by Sienna Skye
Julia stopped talking and looked around.
“What are you looking for?” I asked.
“I figured Zach should be popping out from behind a pillar or something.”
“Jackass,” Sarah laughed.
“We had to keep it a secret, of course. The only one to figure it out was Jace. At least that’s what we thought at the time.”
“She told a very abbreviated version of the story,” Sarah said.
“Not enough Chocolate Martinis yet.” Julia took another sip of her drink.
“She also skipped the part about how they snuck off and got it on at my wedding reception.”
“I skipped lots of times. The man is nothing if not creative.”
Callie cleared her throat. She really was adorable. “The first night you were with Morgan. Was it the first time for you?”
“No, I wasn’t a virgin. I had been with one other guy before Morgan. But, sex with him was nothing compared to sex with Morgan. Sex with Morgan was incredible. It still is. It’s a good thing I wasn’t a virgin, because that man.” Julia blew out a breath.
Callie lowered her voice to a whisper, her blush spreading from her face down to her chest. “He’s big?”
“Oh yeah.”
“Must be a family—” Sarah looked all sorts of excited when she started to speak.
“Eh. Nope.” Julia put her hand up in stop motion. “Don’t want to hear it.”
I was toying with the idea of sharing some stories about my experiences with Jace. How I knew what it was like to have sex where you didn’t know what you were missing until you finally experience toe curling orgasms. Before I got the chance, Callie spoke up again.
“I think about it, you know. What my first time will be like. Whether it will be incredible or just okay or really bad.”
The three of us looked at each other and then at Callie. She looked like she was embarrassed.
I put my hand on hers. “Hey, we were all virgins at some point. There’s nothing wrong with waiting until you find a guy you are sure is going to make the experience incredible.”
Julia nodded. “She’s right. You’re past the high school years where it’s over before it starts. You can find a man who will take his time with you and make it something wonderful you will play in your mind over and over again.”
“It’s just that. Well, I guess it’s no secret. I mean you can probably tell. I kind of have a thing for Trey.”
“You admitted to me you thought he was hot on the very first day I met you. It comes as no surprise to me.” Julia was trying not to make Callie feel self-conscious. It was evident to all of us that the girl had a serious crush on Trey.
“The man is gorgeous.” Sarah agreed. “And that sexy ass voice. He’s smooth and a natural flirt.”
“Plus, he has that intensity.” I added.
“He’s smart too.” Callie sounded like she was defending him.
“He’s all those things.” Julia agreed.
“And he’s probably not a virgin.” Callie almost looked deflated.
“I’m guessing not.” Julia chose her words carefully. “But, not being with a virgin your first time does have some advantages. I think it would help to have a man who knows his way around a woman’s body.”
“Do you think he is… you know…big?” Callie’s voice lowered with each word.
Sarah paused before she bit into a piece of bruschetta. “You know you can’t tell by body size. Sometimes it doesn’t work that way. Sometimes it does. Now, take Hunter. He’s six foot four. He has those wide shoulders and is built like a wall. And trust me, he—” She stopped and shot Julia some side eye.
“Oh, just get it out of your system already. I’ll just sit here and suffer.”
Sarah sat up all prim and proper like. “He is quite well-endowed. Extremely so. And he is gifted and skilled in the art form of giving a woman sexual satisfaction and pleasure.” She looked quite pleased with herself.
I had to laugh at Julia’s deadpan expression.
“Thanks for wording it like that. That was so much better.” Julia’s expression changed into something more mischievous. “Of course, I already knew this. I spent years listening to his many satisfied partners.”
Sarah smirked. Turn around is fair play.
“Julia, what do you think?” Callie asked her.
“Do I think he is big? Umm, I don’t know.”
“You and Trey never hooked up when you first came back to Jersey?” Sarah asked Julia.
“What? No. I never hooked up with Trey. He’s my friend. And my trainer.”
