Curves Ahead: a romantic suspense novel

by Andi Jaxon

  “I had a friend at Cal Poly that was from England. She was the great British arsehole. I loved her dearly.”

  Shaking my head, I get my crap out of my pocket and go rinse my arm off. “Of course, you did.” Drying my hand, I step out toward the door. “There’s ibuprofen on the bedside table by the way, better take it and run.”

  With a smile on my face, a white sheet wrapped around my waist, and my stuff in my hand, I head to my room to get dressed, grab some coffee, then head to my brother’s room. Today is the day.

  I’m so happy for Alister and Ben, truly, I am, but I’m jealous as hell. I don’t have time for a relationship right now, I’m busy taking care of my neighborhood. Plus, no woman compares to Mom. She’s the most amazing woman I have ever met. She’s selfless, welcoming, easy to talk too, a fantastic cook, and doesn’t put up with my shit.

  Shaking my head, I open the door to my room, flip the lights on and bee line for the coffee maker. It’ll be terrible coffee but oh well. I get it set up and turned on then jump in the shower while it brews.

  With my cup in hand, I shave and get dressed. I can only imagine how Kristen is doing right now, getting hair and make-up done while dry heaving. The bar should have cut her off a lot earlier, though having her wrapped around me all night wasn’t so bad.

  Dress shoes on, tux pants on, and my shirt buttoned to my chest, I grab the rest of my tux and head to Alister’s room. It’s just a few doors down from my room, so I can’t help but wonder if he or Ben heard the ruckus Kristen made last night.

  Knocking on the door, Dad opens it with pride beaming. Dad was never one to get emotional growing up, but when he does it, you know it’s a big deal. His smile is infectious when he pulls me in for a hug. “I’m so proud of the men you two have become.”

  “We had a great role model, Pops.”

  Kristen

  IN BEN’S ROOM GETTING primped and pampered, I’m finally starting to feel human again. It took ibuprofen, coffee, and some toast, but I no longer feel like throwing up my toenails and the pounding in my head has calmed to a dull roar. I got a shower, put on fancy under things, and am now sitting in a satin robe getting my hair and makeup done.

  Every five seconds or so, I have to force myself to stop thinking about Alex and what might have happened last night. With all the drinking, my body is in a tizzy, places are sore that I’m not use too but I’m pretty sure I didn’t have sex with him. Mostly sure. I think. FUCK.

  “I’m going to guess you didn’t get laid last night because you wouldn’t be this tense if you had.” Ben, always a fountain of wisdom.

  “No one asked you.”

  “You don’t have to ask, being my best friend means you get my opinions whether you want them or not.” I don’t have to look at him to know he’s smiling at me.

  “I did not have sex with Alexander,” it almost sounds like I’m convinced of that.

  “If he’s anything like Alister, you’ll be ruined for anyone else.”

  “How the hell would you know? Alister is the only one you’ve been with!”

  “And I can’t imagine anyone being as good as he is. He reads me like a book, Kris. Like a damn book.”

  The makeup artist snorts but keeps working, not hiding her smile very well. “You are welcome to chime in,” I tell her.

  “I have nothing to add, just enjoying the conversation.”

  A knock on the door interrupts us and Ben gets up to answer it. Watching him move, I can see how he’s changed. He’s filled out, gained some weight and muscle mass. He’s got some confidence in his stride that Alister put there. I love Alister for everything he’s done for Ben, he saved my best friends life in more ways than one, and in ways I was never able too. The dark blue tux looks amazing on him, fitted to his frame, his hair slicked back a bit so it’s out of his face. He’s a damn knock out, and when he smiles, he’s breathtaking.

  The door opens and the devil himself steps in. My hackles instantly rise, I don’t know what it is about him that gets to me, but he rubs me the wrong way.

  “It’s almost time, you about ready?”

  “I’ve been ready for this my entire life.” Alex smiles at Ben and gives him a hug, patting his back in a true bro hug kind of way.

  The makeup artist in front of me puts on my finishing spray and steps back. “All done, what do you think?”

