by Sadie Grubor
She scowled at me, catching on to my game already. I couldn’t help but chuckle quietly. She started to stutter and I raised an eyebrow as she searched for a way to get around this.
"Not in front of my mother." She grinned back.
"Oh Lilli, kiss your man. You know I don’t mind." I smiled widely and then pressed my lips to hers. I caught her off guard but didn’t want to push it too far. I still had more to come this evening, so I pulled back. However, my lips were on fire and my body wanted to attack her.
"Okay, we better get going before Viola freaks out."
Thank you Phoebe, for breaking me out of my naughty thoughts.
"Uhhh…" Lilli stammered and I smiled wider. "Yeah, let’s go." She turned to grab her coat as I picked it up and held it out for her. She scowled at me and wrapped the coat around her.
"Shall we?" I held out my arm for her mother and then for Lilli. We headed out the door to the awaiting car.
Pulling up to the pier, I exited the car first and helped each lady from the car. Lilli eyed me suspiciously. I couldn’t help but wink at her.
Having attended weddings at Chelsea’s Pier a couple of times before, I knew this place was a beautiful spot. The fact that it would be my wedding this time, made the whole place seem to glow. Aunt Vi and the organizer she hired quickly pulled Lilli away to talk about a few things.
A few quick directions and run-throughs of the procession was all it took. It was pretty simple and I could only assume Lilli had been the one who made sure of that. Our last run-through was the first we did uninterrupted. So, when I turned seeing Lilli and Dixon approaching my breath caught.
The grin on her face was huge and she was obviously laughing at something coming from Dixon’s barely moving lips. They garnered a glare from the organizer for their actions.
Tomorrow would be the day. She would be binding herself to me, legally. Now, I just had to figure out how to get her to consummate the relationship. When the time came to finish the rehearsal of the ceremony, I made sure to pull Lilli into a lip lock that earned us some hollering and cheering. When I released her, she narrowed her eyes on me. I was going to pay. I knew it.
Once the organizer released us with her approval, we grouped together in the lobby waiting for the cars to be brought around. Decisions regarding who would ride in whose car were discussed and then we drove off to the restaurant.
We arrived to the restaurant and, while Sarah and Phoebe climbed out of the car, Lilli pulled me back towards her.
"What the hell are you doing?" she hissed in a low tone to the side of my head.
Turning my head, my lips were about half an inch from hers. It was obvious she’d been dying to get a moment to question me about all my acting.
"Playing along, so your mother believes the ‘true love’ that we share." I grinned.
"You are such a jerk." She huffed and pulled her head back.
"Hey, I’m just trying to help." I feigned innocence.
"I’m not buying it, Iverson." She hissed out before climbing over me and out the door.
I couldn’t help but laugh quietly before I climbed out behind her.
As I entered the restaurant, Lilli was handing her coat over to the coat check in. That was when I noticed her dress. The solid black satin ribbon that wrapped around her neck, the black material of the top fitted to her curves and gathered at the hollow of her neck attaching back to the ribbon; a large black bow hugged the back of her waist. The fabric began to flare out at her hips, transforming into a layer of dark gray diamonds that faded into a light silver and ended in white fabric that teased the top of her knees. Her silky arms, shoulders and back were completely bare and beautiful. Her hair was half up with loose curls hanging down. She was so beautiful. My body stirred.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Lilli
Oh God, if he didn’t stop I was going to drag him into the coat room. Not only did he feel the need to play it up at the apartment in front of my mother and at the rehearsal, but he was still making advances at dinner.
During dinner he slid his hand onto my thigh, somehow managing to get under my skirt. His touch sent fiery tingles to my core. When I tried to cross my legs nonchalantly, he just moved with me. Did the bastard know what he was doing to me? Could he tell?
I was talking to a few guests when he walked up from behind me, snaking his arms around my waist and brushing his lips across my shoulder. Plastering on a smile, I fought to keep my cool as I excused us from the group for a moment.
"Will you stop it?" I hissed at him in an empty hallway.
"Why? Is it getting to you?" He laughed and moved closer against my body.
"Aidan, stop it!" I hissed again. "Why are you being such a pig?"
He glared.
"I hardly think touching and kissing my fiancée is being a pig."
"Oh, I think it could be construed that way in our situation." I poked him in the chest. He grabbed my hand and kissed the tip of my finger. I faltered for a moment and licked my bottom lip. A little too breathy I spoke.
"Ai-Aidan stop it," yanking my hand away from his grinning face. "I will knock that smirk off your face, mister." He laughed and then his lips were pressed to mine. My hands were about to slide around his neck when we were interrupted.
"There you two are." I quickly moved out from under Aidan’s kisses and roaming hands, looking straight at my mother.
"H-hey mom." I stuttered out and heard Aidan chuckle at me. He wrapped his arm around my waist tightly.
"Had to sneak off for a moment alone, I get it." She winked.
I groaned.
"What can I say? I can’t keep my hands off of her for too long." Aidan squeezed me closer.
I sighed.
