by Mia Madison
Shit, I needed some air. What I’d told Kait the other day was true—I hadn’t touched a cigarette since her dad caught me and Alex smoking. Nevertheless, if you took away the smell and the health issues, the idea of a smoking break had a bit of an appeal. Sometimes it was good to step outside away from everything for a while.
I’d stayed in this hotel before, and I knew that there was a narrow walkway that skirted the ballroom. It wasn’t hard to find the right exit. The night air felt refreshing after the scent of food and booze in the ballroom.
It was dark, the stars were out, and I wasn’t alone.
Somehow, I think I knew what I’d find even before I saw the figure in blue looking out over the railing at the woods in the distance.
Kait.
The moonlight made her creamy skin look paler, and her blue dress more silver. Her hair looked as lovely as ever, spilling over her bare shoulders.
She turned as I approached, somehow managing to look both surprised and almost as if she were expecting this at the same time. But that didn’t make any sense. Maybe she didn’t expect me to be here but she perhaps hoped I’d be?
That was probably just wishful thinking on my part.
She waited until I was near to speak. “Congratulations.” Her voice was soft, almost lost in the breeze.
“Thank you.” I stood beside her, a few inches away, wanting to touch her so badly. “Nice dress.”
“I didn’t have anything else that was formal. Gabi said I needed to buy something new, but—”
“It’s perfect.”
“Oh. Umm, thank you.”
I wasn’t sure if she believed me, but it was one hundred percent true. “So… you in that dress, me in a suit… all we need is people throwing rice and this could be Alex and Megumi’s wedding.”
“Yeah,” she said, and I knew she was thinking about our dance.
“You know, I don’t even know what the song was. What did people dance to at weddings four years ago?”
“A thousand years,” she said instantly.
I smiled down at her. “It does feel like a long time ago.”
Even in the moonlight, I could see her blush. “No, that was the name of the song. It’s called “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri.”
“Oh, okay.” Warmth filled me at the thought of her remembering. I pulled out my phone and looked the song up. “It was from one of the Twilight films?”
Her blushed deepened. “Megumi really liked those movies. And… so did I.”
Hearing her rather bashful confession reminded me again of how young she was, but part of me wished like hell I could be the romantic hero of her dreams. I knew I couldn’t. I knew I wasn’t what she needed. But at least I could share one more special moment with her, an echo of the one we’d shared at the wedding.
I clicked on the music video and set my phone on the concrete railing. Sweet strains filled the night air, piano and strings introducing the melody. I held my hand out to Kait, just as I had four years ago.
She placed her hand in mine and then she was in my arms. The four years melted away and it felt like the first time.
It felt right.
She moved easily with me, following my lead. The steps came effortlessly to me, it felt like some kind of magnet propelled us both around the dark balcony—and pulled us both closer to each other.
Her hand felt so delicate in mine, but her skin was warm where I lightly touched her waist. Her dress flared out as we glided back and forth, and though I normally didn’t consider it romantic, the moment felt like pure magic.
The music swelled to a crescendo before retreating, coming to a sweet conclusion. And when it did, Kait was fully in my arms, my hands on her back, hers crossed behind my neck. All my senses were focused on her. The warmth of her body pressed against mine. The floral scent from her hair. Her honey-brown eyes that seemed to shine even in the faint light.
Four years ago at the wedding, we’d ended up in this same position, staring into each other’s eyes. Walking away from her that night had taken all of my strength. It had taken every ounce of will I owned.
And it wasn’t going to happen again tonight.
I lowered my head and she closed her eyes and then I tasted her sweet lips. A faint flavor of champagne mixed with a sweetness that seemed to be all her own. My eyes closed as I took my time.
I’d waited four years for this, and I was going to enjoy every single second.
13
Kait
Being in Tyler’s arms was pure bliss, but his kiss… that made me feel like there was no other man in the world. No romance heroes from songs, stories, or movies could ever compare to this. To him.
I’d wanted this for most of my life, and four years ago, after that magic dance, it seemed like I might get it. When it didn’t happen, I was devastated but this, right here, right now, was so incredible that it was worth the wait.
Tyler’s warm lips teased mine, nibbling and exploring. I parted my lips, eager to feel more of him. Our bodies pressed together, my arms wrapped around him as if I’d never let him go—but I wanted more.
When it came to him, I wanted everything.
His kiss deepened and my thoughts swirled. It was just all so perfect. The dance. That beautiful song. The man I was clinging to. I didn’t know what would happen in the future. I no longer cared what had happened in the past. If this moment could last forever, I’d be the happiest woman in the world.
And he showed no signs of stopping as he devoured my mouth, claiming me with his. It was so perfect that we didn’t even break away when light flooded us.
It didn’t matter. All that mattered was being in his arms.
But someone was nearby, clearing his throat. When Tyler broke the kiss, I refused to let go of him, only to turn my head to see who had disturbed us.
A uniformed staff member was a few feet away, holding a door open. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but we’re closing down the ballroom. If you don’t come in now, you’ll be locked out.”
That didn’t sound like a horrible thing to me, but I guess it wouldn’t be the best thing to walk through the woods in my dress. I’d always liked it, and now it meant even more to me.
