Page 8 of The Charmer
“Thanks, Golden,” Emily says, smirking. “But the ladies have a full morning of hair and makeup so…”
“We’re out,” Kate says.
Emily nods, turning to Jayde. “You’re welcome to join us, Jayde.”
“Oh.” Jayde blushes. “Thanks, Emily. But?—”
“You guys have your fun,” Ben says, shooting Jayde a wink and gesturing between Jayde and me.
“Your loss,” I say, but deep down, I’m happy my friends are skipping the excursion. Not because I don’t want to be with them. It’s been months since we’ve gotten together, and I miss the hell out of them. But this weekend, I want time with Jayde. I want to show her how good it can be between us and that’s easier to do when she’s not self-conscious of my friends studying our every interaction.
Our college crew flew in early to have one day of hogging the bride and groom before their official wedding weekend begins this evening, with a beach bonfire and dinner, hosted by their families.
As such, I lift my glass. “To Mick and Em,” I say, turning my attention toward my favorite couple. “I always knew we’d be here one day, celebrating the love you have shown each other—sometimes to a nauseating degree—since our freshman year of college.”
“Woo!” Kate cheers as the group clinks glasses and drinks.
Once side conversations spark up, I slip into the seat beside Jayde.
“You doing okay?” I ask.
She nods, looking much more at ease than on the plane. “Your friends are great.”
“They’re okay,” I joke. “Don’t want to inflate their egos.”
Jayde smiles and it hits me full-on. “You’re not drinking?”
I shake my head. “Not tonight.” I take her hand and lace our fingers together. I’m aware of the surreptitious glances my friends toss my way, but I don’t care. This weekend, I’m going all in, and I don’t want to waste a moment. “I don’t want to miss out on a minute with you, Jayde.” I lean closer so no one can hear my next words but her. She shivers at my proximity and since it’s beach weather, I take pride in knowing that I affect her. “My biggest regret that night at Taps was how drunk we both were. I wanted to kiss you more than anything, but only when we’re sober enough to appreciate it. To do it for the right reasons.”
When I pull back, her eyes are hooded, her cheeks flushed.
Mick asks Jayde a question and she clears her throat, turning back toward the group. But she doesn’t let go of my hand and I don’t move away.
The beach bonfire is laidback,chill, and the perfect way to start a weekend in paradise.
“This is beautiful,” Jayde murmurs, glancing around. The patch of beach we’re standing on is lit up with hundreds of candles and tiny lights. There are oversized cushions forcuddling, cabanas with clustered seating for easy conversation, and a bar strewn with flowers.
Kids are making s’mores and pockets of conversation can be heard over the calming lull of the sea.
“This is Mick and Em,” I reply, seeing both of my friends and their easygoing personalities in the details. “If anyone could bring a group of people together, to truly celebrate something meaningful, it’s the two of them.”
Jayde looks up at me, her eyes liquid gold and less guarded than I’ve ever seen them. Her mouth is coated in a deep red lipstick I want to kiss off and her dark hair is swept away from her face, gathered in a bundle of curls at the nape of her neck. “You’re lucky you have such a great group of friends.”
“I’m lucky I have such an incredible date to their wedding,” I counter.
She rolls her eyes, but the corners of her mouth turn up into a pleased smile.
“Come on.” I palm the center of her back, loving that I can touch her soft skin since the dress is essentially backless and sexy as hell. We approach the bar and Jayde orders a virgin mojito.
She meets my eyes knowingly. I grin, and order the same. Tonight, we’re doing things for the right reasons. Temptation won’t be exacerbated by sweet rum cocktails. Instead, when I kiss Jayde, she’ll know it’s because I can’tnotkiss her. And she’ll either accept my declaration, or reject it, but either way, it will be intentional.
“Golden!” Sandra calls out, lifting a hand. She’s seated at the large table cutting through the cluster of seats and cabanas. “Over here.”
I nod and lift my drink in her direction. Jayde and I head over and sit with my friends, settling into a comfortable conversation followed by a delicious dinner.
Dinner leads to dancing. Acoustic music that blends with the natural sounds of the sea.
“Dance with me.” I extend a hand to Jayde.
