by Rae, Alicia
“I asked Lily to marry me just last night, or we would have told everyone sooner,” he explained.
Damon smiled while Jason sat in his chair. He was apparently stunned into silence.
Damon rose and strode toward me, smiling broadly, as he embraced me. “Congratulations, Lily. I’m so thrilled for you guys.” He thoughtfully kissed my cheek.
“Thank you, Damon,” I replied, pulling back to look at him. “Your blessing means so much to me.”
“Of course, Lily. We just want you to be happy,” Damon said. Then, he stepped over to congratulate Kyle.
My attention turned to Jason, who was now standing. His expression was unreadable. I held my breath while silently praying that he would accept this. Out of my three cousins, he had always been the most protective of me.
Jason closed the few short steps between us, and he hugged me tightly. “Congratulations, Lily,” he said, speaking at last.
In a rush, I let out the air I had been holding in. “Really?” I blurted out. I had thought he was going to disapprove.
He leaned back, glancing down at me. “Yes. As shocked as I am, I truly am happy for you,” he said while looking back and forth between Kyle and me. “I think you guys have what it takes for the long haul.”
Kyle outstretched his hand, and Jason turned to shake it.
“Thank you for your blessing, man. It means a lot to us both.”
“Of course,” Jason responded.
“And we’d appreciate it if you would keep this between the two of you for now,” Kyle said to Damon and Jason. He turned to look at me. “I’m sure Lily wants to tell Lucie and Dan.”
Jason and Damon nodded in agreement.
“Mom will be excited for you guys,” Damon said. Then, he shook his head. “She will be thrilled to finally get to be a part of a wedding and all that stuff.”
“Yeah, so don’t you two lovebirds plan to run off to Vegas or anything. She would be pissed as hell, especially having three boys and all,” Jason added.
We all chuckled.
“Yeah, she would.” I smiled fondly, thinking about how fun it would be to go shopping with my aunt. I missed her already, too. I was relieved that California and Colorado weren’t that far away from each other.
“So, we have about an hour before we have to leave for our meeting. Anything you guys want to do in the meantime?” Kyle asked Jason and Damon.
Jason’s eyes roamed around the kitchen and then into the living room. “How about a quick tour of the house?”
“Of course,” Kyle answered. “Follow me.”
Kyle took the two of them around the house while I cleaned up our lunch and loaded the dishwasher. After I finished, Kyle and my cousins walked back into the kitchen.
“The basement is this way,” Kyle said while leading the way. “You can come, too, if you want, Lily. You haven’t seen it yet either.”
“Sure, I’d love to see it,” I replied, following behind Damon.
As we went downstairs, I noticed the dark-stained wooden stairs and matching handrail. We all stopped at the bottom of the stairs, taking in the open floor plan. There were so many possibilities of how the basement could be designed.
“This is still unfinished. I wasn’t sure what to do down here, so I left it alone for the time being,” Kyle said as he gestured around the room. He turned to look at me. “We can do whatever you’d like down here.”
“I vote for a great big theater with surround sound,” Jason joked.
I was sure he was actually serious. That was totally a guy thing to say.
“Or a future playroom,” Damon teased while grinning at me.
“Ha-ha.” I laughed. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves here.”
Kyle chuckled under his breath as he lifted his hand to hide his grin.
The three men started to talk construction lingo that was foreign to me, so I made my way around the large open space. A patio door led to the backyard and various windows on the far wall allowed natural light to enter the area.
Once we finished looking around, we walked upstairs, and the men continued to chat about future remodeling plans. I was amazed at how many different and unique ideas they each came up with. Kyle questioned me about my thoughts on the basement rooms and furniture, and it made moving in to his home that much more real. I wasn’t quite ready yet to make those decisions. It still felt so new.
As we reached the mudroom, Kyle told me they were going to head out early just in case. He asked me if I’d like to join, but I politely declined. I wanted Kyle to make his own judgments about his construction company without me interfering. And if I hardly understood any of their remodeling plans for the house, I surely wouldn’t be able to partake in the business aspects of his career.
