Placing my feet back on the floor, I rest my elbows on my knees while watching the lake at the back of the house. “Sarah keeps texting me. Thought I might ask her out. She turns twenty-one soon so she won’t be underage if I take her over to the bar for beer and fries.”
Phoenix chokes on his beer. “Are you fuckin’ with me? Because I’m telling you if you go anywhere near Sarah, you’ll break Mara’s heart.”
My eyes snap back to him.
“I might only have eyes for Thalia, but it doesn’t make me blind and that young babe has you on her mind. Don’t screw with her feelings by asking Sarah out when you’re not really interested in her. Reece really will be pissed if you do that.”
Sighing, I say, “Reece will be pissed regardless of which sister I have my eyes on.” I sit back and close my eyes with my head resting against the chair. “Mara would be more than a one night stand. I can’t explain it, but she’s under me.”
He spits his beer out. “You wish,” he says in choked laughter.
“What’s up with him,” Reece nods in Phoenix’s direction while taking a beer. I jump and hope that Reece hadn’t heard any of our conversation as he came around the house.
“Went down the wrong way.” I’m sure as hell not telling him we were discussing his sisters—not ready for that conversation yet…or ever!
“Thought you were taking your girl out,” I comment, knocking more beer back.
“She’s doing some girly shit with Thalia.”
“Yeah, Thalia said something about going and getting waxed.” Phoenix wiggles his eyebrows. “Love my girl naked, if you know what I mean.” He grins. “I think Mara’s tagged along as well.”
I try not to react to Phoenix’s comment, but I catch the glare Reece throws in my direction before looking back to Phoenix. “Can we leave my sister and waxing outta this conversation?” He shudders.
Mara hair free isn’t something I want to think about while sitting out here with my two best friends. In the past, getting aroused in front of them would never bother me, but letting them see me hard while talking about Mara wouldn’t go down too well with Reece—forever, the protective brother.
Changing the subject, I ask, “So, you ready to have a wife?”
“Wife,” Phoenix moans resting his head back against the chair. “I’ve been ready from the day I met her.” He looks me in the eyes. “When you meet the girl you’re meant to spend the rest of your life with, you just want that wedding ring on her finger so every other fucker knows she’s spoken for. Won’t stop some, but the majority will take a step back. So yes, I’m ready to have a wife. To love, honor and cherish her till death do us part.”
Listening to Phoenix speak from the heart has left me speechless. Phoenix is never vocal about his feelings for Thalia. Then again she’s usually with him and no words are usually needed to describe how he feels about her because they’re usually written all over his face.
“I think I’m gonna get Callie to marry me as well.”
“Didn’t you already ask her to marry you?”
“Donovan, don’t be a dick. I meant I’m going to get her to marry me on the weekend when Phoenix and Thalia tie the knot,” he grins.
I glance at Phoenix and see the same shock on his face that I’m sure is on mine. “You serious?”
“The more I think about it, the more I’m liking the idea that Phoenix put into my head. But you don’t think Thalia would mind sharing her day with Callie and me.”
“Are you friggin’ kidding. They’re best friends, plus Thalia may have mentioned it once or twice.” He grins.
Both my friends getting married. Wow. I’m not too sure how this makes me feel. I’m obviously happy for them, but both married while I don’t even have anyone special in my life. I have someone special in my life though—Mara.
Shaking myself out of the gloom I feel myself sinking into again, I grab another beer and find myself agreeing to be best man for Reece. Something I’m not sure they’ve thought about, and I can’t believe I am, is a dress for Callie.
“I hate to burst your bubble, but what is Callie going to wear. She hasn’t exactly had much time to get a dress and all the under-things they wear.”
“You leave Callie’s under-things out of your head.”
“And don’t even start on Thalia’s under-things. Concentrate on,” he pauses mid-speech. With a quick look from me to Reece, who tightens his hand on his bottle of beer, Phoenix carries on, “um, well, whoever.” He cringes at his lame cover up. Unfortunately, I’m not sure it sailed passed Reece.