  Looking at my reflection in the mirror, I see a lie. The girl looking back at me is beautiful, the daughter my parents wanted. Prim, proper, a good little girl who does what she’s told, and loves to be a socialite. But it’s not me.

  Forcing a smile, I thank her and stand but bump into a hard chest. Alex’s arm snakes around my waist and pulls me closer, steadying me. “You’re stunning,” his eyebrows furrowed over his eyes like he can’t believe it. Being this close to him, smelling his body wash and cologne is fogging my brain, and sending tingles straight to my core.

  Annoyed with my reaction to him, I roll my eyes and pat his cheek as if he were a child. “Nice to know I normally look like a gremlin. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to finish dressing.”

  Before I can step away from him, he has my wrist in his hand and held behind my back, forcing me to arch into him. With the movement, my robe has opened to expose cleavage and the lace edge of my strapless bra. Alex’s eyes hone in on the exposed skin and he grows hard against me.

  My free hand comes up to slap him, anything to get him away from me, but yet again he captures my wrist and brings it behind my back to be held with the other one. I’m completely at his mercy and I hate that it’s turning me on. I hate him for turning me on, making my skin flush, and for making me feel so damn weak. I’m losing the fight against my body, my heart pounding so hard I’m sure he can hear it.

  His head lowers toward my breast and I think he’s going to kiss my skin, but just as his lips could make contact, he stops, and his eyes meet mine. The bastard smirks. My body is rioting against me, desperate to feel everything he will give me and he fucking smirks.

  Through clenched teeth, I’m able to force words out. “Get your hands off me.”

  With a wink, he lets go of my hands and moves back toward the door. “Ten minutes, better get dressed fast,” then he’s gone.

  Rage has me shaking. Angry at myself for wanting him, angry at him for making me want things I shouldn’t. I refuse to be played with like a toy for his amusement.

  Once the door closes, I realize how quiet it is and look around; both Ben and the makeup artist are staring at me, mouths hanging open.

  “I don’t even like girls and that was the hottest thing I’ve ever witnessed.”

  “Fuck off!” I scream, fists clenched as I march to the bathroom and slam the door. I never should have allowed him to get so close to me, last night is just messing with my brain. It’s a side effect of all the alcohol and catching him having sex with some girl on a bench. I do NOT want Alexander Bennet. Resident pig and playboy extraordinaire. A sly smirk lifts one corner of my mouth, but maybe I can play with him just a bit too.

  The satin robe slides down my arms and I hang it on the towel hook behind the door and unzip the bag protecting my dress. It’s a beautiful dress which has been altered to fit me like a second skin. The bodice is navy blue satin with lace over the top, over one shoulder and down to my wrist while my other arm and shoulder are left bare. The satin skirt goes to the floor with a slit stopping just above mid-thigh. The skirt has enough fabric for it to twirl around my legs while I walk, dance, or in a breeze. It’s fitted from my wrist to hip where the skirt bells out. It’s gorgeous and sets off my light blonde hair and blue eyes.

  My hair being swept up off my neck into a French twist with a few stray curls is perfect. Stepping into my nude heels, I check my reflection and see the lace band of my thigh highs playing peek a boo with the slit of the dress. Perfection. I can’t wait to see the look on Alex’s face when he sees me and knows he can’t have me.

  ***

  The hotel has a small garden overloo
king the Puget Sound, and on a cloudless day, the mountain range beyond it. It’s a beautiful June day with a light breeze coming off the water to keep us from getting too hot. The garden has been made up for a wedding and luckily, has a brick path so my heels won’t sink in the grass. Blush pink and white garden roses fill the air with a sweet scent, and blue hydrangeas bring a pop of color to the otherwise sea of green around us.

  It’s a small space but that’s okay, it’s a small wedding. Most of the people here are for Alister but Ben has who he needs, the people that got him through the hardest times; me, Trish, and Jason. Trish and Jason even closed the pool hall today, just so they could be here. Though, I only met them a few weeks ago, I can see how much they love Ben. They told me about a few of the times Ben would stay with them, it broke my heart to hear, but I love them for taking a chance that first time and showing him kindness.