"Mom, look I need to tell you –"
"That you’re staying at our place tonight. We have a couple of extra rooms to spare, so you’ll stay with us." Turning to look at Aidan in disbelief, I couldn’t believe how far he was going to go with this.
What the hell? Is he seriously trying to play this out like that? Does he really think I’m too stupid to figure out his game?
"Oh…really? Are you sure? I don’t want to intrude on you two." Sarah looked so happy when she answered.
"Actually mom that’s not what I was going to say." I glared at Aidan and turned back to my mother. "Aidan and I –"
"Aren’t even staying in the same place tonight," Phoebe chimed in. I shot a confused look at her.
"It’s the night before your wedding, silly." Phoebe rolled her eyes. "We’re all staying at Viola and Liam’s while the guys stay with Aidan. I already have everything packed and at Viola’s." She smiled proudly.
I smiled broadly and turned to Aidan. He had his eyes narrowed at Phoebe. There was a moment he looked as if he were going to pout. I laughed and he shot the glare at me. I stopped quickly, seeing the seriousness behind it.
He wasn’t as aggressive the rest of the night, but was still pretty hands on. When everyone said their goodbyes, Phoebe grabbed me by my arm to get our coats.
Phoebe was going on and on about how excited she was about tomorrow. I hadn’t noticed Aidan appear behind me. It wasn’t until I felt his hands glide over my bare shoulders, the fiery tingle alerting me it was him. He spun me around to face him.
"Where is my goodbye kiss, darling?" He smiled crookedly.
Surprising him, I leaned into him and brought my lips just a millimeter from his. His scent was all around me. It was like honey and almonds, earthy and rich. I wanted to lick his skin, but I kept myself under control. Instead I licked my lips slowly, earning a low growl from him. Then I smirked and whispered.
"Loser."
Pulling back from him before he could wrap his head around what was happening. I put my index finger and thumb to my forehead in the shape of an L. I watched as he shook his head laughing.
"Diabolical!" He shouted back at me.
With a victory grin, I slipped into the awaiting car. My smile slipped a little when one thought cross
my mind. Tomorrow would be the start of my arranged life as Mrs. Aidan Iverson III.
Coming soon…
Book 2 in the Modern Arrangement Series:
Here Comes the Bride
You are cordially invited to celebrate the union of Lillian Pearl Snowe and Aidan Walsh
Iverson III. Join them in their nuptials, sexual tension, and attempt to prove they are more than the contract they signed.
Tentative Release – March 2013
Books by Sadie Grubor:
Falling Stars Series
Falling Stars
Stellar Evolution (a Falling Stars novella)
Hidden in the Stars (coming soon…)
Live-In Position
Under pen name V.S. Tice
Young Adult Books as Saewod Tice:
Amongst the Ruins
About the Author:
To keep up to date on upcoming releases, sneak peeks, cover reveals, and inspirational music & images for the Falling Stars book(s) you can find Sadie Grubor on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and her website.
Amazon Author Page: Sadie Grubor
Facebook: Author Sadie Grubor
Goodreads: Sadie Grubor
Website: www.sadiegrubor.webs.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SadieGrubor
About the Editor:
Monica Black – freelance editor.
https://www.facebook.com/Monica.Black13
http://monicastormynightbooks.blogspot.com
Here Comes The Bride
(Modern Arrangements Series – book 2)
by Sadie Grubor
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Copyright 2013 Sadie Grubor
Cover Art by VST
This book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any existing means without written permission from the publisher. Contact Author at [email protected].
This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. The characters are products of the author's imagination and used fictitiously.
Dedication & Special Thanks:
To my husband, you know how you are the best supplier ever. Thank you for fueling my reading and writing addiction.
To all of my readers, long timers and newbies, without your support I would be lost. You are all so amazing. Thank You for taking a chance on a little author like me.
* * * * * * * *
This book is dedicated to all the children out there who grow up without parents, role models, or any support from a loving family. Please know that somewhere someone loves you and wishes you the best. I'm one of those people.
Blurb
We are gathered here today…
LILLIAN SNOWE has finally succumbed to Aidan's relentless pursuit. But, before they say 'I do', the surprises begin. Some good and some bad, it becomes clear that while some want them together, there is an outside force trying to tear them apart. Lilly just isn't sure she is cut out for this kind of life.
AIDAN IVERSION III is about to put the worries of his employees, board and family at ease. He is about to secure his wife. Grand gestures and small tokens are his tool for seduction, but it turns out all he needed was better vision. Feeling ready to stake his claim on his inheritance and his wife, a disaster may take away what he needs most.
You are cordially invited to the union and marital bliss of Aidan and Lillian Iverson.
Prologue
Months Earlier
"Are you sure about this?" She asked in a hushed tone.
"Of course I am. It needs to be done." I responded. "You have the correct prescription, right? Lillian Snowe?"
"Yes, it just came over twenty minutes ago. I grabbed it before the pharmacist could and replaced it." Her tone was uneasy.
"Good." I sighed heavily, a small amount of guilt forming in my gut. I quickly shook it off. "Make sure she gets the pills."
"What if someone finds out –?" I cut her off.