Kyle told me that they would probably stop at the bar near the building to have a few drinks with the owner afterward. I remembered that when we’d had dinner at Kyle’s parents’ house, Abbey had asked me to go out with her, Kristen, and Gail. Kyle thought it was a great idea for me to spend more time with his sister while he bonded over drinks with my cousins. We agreed to meet each other back at home later on in the evening. Although, I was instructed to call him for a ride home if Abbey or I began to drink too much.
After a quick kiss good-bye, Kyle, Jason, and Damon left. I pulled out my phone and decided to send Abbey a quick text to see if I could still tag along tonight.
Hi, Abbey. It’s Lily. I’m so sorry I forgot to get back with you! Would you mind if I still joined you and the girls tonight?
She texted back within seconds. Dang, she is fast!
Hey, Lily! Of course! I was beginning to think you forgot about me! LOL! Actually, I’m about to head out and do some damage control in the mall first. Want me to pick you up?
Shopping sounded excellent. It was therapy one oh one.
Shopping? Say no more. I’m in!
I was thrilled to spend more time with Abbey. She seemed really down to earth, and I already knew from experience that she was fun to be around. Not to mention, I had been cooped up in this house for days, and I was more than ready to go out, let loose, and have some well-needed girl time.
My phone chimed in my hand, and I saw Abbey’s reply.
Great! I’ll be there in twenty. ♥
Twenty minutes? Shit!
I ran into the bedroom to get ready since we probably would not be coming back here before heading to the bar. Once in the room, I rapidly began stripping my clothes, tossing them over my head. I took a record-breaking fast shower of only five minutes. I dried off and did my hair and makeup at the counter.
In the closest, I quickly skimmed through my wardrobe. Settling on one of my favorite black dresses, I decided it was only fair to match it with my favorite black Louboutin pumps. They were broken in, too, so I would not get blisters from dancing.
Precisely twenty minutes after receiving Abbey’s last text, the doorbell rang, and I had to laugh at her promptness. Being the businesswoman that she was, it was so like her.
I strode into the foyer and opened the door.
Abbey’s eyes widened, slowing going from my dress to my shoes. Her lips twisted into a grin. “Hot damn, woman. You look gorgeous!”
My cheeks flushed at the compliment. “Thank you.” I smiled as I noticed Abbey was wearing a flaming red dress and matching heels. “You look pretty hot yourself! Love your shoes!” I beamed.
Abbey gave a little sashay of her hips as she entered the house. She kicked up her right leg, so I could catch a better glimpse of the killer pumps.
“I thought you would appreciate these! It was my Christmas present to myself last year,” she chortled.
“And every penny was well spent,” I said appreciatively. “No one should ever interfere with a woman and her shoes.”
Abbey snorted. “I’d have to have a man to tell me no first.” She paused. “And if he actually told me I couldn’t buy more heels, I’d have to kick him to the curb anyway.”
I laughed at
her serious tone. “That sounds like a great rule to live by,” I joked. “So, which stores do you have in mind for today?”
“As many as we can go to within”—Abbey glanced at her watch—“five hours.”
“Okay, just let me grab my purse real quick, and then we can be on our way.” I smiled over at her.
After retrieving my purse from the bedroom, I strode back into the foyer, my heels clanking with every step on the tile.
“Got everything?” Abbey asked.
I nodded. “Yep.”
I opened the front door, and Abbey walked through first. As I started to shut the door, I realized I did not have a key, and I paused. I had no idea what time Kyle would be back home tonight or how would I get inside.
Abbey stopped on the sidewalk, spinning around to face me. With a puzzled expression, she asked, “What did you forget?”
“Nothing,” I answered. “But I don’t have a key to get back in.”
Abbey shooed me with her hand. “Kyle won’t be at that meeting for more than a few hours. He’ll be home way before us.”
“He’s taking out the owner for drinks with Jason and Damon though,” I said, pondering. “Think he’ll still beat us back?”
