Page 40 of Cherish

“I’m all in too, and I never wanted to make you feel like I wasn’t. I wouldn’t be here with you otherwise. I’m not interested in Doyle, and I’m kind of embarrassed that I ever was into someone who treated me like I was nothing.” She kisses my hand repeatedly, and I let out the breath I didn’t know I was holding.

“Good, but I’m so going to kick that guy’s ass one day.”

This time, it’s Alex that visibly relaxes at my words and exhales. Just like that, the tension between us is gone.

“What’s the itinerary looking like, babe?”

I decide to give in to her attempt at changing the subject.

“The white party is tonight. The guys are going fishing tomorrow, then we have the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. I want you to come with me tomorrow night. You three can entertain yourselves during the day while I’m with the guys. All the men in the wedding party are supposed to keep the groom company tomorrow night. Keep him from climbing the walls. I’d rather be with you, so I’m sneaking out.”

I squeeze her inner thigh. As I look in the rearview mirror, I notice that Ananda and Mellie are so busy having another discussion that they’re not paying any attention to us. I slide my hand higher until I reach her tiny panties. I pull them over to the side and slide my hand across her lips. Her moan is so soft, and she closes her eyes as I caress her folds, but all too soon she grabs my hand and pushes it away.

“Behave,” she mouths, “you can have it tonight.”

“And have it I shall.”

CHAPTER 26

ALEX

Approximately three hours later, we walk into a luxurious hotel suite, complete with a living room, separate bedroom, and view of the ocean. The bedroom has a king-sized bed with a white canopy. In the middle of the bed is a welcome basket from the bride and groom. Like a little kid, I dive on the bed and start rummaging through it. I find an apple and take a huge bite.

Jason follows behind me, carrying all our bags. After dropping them in the middle of the room, he drops himself onto the bed next to me, snatches the apple from me and finishes it in three bites. Neither one of us says a word as we lie, fingers intertwined and our hands resting over his heart. I turn my body slightly and look at him. He catches me, and I smile shyly at him as I feel myself blush.

I lift our joined hands and kiss his, wondering how I ever lived a day without this man. How I ever thought I should be with someone else for even a second after meeting him.

I’ve never been so cared for by a man. Never felt so protected, wanted, and safe. Whether we’re together or apart, he makes sure I’m taken care of. I’ve spent practically every night at his house, whether he’s home or not. One of the few nights that I spent at home, I was surprised by a knock on the door. When I opened it, I found Mellie, Ananda, and two pizza boxes. When Mellie pushed her way into my condo, she shoved her phone in my hand.

It was Jason on FaceTime, telling me he didn’t feel right about me spending the night alone.

“Hey,” he says, breaking me out of my reverie. I look into his eyes. “I’m really glad you’re here with me.”

He reaches over and runs a hand through my hair, which is smooth now that it’s been straightened.

“I am too.” He moves closer and pulls at the neckline of my dress, slides his big palm inside my bra and grabs my breast. When he pinches the nipple between his fingers, my loud moan fills the room. I move closer to him, eliminating all space between us. Instead of taking my dress off, he pulls away. Unable to keep from touching him, I start to unbutton his shorts, the anticipation causing liquid to pool between my legs.

“You’re beautiful, do you know that? I don’t just mean how you look. You have this glow. This way about you. I think that’s what attracted me to you when I saw you that morning. Even then, I wanted to be near you. To protect you.”

When he finishes, I look away, my vision blurring at his words. He takes my chin, forcing me to look him in the eyes.

“I don’t need protecting. I’m a big girl.” My voice is strained, and I clear my throat after speaking.

“I know all of that. What I mean is, I want you to be happy, and I want to be the one responsible for your happiness. The absolute last thing I want to talk about when I’m with you is John Doyle, but he was the biggest fool for not realizing what he could have had. Too bad for him.”

“I’ve come to realize Doyle was never the one for me, but you’re right. He’s the last person I want to talk about.” I trace my finger down his arm and say, “After losing my mother, I was incredibly unhappy, but I channeled her strength. She would never want me to be miserable or depressed and knowing that helped pull me out of the darkness. I wasn’t unhappy when we met, but I wouldn’t say I was happy either. But since being with you, I know I’ve never felt this way. I couldn’t imagine ever feeling this way with anyone else. You’re my bae, Jay. Oh my God, that rhymes.”

“Alexandra Francine Malone, poet laureate.” When we both start to laugh, I roll over and straddle him on the bed. When his hands slide up my thighs, I pull the neckline of my dress down, exposing my bra.

“Hold on. I want to say something.” He grabs both my hands, leaving me a panting, needy mess. “I want to say that you makemeso happy, and that I—”

His ringing phone interrupts his words. He curses as he pulls the phone out of his pocket.

“It’s Jake. Let me take this.” Before I can respond, he puts the phone to his ear and starts talking. With my hands suddenly free, I unbutton his shirt while he talks. With his hand on my ass, I grind on top of him.

“Behave,” he mouths to me. When I try to undo his pants again, he tries to grab my hands still, but he can’t manage to grab both my wrists. His next words, though, get my attention.

“Okay, I’ll be there soon.” He ends the call and grabs both wrists, throws me on my back and climbs on top of me. I can feel the pounding of my heart as I feel his hard cock press on my pubic bone.

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