by Jillian Dodd
“Well, congrats! I’ll call the pilot and head that way!”
I hang up, feeling happy, and hug the woman who’s made me that way.
“Now, back to fucking you up,” I say, reaching for her.
Riley’s Penthouse - L.A.
RILEY
I’m throwing clothes in my suitcase when I realize I’m not the only one who needs to be there. I give Dallas a call.
“This better be good,” he says groggily.
“Knox is eloping. We need to be there.”
“Where is there, exactly?”
“London. Throw some shit in a bag and meet me at the airport. We need to throw him a bachelor party.”
“Hmm, let me check with the missus.” I hear him speaking to RiAnne. “Hey, pookiebear, I need to go to London with Riley. You cool with that?”
“What time is it? And why is Riley calling in the middle of the night?”
“Because we need to leave, like, now.”
“What are you two up to?” she wisely asks him. RiAnne has always had his number.
“Apparently Knox and Katie just got engaged and are eloping in London,” Dallas says. “Riley called to see if I wanted to be there.”
“And you said hell yes, you want to be there, right?” she asks.
“No, I told him I needed to ask you if I could go,” he says with a laugh.
“After all these years, it’s finally payback time,” she says, sounding a little like a movie villain seeking revenge. “It’s Knox’s fault you and your groomsmen were so hungover the day of our wedding. Hell, I’m pretty sure you were all still drunk from the night before!”
“I know I was,” Dallas chuckles.
“Oh,” RiAnne says, apparently grabbing the phone and talking to me. “Riley, your birthday is Tuesday. How are you celebrating? Do you want Dallas to stay and party with you?”
“That would be really nice—” I start to say.
“Well, if you want him to do that, you will help him get Knox hammered. Do you understand me?”
“Yes, ma’am,” I reply.
“I don’t know, RiAnne,” Dallas argues. “I hate to leave you all alone with the new baby. What do you think I should do?”
“I think you should get your ass to London. And as far as staying to celebrate Riley’s birthday—” I can hear her whispering but can’t hear what she said. She’s probably telling him what he’s going to owe her. What he owes her, could vary from something sexual to a new car. You never know with those two. When I tease him about it sometimes, he says that she has the toughest, most important, and selfless job in the world—being a mother to their little hoodlums. And he truly believes it. A lot of men feel like they are in charge if they are the breadwinners in the family, but not Dallas. He openly worships RiAnne, and says it’s why they have a very healthy sex life.
I’m trying to imagine having a wife and kids myself when Dallas says, “I’ll pack quick and meet you at the airport.”
THE ROYAL SUITE — GEORGETOWN
KNOX
It’s nearly ten by the time we are sated, packed, and fed again. Missy, who will make the trip with us to see to all the details, meets us downstairs.
“Ohmigawd, Missy!” Katie says, wrapping her in a hug before we get in the limo. “You were hilarious! I love you!”
Missy raises an eyebrow at me but succumbs to the hug. Missy tends to be a little hands off when it comes to strangers and personal space. But then Katie says, “So who is your favorite couple?” as we’re getting in the car, and the love fest between the two of them begins.
“I’ll always love season one, and they are still together, but I will admit I enjoy the drama of some of the newer seasons. Sometimes it seems a little staged, but it’s reality TV at its finest, and I admit to being an addict.” While they are babbling on about couples, I lean back and close my eyes. I’m fucking exhausted.
I grin to myself. More like exhausted from fucking.
Juan’s Penthouse Terrace - Sunset Boulevard
SHELBY
“You are such a goddess.” Bam feeds me a grape then proceeds to suck on one of my toes. We’re in the bedroom of his hotel penthouse enjoying breakfast after an all-night fuckfest.
We both hear my phone vibrate on the table, but I don’t really give a shit who is calling. I’m back in Juan Fabio Martinez’s bed, and I couldn’t be happier. It’s not even the amazing sex. Or the way he says my name. It’s the grace and confidence he has as a lover that turns me on.
“I believe your phone is ringing,” he says, moving on to the next toe. He glances at the clock, seeing it’s nearly five in the morning. “It is an odd time for a conversation. You should make sure it is not of importance.”
I take a cursory glance at it and see Riley texted. I pick up the phone and read the message.
Riley: Hey, just wanted to let you know I need to cancel our plans for dinner tonight. I’m heading out of town last minute. I’ll call you later and let you know when I’ll be back.
I toss the phone down, feeling content. One less thing to worry about.
KEATYN & AIDEN’S HOME — CHELSEA
KNOX
“Let the bachelor party begin!” Dallas says when Keatyn and Aiden answer the front door of their new abode.
“As long as Katie comes with us,” I say, hugging her.
“What?” Riley says. “No girls allowed at bachelor parties.”
“Not even strippers?” Keatyn deadpans, knowing us all too well.
“No way I’m letting this gorgeous thing out of my sight,” I tell them.
“We really can’t go out,” Keatyn says. “Can you imagine the chaos it would create if the press heard Knox and I were seen together when I’m supposed to be on my honeymoon?”
“Even if Aiden and I are there with you?” Katie asks.
