by Yvette Hines
“Ah.” I playfully swatted his arm and tried to look insulted.
“However, you’ve become a grade A consumer product analyst.” One of his hands moved to the side and lightly squeezed. “Speaking of that, congratulations on your promotion to division manager.”
“Thank you.” My heart swelled and I found myself flattered. With all the wedding planning and events with Ronnie, my promotion announcement had fallen flat. “You keep tabs on me?”
“It’s hard not to. Ronnie is very proud of you and he talks about your accomplishments often.” One hand glided up along my spine. I could feel the warmth of his hand between my bare shoulder blades in the diamond cut out at the back of the dress.
A frisson on heat raced down my spine and curled low in my stomach. “He does?”
“Yes.”
My chest was starting to feel tight and the urge to cry was welling up in me. I’d already been close to having tears fall once tonight, so I made light of the conversation to keep my bearing. “It’s because he and I are only two years apart and our other siblings were already stacking their 401Ks when we were growing up.”
He laughed. “Probably. With the five-year gap between Ronnie and your sister before him, you could say you and Ronnie are oops-baby one and two.”
“Exactly. My parents claim God knew they just needed a rest before the last two. I think they had forgotten what act got them the first four when Ronnie came along.”
“How did they end up with you?”
“Valentine’s Day and too much wine, my mother says.” I smiled.
His gaze lowered to my mouth, and began to darken.
My lips started to tingle and I refrained myself from licking them. For a moment, I was so caught up in the transitioning color in his eyes I forgot where we were and started leaning in toward him.
“Let’s cut some cake everyone!” The coordinator called out as the song came to a close.
Shocked that everything around me had faded to oblivion, I stepped back. I didn’t get far because of Travis’s hold on me.
His arms were slower to move and release me. When he did, he said, “Thanks for the dance.”
Agitated I smoothed my hands along the front of my dress. “Sure. Um, no problem. Anything for an old friend of my brother’s.”
He raised a single brow just a notch, barely noticeable, but I knew something I had said offended him. However, I didn’t want to analyze it, I needed to put some distance between us. Get back on my plan of snagging Patrick.
“Excuse me.” I rushed away. I passed another attendant with champagne. I grabbed a glass and drank liberally as I headed in the direction of the restroom.
I knew I was supposed to be with the wedding party and guests while Ronnie and Faith cut their cake, but I needed a moment by myself just now.
The restroom was empty when I got inside. Thankful, I walked to the sink and set my empty glass on the counter. Assessing myself in the mirror, I couldn’t believe the view staring back at me. My eyes looked luminous, filled with excitement that was accompanied by the flush of my face. My medium-brown skin had a cheery undertone to it. Evidence of the heat I felt pulsing in my face.
Pulling down a paper towel, I moistened it under the cool faucet water then patted my neck with it. I wanted to splash water on my face, but I didn’t’ want to ruin my make-up. That would bring questions from my family.
Looking down at the empty champagne glass, I knew the alcohol was the culprit for my unruly emotions and body reaction. I should never drink. When I was in high school and college, alcohol was responsible for most of my antics. I was a lightweight. One drink and I was game for anything crazy. Two beers and I was the ringleader.
Having budding feelings for Travis at my brother’s wedding was extremely crazy.
Staring at my own reflection, I demanded, “He’s just a friend. Hell, he’s like a brother to me.”
My body reminded me that the sensations streaming through me were not brotherly in nature.
“Damn it.” Squeezing my eyes shut, I forced myself to see Patrick Rockell’s face. Finally, once the man with the charming smile and carefree presence was in my mind, I felt more at ease. Patrick posed no threat to me. He didn’t really know me, rather the me I used to be. So, there was no risk. He would accept me at face value and never look any deeper.
Is that really what you want? My heart asked.
Giving myself a sharp nod, I knew Patrick was what I needed. What woman wanted to look into eyes, clear blue aquatic eyes, that knew all her sins? Not me.
