Chapter 26

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

BAILEY

W e’re awakened in the morning to Arizona running into our room shouting, “It’s my wedding day!”

Kam mumbles, “Oh Christ. Don’t be one of those brides.”

I kick her under the covers before smiling at Arizona. “We’re so excited. Are you nervous?”

She shrugs. “I mean, we’re already legally married and I’ve already got a bun in the oven. This is just the icing on the cake.”

Arizona became pregnant right at the beginning of the season. She’s only a few months along and is barely showing. If you didn’t know, you wouldn’t know.

She insisted on playing the whole season. We all held our breath anytime she was in a physical play at home plate, but the pregnancy is healthy, and she’s feeling great. She’s finding out the sex in a few weeks.

We won another league championship last week, and now it’s finally her wedding day. Her second wedding day.

Ripley walks into our bedroom in the two-bedroom suite Arizona rented for us and lovingly wraps her arms around Arizona. “I’m so happy for you. To think you spent our teen years staring at posters of Layton on your ceiling, and here we are all these years later with him being your forever.”

Arizona gives us one of her larger-than-life smiles. “I know. I’m so lucky. I feel like I live in a fantasy world sometimes.”

Ripley’s eyebrow raises. “He’s the lucky one, though neither of you are lucky when it comes to weather. I can’t believe how cold it’s gotten.” It’s been unseasonably cold this week. I’ve even had to battle a few icy roads.

Ripley walks over to the window and opens the curtains. “I hope the snow holds off. That would suck if people can’t get here.”

Arizona nods. “I don’t want snow at my wedding but wouldn’t mind nine inches on my honeymoon.”

We all laugh as we hear the front door of our suite open and close. A few seconds later, Gemma appears in the doorway looking like she just walked off a photoshoot. She shimmies for us. “You four ready to get your glam on?”

Kam narrows her eyes at Gemma. “Why do you look like you already got your glam on? The four of us are battling eye boogers, knotted hair, and morning breath while you’re ready to walk the runway.”

Gemma giggles. “I have a horndog husband who woke me early with a morning delight.” She winks. “My favorite way to start the day.”

Arizona smiles dreamily. “I hope after five years of marriage we’re just like you and Trey.”

Doesn’t everyone want a marriage like Gemma and Trey’s? I’m hit with a pang of sadness. I’ll never have that with Tanner. Maybe Kam is right and it’s time for me to accept it and completely move on from him. The truth is, I don’t look at other men. I don’t accept dates from other men. I know I’m only hurting myself, but the thought of not having Tanner in my life hurts more. I’m so torn.

I feel my sister grab my hand under the blanket. She always knows what I’m thinking. I look over at her and she nods. “It’s time to let go.”

I nod in agreement. Maybe it is.

We’re getting our hair and makeup done when Ripley asks Gemma, “How did you and Trey meet? I’ve never heard the story. He played for New York then, right?”

My sister gives a knowing smile like she’s heard this story before. Weird.

Gemma nods. “It’s a crazy, long story. Almost unbelievable. I might write a book about it one day. The severely shortened version is that he saw me in a drunken social media video and swears he contracted an incurable case of love at first sight. He basically stalked me and weaseled his way into my life and then eventually into my heart. Before him, I spent a lot of lonely nights at home writing about the kind of men we all want, never truly believing men like that could be real. Let me tell you something. The swoony, sexy, romantic fictitious men have absolutely nothing on Trey DePaul. He’s every fantasy you can imagine come to life. There is nothing, I mean nothing, that man wouldn’t do for me. And they’re not just words. He shows it in his actions too. He fulfills every need of mine and then some. I’m so thankful for him and the life we have together.”

I clutch my heart. “That might be the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard in my life.”

She gets a little emotional as she nods her head. “Every bit of it is true.”

Is it wrong that I want that too? I’m definitely barking up the wrong tree with Tanner. I’ll never find Mr. Right if I continue to spend time with Mr. Wrong.

After a day of glam that took an interesting turn into Gemma talking about a scene in her upcoming book with a car blow job that she said is one of the hottest she’s ever written, the ceremony is finally beginning.

