Joel continued to stare at her like he was completely unaware that he had a five-pepper rated book in his hands.
“You don’t have to read it poolside, Moneybags. You just have to read it.” She waggled her eyebrows. “I think you might enjoy the spicy scenes in this one.” She leaned in and whispered, “It’s a fast burn.” She stuck her hand out expectantly. “Where’s your book? I’ll have time to read tonight since we won’t be sharing a room and you won’t be fucking me into the mattress.”
His eyebrows rose microscopically over eyes that heated dangerously. Then he lowered his head until his lips brushed the shell of her ear. “Never say never, wife.” He pulled back before she could do more than inhale a shocked breath.
God, the way this man turned her on instantly.
“My book is in my suitcase.” The elevator pinged open, and Joel ushered her forward. “I guess you’ll have to find a spare moment to come to my room to pick it up.”
Damn him and his logic filled seduction tactics. Looked like she was going to get fucked into a mattress tonight after all.
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
They renewed their vows at noon the next day.
Vanessa preceded Lucy down the aisle in a hot-pink mini dress and a cloud of expensive perfume, her high, perfectly styled ponytail swinging like a pendulum behind her.
When the cheesy tune turned into an even cheesier version of the wedding march, she walked toward her husband, and this time savored what she hadn’t had the wherewithal to pay attention to the first time—the way he watched her.
His iron-gray eyes pinned her with a penetrating focus, and his lips curved into a smile that reached every place in her heart. Four long years apart stretched between them, but with every step closer to him, she imagined their past shrinking and evaporating.
She’d handed her rose bouquet to her sister and repeated after the minister’s familiar vows of loyalty, fidelity, and devotion. Then got weepy when Joel did the same. When the time came, they slid their original wedding bands back onto each other’s fingers. She hadn’t wanted a new one.She intended to wear her souvenir shop ring until it disintegrated off her finger or she died.
And when the ceremony was over their union felt strong and right. Deep down in her heart she knew this time would last, with clear minds, clear hearts, and clear intention.
When the minister told Joel to kiss his bride, Joel caught her around the waist and held her close for a full-contact kiss. Chest to chest, thigh to thigh. The satin of her pearl-colored dress slid irritatingly against her skin. She was so ready to take it off and be alone with her husband.
When the kiss broke, he took her in, eyes sparkling. “I finished the book you gave me.”
“Already?” She laughed because she, for one, had not been thinking about books.
“It was fucking hot. I couldn’t put it down.” He leaned down to whisper in her ear. “I learned a lot.”
“Oh, did you now? Like what?” He had more moves in bed than any book she’d ever read, some of which she was looking forward to him pulling out the second they got back to the wedding suite.
“Let’s ditch the wedding party, and I’ll show you.” He nuzzled her cheek.
Sounded good to her.
“Oh my Gooood, that was so romantic, sissy!” Vanessa threw her arms around Lucy’s neck. “You two are the cutest!” She tossed a venomous look Jordan’s way.
Lucy bit the inside of her cheek to keep from smiling. Poor guy had no idea what he was dealing with.
Vanessa glared until Jordan finally rumbled, “Yeah, super cute.” He clapped his hand on Joel’s shoulder. “Congrats, bro.” Then he offered Lucy the closest thing to a smile she’d ever seen on him. “You too. I’ll admit, that was nicer than I expected.”
Vanessa rolled her eyes. “Why? Why are you like that? Like, who says that to someone five seconds after their wedding?Nicer than expected. Were you raised in a barn?”
Jordan glowered dangerously. “Nah, baby, just prison.”
Vanessa gasped, wide eyed.
Lucy cringed.
Joel cleared his throat. “Alright, post-wedding lunch is on me. Let’s get out of here and toast my beautiful bride.” He led their group out of the tiny, neon-lit chapel.
“Ohh, where are we going?” Vanessa asked, as she bounced along in her stilettos.
“I got them to close down STK for us.” Joel told her, nodding at the chauffeur on the side of the road who’d come to pick them up.