Tyler kept his arm around my waist and guided me back inside. Except for the lights along the perimeter, the ballroom was dark and didn’t extinguish the happiness that filled me.
We walked through the sparkling lobby and out the front door into a waiting limo. Tyler helped me gather the skirt of my dress so that I could scoot in. He gave the waiting chauffeur my address.
It wasn’t until Tyler had climbed in as well that I remembered something. “But I drove here.”
“So did I, but they got a limo anyway. Besides, you’ve had champagne.”
“A little,” I said.
“Do you want some more?” He indicated a bucket with an iced bottle secured on a small table. There was another bench seat facing the one we were on and then an opaque privacy panel separating us from the driver.
“No.” My breath was little more than a whisper as I looked into his eyes, willing him to understand what I wanted.
Apparently, he did.
He slid one hand around my waist and the other under my thighs and lifted me up, pulling me onto his lap. Now we were eye level, which I wasn’t used to, but it meant I could stare deep into his green eyes and plunge my hand into his dark, unruly hair.
This time I noticed more as he kissed me. The sexy stubble lining his jaw scratched against my face, adding a hint of texture to the flavor of his kiss. His scent was something masculine with a punch of spice. I didn’t know what it was, but it was perfect for him.
And his arms… I could feel the strength flowing through them as he held me, keeping me steady as the limo jostled as it left the parking lot.
I felt all that… and I wanted to feel more.
I ran my fingers through his hair as he held me close, rubbing his large, warm palms over my back. Moving delicately, I snaked one hand betwe
en our bodies, finding the narrow black tie at the base of his neck. I tugged on it, and Tyler groaned, one of his hands grabbing my hair, angling my face so he could kiss me deeper.
As mesmerized as I was by his lips on mine, I continued my mission, tugging at his tie, loosening it enough so that I could unbutton the collar of his shirt. And then the button below.
I pushed my fingers through the open gap in his shirt and felt the hard, warm skin of his bare chest.
“Kait,” Tyler said, his voice a rough growl as his lips moved along my jawline. His kisses led up to my ear. “Be good.”
But I didn’t want to be good. I’d wanted him for so long, and now we were here on this magical night together. It was perfect.
I threw my head back as he teased the side of my throat with his talented lips, but I didn’t stop stroking his pecs. I managed to get a few more buttons open before he grabbed me by the wrist, pulling my hand away.
He pushed both of my hands behind my back, holding them there with one of his as he continued to caress my throat.
With my hands behind me, my back arched, and I pressed my chest against his partially open shirt, feeling the heat radiating from him and wishing we were skin to skin.
Tyler moaned as my breasts pressed against his chest. “We can’t, Kait.” His rumbly voice vibrated against the sensitive skin of my neck.
But then he looked down, as did I. My skin was flushed, and my breasts were straining against the soft blue fabric.
Tyler’s eyes filled with hunger and his restraint melted away. He supported me as he leaned me back, following along with me. Then his face was on my chest, the slightly scratchy stubble buried in my cleavage.
I got one hand free and wrapped it around the back of his neck for balance… and also to pull him closer. With a groan, he licked the soft swell of my breast as he flicked the strap off my shoulder.
Then my nipple was in his mouth, growing instantly hard as he sucked on it, swirling his tongue.
Nothing had ever felt this good, and I wanted more. More of everything and more of him.
I clung to his neck as his mouth devoured first one nipple and then the other. “Yes…” I breathed, arching my back and pressing myself against him. The combination of his warm, wet lips and the rough stubble was driving me mad.
With my eyes closed, I pushed my free hand between us, reaching for his belt. That was something I’d never done with any man before, but it felt right. I wanted this so much.
Tyler groaned at my touch, but then he pulled my hand away. “Tonight’s all about you, KB.” His warm breath caressed the flushed skin of my chest.
He kissed his way between my breasts and upward, back up my neck. At the same time, he shifted me along, my legs and the bulk of my dress balanced on the seat next to him.
I loved how he was able to move me like I weighed nothing more than a doll. And I loved it even more when I felt his warm hand touch the bare skin of my ankle—and the slide upward with exquisite slowness.
His lips met mine, and he kissed the corner of my mouth. “Can I—”
“Yes,” I moaned, my body on fire for him. I wanted more. I wanted anything he was willing to give me.
Tyler’s palm slid up my leg and I squirmed on his lap. I froze when I inadvertently pressed my hip against something hard—the bulge in his pants.
It felt big. It felt warm. It felt wonderful.
Again, he stopped me, grabbing my hand in his while the other one slid past my knee to my inner thigh. Tyler smirked at the frustration that must’ve shown on my face. He took the hand I ached to touch him with and wrapped it around his neck. “You’re going to want to hold on for this.”
Those sexy words sent a delicious chill through me that was amplified by the long fingers stroking my inner thigh. My legs parted automatically, and then I felt it… the warmth of his fingers on my panties.
I moaned and Tyler overwhelmed my senses again. His arm around my back steadied me as he dipped me down, kissing me again. My partially covered breasts pressed against his dress shirt as one long finger stroked up and down my panties.