“It wouldn’t matter,” Keatyn replies. “They would crop the two of you out of the picture. They’ve done it to Aiden for years. It’s something you’ll just have to get used to. But, the good news is, Marvel arrived a few days ago, and the house is fully stocked with food and drink.”
“And just so you know,” Aiden continues. “We will definitely be toasting to the end of Knox’s bachelor life.”
Keatyn gives Katie a hug. “I’m dying to see this ring in person!” Keatyn swoons over the ring, which causes Katie to beam at me. “And we’re dying to see this engagement video!”
“We’ll get to that,” I tell her as she wraps her arms around me. She whispers in my ear, “You did good.” Which makes me beam, because I know she’s right.
“Where’s Missy?” Keatyn asks.
“I booked her, well, she booked herself at the Ritz. And since I made her come here earlier than scheduled, while we go on our honeymoon, her partner Alyssa is flying over to vacation with her.”
“Come on in,” Aiden says, after we all exchange hugs. “We’ll show you around.”
“This is gorgeous,” Katie gushes.
“This is the formal reception area,” Aiden says. “I love it because you can have business meetings here and not encroach on the rest of the home.”
“And I’m in love with the lighted art installation in the atrium,” Keatyn says. “They are actually supposed to look like falling leaves, but I see feathers. It’s like this house was made just for us. Did you notice the name of the house when you were outside?”
“Uh, no,” Dallas says.
“It’s Asher House,” Aiden proudly proclaims. “It was the name of the property for centuries before.”
“That is really cool,” Riley agrees.
“Let’s go downstairs,” Keatyn says, leading us to the atrium. “Marvel has dinner prepared for us, and then Katie and I will go to the spa for some girl time while you boys,” she waves her hand, “do whatever you do. Drink, I guess. Then we can all meet up for dessert.”
“But I don’t understand,” Katie says, “I thought you didn’t want to be seen. And what kind of spa is open this time of night?
”
“The one here,” Keatyn says with a grin.
After we descend the staircase, Aiden shows us the wine gallery, a kitchen, dining and family area. Marvel has snacks set out on the kitchen island, and I suddenly realize I’m starving again.
Aiden opens a couple bottles of bubbly, and we move the party out to the terrace. It’s a little cold out, but the fireplace takes the chill off.
“Here’s to Knox and Katie,” Aiden says, raising his glass. “May you always love each other as recklessly as you do now.”
“Here, here,” everyone agrees. Katie and I raise our glasses back to them and then take a drink.
Keatyn takes Katie down another level to show her the spa area. I want to go with her, but Dallas grabs the back of my shirt and says, “Oh, no, you don’t. The groom needs a shot—or twelve.”
“I’m not getting drunk,” I state. “I’m getting married tomorrow. But I will have a shot.”
A few moments later, those shots turn into two, then three, then four, because the prince decided to join us.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27TH
KEATYN & AIDEN’S HOME — CHELSEA
KNOX
“What a night,” I say, rolling over.
Katie turns to face me. “How are you feeling?”
“Eh. I’m sorry I got drunk last night. It wasn’t my intention. I swear, I usually don’t let things get that out of hand.”
“I saw the photos in the tabloids of your naked party parade in Vegas and your subsequent mug shot. When was that, again?”
Fuck. “I’m sorry,” I say, knowing I sound pathetic. She’s not going to want to marry me after this. I don’t even want to marry me right now, and I have a pretty high opinion of myself.
“But how can you not when the prince shows up.” She’s not smiling. I’m fucked. “And when he told us that we couldn’t get married at the Register office today, I wanted to drown my sorrows in alcohol too.”
“He told us we can’t get married? But why not?”
“The place you wanted to get married doesn’t do them onsite anymore. Well, you can but it’s in a little interview room and only four people total fit. Not exactly Knox-style.”
“I don’t remember him telling us that,” I say, trying to search my brain. I can’t believe with all the planning Missy and I did that we can’t get married today. I notice that Katie’s not wearing her engagement ring either. That can’t be a good sign.
“Do you remember crying?” she asks.
“Why was I crying?”
“Well, blubbering is probably more accurate.”
I cover my face with my hands in both frustration and embarrassment. Katie giggles and pries one hand away, surprising me by placing four pain relievers in its place. “Here take these and drink this,” she says, handing me a bottle of water. Maybe she doesn’t hate me.
“Oh, I love you.”
She giggles. “I know that for sure now.”
I narrow my eyes at her.
The sound of her laughter is like angels singing in the heavens, even with my massive headache. “Yes, that’s what you were blubbering about. How much you love me.”
“You look happy about that,” I observe.
“Well, I was a little nervous about all of this happening so fast. It’s scary trusting someone you’ve just met.”
“And now you’re not nervous?”
“I’m not nervous about marrying you. I’m excited about it. I can’t wait, Knox.”
“Except we can’t get married?” I ask, my brain a little foggy this morning.
“We’re getting married but—get this—it will be at Kensington Palace!”
“At the Palace?”
“Yeah, don’t you remember asking the prince if you could borrow one of his crowns for the wedding?”
“Uh, no.”