  A few stragglers find their seats and the music starts, Jane and David walk down the aisle first, hand in hand like lovesick teenagers. Tears spring to my eyes, my hand over my heart, rubbing the ache that’s started. I hope I can find a love like that someday.

  Alex appears next to me suddenly, my jaw clenches and my teeth grind. The tears that were ready to fall are gone, and my back is straight as a board.

  “God damn, Gorgeous, you nearly gave me a heart attack.”

  Forcing myself to take a deep breath through my nose and out my lips. I face forward, our cue coming up. “Pity it didn’t work.”

  “If you need any help getting out of that dress later, you just let me know. I would be more than happy to assist you.” His eyes traveling up my body feel as intimate as a caress, my cheeks heat at the desire clear in his gaze. I hate the butterflies in my stomach and the ache that forms between my thighs at the thought of his hands on my skin. He’s such a douche.

  “I would rather light myself on fire,” the deadpan tone along with the sarcasm has him laughing. I hate that too. I hate that he finds it entertaining to fuck with me. Despite my quick comebacks and scathing retorts, he keeps coming back for more.

  Our cue sounds and I grab his arm, pulling him with me since he doesn’t appear to be paying attention.

  “If I knew you were that desperate to get me down the aisle, I would have walked faster,” he whispers so only I can hear him.

  “You’re an incorrigible bastard,” I hiss back.

  “Hey, I am not a bastard, my parents were married when I was conceived.”

  “I swear, the first chance I get, I’m going to break your nose.”

  “Oh yeah? You want to feel the cold steel of my cuffs around your wrists and be completely at my mercy? I can definitely make that happen, baby cakes.”

  At the altar, I look directly into his eyes. “Pig.”

  Of course, the microphone in front of the minister picks it up and blasts it through the speakers. Alex laughs, holding his stomach and steps back to stand behind Alister. Luckily, Alister is smiling and trying not to laugh.

  I mouth ‘sorry’ to him and take my spot beside Ben’s just as the music changes. Everyone stands and turns to watch Ben coming down the aisle, Trish and Jason on either side of him. Tears gather in my eyes at the look Ben and Alister are exchanging. So much love passing between and once again I’m grateful for Alister helping my best friend when he wouldn’t let me.

  The trio get to the alter, Trish kisses his cheek and whispers something to him, then with tears falling down her cheeks, steps back for Jason to give him a big hug. They sit down in the front row, holding hands and sniffling back tears.

  Ben looks at me, tears now rolling shamelessly down my face, and reaches his hand out toward me. I don’t hesitate to grip his fingers with mine and hold tight. Everything about him has changed in the last year. He’s happy. I always wished it would happen, but I never knew what it would look like. He glows. Contentment pours from every cell in his body. When you look at him, you know in an instant that he’s found the one.

  We stand holding hands for a second, just watching each other in this momentous moment, then he turns and steps up to the alter and reaches for Alister’s hands.

  The sun is shining, a cool breeze making the small curls around my face dance, and my best friend is marrying the man of his dreams. Today is perfect.

  The minister delivers his speech about love, acceptance, and family, they repeat their vows, exchange rings, and kiss. From start to finish, everything was exactly the way it should have been. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much.

  Until I feel someone’s eyes on me. Alex.

  Alister and Ben take off down the aisle toward the reception area, and Alex offers me his arm.

  “We probably have to do pictures before we eat, right?”

  “That’s correct. You can’t be trusted not to wear your food.” I just want to get away from him. I want a moment to process.

  He chuckles. “Less chance of me drooling on my shirt, that’s for sure.”

  “You really are an animal. Like a dog with his dick hanging out.”

  “Well, you didn’t seem to have any complaints about my dick last night.”

  My cheeks redden with embarrassment and frustration. “I did not have sex with you last night.”

  “Who are you trying to convince? Me or you?”

  Jerking my hand off his arm, I spin and face him. “Let me tell you something, mister man. Even drunk and horny, I wouldn’t have fucked you. You are nothing but a teenage boy trying to get his dick wet with whatever chick will let him hump her for the twelve seconds it takes you to finish. I, for one, have higher standards and more respect for myself than that.”

