beauty look so effortless.
Tugging on the hem of my faded ringer-tee, I nodded. “You’re right. I just got caught up in all of that.” I pointed to the window behind me. “You did an amazing job out there and in here.”
Olivia glanced over my shoulder, out the window. “We still need the arch, the bows, and the rest of the flowers, but everything will be ready by Saturday, as long as my help doesn’t get sick on me again.”
“I told you I was sorry about that.”
“What’s done is done, but you need to get dressed now. I won’t have you looking like that tonight.” She pointed to my casual attire. Olivia never had been a fan of my style. “This family has a reputation to uphold, and while you’re a guest in their house, you will present yourself accordingly.”
“I know. I promise I won’t disappoint you.”
“You better not. Especially since we could’ve bought you a suitable dress yesterday had you been around.”
I bit my bottom lip, fighting back a laugh at the irony of her statement. If she only knew I did buy a dress yesterday, one I was certain she would’ve approved of. “Yes, I know,” I reiterated. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll go get ready.” I didn’t wait for her to say anything. Instead, I rushed up to my room, bathed, and slipped into the dress I’d brought specifically for this event.
It was a dark violet, fitted lace sheath, with a violet silk slip peeking through. Sure, it was a Dolce & Gabbana knockoff, but who cared. I loved the silk shoulder straps and the pleated corset bodice that accentuated my curves. Even I had to acknowledge I looked good in this dress, and that was hard for me to ever admit. It wasn’t often that I felt pretty, especially up against someone like Morgan or Olivia, not to mention Drew’s twin sister Andie, but there was something about this dress that made me feel not only pretty but sexy. The four inch black suede pumps added the final touch.
I curled my hair and left it hanging loosely around my shoulders and down my back. Just as I finished applying my nude lipstick, I heard a knock at the door.
“Coming!” I hollered out.
“That’s what she said!” Jared yelled through the door.
I rolled my eyes and stepped back from the mirror, nearly tripping over Mackie, who hissed and skittered under the bed. My poor little girl was far too skittish in this house. It made me wonder how she’d react to living in Florida, because that was where we were heading after this week was up.
I adjusted my dress and opened the door to find a suit-clad Jared leaning against the doorframe. He straightened up and a huge grin exploded across his face. His shoulder length blonde hair was combed and tucked behind his ears. It was unusual to see him without his trusty ball cap. And a tailored suit really did him justice. His golden eyes shined with excitement. “Fuck, Evans. You look amazing.”
Doing a little twirl where I stood, I laughed. “Thanks. You have to say that, though. You’re my best friend.”
Jared grabbed me by the shoulders, shaking his head. “I say it because it’s true. Any man would be lucky to have you on his arm tonight.”
With my heels on, I didn’t have to push up far to plant a kiss on his cheek. I could get used to this kind of height. “Thank you. You look pretty great yourself.”
“Blame She Who Must Not Be Named. That woman had this suit delivered to my room with a threatening note that she’d castrate me if I didn’t wear it. Since I tend to value my twig and berries, I’d do just about anything to keep them away from her.” Jared extended his arm out to me, to which I accepted, laughing. It was wrong of me to find humor in his horrible nicknames for Olivia, but I couldn’t help it, especially when he brought a Harry Potter reference into the mix. “You ready to party it up with the rich and the fabulous?” he quipped.
“You know these things scare the shit out of me.”
Jared patted my hand. “Well, for starters, don’t say shit. That’s unbecoming of a lady.” I shook my head and followed him out of the room, closing the door behind me. “And another thing, don’t fart in front of them. You’d never hear the end of it.”
“Jared!” I exclaimed.
“I’m just saying, they wouldn’t appreciate it.”
“Am I allowed to pick my nose?”
“Only if you flick it at Jonathan or Whore-livia. I’d love to see their perfect personas soiled by a big, slimy booger.”
I laughed so hard, I thought for a moment I might wet myself. We reached the bottom of the stairs where I could see droves of people standing at the entrance, having their identification checked for admittance into the house. “Be glad we don’t have to deal with that,” Jared noted.
Suddenly, I felt out of place. These were people who were born and raised with money. They knew what was expected of them and of this evening. I was lost. This wasn’t a life I was accustomed to. It made me wonder why Drew would choose me when he could not only have the woman carrying his child, but a woman who understood this life.
Jared leaned in, whispering, “Because he loves you.”
I jerked my head around, staring at my friend with confusion. “Huh?”
“I know you, Kenz. You’re wondering why Drew is with you. It’s because he loves you. He doesn’t want or need all of this.” Jared motioned toward the throngs of upper crust filing into the house. “He only wants you.”
The orchestra played a soft melody as people mingled. The music was calm and peaceful. Servers weaved in and out of the crowds carrying trays of food and champagne as the guest socialized. “And that makes me a very lucky woman.”
“So, I hear the date went well, yesterday.”