Travis knew too much. He’d seen me at my worst, drunk and under the disapproving glare of my parents, too many times. Or worse, he’d seen me when I felt stupid and insecure as my dyslexia kept me from comprehending math formulas or geography facts. I’d easily fooled others outside of my family with my flamboyance and wild ways.
But Travis was too close.
Taking a deep breath that almost hurt, I exhaled hard and centered myself. I was letting my mind run out of control. Travis didn’t want anything from me. And, I certainly didn’t want anything more with him.
My resolve firm, I headed back out to the main ballroom of the hotel motivated anew to be in the arms of Patrick before the night was over. Once I was in his bed, things would naturally progress to something more—man and wife.
When I got back to the ballroom, my resolve to get Patrick was reaffirmed by the sight of my cousin shaking her backside practically in his face. A popular line dance was playing and Serita, I was sure, placed herself directly before Patrick. Boy was Serita working the moves. My cousin wasn’t even trying to be coy about it, she kept smiling and glancing over her shoulder to make sure she had Patrick’s attention. He sure was looking at the swaying ass.
Hell, almost every single man in the room had their gaze glued to Serita as she hopped and wobbled with the crowd to the music. I couldn’t fault my cousin for the attention she was getting, always got; she was stacked. Where God had given me legs, he’d given her curves in the hips and breasts area.
Serita wasn’t going to draw Patrick away from me when I’d been prepping him all day. Before Travis stepped in, Patrick was clay in my hands. I wasn’t going to sit back and do nothing. I’d have to figure something else out altogether.
My thoughts began running and clicking into place with a perfect plan. I just needed a cover. Seeing my aunt leaving the dance floor fanning herself as another line dance started, I went to her.
Taking my Aunt Renee’s arm, I steered her to the back hallway of the ballroom.
“Why are we going out here?”
“Shh.” I dragged her a little further away so no one could overhear us and whispered, “Aunt Renee, I need you to make my excuses.”
Giving me a side look, she asked, “For what, Kamari? What are you up to?”
“Nothing…much.” I tried to keep my face a neutral mask so she wouldn’t pick up on anything.
“Hm. Don’t try to look innocent. I don’t believe that for a minute. Just be careful and don’t get yourself into something you can’t get out of,” she warned, her gaze filled with concern.
“I won’t, auntie. If anyone asks, just tell them I wasn’t feeling well.” It wasn’t a complete lie; seeing Serita and Patrick on the dance floor had made me ill.
Aunt Renee’s features tightened with worry and she looked me up and down. “Are you all right?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll see everyone at the farewell breakfast in the morning.” I kissed her on the cheek and walked away before my aunt could ask any more questions.
I knew the dancing would continue for at least another hour or so. My brother and Faith wouldn’t leave tonight; instead they were booked for a night in the presidential suite of the hotel. Tomorrow we would see them one last time before their honeymoon vacation. The farewell breakfast was tradition in our family; only family and close friends would be there.
I continued down the back hall until I reached the service elevator. I was thankful
it was empty. After riding it up to my floor, I went to my room and snagged my gift basket off the dresser that Ronnie and Faith had placed in the wedding party members’ rooms. Rushing out again, I went to the same elevator and took it back to the lobby.
I followed the hallway around until it took me the long way to the front desk. My heart was racing and I tossed up a quick prayer that I wouldn’t see anyone from the wedding. Angel’s must have been smiling down on me because the clerk from earlier that day was on the desk alone. The woman was new and earlier she’d made more than a few mistakes. I felt a little guilty for using the woman’s ineptitude against her, but nothing was fair in love and war.
“Hi, Chrissy, right?” I smiled broadly and plopped the basket onto the counter.
“Yes.” She beamed a smile back at me.
“I hope your day is going well, not too hectic.”
The clerk sighed, her smile faltering a little. “Not too bad. But gracious, I wish I realized how difficult it was to keep so much straight and all the systems they use here.”
