Page 106 of Playing for Keeps
I’m sitting on the edge of her bed, watching as she curls her hair at the vanity. My hands are practically twitching with the need to touch her. She already warned me once to behave. She said I was distracting her, but the second she stepped out of thebathroom in nothing but black lace, all bets were off. I couldn’t keep my hands to myself… not that she seemed to mind once I had her moaning my name.
She catches my gaze in the mirror and gives me a sheepish smile.
“I’m nearly done, I swear.”
I return the smile, holding her eyes. “Take all the time you need, baby. I’m more than happy to sit here watching you.”
My gaze drops, fixing on her hips, the lace of her thong doing nothing to help my self-control. And the worst part? I won’t even get the satisfaction of peeling it off her later. She’s staying at my parents’ place tonight with the other girls, while the guys crash at Cade’s. She’ll be in my bed, just not with me, and I hate it.
She stands from the vanity and steps into her black skinny jeans, then pulls a fitted white t-shirt over her head. It’s a casual night, but she still looks beautiful.
I push off the bed and take her hand, tugging her against my chest.
“You look incredible,” I say before leaning in to kiss her. Her arms loop around my neck, and I savor the softness of her lips against mine. When I pull back, I rest my forehead against hers. “I’m going to miss you tonight. I’ve gotten used to falling asleep with you in my arms.”
She smiles up at me. “I’m going to miss you too.”
“Maybe I’ll sneak back once everyone’s asleep.”
She laughs like I’m joking. I’m not. I don’t know how I’m supposed to sleep without her. I’ve fallen for her, fast and hard, and it still catches me off guard.
“Ready to go?” I ask, grabbing her overnight bag.
“Yep. Oh, wait.”
She heads to her dresser, opens a drawer, and pulls out one of my jerseys.
“Almost forgot this to sleep in,” she says, slipping it into the bag I’m holding.
My eyebrows shoot up. “You’re telling me you’re going to be in my bed, wearing my jersey, and I’m not even there? You’re killing me.”
She grins. “I’ll send you a picture later.”
I groan. “Great. Now Ireallywon’t be getting any sleep.”
She laughs. “You’ll survive.”
I’m not sure I will.
“Hey!” I call out as we step into my parents’ backyard, Ivy’s hand snug in mine. It’s the first time we’re seeing everyone together since we made things official, and I can feel the nerves buzzing beneath her calm exterior. I don’t know why she’s anxious. She knows everyone here as well as I do, and every single one of them adores her.
“Wow,” Ivy breathes beside me. “This place looks incredible.”
It’s only then I really take in the scene. Twinkling fairy lights are strung between the trees, which are going to look incredible when it’s dark. Elegant floral arrangements are scattered throughout the space, and at the far end, a dance floor glistens under strings of lights. A wooden bar stands ready for tomorrow’s celebration, fully stocked. Ivy’s right; it looks incredible.
“I’ve never seen the garden like this,” I say, a little awestruck.
Paisley waves from the seating area, where everyone’s gathered on the deck around the fire pit. She stands and beckons us over with a grin.
I squeeze Ivy’s hand, and we head that way.
“You made it!” Paisley cheers, pulling Ivy into a warm, excited hug. “Doesn’t this place look amazing?”
“It really does,” Ivy replies, smiling. “You’ve done such a beautiful job.”
“All credit goes to Tessa,” Paisley gushes. “We’re setting up rows of white wooden chairs over there with sheer organza bows to form the aisle. And we’ll be saying our vows right in front of that view.”
Ivy grins. “That sounds perfect. I can’t wait to see it all come together.”