“You were funny. Keatyn said you were in rare form. I don’t know if that’s good or bad, but you made me laugh. Especially when you challenged the prince to a duel.”
“A duel?” I ask, rubbing my hand across my face, hoping it will bring back some memory of all this.
“Yeah, with swords, except no one had any of those handy so you used sticks.” She runs her hand across my check which I realize is sore from a cut.
“You’re lucky you didn’t take out your eye. Didn’t your mom ever teach you not to run with a stick, especially when you’re drunk?”
“That I do remember her telling me. I must not have listened.”
She wrinkles up her cute little button nose and grimaces. “How’s your ass?”
“Katie! What did you do to my ass when I was drunk?” I’m appalled she’d take advantage of me. And if she did, why am I not lucky enough to remember?
“It wasn’t me. It was the prince.”
I have a moment of terror imagining the things another man could do to my ass.
“Uh, what did he do, exactly?”
“Oh, Knox,” she says, giving me a playful slap on the arm. “You have a dirty mind. You and the prince did not have anal sex, although that might have been kind of hot to watch. You really don’t remember falling on your ass? It has to hurt. Maybe you’re still numb from all the alcohol.”
I reach back and rub a sore butt cheek, instantly remembering falling on it.
“Did I fall?”
“You told everyone you were going to scale the castle wall.”
“Oh, Lord. Sounds like a theme.”
“Yes, you were pretending to be my knight or something because you thought the prince was flirting with me. That’s what caused you to challenge him to a duel.”
“Was he flirting with you?”
She grins. “Maybe a little, but I think he flirts with everyone.”
“True,” I agree. “Aiden and I have been with him on what he calls a bender, or drinking spree before. He’s a natural born flirt.”
“I can tell. So anyway, you tried to scale Keatyn and Aiden’s terrace wall. You slipped. Fell from about six feet up straight onto your ass. I tried to stop you. You told me you were a trained professional and do most of your own stunts.”
“I’m embarrassed.” I roll my head into her chest and sigh. “Listening to your heartbeat makes me not hear mine hammering in my head.”
“I smell food,” she says. “I don’t know what they are cooking, but it smells like greasy cheeseburgers and possibly bacon. It smells divine, and you probably need to eat. I’m surprised you haven’t gotten sick with all you drank.”
I don’t lift my head up. I can’t face her. “Did you have fun last night?” Please say yes. Please say I didn’t ruin everything. “Do you still want to marry me?”
“Yes, I had fun. Keatyn and I had girl time. It’s been forever since we just relaxed and talked like that. I really miss her and Maggie. We’ve stayed close through texts and visits when we can, but I would like to live closer to them. Keatyn even mentioned I should consider writing scripts instead of books or both, that she wouldn’t be opposed to doing a few movies more geared toward children.”
“You didn’t answer the other part,” I say nervously.
She runs her fingers through my hair. “Knox Daniels, I knew you had a wild side. I like it and I love you. Of course, I still want to marry you.”
“Whew. I was so afraid I screwed everything up.” My nose perks up, smelling food, too. “You know, that food does smell good.”
“Then let’s get up and get our wedding day started.”
We get up, use the bathroom, and brush our teeth. I notice two robes hanging on a hook. “Here, let’s just wear these.”
“Okay,” she says, tossing one over her delicious nakedness. I notice a large hickey just on the side of her boob.
I pull her against me. “Did you take advantage of me last night?”
“I most certainly did.” She grins. “Do you not remember that either?”
“I remember you smelled really good. I remember wanting you.”
“It’s really too bad you don’
t remember. I was worried—sometimes when a guy is drunk things don’t work quite right.”
“It worked though,” I say brightening, flashes of doing her on the bathroom counter flooding my memory. “We did it right here. I remember watching your tits bounce in the mirror.”
“Oh, yes. That was just one of the places we did it. You were pretty impressive. It was like you’d taken a Viagra or something. Did you?”
“No!”
“You said it was whiskey dick. I always thought that meant a guy couldn’t get it up.”
“We were drinking Irish whiskey. Makes a man stand at attention all night long,” I tease.
“Well, it worked. Quite well. And we’re taking a whole bunch of whatever it was that you drank with us on the honeymoon.”
“You’re up and alive!” Keatyn says loudly when we arrive in the kitchen. “Feeling foxy, Knoxy?”
“Shut up,” I say, holding my head.
“I told you to shut up a few times, last night, Knox. But you didn’t listen,” she says. “I also tried to save you from yourself. Although you aren’t the only one who isn’t feeling great this morning. Aiden and Riley were both throwing up last night.”
“Well, at least I didn’t puke. Guess I can handle my liquor better than them,” I say, sitting up straighter.
“The perfect hangover food.” She shoves a plate in front of each of us. “Greasy bacon cheeseburger, Marvel’s homemade frites, and a bloody Mary.”
“That looks amazing,” I say, digging in.
Katie sits down next to me and does the same. “Is everyone else still asleep?” she asks.
“Not me,” Dallas says from behind us. I just now notice he’s sitting at the dining table next to the kitchen reading the paper. “You should know that I took numerous videos of you last night. Had to share them with the missus.”
“You took videos of me drunk to show RiAnne?”