“Different than your old job?” Make small talk, Kamari, don’t rush her.
“I worked in Savannah at my grandparents’ bed and breakfast. We just kept things in a book.” Chrissy bit down on the side of her lip and glanced at the computer, anxiety tightening the corner of her eyes and mouth.
“A lot simpler I’m sure.” Time to reel this in. “Sorry to add more on your plate, but earlier we placed baskets in everyone’s room. But, one of the groomsmen got left out. The groom is my brother and he was just shattered that one of his guys didn’t get their gift.”
“Oh, no.”
I heard a few male voices and laughter. Now I was worried. Glancing over, I saw the groomsmen conversing with my brother in the hall. Most likely plotting some silliness to perform for the bride and guests. If any of them looked this way, I’d be caught. Oh, hell.
“I need the key to his room to put the basket there. The groomsman’s name is Patrick Rockell. My brother turned in a list for their room assignments when he paid.”
“Um…I don’t know.”Chrissy scratched her head and looked around as if she were hoping another attendant or even the manager would come help her.
No one else was around. I knew that the others, more experienced staff, would just take the basket from me and put it there themselves. I couldn’t have that. Especially since some of the items had my name engraved on them; like the other party members.
“Please don’t make me disappoint my big brother. It was my responsibility and I messed up.” I dropped my tone and hoped my face looked penitent enough.
“I can understand that.” She bit her nail. “There were just so many of them.”
“This guy you would have recalled, he’s very attractive. Matter fact, if you look to the right, you will see a group of guys in a circle, he’s towards the left of the groom.”
Sure enough, like every woman, unable to resist seeing a good looking man, Chrissy leaned over the counter and stared down the corridor. “He is hot.”
“I know right?”
“Oh, yea. Is he single? He was so nice when he checked in this morning. Not like the others who got a little impatient with me.”
Back off girl. I’m already having to deal with my cousin, I don’t need any other woman circling around him looking for a fresh kill. I cleared my throat. “Not sure.”
“What was his name— Never mind.” Chrissy ran her finger down a paper on the other side of the desk. “I’ll never forget him.” Chrissy started typing.
I figured it was the room assignment list. That was a bit of a mess. Since Ronnie was paying for all the rooms, the hotel was supposed to pre-load the names. But Chrissy had been assigned the task and it didn’t go through smoothly at all.
Finally, the clerk pulled a card out of her drawer and swiped it into her coding machine and handed it to me. “Now, I’m going to need this back.”
Clutching the key to my chest in relief, I nodded. “You got it. I’ll bring it right back down.”
I moved away quickly. The main elevator was a lot closer so I risked the chance of taking it.
A crowd of other hotel guests joined me, but thankfully no one I knew. Instead of going to Patrick’s room, I headed back to mine. After I placed the basket back in its original spot, I checked my purse to make sure I had the spare key for my room.
I placed Patrick’s key on my nightstand then went back down to the reception desk. Telling Chrissy thank you, I handed her my key and watched as she tossed it into a drawer with others.
I could hear the music in the ballroom and everyone laughing and having a good time. As I returned to the elevator, I felt a little guilty about not being with my brother on his special day. But, I’d been there for all the important parts so technically my bridesmaid’s duties were complete.
Back in my room, I got out of my dress, headed to the shower, and started to plan my big move.
~YH~
It was fifteen minutes past midnight when I used the keycard to Patrick’s room. The reception ended at ten, I figured most of them would have been hanging around for a little longer. By now, the men either were talking old times or had returned to their rooms.
I knew it was a risk to go in blind, but some risks were worth it. Once I was inside, I was surrounded by mostly darkness. The only light was a slim glow coming from the bathroom. The door was cracked and I could see in the mirror that it was empty. I smiled to myself; it would have been nice to catch him in the shower, I would have stripped out of my clothes and joined him.