I let out a little sigh and nodded. “It was amazing.”
“Until you ran into Nate.”
“He told you about that?”
Jared shrugged, adjusting his
tie. “He told Gavin and me about it earlier. He said Nate seemed a little agitated by news of Olivia’s pregnancy. Not that I could blame the guy. The spawn of Satan has been said to bring forth the Apocalypse. I hope we’re all right with God, is all I can say.”
I smacked Jared across the chest. “Be nice. And of course he was shocked. Who wouldn’t be?”
“And you’re okay? The last time you and Nate spoke, well…”
My last dealings with Nate hadn’t been the best of experiences, that was true, but Nate and I had a long history together. I couldn’t blame him for being jealous of seeing Drew and me on the beach for my birthday. Had the tables been turned, I might’ve reacted the same way.
“I’m fine. I was happy to see him. Nate and I had our differences, but he’s a good man.”
“If you say so,” Jared stated with a finality that told me he didn’t care to discuss Nate any further. “So, do you see anyone you recognize here?”
“You mean besides the people from television?”
“There you are!” Olivia exclaimed from across the room. She bounced a little and waved her hands to gain our attention.
“Damn, was that a nip slip?” Jared teased, nudging me in the ribs with his elbow.
I slapped my hand over my face with a groan. “Dude, you seriously need to get laid.”
“Is that an offer?” Jared tucked his hair behind his ear, wiggling his bushy blond eyebrows.
“Ew. No!”
“Ah, c’mon, Evans. What girl doesn’t love unwrapping a guy from a suit after a party like this?”
“Oh, hell no! That’d be like sleeping with my brother.” I shuddered.
“Incest, incest is the best. Put your brother to the test.”
I punched Jared in the arm. “Nasty.”
Jared poked out his bottom lip and crossed his arms over his chest. “You really know how to deflate a guy’s ego.”
“Go find Natasha. I hear she’s looking for some slutty wedding sex.” I laughed, thumping his bicep.
Olivia appeared with Natasha at her side, ogling poor Jared. Morgan and Gavin fell in behind them, beaming as only two people in love could. Natasha was a sweet girl, and it was plain to see why Morgan adored her. She was a bit quiet and shy. Her light brown hair hung straight down her back and her green eyes glimmered at the sight of Jared. Morgan sidled up next to her, dragging Gavin beside her. Her bright red hair was pulled up in a French twist with sprigs of curls tumbling along her face and neck. Her long, slinky form was sheathed in a shimmery green dress that made her eyes pop with color. Gavin, in his slate grey suit and slim black tie, flaunted his Wise charm for the evening. His saving grace was when Morgan forced him to shave off that ridiculous looking beard he’d grown while in Amarillo.
“Hey, you two. Didn’t you hear me calling you?” Olivia huffed.
“Yeah! Didn’t you hear her?” Gavin teased. Morgan smacked his arm lightly, silently scolding him for trying to stew up trouble.
“Hey, y’all,” I greeted them, watching Olivia examine me from head to toe. I must’ve looked okay because she didn’t find the need to reprimand me for my attire.
“Sorry. McKenzie was too busy trying to talk me into fucking her later,” Jared deadpanned.
A bright smile exploded across Olivia’s face. Her high pitched squeal pierced my eardrums. She clapped and bounced, proving Jared to be right. Her nipples really were playing peek-a-boo in that dress. Talk about wardrobe malfunction. From the corner of my eye, I could see Natasha’s smile drop. The poor woman had it bad.
I waved my hands, stuttering all over myself. “No…that’s not…ew…God, no… Don’t listen to him…I never…”
“From what I heard, I think she suggested you go have some slutty wedding sex with the maid of honor.” Drew’s voice appeared behind me in a deep, but playful growl.
Natasha’s smile instantly returned and my stomach clenched at the buzz of electrical current flowing between Drew and me. His voice was full of power, and God if that didn’t turn me on. I knew my Neanderthal was fighting the wrath of jealous rage that tended to well up inside him, but as he descended down the stairs, I noticed something different. He was wearing a smile. Drew was controlling his jealousy, much like he had with Nate the night before. My heart fluttered with the thought that he trusted me.
Drew, straight as a line, yet as cool as a cucumber, strolled down the stairs as if he had no better place to be. He looked deliciously handsome in his tailored black suit with a lavender vest and tie. Jared was right, I did want to strip a man out of a suit at the end of the evening. He was simply referring to the wrong guy, was all. I forced back a moan as my mind flashed to me peeling Drew out of his clothes. My whole body tensed at the mere thought of taking my time on him. Kissing each exposed section of skin until he stood completely naked before me. Damn him for looking so good.
Drew reached the final stair and stepped off, coming face to face with me. We were so close I could feel his heartbeat and the warmth of his breath as it washed over me. I touched my hand to my neck, toying with my diamond necklace. His eyes moved down me, following my movements.
