“Hey, cutie,” I greet loudly over the pumping music. My arms immediately reach out and pull her in, breathing deeply to take in the scent I’ve been deprived of for too long. The feel of her full breasts against my chest flips the switch from longing to lust. It appears we’re both eager to hold each other by how she snuggles into me, pressing her head into my shoulder like it’s where she belongs.
If only she felt that way, I wouldn’t have had to endure the last three months of pining after the woman who stole my heart and ran a thousand miles away with it. When she told me she was moving after her college graduation, I suggested she stay and give us a chance, but the one time I brought it up, she seemed to pull back, which made no sense considering not only were we on fire in the bedroom, but we clicked in every way possible. Rather than push, I decided to give her space, thinking she just needed to have a taste of independence before getting serious. And I’m still waiting.
Too soon, she extracts herself with a massive smile on her face. “Are you as excited as I am right now?”
Not for the same thing you are.
She claps her hands rapidly, distracting me from the overpowering urge to have my filthy way with her here and now. She better not fool herself into turning down my offer for the night. I’ve been looking forward to it for weeks. But rather than go down that road immediately, I stay on topic.
“You have no idea. Sebastian’s been a little bitch. I’m hoping he settles down after the ring’s on her finger. Speaking of, we should get moving.”
Grabbing her hand, I guide her further into the shadows and stop, coming face-to-face. My emotions are shouting—lust, desire, want, and way more that need to be kept at bay. Before I give in to the ones she’s willing to reciprocate, there’s movement drawing our attention to the proposal we’ve been waiting for.
My brother, Sebastian, has Lily pinned up against the same wall in the exact position he did the night of their first embrace six months prior. I remember hearing all about it while secretly reminiscing about my own sexy tryst with Cici, only to find out later the two women were best friendsandroommates in their senior year of college. We met each girl separately the night they showed up to the dance club. By the time I’d put two and two together about the women we were seeing, Sebastian was already obsessed and struggling to win Lily over. I didn’t want to complicate things, so I never told him that I happened to be screwing her best friend, who incidentally becamemyobsession.
Cici and I stand in silence, watching while it plays out. The minute Sebastian lowers to one knee before Lily, Cici’s eyes glisten as she brings her hands to her mouth in anticipation. My face turns up in a smile when I hear Lily’s resounding “Yes!” We immediately join the pair, who are still clinging to each other, but as soon as they part, Cici and Lily embrace, jumping up and down, both squealing withexcitement. Sebastian and I do the manly bro hug, firmly slapping the other’s back.
I’m happy for my twin brother. Settling down wasn’t something I expected him to do since playing the field used to be one of our favorite pastimes. We may share the same birthday, but our similarities as fraternal twins are few and far between. He’s imposing, broody, and severe, whereas I’m the fun-loving, charismatic one. He resembles the part, too, with dark hair and olive skin, taking after our father. I’m glad I inherited Mother’s softer traits, with light brown eyes and hair to match. I’d much rather be described as a golden retriever than a Doberman pinscher.
Cici releases Lily and grabs her left hand. “I’m so excited! Let me see. I’ve been dying in anticipation.”
Lily splays her fingers, revealing the monster rock, which I’m overly familiar with after the lengthy search. Leave it to Sebastian to make sure everyone in the room knows she’s taken. He’s about as possessive as they come, but Lily seems to love it, making me thankful he found someone to put up with his dominant nature.
“How long have you known? Wait… this wasn’t a last-minute trip, was it?” Lily asks Cici suspiciously as Sebastian and I stand to the side.
“Too long—it’s been killing me every time we talk. Sebastian didn’t want to ruin the surprise and wouldn’t let me tell you I was coming. But the look on your face was priceless, so it was worth it. I can’t believe you had no idea.”
Cici then hugs Sebastian’s stiff posture, making me chuckle. “Congratulations. The ring is beautiful. You did well,” Cici tells him.
“I’m glad you approve. You made Lily’s day by being here. Thank you for helping it come together,” Sebastian returns.
With Lily free, I wrap her in my arms and swing her around as she squeals in delight. “Thank God you said yes. Do you realize what I’ve had to put up with over the past few weeks? It was hell. I’m excitedto have you as family, Lily. Congratulations.” I set her down next to Sebastian. “All right, lovebirds, let’s have a celebratory toast before you two go do your version of celebrating,” I say, wiggling my eyebrows.
Cici shoves my shoulder, and Lily ducks her head into Sebastian’s chest in embarrassment as we return to the table where the ladies began before Lily set the plan in motion by using the bathroom. A bottle of Dom on ice with four glasses is waiting—a perk of owning the club. It’s the fun, albeit tiny, piece of the billion-dollar international holding company my brother and I operate from San Diego. After our father passed away following the death of our mom two years prior, we inherited Dubree Enterprises at the age of twenty-five—almost three years ago now—and have worked our asses off ever since.
Although we bonded over the loss, we handled our grief very differently. Sebastian took control in all areas of life, including putting his heart and soul into the company, while I vowed to live mine to the fullest. Because if you can’t control what happens in life, you might as well have fun while living it—which is why chasing thrills has become my favorite pastime. The more adrenaline, the better. Life’s too short to waste a single moment, so why not enjoy every aspect before it’s too late? Hence, persuading Cici back into my bed tonight.
The ladies discuss wedding plans for the next thirty minutes while Sebastian and I agree with whatever they say. After pouring the last drop of champagne, I address Sebastian. “Why don’t you two go ahead, and I’ll give Cici a lift to where she’s staying. I can tell you’re eager to get out of here, and if I see any more PDA, I might lose my dinner.” Sebastian and Lily have had their hands all over each other without even realizing it.
Lily says to Cici, “Only if that’s okay. But we can take you too. You’re going to Jackson’s, right?”
“It’s more than okay. I second Eli’s comment. Being in a car with you guys probably isn’t a good idea. Go, I’ll catch a ride.” They hugand say their goodbyes before my brother and Lily walk away in their newly engaged bliss.
Cici immediately turns to me when they’re out of sight. “That was smooth.To where I’m staying?So you think I’m a shoo-in, huh?”
“Not at all. I’d take you to Jackson’s if that’s where you want to go, but is it? Look me in the eye and tell me you haven’t missed my cock.” I lean in and whisper in her ear, “Come on, Cici, you know what it does to you—whatIdo to you…. The same thing you do to me.” I ease back to the overwhelming lust in her eyes. “We create fireworks, babe. You can’t deny it.”
She’s quiet—too quiet.
“Stop overthinking. It’s only for one night. You’ll be back in Montana tomorrow. Are you afraid it’ll be so good that you won’t be able to leave again? My sheets will be the deciding factor, of course.” I wiggle my eyebrows and smirk, causing her to giggle and let her guard down.
“That’s better. Come on, cutie, I’m giving you a ride either way. You can tell me where to take you while we’re in the car.” I reach for her hand and lead us out back.
She’s still not talking. I’m sure she’s in her head about whether to come home with me or not. I’ll let her stew for a bit longer and take her for a drive. I already know where this night is headed—she’ll catch up soon.
“Nice ride,” she comments when the lights blink.
“Thanks. It’s the fastest on the market, so buckle up, buttercup.” I wink, opening the door for her.