"I’m doing what needs to be done for my family! You’re being compensated extremely well, don’t you dare back out on me. I don’t want to have to remind you again about the information I –"
"I never thought of you as a man capable of this, Mr. Iverson." She was on the verge of tears. "When I met you, you were genuinely wonderful, now… well, now…you are a conniving, selfish, spoiled –"
"Enough, I don’t need a lecture from you," I shouted. Getting my temper under control before someone in the office overheard, "Just do what you’re being paid to do. I’ll handle the rest."
"Fine." She snapped. "I cannot believe I let myself think you were a decent –"
"I could care less what you think of me. There needs to be an heir. I’ve made promises that an heir is being conceived, so there will be one. Do your task, Becca!" Hanging up the phone, I put my face in my hands.
My door opened. I looked up, it was Liam, concern etching his face. “Are you alright?"
I nodded. "What can I do for you?"
"The Regalie’s have arrived to discuss the venture." Liam watched me closely. He would never understand what I was doing.
"Well then," I stood from my desk "let’s meet with them." I collected myself and headed out of my office, Liam flanking me.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"You're sure that it's handled?" I asked for the fifth time, still nervous and worried.
"Don't worry about a thing, Mr. Iverson, it's all been arranged. I can assure you that everything is taken care of." I still didn't feel at ease by his words, but I guess I had to be.
"Doctor?"
"Yes?"
"Are you sure that they are reliable?" He sighed heavily before answering.
"Will you please have a little faith in me? I have been assisting your family for how long?"
"Of course, I apologize. I just, I need this to be kept under extreme wraps, that includes the rest of my family." I was very firm on the end of my sentence. My family had to remain unaware.
"I understand, boy, now stop worrying about this. You have a wedding to prepare for." He chuckled and we said our goodbyes.
I sighed and began looking through paperwork. Suddenly, my phone buzzed.
"Yes, Amy?"
Chapter One
Here comes the Bride, Bought and Paid for
Aidan
"So, golden boy, feeling a little frustrated lately?" James cackled. James, Dixon, Oscar and Liam had come over to my place after dinner for drinks.
"What?" Dixon's face twisted in confusion.
"Oh God, Dixon, Aidan clearly isn't getting any and by the way he and Lilli were interacting tonight, it's pretty fucking obvious he’s dying." James and Oscar both started laughing at my expense.
"Shut up, jerks." I chuckled and tossed back my drink.
"Hmmm...do you need a little lesson in the art of seduction, son?" Liam smiled at me.
"I swear to God, Liam, if you tell me one more thing about you and Aunt Vi, I will throw this glass at your head."
"I second that," James laughed.
Liam put his hands up in surrender.
"Okay, okay...I was just trying to offer you my extensive knowledge." He shrugged and took a drink from his glass.
"Hmmm...I'm not above hearing about these techniques." Dixon wiggled his eyebrows.
"Don't fucking encourage him, Dixon!" I laughed out. "Why don't you help me with Lilli?"
"Yeah, you know her better than anyone else in this room –" James added, getting up and going for a refill.
"Dude, I’m not helping you seduce my best friend. That is just...no." Dixon shook his head and cringed.
"You're shit out of luck, Mister." Oscar chuckled out. "Stock up on lotion." Everyone’s laughter rang throughout the room.
"Hey, wait...she'll have to sleep with you eventually. I mean, you guys are supposed to have a kid, right?"
I nodded in response to James’ question.
"Yeah, but she's got that one figured out too. Invitro."
"She’s smart." Li
am blurted and then took in the look on my face. "Sorry." He smiled with a slight shrug. "Honestly, Aidan, perhaps you should try backing off and just being friends. It may take awhile but at least you won't go four years with...well, with nothing."
I sighed and sat back.
"She offered to let me have a mistress, said she would play the girl off as her friend." I blurted, still in disbelief that I didn't take her up on the offer.
"Seriously?" James sputtered. "And you didn't take her up on that shit?" I shook my head. "You're insane." He plopped back down into the chair he had been sitting in.
I sat up and reached for my glass. Out of the corner of my eye I caught Liam looking at me.
"What? You think that I’m crazy too?"
"I’m just honestly surprised that you...that you didn't do it." He eyed me up a little.
I shrugged.
"I'm not going to risk getting caught and losing everything I’m trying to gain and protect."
"Are you sure that's all it is?" Oscar gave me a scrutinizing look. "That sounds a little rehearsed."
"Of course I’m sure." I furrowed my brow at him and headed toward the bar for a refill.
"Well, assholes, I need to get home so that I’m looking fan-fucking-tastic tomorrow at the wedding." Dixon stood up, running his hands through his hair like he was James Dean.
"See you tomorrow." I shouted from the bar.
"You know what time to meet us here, right?" Liam yelled after him.
"Sure do. The evil lawn gnome sent a damn itinerary to my phone." He laughed. "I swear to God, Liam, I don't know how you've handled her and Viola doing all this shit."
"Son, you will soon learn that you will do a lot of things for that special woman. Mine happens to be my wife." He smiled proudly and I felt a twinge of jealousy.