“I’m going to go and find Callie. We have a lot to talk about.” He places his empty bottle on the table and nods at Phoenix before turning and standing in front of me. “You’re one of my best friends. You’re like a brother, which is why I’m going to say this nicely. Please stay away from Mara.” And with that he’s gone into the night.
“That went well,” Phoenix comments.
“Yeah.”
Sighing, I try to relax but I can’t settle knowing how my best friend feels about me being with the girl I want with all my heart and soul.
If I hadn’t been drinking, I’d go for a run, but the slightest bit of alcohol on my stomach usually knocks me sick when I’m running. I need something though, which is when I remember about the bag hanging in the basement. It’s been a while since I’ve ventured downstairs, but right now I need to let off some steam before I explode.
Looking back to Phoenix, he’s watching me with an expression I can’t decipher.
“You’ve never been like this before,” he observes. Placing his bottle on the table, he stands and walks over to me. “If it’s meant to be then it’ll work it’s self out.” He thumps me on the shoulder before jumping off the porch and heads to his car. “See you tomorrow…tux fitting,” he shouts over his shoulder and then he’s gone.
I groan.
The thought of wearing a tux does nothing but causes my toes to curl. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind dressing up some but being confined in a tux all day isn’t something I’d do for anyone other than a brother.
With a last glance across the lake to the houses lit up on the other side, I grab the empties and toss them into the trash. Grabbing the remaining bottle, I shove it in my fridge on the way through to the basement to work through my frustrations.
Chapter Seven
Mara
Biting my lip to keep my mouth shut is really starting to hurt. Not only is the woman who is pinning me into the dress I’m supposed to wear for the rehearsal dinner—when it’s finalized—using me as a pin cushion, but my sister Sarah is whispering to our oldest sister, Amanda about a plan to get Donovan to notice her. Over my dead body! He’s mine. He just needs to get over the age difference. I know he isn’t immune to me. Now we’re home, I’m going to make sure our paths cross more and more.
“Ouch.”
“I’m sorry, Mara, but you need to stay still.”
Ugh! I haven’t even moved, and she’s been pinning me for over thirty minutes now—first my bridesmaid dress and now this one.
Deciding for my own peace of mind to ignore Sarah, I glance into the mirror and find myself speechless. This morning I’d over slept after my evening out, and I’d just piled my hair up on the top of my head, but, looking back at myself now I look sexy.
The dark wine dress is made of silk, which falls over my curves perfectly. The silk is thin, which prevents me from wearing a bra and makes me feel uncomfortable. My breasts are more on the large side, although firm and perky so going without a bra isn’t a problem, but it isn’t something that I do. To make the dress look good though, I’m going to have to this time. At least my lacy thong isn’t showing so I don’t have to go completely naked beneath the cool fabric.
“Okay, Mara. You’ll do. Do you want to go and change while I sort Sarah’s dress out? Just mind the pins.”
Without answering as she’s already moved on to Sarah, I head back into the unisex changing rooms. Each stall is
a large room to allow maneuvering when trying on wedding dresses, which is what Callie and Thalia are doing right now. Thalia already has her dress, but she’s helping Callie who is beside herself with Reece asking her to get married this weekend with Phoenix and Thalia.
I’m really happy for my big brother and I love Callie. She’s so good for him.
Before entering the stall where I’ve left my clothes, I stand in front of the mirror again unable to get how I look out of my head. Really taking notice of myself like this isn’t something that I tend to do. I like dressing up, but prefer jeans and shirts.
“Beautiful,” I hear from behind me.
Looking up, my eyes meet Donovan’s through the mirror. He’s standing not too far behind me in a tux and he takes my breath away.
I turn. “Handsome,” I counter as I feel his eyes caressing me.