Abbey shrugged, her eyes shining with mischief. “Of course. We’ll just have to make sure we stay out extra late.”
Whoa. What did I get myself into? Oh well, it’s healthy to throw in the towel and let loose every once in a while.
I had not been out drinking since the last time I saw Abbey, so tonight was well deserved. I had never been much of a drinker, let alone a big partier. However, I did love to go out dancing and have a good time with girls. Abbey, Gail, and Kristen seemed like the perfect group to do it with.
“Okay,” I agreed while twisting the lock into place and closing the door. As I spun around to walk to Abbey’s car, my gaze locked on her shiny new wheels. “Damn, Abbey. Nice ride!”
Abbey was standing on the driver’s side with the door open. Her eyes twinkled with happiness. “You like?” She beamed.
My eyes roamed over her cherry red Camaro with stunning black rims. Damn, it’s beyond droolworthy.
“Like?” I joked. “I think I’m in love.”
Abbey grinned. “Me, too.”
“When did you get it?” I questioned. “You certainly weren’t driving it the last time I was here. I definitely would have remembered!” I said while approaching the sexy-as-hell car.
“It just came in last night. I had to wait two very long weeks for my special order to arrive.” She smiled. “I’m celebrating by wearing my favorite red dress, too!” she exclaimed while doing a quick twirl around.
“I think this calls for an extra round of shots tonight—on me.” I winked at her.
Abbey and I both dipped our heads and lowered ourselves into the magnificent car. The premium black leather immediately sucked me right in.
I shook my head. “Just when I didn’t think I could love you and your car any more, you have custom leather racing seats,” I said in bewilderment.
“It was a must.” Abbey laughed. “They looked hot as hell in the magazine the dealer showed me. I was instantly sold and asked where to sign my paycheck away.”
“I would have, too!” I chuckled. “You know your brother is going to be really jealous, right?”
Abbey started the car. The engine purred to life, and the sounds of the sweet pipes filled my ears.
“Actually, both of my brothers will be jealous. I haven’t even had the chance to tell them yet. While Ryan is upgrading to a minivan, I’ll be driving this beauty. And Kyle will be bossing me around, telling me not to speed.” Abbey tried to stifle a giggle, but she failed miserably. “So, back to shopping—what stores should we hit up first? Shoes, purses, or clothes?” she asked while shifting the Camaro into reverse and backing out of the driveway.
“Hmm…” I contemplated over which I could use more of. None really, but why should that stop me? “Let’s go for a few new outfits and then purses.”
“Don’t forget those matching outfits will also need gorgeous shoes to accessorize, so it looks like a full round of shopping is in order,” Abbey said with delight as she put her new hot rod into drive, pressing our backs into the seats.
I simply could not help but love her. I tilted my head in her direction. “Sounds like a plan.”
“Oh. My. God! Lily, you have to get that one!” Abbey cried as we faced each other just outside of the fitting room doors at Gucci.
I put my hand on my hip. “That’s what you said about the last six outfits, Abbey,” I chortled, shaking my head at her. “How am I supposed to trust your instincts when you keep saying that?” I questioned. My gaze caught on to what she was wearing—a low-cut silver silk shirt and stunning black dress slacks that fit her perfectly with nude pumps. “Damn, I love your outfit again, too.”
Abbey smirked, raising her hand to her hip, fondly mocking me. “See, it’s not just me. It must be the store.”
“Oh, it’s definitely the store, and my credit card will agree at the checkout,” I teased while turning to face the mirror.
As I glanced at my reflection, I had to agree with Abbey. This dress was one of a kind with the way it hugged every curve of my body. Feeling completely pulled in, I caved to my weakness. “Okay, I’ll add this one.” I rotated to face Abbey. “But that’s it!”
Abbey’s eyes sparkled with glee. “I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist as soon as you looked in the mirror.”
“True,” I replied, making us both giggle. “We seem to share the same weakness for cute clothes.”
