Page 35 of To Have and To Hold

He pulled back abruptly and lifted her face, so she was looking into his eyes. Her eyes were glazed now from the orgasm.

“I don’t usually revisit the women I have slept with after I decide to leave but for you, I am going to gladly make the exception.”

“You slick, arrogant sonabitch, you will never get to be this close to me again.” He gave her a hard kiss before he opened the door, seeing her stunned, confused, and furious expression as he strode past her.

“Never say never, I will see you soon.” He stopped again for a second when he saw Valentina standing outside the door, her dark brown brows rose over her green gaze and plump, bow-shaped lips opened in slight surprise. His gaze took in another mother he’d bedded. She also fell on the voluptuous side.

Apparently, he had a type after seeing all three of his ex-lovers together in Barbados. Valentina’s lime chiffon dress was a perfect counter against her tan skin and dark curly hair slicked back and secured in a big bun. He nodded and stepped around her. The hot flame that had swept through them during their short time together had burnt away and he felt nothing for her despite the fact she was a beautiful woman. But Shaya, she stirred him every time he laid eyes on her, every time they’d spoken and seen each other off and on through the years when he would come to take their son to his father’s home growing up. The time he’d spent in Barbados for his son’s wedding, it had been hard to avoid her and how she stirred him. In this setting, everything was much different.

Maybe he was waking up to the possibility of caring again for someone else and he stiffened, not liking the idea as he carried on down the hallway to the sound of the guests talking as they waited for the music to begin the ceremony.

Chapter 19

Coco stood in the mirror, rubbing the last of the night cream into her face, a myriad of emotions pouring through her but the strongest being excitement. Her glance took in the wedding rings on her fingers. She was a married woman now and to Colin. If anyone would have told her months ago this would happen to her, she would have laughed her head off and called someone to come and get the lunatic.

But this afternoon, she stood in the church full of family and friends and vowed to have and to hold and become Colin’s wife in front of God and sundry.

When she’d made her way down the aisle, Colin had stared at her as if she was the only person in the room. His eyes never wavered from hers and when she reached him, he took her hand after her father gave her away and pulled it to his lips, giving it a reverent kiss before pulling her alongside him. The only time he released her was when they were presented with the rings. He surprised her when he took off her gaudy engagement ring and replaced it with the one she’d been eyeing in the ring shop that day then placed the band that complemented the wedding ring. She gazed up in surprise and he whispered, “I always pay attention to you, and I always will.” Warmth spread through her and her hands shook as she placed his matching band on his ring finger.

When they were announced man and wife, Colin pulled her to him, his eyes alight with happiness and gratitude and something else that made her breath catch and he lowered his lips to hers, where he made promises with every slow sweep of his against hers, leaving her shaken.

The rest of the night had been a happy blur as they danced and mingled amongst the guests. She’d wandered out of Colin’s arms for a minute when she’d gone to sit with her sister, who was alone watching the crowd of people dance. Reena had been very quiet and pale since her arrival yesterday. She’d been in London the whole time and had been cleared to travel. They had her dress delivered to her and a seamstress in London had tailored it to accommodate her growing belly.

Her sister seemed to be looking at someone and Coco was surprised to hear her sister curse and mutter under her breath, “This couldn’t be, what are the fucking chances?”

Coco looked through the crowd to see who she was looking at and saw several men staring in her sister’s direction, including both Abbott and Matt, who were sporting twin scowls on their faces. She glanced over her shoulder and saw Jackie and Nova behind at the bar. Jackie was in a deep conversation with Keith and Nova was flirting up a storm with a man at the bar, trying to make Matt jealous.

There never seemed to be a dull moment lately, everything was happening fast and at once.

Reena still didn’t seem to have realized Coco was sitting next to her; she was too busy staring and now was twisting her birthstone ring around her finger in her usual, telling nervous habit. “What’s wrong?”

Her sister swivelled her head around and stared at her blankly for a pause. “Hey sis, oh, nothing is wrong.”

“How are you doing?” Coco prodded, not believing her.

Her sister smiled and touched her hand. “I’m okay, don’t worry, this is your day and not about me. Go and enjoy yourself. Mom just went to go to the bathroom and Dad went to grab me something to drink. They have me covered.” Reena joked.

Just then, the DJ announced that he needed the main couple on the floor for a slow dance.

“See, now go and start your wifely duties and go and dance with your man.”

Before she could say anything else, she felt a gentle touch on her shoulder and Colin was by her side pulling her out of her seat and into his arms.

She had felt every part of his body through the material of her wedding dress. The slow grind of his hips against hers made her forget everyone else in the room except for them and throughout the rest of the night, her senses had been heightened by every kiss, touch, and heated look from his eyes that held a promise for their wedding night. But what happened if it was all pretend. She knew he wanted her physically but what about love? Did he love her?

She couldn’t put it off any longer. She needed to know.

Decision made, she swung the door open to find him standing there. “Waaaah!” was all she could say as he wrapped his arms around her, lifting her off her feet and kissing her breathless. As if he were starving and hadn’t been kissing her throughout the day and during the reception.

She began to drown, sinking into his consuming kiss. She pushed hard against his chest, fear of giving into him for only this not to be real. Erasing the haze of passion that had her sinking into him.

He released her, a surprised look on his face. Anger and hurt made her shake as she pushed harder, forcing him to step back. She pulled away from him, tears now streaming down her face. She wiped them away angrily.

“Coco, baby.”

“No.” She shook her head and then repeated. “No.”

He stood there, looking confused with his hands at his sides and he took a step toward her as she tried to catch her breath and control the swirling emotions pouring through her.

---