Donovan walks closer and stands directly in front of me. Brushing a piece of hair behind my ear, I tingle when his fingers touch my lobe. My nipples have started to throb with his closeness and his touch. All he has to do is look down and he’ll know my body wants him. If he looks into my eyes he’ll know how much my heart wants him. I’m not hiding anything from him again. My want of him is clear as day. He can see it easily if he so chooses.
He reaches out and caresses my lily tattoo on my shoulder with his finger, bringing me out in goose bumps. And yeah, he notices my arousal. His eyes widen before meeting my gaze. His eyes are now filled with lust, and something more…
“Mara,” he whispers, his voice husky. “This is wrong,” he says as his face is coming closer and closer to mine.
Anticipating his kiss, my heart thuds in my chest as my female parts sit up and take notice that I’m about to experience my first real kiss from Donovan, but at the last minute he drops his mouth to my neck. His hands land on my hips as he brings me closer to him so I’m in no doubt about how much he wants me.
He keeps his face buried in the crook of my neck where it meets my shoulder. His mouth opens and I briefly feel his tongue against me as his hands tighten on my hips. Then he starts placing kisses along my shoulder.
My fingers slide through his hair, holding him to me as I feel his cock surge against me through our clothing. I should be frightened feeling how big he is, but I’m not—I’m excited.
Before I’m ready, I feel him pulling back—reining in his passion for me. He keeps his mouth and hands on me, but pulls me into him for a hug. One of his hands slides up my spine to cup my neck, as his other hand holds my head against him. He kisses me on the top of my head and just breathes.
I’ve never been held like this before. If he completely pushes me away right now, I’m not sure I’m going to handle it well. He’s making me feel cherished.
“What are you doing after this?”
Is he going to ask me to spend time with him? Only one-way to find out so I reply, “I don’t have anything planned.”
“Can you meet me at my place in an hour?” he mumbles into my hair.
“Yes.”
Then he slowly starts stepping away from me—reluctantly, before he wraps my hand in his.
“I’ll see you in an hour.” He kisses my hand before letting me go completely. “Wear jeans and sneakers or something secure on your feet.” He blows me a kiss and walks into one of the stalls.
I quickly turn and push into the one I’m using. Locking the door, I turn and rest my back against it with my hand going to my heart. If I hadn’t already lost my heart to him, I would have now.
My pulse is frantic—I’m finding it difficult to breathe. I’ve longed for him to look at me the way he just did—to have him hold me in his arms without it being sexual. I know we were both aroused, but the embrace said more to me than words. There isn’t any way that Sarah will affect him the way I think that I do. My only hope is that, in the long run, she won’t be a bitch over Donovan.
Out of all my sisters, she’s the one that I don’t get on with that well. We can usually put up with each other for short lengths of time, but days on end we’d probably murder each other. Despite the fact that we can’t always get along, she’s still my sister and I love her.
Sighing, I struggle out of the dress with only a few scratches from the pins. Hanging it up, I quickly dress with my heart full of excitement as I wonder what he has planned for us this afternoon. I also can’t help wondering why he’s decided to willingly spend time with me.
“Mara, what are you doing in there?”
I roll my eyes hearing Amanda—if I’m close to any of my sisters then it’s Amanda. My younger sisters piss me off—always pinching my things and wearing my clothes. At least, they did wear my clothes until my hips got more of a curve and my chest expanded. Basically my body saved my wardrobe.
“I’m ready,” I call slipping my feet into my boots.
Grabbing my phone, I pluck the dress from the rack and take it out to the show room to put it on the rack with the dresses for the rehearsal dinner. This is just too weird—two weddings together. Two best friends marrying best friends. Cute.
Seeing Callie with a dreamy look on her face, I go over and hug her. “How you doing?”
She laughs. “I think I’m still in shock. But I’m really happy Mara. I’m happier than I’ve ever been. Your brother is one of the good guys, and I can’t wait to be his wife.”
“You’re good for him.” I smile.
“And what about you Mara? Are you happy?” she asks tilting her head to the side as she watches me, waiting for my answer.