The music starts playing and we’re getting paired off with our groomsmen counterparts. I don’t see him yet, but I can feel Tanner’s eyes on me. They light up my body in a way I can’t imagine anyone else ever doing for me. But maybe that’s because I’m not bothering to give anyone else a chance.

Kam takes Cheetah’s arm, and then I see him . If Tanner Montgomery in his daily suits is sexy, Tanner Montgomery in a tuxedo is orgasmic. He’s truly the sexiest man I’ve ever seen in my life. I struggle to imagine ever being attracted to anyone the way I am to him. My body is drawn to his like a magnet.

He holds his big arm out for me. I take it as I’m hit with a waft of his aftershave. It immediately makes my nipples tighten.

His warm, whiskey-scented breath hits me as he leans over and whispers, “You’re beautiful.”

I smile as I look up into his eyes, which are burning in a way I’m not sure I’ve ever seen. “You’re not so bad yourself.”

His eyes move up and down my body, even as we take our first steps down the aisle. “You’re coming home with me tonight so I can tear that dress off you.”

I thought he had Harper tonight. Fallon is out of town. I’m pretty sure her plane will arrive very late tonight, not in time to see Harper. “What about—”

“She’s sleeping out.”

I take a deep breath. One last night with this man. One last night to enjoy the passion and pleasure we share together. I’ll be thirty next year. I can’t continue to spend my time on a man with who I have no future. But I’m giving myself tonight. The big goodbye. The grand finale.

We take our places next to Layton and Arizona, and the ceremony begins. They wrote their own vows. Layton talks about how he felt the first time he laid eyes on Arizona. I remember that night. She outwardly showed zero interest, though we all knew it wasn’t true. She was afraid .

Is that all this is? Am I afraid?

I know the answer is no. It’s not fear. It’s common sense, the fact that we want two different lives. I’m not willing to compromise being married and having a big family. I don’t know that I could ever truly be happy without that.

Layton continues, “All these guys used to say I’d never get married because I love myself more than anyone else.” Everyone laughs. “Well, a wise man once told me that you can tell how much you love yourself by the partner you choose.” He takes a deep breath. “I guess I’m the bomb. I must love myself a lot ‘cause my wife is the best there is.”

There’s a huge mix of laughter and awws . Arizona smiles giddily with tears in her eyes and pure happiness on her face.

Tears spill out of my eyes, not only for the joy of the love I’m witnessing but for the loss I’m about to sustain. What about Harper? I can’t let her go. I love her like she’s mine even though she never will be.

I try to blink away the tears. I need to set aside my own shit so that I can properly celebrate one of my best friends and her new husband.

Shortly after the ceremony, Layton and Arizona share their first dance to the first song they ever danced to, “Until I Found You.” The way they stare at each other is like a dream.

My tears start back up again. They’re such a magical couple.

As always, Tanner is keeping a distance from me in public. For some reason, it’s bothering me more tonight than it usually does.

My friends and I dance the night away, having a blast, until a slow song begins. This is when all the couples pair off and I’m left alone.

My eyes catch Ezra’s. Why can’t I feel for him half of what I feel for Tanner? My life would be so much easier.

He takes two steps in my direction. Even though he has someone now, he’s still putting my needs first. My heart warms for the kind of man he is.

Suddenly his movements stop, and his eyes glance behind me. Before I can turn, I feel a warm hand on my arm. It gives me shivers. I’d know that touch anywhere. Tanner.

With our bodies close, I turn and look up at him. “People will talk.”

He runs his fingertips up and down my arm and breathes, “What people? No one else is here.”

I’m processing what he’s saying when he jerks my body tight to his. I nearly gasp at the surprise move before giving in by leaning into him and moving my hands to the nape of his neck.

With his big hands on my waist, his lips move to my neck, peppering it with kisses.

I’m dumbfounded. “What’s gotten into you tonight?”

He audibly inhales me. “It’s me who will be getting into you. In fact, let’s get out of here and start that process now. I’m feeling particularly insatiable.”