  Before he can respond, I head toward Ben. In this moment, I need a hug from my best friend. I don’t care that he’s standing hand in hand with Alister, talking to the photographer, I march up to him and fling my arms around him.

  “Hey, are you okay? Are you crying?” Ben’s free arm comes up to wrap around me and holds me tight.

  “I’m just so happy for you,” I sniffle, readjusting myself. With my heels on, my forehead can lean against his jaw, both arms wrapped around his back. Tears are still rolling down my cheek, both from seeing him happy and frustration with Alex. Everything about him jumbles me up and I can’t stand it.

  Ben’s arm is over my shoulder, leaving his hand to rest on my hip. From an outsider, it probably looks like we’re lovers but since I’m so damn short, this is how we hug most of the time.

  “I love you, Ben. I’m so fucking happy for you.” I hear the click of the camera and open my eyes to see him taking our picture. Behind the photographer, Alex and Alister are having some kind of secret conversation in hushed tones. I don’t trust that for a second.

  “I love you too, Kris. I can’t wait to be your Man of Honor.” We both start laughing at his joke, though he will be my Man of Honor if I ever get married.

  I kiss his cheek and take a step back, noticing I left a red lip stain on his cheek. I can’t help but laugh again as the photographer gets a picture of that too.

  “Okay everyone, let’s get these pictures going so you guys can eat,” the photographer announces and starts arranging people. He starts with just Ben and Alister, the couple more than happy to be wrapped around each other.

  A warm body steps up behind me, almost touching me; the smooth scent of his cologne alerting me to his identity.

  “What do you want, Alexander?”

  “World peace.”

  A sigh escapes past my lips. “Thanks, Miss America.”

  “And harsher punishments for parole violators.”

  “Why am I not surprised that you’ve seen Miss Congeniality?”

  His warm breath tickles the back of my neck when he chuckles, but he doesn’t touch me in any other way. “I’m really happy for them, they’re perfect for each other.”

  Over my shoulder, Alex is watching the happy couple as they get pictures taken. Love shining so freely between them.

  Glancing back at Alex, his eyes meet mine and a small smi
le lifts his lips.

  “Maid of Honor and Best Man, you’re up!” the photographer’s yell breaks the spell and we separate.

  Alex

  THE BURN OF PATRON down my throat is exactly what I need right now. Walking with Kristen down the aisle, then pictures; I need a second to breathe where her perfume isn’t invading my brain. I love her smart mouth and quick wit, she’s not afraid to put me in my place and that blush she gets, it’s addicting. When this is over, I’m going to go for a long brutal run. I’m already itching for my feet pounding the asphalt.

  She’s beautiful, sharp as a whip, and doesn’t take my shit. A deadly combination. I tried to get her out of my system last night but catching her watching me and Jill has just made it worse. Throwing back the last of the tequila, I stop my thoughts in their tracks. Now is not the time to play out that fantasy, I’ll be fighting a hard on all day as it is, no need to add fuel to the fire.

  Turning from the bar with a beer in my hand, Alister has the biggest smile on his face that I’ve ever seen, his arm wrapped around Ben’s waist. That kid has come a long way too. I saw him at his very worst and now I’m seeing him on his best day. For a cop, that’s pretty amazing. We see people at their worst; broken, bruised, bleeding, but we don’t normally get to see them whole again.

  He’s made an amazing transformation from a half starved, timid kid who only wore black, to a well-built man with a big smile. He still has his moments of course, demons still haunt him, but his triggers are getting so much better. I can see what drew him and Alister together, he reminded me of someone from my past, a girl in desperate need of love.

  Needing to clear my head of ghosts, I head toward my brother and Ben. As I get close, Alister looks my way and pauses, sensing my mood. Being twins has given us the ability to read each other like a book.

  “Hey man, have you grabbed any food?” I shake my head ‘no’ to his question and hold up my beer.

  Opening my mouth to comment, Mom pops up with plates of food and hands them too us. “Go sit down and eat, all of you.” She raises an eyebrow at me then looks between the bottle in my hand and my face. “You know better,” is all she says before walking away.