Tiptoeing down the short hall, I moved past the small sitting area to the bedroom. There was a sliver of moonlight coming through the blinds that allowed me to see the form beneath the covers. I had thought to be in his bed when he came in, but seeing that he was already there was even better.
I could tell that there was only one body in the bed. Letting out a soft sigh, thankful that he hadn’t brought Serita to his room to show him her dancing moves in a horizontal fashion, I undressed.
Moving back to the sitting room, I set my t-shirt, jean miniskirt and panties on the small couch. Taking a deep breath, I crept back to the bed, and slipped under the covers.
He let out a heavy breath and rolled to his back.
I froze. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to be caught; I was nervous. Of all the wild things I had done, I’d never snuck into a man’s room before. The list of men I’d actually been with was short—two.
When he stilled again, I gently pulled the covers down his body. I wish I could see more than the shadow of him. Now that he’d turned, even the sliver of moonlight that was hitting the lump of covers didn’t illuminate anything.
Lowering myself down the bed, I began to lay kisses along his chest and abdomen. Feeling all those sculpted muscles beneath my lips had heat filling my body. He smelled of fresh citrus like the hotel soap. My hand slipped up his thigh searching for the part of him I desired most, after his heart that is.
I was thrilled to discover he slept in the nude.
Taking hold of his cock, I felt it leap against my palm.
“What…who?” Startled awake, his voice was rough, groggy, and so low I could barely make out his words.
“Shh…” I placed my other hand in the center of his chest to keep him in place. “Lie back and let me please you,” I whispered.
“Kamari.” His body relaxed as he placed a hand on my back and slid it up to cup my face.
I enjoyed hearing him whisper my name. Even though he could not see me, it was my name he called out. I had been on his mind and apparently he desired me as much as I did him. Were you dreaming about me?
For a moment, I wished I had stayed down at the last hour of the reception and had the opportunity of him inviting me up to his room or him posing the question of coming to mine. There was a little disappointment in the fact that I’d cheated myself out of that seductive courting time.
However, the disappointment faded quickly as my hand sq
ueezed and pumped his thick, hard, impressive cock. I slid my finger up the thick vein running the length of his shaft. I shivered with a combination of apprehension and excitement at the realization that all of it would soon be inside me—stretching me to accommodate his size.
I nuzzled against him, taking in his warm scent, and allowed the anticipation of me putting my mouth on him to build for both of us. Here the bottle fragrance of the hotel was dominated by a more male musk, his scent. It was familiar to me and as I continued to inhale for a long moment, it pushed away any anxiety of the moment and surrounded me with comfort and a need so strong I could hardly breathe.
Exhaling slowly, I blew along the tightened skin of his cock and enjoyed the tremors running through his body. Wanting to taste him, imprint his flavor within me, I swirled my tongue around the crown, concentrated on the sensitive areas.
He groaned and buried his fingers in my hair. Not urging me on, but simply palming the back of my neck.
Motivated, I continued. I took him between my lips, making his length nice and wet as I pleasured him.
“Oh, Kamari… That feels so good, love.”
Love. I liked the sound of that. Hearing something so intimate and close to ‘I love you’ spurred me on. Who knows, maybe I’d lucked up and met a man that believed in love at first sight. Patrick and I had only met a handful of times in the past at various parties Ronnie put on. Could Patrick have had feelings for me this whole time?
Unsure of how I felt about that, I figured it was better for me to remain focused on the task at hand. Bearing down, I took as much of him as I could manage into my mouth and drew on his cock; licking and sucking.
“Oh, shit…” he groaned.
His hold in my hair became more firm, not forcing me to take more, just clutching me as if he need to balance himself against the intense pleasure I could only hope I was giving him. I wasn’t an expert in the act, had only performed it a few times on the men I had dated. However, I doubt when a man was awoken by oral sex they were very picky.
I continued, putting all my knowledge and skills to work; showing him I was eager to please him.
His body was drawn tight; the muscles in his abs and thighs were hard as granite. “Love, I’m going to come.”