“Natasha?” Olivia pressed, glancing at the woman next to her, “Sorry, no offense, but I thought McKenzie came here as your date, Jared?”
“Is it impossible for a man and woman to be friends?” Drew prompted.
“Look, Olivia,” Jared started, “I’d spell it out for you, but I left my English-to-Idiot dictionary in my other suit. So, I’ll do my best to speak slowly. McKenzie and I are friends. Friends go places together. Do-you-understand?”
“See. They’re just friends, Olivia,” Natasha mused, batting her eyelashes at Jared. He moved a little closer to me, but smiled. Natasha was a cute girl, but Jared didn’t appear interested. It made me wonder if there ever would be someone who would capture his attention.
Drew let out a little snicker. Gavin snorted behind his hand. Morgan fought back a tiny laugh, Natasha looked as if she might jump Jared where he stood, and me, well all I could do was keep from melting at the feel of Drew’s fingers brushing along the inside of my wrists. Olivia, however, didn’t find Jared’s comment quite so funny. “Screw you, Jared. It’s not like you haven’t pined for McKenzie since the day you met her. I’m only calling it like it is.”
I flinched at that comment. Jared had confessed his love for me not too long ago, but bowed out when he realized I could never love him as more than friend. He had a heart of gold, and for Olivia to throw that in his face rubbed me the wrong way.
“At least I didn’t have to get myself knocked up…” Jared mumbled under his breath, not finishing the thought aloud. I jabbed him in the ribs, thankful that Olivia hadn’t heard him. It was bad enough that she looked about ready to explode.
“Stop it, you two. We’re all here to celebrate Morgan and Gavin tonight,” I reprimanded.
Olivia shrugged and rolled her eyes. “Whatever. I don’t get the two of you.” She pushed herself between Drew and me, taking him by the arm. “Let’s go find our table.”
Tension rolled off of Drew when Olivia touched him. His jaw clenched and the vein in his forehead bulged, but he didn’t try to get away. Gavin and I cut eyes to one another. It was no secret he was doing this for us, and maybe the baby, but it was apparent by the rise of color in Drew’s face that he wouldn’t be able to keep up the charade for much longer.
I took Jared’s arm and we followed close behind them as Olivia directed us through the hordes of people to our seats.
“So, do you really know all of these people?” Jared asked as we approached our table near the front of the room, the center of attention for all the guests to see. I couldn’t tell you how it happened, but Drew managed to work things to where he and I were sitting beside one another with Jared and Olivia on either side of us while sitting across from Morgan and Gavin. Natasha excused herself, mentioning something about powdering her nose, leaving an empty seat between Gavin and Jared.
“Not really. Most of t
hem are our father’s connections,” Gavin replied.
“Not to mention my father’s,” Morgan added. Gavin reached for her hand, linking their fingers together. “You could say this is the battle of the who-knows-who.”
“Oh, stop it, you two. Your parents only want the best for you,” Olivia scolded them, lightly tapping Drew on the arm. Out of instinct, he pulled away. A flash of disappointed flitted across Olivia’s face but it was gone as quickly as it appeared.
“And I’m sure you loved being the one to send out all those invitations, Olivia,” Jared goaded.
Olivia began telling us the story of how she received a personal call from someone famous wanting to know about Gavin and Morgan’s registry. For all I knew, she could’ve been talking about the Queen of England, because my mind was not focused on her or her ramblings. While she spoke, Drew took the opportunity and moved in closer to me. His body was almost as close to me as he’d been at the restaurant the night before. He slipped his hand under the table, resting it on my thigh. “You look absolutely stunning, Mickie,” he whispered in my ear.
“Thank you,” I breathed, the sound of my heartbeat filling my ears.
“So, are you planning on taking Jared up on his offer?”
I cocked my head to the side, lifting my brows, an evil smirk pulling at my lips. “Do I have any better offers?”
He pushed his hand under my dress, gliding his thumb along my inner thigh. The heat of his skin against mine sent tremors up my spine. “I’m sure we could come up with some sort of an counteroffer that you might find suitable to your needs.”
Ah, my lawyer boy was out to play. I placed my hand on his leg, inching it closer to his crotch, slowly stroking his inner thigh. “I’m most certain we can.”
He tried not to show any signs of our interaction, but I could read him like a book. He would give just about anything to drop everything we were doing and rush upstairs for a little one on one time.
“NOVA!” a high pitch squeal echoed over the music. Drew jerked away from me and turned around in his chair. A gorgeous woman sauntered toward our table. Her light brown hair was pulled up in a half twist as the remainder fell down around her neck. She wore a sleek red mini dress. Her smooth, toned legs and perfect figure were enough to make any woman feel inferior in comparison. She pursed her bright red lips in amusement, but it was her blue eyes that gave her away. This was Andie, Drew’s twin sister, and if she was anything like Drew, we were all about to be in a world of trouble.
The Truth Be Told (The Truth in Lies Saga #3) Page 10