“Except I refuse to view it as a weakness.” Abbey paused.
I could tell she was searching for the right words.
“I choose to think of it as…a gift.”
I threw my head back and laughed. Seriously, this girl was great. I could only imagine her meeting Brooke. They would be like twins. Actually, I should fear her meeting Brooke. Together, they would probably clear out all the stores within a ten-mile radius.
“That puts a positive spin on it.” I grinned. “I like it.”
We both went back into our separate changing rooms and swiftly dressed back into our own clothing. I picked out three pairs of shoes that would coordinate with multiple outfits. Pleased with my selections, I went in search of Abbey and found her in front of a wide variety of Gucci purses. Unable to walk away, I grabbed a black leather one that caught my attention.
At the checkout, Abbey and I neatly stacked our large piles on the counter. We looked like two women with a serious shopping addiction. Abbey beat my total purchase by a mere hundred and ten dollars, and she was quite proud of herself. Chuckling, I rolled my eyes at her.
Once back at the car, it took some serious skills to fit all of our stuff in her sports car. As great as the Camaro was, it did not have much space, and it took us fifteen minutes to delicately arrange all our bags.
Abbey finally sat in the driver’s seat just as her cell phone rang. She answered on the second ring. “Hey, Gail! I was just about to call you. Lily and I are done shopping, and we’re ready to meet up for food and drinks.”
While she was on the phone, I put on my seat belt because I was quickly learning about her mad driving abilities.
“Sounds excellent! See you there in ten!” Abbey said before hanging up. She fired up the car and shifted in her seat to face me. “Gail and Kristen are carpooling together. They are going to meet us at Donovan’s Bar and Grill.”
“Great!” I smiled at her.
Abbey peeled out of the parking lot and turned onto the main road. I had a feeling that we would be there sooner than when she’d told Gail.
My eyes scanned all the vehicles as we turned into the jam-packed parking lot.
“Looks like a large crowd is here tonight,” Abbey said, voicing my thoughts.
“This place is packed,” I agreed.
“Maybe I can find a gorgeous hunk to take home,” Abbey said playfully as she parked
her car.
I tilted my head to see her face. I didn’t quite know her well enough to know if she was joking or serious.
Turning off the car, Abbey laughed and lifted an eyebrow in my direction. “Seriously, Lily, I’m totally joking.” She chuckled. “One-night stands are not my thing…most of the time…unless he’s really muscular and hot.”
I had to laugh. “Good to know,” I responded.
We grabbed our purses, stepped out of her Camaro, and shut the doors. A streetlamp illuminated the lot enough for me to see two gorgeous men pulling into the empty space next to us. I turned my attention back to Abbey as she locked her car and slipped her keys into her purse. Loud husky whistles filled the air, and Abbey and I instantly spun around to face the noise.
“That is one fine looking car with an even hotter driver,” a tall man with dark brown hair said. “I’d like to take you both for a spin.”
Abbey narrowed her eyes at him as I walked to her side.
“Dream on, buddy.” She smirked before bringing her gaze back to me. “Ready?”
“Yep,” I answered.
We both turned on our heels en route to the bar. My phone beeped in my purse. Taking it off my shoulder, I dug around, trying to find my cell, while we neared the doors of the building. Abbey spoke to the bouncer, who let us in without any delay.
“Hello?” I answered after finally locating my phone at the bottom of my purse.
“Hey, beautiful. Miss me?” Kyle said into my ear.
I followed Abbey inside. She found a table for four near the front windows. She gestured for me to sit, and then she went to the main bar where I assumed she was going to order drinks for us.
A loving smile spread across my face as I sat at the table. “Of course. How did your meeting go?”
“Long but excellent.” Kyle paused. “Jason, Damon, and I made an offer. After hashing out the details for a few hours, we came to an agreement,” he said.
I could hear the excitement in his voice.
“That’s wonderful news! I’m so happy for you!” I said with admiration. “Are you guys all still going out for drinks?”