Then he pushed them aside, and I let out a yip, a sound somewhere on the continuum between anticipation and pleasure. Tyler lifted his head and looked into my eyes for a moment, trying to read my reaction. I tugged on the back of his hair and he lowered his lips to mine. Apparently he had the answer he was looking for because he stroked his finger up and down the warm skin of my slit. I was wet for him. I was ready for him. I wanted him more than anything in the world.
But he took his time, teasing me, doing miraculous things with his lips while just barely brushing across along my seam, driving me mad. He teased, he toyed, he played my body like a violin, driving me to higher levels of desperation with each passing moment.
His kiss by itself would’ve been enough, but when his finger brushed past my clit, I arched my back and moaned. He chuckled deep in his throat, a sexy, rumbly sound. Moving his finger with agonizing slowness, he circled my opening, gathering up moisture before returning to my clit.
Thank god.
I was breathing harder, frantically clinging to the back of his neck. “Please, Tyler, please…”
His tongue was ravishing my mouth and he circled my clit, brushed across it, and then circled again, each time bringing me closer and closer to the edge. Then he pulled me tighter, smashing me up against him and he flicked his finger back and forth harder, faster. I threw my head back, gasping for air, and his lips attacked my throat.
The pleasure built and built and then exploded, making me scream, making my whole body tremble as he pressed against my clit, holding onto me as I shattered into a million pieces.
Waves of pleasure radiated from my core, from his lips on my neck, from my breasts smashed against his chest. My hips bucked and he held me tight, whispering things I couldn’t even make out.
The pleasure seemed to go on forever, and my body trembled and shook with no strength left of my own. But that was okay because Tyler had me. He had me and I didn’t ever want him to let me go.
It was perfect. He was perfect.
It was the most magical night of my life, and I didn’t ever want it to end.
14
Kait
“Kait?”
I walked dazedly through the dark living room toward the light in the kitchen. It was after one, I hadn’t expected anyone to be up.
Sierra and Gabi were seated at the table, mugs and a plate of cookies in front of them.
“How come you’re still up?” My voice sounded strange to my own ears. Distant. Stunned. Happy.
“Joe came by earlier,” Gabi said, and that snapped me back to reality.
“He did? What happened? Are you okay?” I sat down next to Sierra.
“Yeah,” she said. “We just… yelled a lot. And cried a lot, or at least I did. And then he stormed out and Gabi was there and… and I just love you guys so much. I wish I could find a man as great as you two.”
Sierra reached out for a hug, and I hugged her back even though a selfish part of me wanted longer to remember the way it had felt to be in Tyler’s arms. But this was my friend, and she was in trouble. I squeezed her tight and then let go.
As she tried to pull away, her finger snagged a tangle in my hair. Pulling it loose, she looked at me, frowning slightly. “What happened to your hair?”
Automatically, I reached for it, smoothing it down.
“And your lips,” Gabi said. “They’re swollen. Oh my god—is that because of Tyler?” Those last words came out in in a squeal.
A faint smile crossed my lips, but now wasn’t the time. “I want to hear more about what happened with Joe.”
Sierra looked at me as if I was insane. “Are you kidding? You’ve had a crush on that man forever. Tell us everything.”
A big, goofy smile filled my face as my roommates grilled me. I’m sure my cheeks were bright red, but I was too happy to feel too embarrassed.
Sierra was very blunt in her que
stioning. I supposed that having a boyfriend—even a crappy one like Joe—had made her matter of fact about sex. “Did he go down on you?”
“No,” I protested, my face flushing at the thought.
“But something happened. I mean, I bet he’s an amazing kisser, but something else must’ve happened to put that grin on your face,” Gabi concluded.
Sierra smirked. “Well, he’s fixed a couple of things around here, so we already know he’s good with his hands…” She trailed off suggestively and then laughed when I ducked my head, apparently confirming her suspicions. “Good for him.”
“How was it?” Gabi asked eagerly.
“It was incredible. It was so damn good I nearly spontaneously combusted. And earlier in the night, we danced.”
“Aww, that’s so romantic,” Sierra said. “Guys our age never know how to dance. Joe certainly doesn’t.”
“I bet you two looked so good together. That’s such a beautiful dress. Did he wear a tux?”
“A dark suit and tie, but he looked amazing.”
“I bet he did,” Gabi said, and Sierra nodded her agreement. “How did you leave things when the evening ended?”
“He drove me here,” I said, not quite wanting to admit that our explosive encounter had happened in the back of a limo. “So can one of you take me to get my car tomorrow?”
“Of course, but, like, what happened when you got here?”
“He kissed me again. And walked me to the door.”
“Oh my god, and we didn’t even know. Man, I would’ve liked to have seen him in that suit.” Gabi said, apparently berating herself for a missed opportunity.
“You could’ve texted us, and we would’ve made ourselves scarce,” Sierra said. “Or you could’ve gone to his place.”
Though we were the same age, I suddenly felt like Sierra was an older sister. She clearly had a lot more experience in this area than I did.
“There’s no need for them to rush,” Gabi said. “Tonight sounded really special. There’ll be time in the future to take things farther.”
