Page 43 of Cherish

“Then it’s time I return the favor.”

“Hey!” Jake’s dad yells from the pool. He has Noah, Chris’ son, on his shoulders. “We have to be out of here in half an hour so the caterers can set up. Get your asses in here.”

“They’re too busy crying over missing their women,” Luke yells right before he does a cannonball. All the kids scream at his antics and take turns jumping in the pool.

When it quiets down, I yell, “Hey, Chris, did Vivi come with you?” My eyes are on Luke, and he ceases all movement at my question. He turns toward Chris, who gives me a knowing look.

“Oh, yeah. She’s dolled up for the party tonight. She might even have a date for the wedding.” Even from my seat, Luke’s face turns red. Then he dives underneath the water and pulls Tristan under.

My phone buzzes again. I pick it up, and I smile at Alex’s next text.

Alex: Heading back to the hotel. See you soon.

CHAPTER 28

ALEX

“Isn’t my man handsome, everyone? Look at him.” As I run my hands over his broad shoulders and down his torso, I can see the lust in his eyes.

It’s been hard to find some alone time. Jake’s been monopolizing Jason’s time since we got here. It’s kind of odd. It’s as if the men and women are kept apart intentionally. All the female members of the wedding party are spending the night at the house tomorrow night so they can all get ready for the wedding together in the morning. The men are being sent to the hotel.

I look at my man again and mentally count the hours until this party is over so we can be alone in that giant suite we’re sharing.

“He looks like he always does. A big-eared loser,” Mellie says playfully. “Love you, big brother,” Mellie says when Jason gives her what’s supposed to be a dirty look.

“Let’s hit the open bar, Mellie.” Ananda takes Mellie by the elbow and they both walk away.

I take a step closer to him and grab the collar of his white linen shirt, pulling him down to my level. I grab his face with both hands and crash my mouth to his. The minute he opens his mouth, I’m tasting him fully, grabbing and sucking his tongue. I press my body to him, crushing my breasts to his chest, ready to deepen the kiss even more.

“Whoa,” he says, pulling away and wiping his mouth. “Another second of that kiss and we’re skipping this party.”

“It’s just that I’ve never seen you dressed like this before. You’re usually in scrubs or jeans. You look really yummy. And we haven’t had a moment alone since we got here.” I step close to him again, get on my tiptoes, ready to kiss him again, but he backs away.

“That’s because Jake is so needy. Save those kisses until tonight.”

“Jake’s right here,” Jake says, watching us with a smirk on his face. “And you don’t think I would rather be with Sandy than with you?”

“Cockblocker. Let’s get a drink, angel.” He takes my hand in his. “You look really beautiful in white, do you know that?”

My dress was a last-minute find when I went shopping with the girls. It’s a strapless, embroidered white dress that touches my ankles. I wasn’t sure how I felt about it until I saw the way Jason looked at me, giving me the confidence I need.

The place has transformed from just a few hours ago. It’s still daylight outside, but there are soft lights hanging above in the giant tent. The tables are decorated with roses in every shade of pink. There’s a band playing soft music, and before long, guests start filling the big space.

With me on his arm, Jason orders a glass of champagne for me and a brandy for himself. He drinks his in one slow sip while holding my gaze the entire time. I can feel my nipples hardening just from his lust-filled gaze. When he finally breaks the stare, his eyes travel to my chest, which is on full display in this strapless gown.

I discretely rub one breast on his arm, and he moans. I don’t have much time to tease him because when a group of his and Jake’s friends from college show up, he drags me along and introduces me as “his Alex.”

Sandy and Jake join us, and they spend the next hour regaling us with stories of young JD and his antics, including the time he got drunk for the first time and decided he didn’t want to walk back to the dorm. He laid on the grass in the quad and declared he was going to sleep. It took six guys to lift him and practically carry him back to bed.

The entire time, I sit next to Jason, his strong hands rubbing between my shoulder blades. We finally leave the group of friends and head back to the bar for another drink. As we wait to get the bartender’s attention, a young girl comes to stand next to Jason.

I recognize her from Jason’s party.

“Hi, JD. You look nice,” she says, smiling widely. She’s a beautiful girl, who is probably older than she looks, but her small stature makes her appear younger. She looks gorgeous in a mid-drift top and skirt with a thin belt around her exposed waist.

“Hi, Vivi, and so do you,” Jason says, smiling back. “Do you remember my Alex from the party?” I reach over and offer her my hand, but she doesn’t take it right away. The smile leaves her face as she looks at me. I smile at her, but her eyes leave my face and roam down, stopping at my chest. She then looks down at her own chest before looking back at me.

She finally takes my hand and forces a smile. The smile is genuine, but it’s as if she’s admitting defeat.

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