Sarah seemed to contemplate that. She narrowed her eyes at Julia. “But, with him as your trainer, you never got a look at him?”
Julia looked at Sarah incredulously. “What on earth are you talking about? It’s not like he uses his cock to bench press.”
We all looked up when we noticed Zach was standing there. There was no holding it back. We busted out laughing. Julia put her head in her hands.
“Ah yeah. I was just coming to check to make sure you were all satisfied. With your meals I mean.”
Julia was mortified. Sarah was laughing so hard she was crying, and poor Callie had been through enough. I took it upon myself to answer him.
“Thank you, Zach. Maybe another round of drinks?”
We had finished lunch and ordered dessert. More accurately, we ordered a bunch of desserts that we could share. Callie finished her second drink and it obviously lowered her inhibitions. Or at least gave her some courage to continue.
“It’s intimidating,” Callie said after a period of silence.
“What is?” I asked.
“The thought of being with someone…you know…well-endowed the first time.”
“We haven’t determined that, yet. It’s all been speculation.” I glanced over at Sarah and Julia and shrugged my shoulders. Besides, we were jumping the gun. Callie and Trey sleeping together wasn’t even on the horizon. But, I didn’t want to say that to her.
“Is Jace large?”
Oh boy. I stumbled over my first few words. “Callie, Jace has so many wonderful qualities.” I had to laugh at my own bullshit. I looked up to see three sets of eyes looking at me. I laughed again. “Yes, he is.”
“The first time I was with Morgan, I was apprehensive. And like I said, I wasn’t a virgin. I know I joked about it being a good thing I had sex before, but it would have been just fine if it was my first time. Perfect.”
“Because you loved Morgan?”
“That was part of it. But, he sensed my apprehension. He told me he would take care of me. Be easy with me. Make it good for me. And he did. With his words and actions. That’s the key, Callie. Finding a man who is just as concerned with your pleasure as he is his own. More even. The rest will happen naturally.”
“I really want Trey to be my first. Even if he doesn’t want to date someone like me.”
“Callie, you are selling yourself short when you say that,” I said. I realized I never paid attention to how Trey acted around Callie. He was a big flirt, but I suspected if he had interest in someone, he might play it closer to the vest.
“She’s right. Don’t underestimate yourself. Besides, nothing is impossible. Take it from the woman who married her stepbrother.”
“Do you guys think that you could teach me how to seduce Trey? To get him to have sex with me.”
Julia chewed on her bottom lip. “Sweetie, I know you have been crushing on Trey for a long time. I also know you have had a couple of drinks and you are an even bigger lightweight than I am when it comes to drinking. I don’t think you should make any decisions now.” Julia smiled at Callie and reached over to squeeze her hand.
I agreed with Julia. “She’s right, Callie. I’m no great seductress but if you decide this is what you want, I’ll help however I can.”
“I’m in with Madison. Like I said, you don’t need to decide now. You can let us know the night of the benefit. No promises we’ll be successful, but
we will do what we can.” Julia looked at Callie with affection.
“Ditto to what they said. I’m in too,” Sarah piped up.
We were finishing off our drinks and Julia texted the limo driver to let him know it was time to pick us up. I saw something catch Sarah’s eye. She was staring at a tall, skinny blonde with a bob hairstyle. She was with a younger man.
Sarah spoke in a harsh whisper. “Julia. Victoria is here.”
“Where?”
“Over there. With what looks to be a boy toy.”
Julia turned to look in the direction Sarah pointed to. She didn’t look pleased.
“Who is that?” I asked.
“My mother. And from the looks of it, her date.”
“Do you think she is cheating on Parker? Are they still together?” Sarah asked Julia.
I assumed Parker must be Hunter and Morgan’s father.
“I’m not sure. I haven’t heard of them getting divorced. Parker is still in the public eye enough that it would come out. I think.” A scowl crossed Julia’s face.
