Page 66 of Blue Hawaiian
“My pleasure.” She pulled her tank top over her head in a slow, leisurely way. The sight of her luscious breasts, nestled in a lacy pink bra, was an immediate turn-on. Her shorts followed, revealing matching panties. Watching her strip without a hint of inhibition aroused him even more. Her boldness was a far cry from the anxiety she’d shown when he removed her robe two days ago.
He was about to ask her if she’d get down on her knees when his phone rang. Uttering a groan of frustration, he grabbed it. “Shit. It’s Marc. I should answer.”
“No problem.” She plopped onto the couch, still clad in her underwear.
He looked away, rather than be tempted. “Hey, Marc. What’s up?”
“Are you free?”
Hell, no. He had a gorgeous woman stripped down to almost nothing, waiting to give him a blowjob. But he was also one of Marc’s groomsmen. “What do you need?”
“We’re having a small crisis.”
Which meant Gabi was losing her shit over some tiny detail. But even if the request was ill-timed, he wasn’t going to let Marc down. “Tell me what you need.”
“Thanks. Yesterday, I picked up the wedding programs from the printer, but Gabi discovered a few typos. She asked that they be reprinted. The print shop called and said they’re ready now. I’d go get them, except Gabi needs me to help with some last-minute stuff for the rehearsal dinner. And Brody already left for the airport to pick up Taylor.”
“We don’t have much time. Why don’t I go first thing tomorrow before the wedding?”
“Are you kidding?” Marc’s voice rose. “Gabi can’t wait that long. She wants the bridesmaids to help her decorate the programs tonight, after dinner.”
“Okay. Text me the address and I’ll go get them.” After he hung up, he expected Jess to be upset, but she merely shrugged.
“I’ll have to owe you one,” she said.
“You’re not mad?”
“How could I be? You spent hours helping me with Gabi’s video tribute. Sure, I was ready to fulfill your fantasies, but I can wait until tonight. Let’s go save the wedding.”
He chuckled. “We’re just picking up the programs.”
“Which Gabi obviously needs for the wedding. Therefore, we are once more proving our worth as the most vital members of the wedding party.” She stood and gave her clothes a withering look. “What a shame to put these back on so soon.”
“Don’t make me feel worse than I already do.” He checked his watch. “We’d better hurry if we’re going to get to Lahaina and back in an hour.”
As they headed out, he didn’t think to suggest taking separate elevators, so he was relieved they didn’t run into anyone from their families. So far, only Brody knew about them. They’d come so close to pulling off their secret that he didn’t want to blow it this late in the game. Above all, he didn’t want Jess to catch any flak from Gabi.
Once they were in the car, with the radio on, Jess sat back and put her feet up on the dashboard. “To be honest, it’s just nice hanging out with you.”
Strange how such a simple phrase could hit home. Itwasnice. Jess was one of the few people he felt completely comfortable with, who knew him for his true self.
After he found a parking spot in front of the printers, Jess dashed inside and picked up Gabi’s order. Once she got back, she opened the box and took out one of the programs.
She whistled. “Check out this calligraphy. These are fancy as shit. And detailed. Everything’s listed—the bridal party, the wedding vows, the songs, the order of the toasts. Jeez, there aresixtoasts. That’s gonna take a while.”
“I’m not supposed to give one, am I?” A surge of panic gripped him. He hadn’t prepared anything.
She passed him the program. “Nope, and neither am I. Which is odd, because I thought the maid of honor usually gave a toast, right after the best man.” She let out a long sigh. “Gabi probably assumed I’d botch it up.”
He placed his hand on her thigh. “Sorry. That seems shitty.”
She gave a sad shrug. “I agree, but I haven’t exactly been a model maid of honor.”
“What do you mean? Other than Hana, you’ve done everything Gabi asked.”
“Except the one thing that matters most. She asked me not to get involved with you. And here I am, breaking that promise.” She flashed him a look of concern. “Not that I regret any of this. I just wish Gabi hadn’t put me in this position.”
Irritation flared up inside him. “I realize she likes to be in control, but she’s being ridiculous. It’s your life, not hers.”
