I spotted someone vaguely familiar across the lobby before recognizing Matt’s parents. Most of our family lived in the area, but I knew a lot of Matt’s extended family lived out of state and were traveling up for the wedding. Matt’s dad gave me a friendly nod but thankfully didn’t engage me beyond that. I had hoped for it just to be Audrey and me tonight. Let the circus begin tomorrow.
The clerk tapped away at the keyboard. “Ah yes, here we are, Mr. Ward. We have you booked for two nights, yes?”
“That’s right.”
“Lovely. The suite is all ready for you. I’ll just need a card for the incidentals.” I passed over my card, and Audrey whispered, “Did he say suite?”
“Surprise,” I replied, kissing her cheek.
Once all the details were taken care of at the front desk, we were shown to the elevator and told that our bags had already been taken to the room ahead of us.
The room wasn’t sprawling by any means, but it was inviting and charming in its character. There was a short drop down some steps into a sitting area from the doorway, or what amounted to one with two large armchairs situated in front of a fireplace. A second fireplace sat farther along the same wall to the left in front of the bed. Our suitcases had been placed by the wardrobe near the bathroom, my suit bag hanging on the door.
Audrey stood by the window, which looked out over Millennium Park. “What a view.”
I stepped close, my hands sliding around her waist, and she placed her hands atop mine. Her body felt tightly coiled, like a live wire. I had been noticing it more and more lately. I hugged her closer.
She made a sound of remorse. “Sorry, I’m a little stressed about work. This launch is getting close, and I feel like I won’t be able to relax until it’s over.”
“Hey, it’s ok, I can help. Maybe I can talk to the show’s PR, and we could—”
“No.” She cut me off, then softened. “No, that’s ok. I’ve got it.”
“Of course you do.” I kissed the tender skin below her ear, running my nose along the sleek line of her neck. I was pleased to feel her relax a little in my arms. “You’re a very capable woman.”
“So, what is the agenda for tomorrow?” she asked, changing the subject. “I’m guessing you’ll be busy with groomsman duties?”
“A little, but we’ll still have the morning together. I have to be dressed and in Scott’s room by lunchtime. Then Sarah and Matt are doing a first look over at Lurie Gardens, then back for the ceremony. After that, it’s the usual food, drinks, and dancing.”
“So …”
“So?”
“We have the whole night to ourselves … anything you’d like to do?”
“Mmm. The whole night, huh?” She twisted around and threaded her fingers through my belt loops. “I can think of a couple of ideas.”
I finished straightening my tie,then fixed the cuffs of my shirt under my tux jacket. The fit was perfect.
“What do you think? Do I look alright?” I asked, walking out of the bathroom to where Audrey lounged on the bed in her pajamas.
“Oh.” I didn’t miss the way her eyes widened.
“Good oh?”
“Very, very good.” Then she was standing in front of me, eyes glued to the suit. “So good I want to tear it off you.”
I hummed, the beginnings of arousal stirring within me. “You’re making it difficult to leave right now.”
“You’re making it difficult not to ruin that tux.” She lightly trailed her fingertips along my lapels, hunger burning in her eyes. It was obvious she was holding back by the way she bit her lip.
I, however, was under no obligation to restrain myself, grabbing two handfuls of her ass and giving a good squeeze. “Hold that thought. If I stay any longer, I might not leave.”
Her giggle followed me out as I left the room.
Neither Sarah nor Matt had wanted a large wedding, and that had extended to the bridal party as well. I was one of three groomsmen, including Matt’s best friend Lucas and his older brother Scott, who was the best man. I hadn’t had many chances to meet either of them before, so I wasn’t prepared when Lucas wrapped me up in a hug as soon as I walked into Scott’s hotel room, where we’d agreed to meet prior to the ceremony.
“The third amigo arrives!” Lucas cheered, hustling me into the room.