“Well if they’re still together, she’s certainly not hiding the fact that she has someone on the side,” Sarah observed.
Sarah was right. It was obvious the two were lovers. I looked for similarities between her and Julia. They were both tall and they had the same eyes. The color anyway. Victoria’s eyes were cold. Harsh. Just like her body language.
“Parker has a long history of mistresses and affairs. I know it always hurt the guys thinking he could have been cheating on their mother. Maybe my mother is making a power play or maybe she figures what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. I’ve always said those two were a match made in hell.”
“When was the last time you saw her?” Sarah turned her attention to Julia.
“In person? The day Hunter, Morgan, and I went to confront them.”
“Do you think she saw us?”
“I don’t think so, but I am glad we are leaving. Limo is here.”
I trailed behind and pulled Sarah’s arm so that she fell back in step with me.
“That seemed intense.”
Sarah nodded. “It’s not my story to tell, but Parker and Victoria did something unforgiveable to Morgan and Julia. They are horrible human beings. None of us speak to them anymore.”
There was no further mention of Julia’s mother during the ride home. We talked and joked around. I sent a text to Jace checking in and telling him we were back on the way home. I had only texted him two other times during the day and each time he assured me things were going well.
I understood why Jace insisted we take one car. We were still a little giddy when the limo dropped us off at Morgan and Julia’s house. Morgan was waiting for us at the door.
“Everyone have a good time?” he asked.
We all filed in through the door, dress bags in hand, huge smiles on our faces.
Jace came over and gave me a kiss and a hug. “Have fun?”
"Yes. I had a great time.”
“Good. I’m glad to hear that.”
“Where are the kids?” Julia asked Morgan.
“The boys went down for a nap some time ago. They’re probably due to wake up any minute. Sophia, Ryan, and Alexis are out back playing with Casey.”
“Alone?”
“Yes, alone.” Morgan looked questioningly at Julia then turned his attention to me. “I don’t know if you remember, but the yard is fenced and secure. They aren’t going anywhere.”
“It’s okay.” I nodded.
Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Jace noticing the expression on Morgan’s face. I also saw him look at Julia as if he knew something was off. He must have sensed me looking at him because the look of concern vanished from his face and he smiled at me. But, it didn’t get by me that the same look returned when Julia walked over to the back door to check on the kids.
She must have been satisfied with what she saw. She watched them for a few minutes and then came back to the living room.
“Okay, ladies…let’s see the dresses.” Kyle plopped himself down in a chair like he was waiting for a show to start.
“What do you think? We’re going to try them on for you?” Sarah picked up a stuffed toy and threw it at him.
“Hey, I am currently very single. Have some pity.”
“Currently single? I’m trying to remember the last time you were involved in a serious relationship.” Hunter teased him.
Kyle waved his hand in our direction. “That’s only because all the good ones are taken.”
“Hey!” Callie complained.
Hunter swatted Kyle on the back of his head.
“What this sorry fool means, Callie, is that he knows there is no way he would ever be good enough for you,” Trey said and then looked over at Kyle as if to say Kyle should be thanking him for saving his butt.
“I’ll take that,” Callie said.
I could tell that Callie was trying to hide how excited it made her that Trey said that, but a blush was still spreading across her face.
Kyle got up and gave Callie a hug. “He’s right, Callie. I can’t deny it.”
“Well there is no way I am showing you my dress now. I want the first time Hunter sees it to be while we are home alone.”
“Mmmmm…you think I am going to like it that much?” Hunter grinned.
“I do. Just promise not to ruin it. At least not until after the benefit.” Sarah teased.
“I will try my best.”
“What about you, Jules? Do I get a fashion show after the kids are in bed tonight?” Morgan asked.
“Nope. I want the first time you see it to be the night of the benefit.”
A satisfied smirk lit up Morgan’s face. I wasn’t quite sure what it was, but I was certain I was missing something.
The back door opened, and the three kids and one tired looking puppy came trotting on in.