“I’m happy.” I’m actually giddy with excitement, which is becoming difficult to conceal.
“Hmm. Just be careful,” she covers my mouth with her hand, “with him. I know Mara. I caught what happened not too long ago in there.” She smiles. “Shit, you both got me all hot and bothered. How long has this been going on?”
“There isn’t anything going on. At least not yet, and don’t worry I’m conscience of Reece’s feelings on the subject—all the time.”
She chuckles.
“Just be careful and watch your back,” she whispers as Sarah and Amanda join us. “I’ll catch you in a bit.”
“Okay.”
“What were you two whispering about?” Amanda asks, while Sarah watches me with distrust clear in her eyes.
“Weddings.” I start to edge toward the door. “I’ll see y’all later.”
Quickly walking to the new Starbucks’ store that opened about six months ago, I feel their eyes on me. And then laugh out loud at how absurd I’m being. I can feel them watching me after my hasty departure, but there isn’t anything sinister going on. God, I read too many books.
Chapter Eight
Donovan
I’m not sure what I’m doing right now. Seeing Mara looking so beautiful in her dress did something to me. I’ve never seen anyone as beautiful and I knew I needed to see where this thing between us is going. Reece is going to be a problem, but for now, we can keep it quiet, and just enjoy our day together. At least I hope that’s what we can do, or rather, I hope that’s what she wants to do.
I hadn’t missed the looks Sarah was throwing in my direction as I excused myself from the store earlier. No sooner had I pulled up back here than I had a text message from her asking about my plans for the rest of the day. I decided to ignore her. Constantly replying is keeping her texting me, which I can do without.
Hearing footsteps, I stick my head out of the window and smile as I watch Mara walk towards me, unaware she’s being watched. She’s beautiful with a head of thick dark curls, which are bouncing as she walks. Having my hands tangled in the silken strands back at the store was heaven and hell. I really didn’t want to leave her or rather I wanted to drag her back into the stall with me to see what she was wearing beneath the dress. It had become obvious that she wasn’t wearing a bra as I remember her nipples pushing, large and prominent, against the thin fabric of her dress. As she gets closer, I rearrange my dick to a more comfortable position and try to get my brain
focused on something other than Mara’s delicious body.
I’m not too sure what I want to spend the day doing that involves keeping our clothes on, but when she was in my arms, I knew that I had to have her close again.
I’m so messed up about her…I’m even worried about the state of my house. I’ve spent the past hour making sure my house is tidy and that I haven’t left any dirty laundry lying around—first impressions and all that. Mara’s been inside my home more times than I can count, but this is the first time I’ve invited her here to spend time with me.
Inhaling, I run to the back porch just in time to watch her walk up the steps. When she spots me, her whole face lights up.
“Hi,” she says, looking shy. “Um, Donovan.”
“Shit. Sorry. You’re…here.” My befuddled brain is refusing to work and instead of acting cool, I’m acting like an idiot. “C’mon in.” I hold the door open for her and catch a hint of her strawberry scent as she passes me. “Can I get you a cold drink,” I ask over my shoulder as I walk into the kitchen space.
“That would be good. You’ve kept the place up. It’s just as it always was.”
As she takes the drink I pass to her, I shove my hands into the back of the jeans so I don’t reach for her. “It’s the same, but no baking smells…Let’s go out on the porch.”
Mara sits in the chair Phoenix has a habit of using, before kicking off her boots and curling her feet underneath her. What I wouldn’t give to have the right to go to her, pick her up from the chair and sit in it myself before settling her in my lap.
“You’re staring.”
I drop into my seat and grin at her. “I was. I can’t stop.”
She returns my grin. “I don’t mind, really. So what do you have planned?”
Sitting forward with my arms resting on my knees, I chuckle and admit, “I don’t really have any plans. I thought we could get my bike out and go for a ride, but I’m not sure where. To be honest, I just want to spend some time with you.” I watch her through half-lidded eyes and her eyes glow back at me. She likes hearing that.
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