Ryan and Alexis came right over to me to say hello. At least I thought it was to say hello.
“Do we have to go?” Ryan asked.
“We don’t want to go yet,” Alexis said.
“Well hello to you both. I’m guessing you had fun today.”
“We did. That’s why we want to stay.” Alexis made sure to make it clear they didn’t want to leave.
Sophia had gone over to give her mom a hug. “Do they have to go, Mama?”
“I think that is up to their mom and Jace. I don’t know what their plans are.”
I looked at Jace to see what he was thinking.
“It’s up to you. I’m good to stay for a bit.”
I looked over at Morgan and Julia. “We wouldn’t be intruding?”
“Not at all,” Morgan said.
“Okay. We can stay a little while longer.”
The kids hugged me and ran off down the hall with Sophia to go play.
Jace sat down on the couch and pulled me down next to him. He put his arm around me, and I snuggled into him.
“Hey,” he said.
I looked up at him. “What?”
“I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
“I can’t wait to see you in your new dress. Do I see it tonight or am I waiting until the night of the event?”
“Which would you rather?”
He paused a moment to consider it. Then he whispered in my ear.
“I want to wait until that night. So, it will be a surprise.”
“Surprise it is, then.”
I could feel the stupid grin on my face. I was in love with this wonderful man and he loved me back. My kids were crazy about him and he was great with them. I hadn’t felt that happy in a very long time.
Chapter Seventeen
Madison
We took my car to the benefit, but Jace drove. As we waited for the valet, I daydreamed about the reaction Jace had when he saw me in my dress. The look on his face was vivid in my mind’s eye. He told me I looked stunning and how lucky he was to be with me. I smiled at the memory.
&nb
sp; The valet opened my door and I stepped out. Once he walked around to Jace and took the keys from him, Jace came to me and took me by the hand, leading me into the venue. I expected it to be a big deal, but this was so much more than I imagined it to be. We had to pass security to get into the building and there were even more security guards circulating throughout.
There was a ton of media there. There were reporters and television cameras. Hunter and Morgan were being interviewed, Sarah and Julia at their sides. I guess I was expecting friends, coworkers. They were there, but in the minute and a half I had been there, I had already seen a few well known movie and TV stars. I had also seen the members of at least two popular bands. There were also a couple of famous athletes. I didn’t follow sports all that much, so if I recognized them, they were famous. No wonder there was so much security. It was a little overwhelming and I gripped Jace’s hand tighter.
“I should have thought to warn you. It’s a lot the first time.” Jace squeezed my hand.
“It probably should have crossed my mind that it was a possibility.” I paused when I caught sight of someone who looked an awful lot like a well known pop diva on the arm of someone who looked just like an actor from last summer’s blockbuster hit movie. “Wait. Is that…”
“Yeah. He comes every year. I don’t think I have seen her here before.”
“Hey guys!” Callie came over and hugged each of us. She gestured over to the Stone family. “They are going to be tied up with interviews for a little bit. You guys should go do the step and repeat and then I will show you where we are all sitting.”
“The step and what?” I asked.
“The step and repeat.” She motioned to a large backdrop with the name of the event and what I assumed were sponsors. “It’s a chance to get your picture taken together while you are all dressed up.” Callie took me by the hand and dragged me in the direction of the backdrop.
Jace put his arm around me and the photographer snapped a few pictures.
“We’ll get these, right?” I asked him.
“I’ll make sure of it. Come on, let’s have Callie take us to our table.”
As we followed Callie, I realized that we were seated up front. When I thought about it, it made sense. They probably sat us at the same table as Hunter and Morgan. When we got to the table, I saw Trey and Kyle were already there, standing next to the table, and deep in conversation with someone I did not recognize. They waved to us at first, but when they finished their conversation and the man left, they came over to talk to us. When they hugged me, I realized I had Jace’s hand in a death grip that entire time. Once we were settled in, I started to relax.