I let out a laugh. “I’m not leaving. It’s too early. She’s one of my best friends.”

He lifts his head and furrows his brow. “And what am I?”

Without any hesitation, I answer, “My fuck buddy. You’re supposed to be my secret fuck buddy, but you’re not doing a good job of hiding it tonight.”

He shrugs. “Half the people here know anyway.”

“And the other half?”

“I don’t care.”

What is happening? I pull his head away from my neck until our eyes meet. I’m so confused.

Before we can continue the conversation, the song ends and Kam pulls my arm, likely realizing I need a rescue. “We’re doing shots.” She narrows her eyes at Tanner. “Get lost. Act like she doesn’t exist, per normal.” She hasn’t remotely thawed to him in the past few months.

We make our way toward the bar. She grits out, “You need to end things with him. You’re in too deep.”

I nod. “I know. You’re right.”

She stops short. “Excuse me? Say that into my good ear.”

“You’re right. It’s time. We have different plans for our futures, and I can’t find what I need while I’m still doing what I’m doing with him. I want one more night with him. We’ve spent a year together. I need tonight. I’m going to break things off tomorrow.”

“I think you should quit your job with him. You can still be in Harper’s life. Maybe even coach her team, but being in his house a few days a week isn’t best for you.”

“We’ll discuss it. Perhaps we can keep things professional.”

“No, you can’t. I know you adore her, but you can’t be in his house and see him, expecting to keep things platonic. You’re in way too deep for that.”

“We’ll see.” I grab her arm. “Come on. Everyone is waiting.”

We get to the bar area where our team stands with a line of blow job shots ready for us. One of our teammates giggles. “This isn’t even my first BJ of the evening. I gave one to Greg on the way here.”

Kam smiles. “Nothing beats a good old-fashioned car BJ. It’s like a contest to see if you can make him lose control.”

Hmm. That’s not the first time car blow jobs have been mentioned today. I’ve never given one in a car while it’s moving.

I end up having the best night. We drink and dance all night celebrating Layton and Arizona.

The second they wave goodbye to all of us, Tanner grabs me. “Let’s get out of here.”

I step back. “Seriously, what’s gotten into you tonight?” He must be horny, drunk, or both. “You’re acting weird. Have you been drinking?”

He assures me that he hasn’t and is just missing me.

Missing me? “It’s been four days.” We had sex earlier this week before the wedding festivities began .

He exhales a long breath and looks around as if in contemplation before grabbing my face and kissing me. Hard. He’s never once kissed me in public and here we are doing it in the lobby of one of the fanciest hotels in Philadelphia.

And it’s no sweet, ordinary kiss. His demanding tongue forces its way into my mouth. Because I can’t help myself, I pull him close and kiss him right back. I’m going to miss this. Him. I want to savor every last moment.

He eventually pulls away, leaving me breathless. I’m so powerless against him when he’s all domineering. I nod my head. “Okay, let’s go. Now.”

I lick his delicious taste off my lips. His eyes follow my tongue and his already hard dick visibly twitches in his pants. I can only shake my head. “You’re thinking about me sucking your duck, aren’t you?”

He gives me a sexy smile. “Why do you know that?”

“Because you’re a filthy man, Mr . Montgomery .”

The bulge in his pants further intensifies. It drives him wild when I call him that. If I called him Daddy right now, I think he’d pull me into a closet and fuck me senseless.

He removes his jacket and places it in front of his pants, hiding his massive erection. I’m aching for that erection to be inside me. To fill me one more time.

I’m contemplating calling him Daddy when the valet pulls up in Tanner’s new car.

The valet fawns all over it as he hands Tanner the keys. But then the man practically eye-fucks me.

Tanner isn’t happy about it and lets him know, growling at him like a caveman pissing around his territory. I’ve never seen this territorial side of him. Yes, he’s jealous of my friendship with Champ, but he’s never done anything to Champ to let on. Not like what I’m seeing right now.

The valet apologizes and scurries off. Tanner opens the car door for me while I place my hands on my hips. “Was that necessary? ”

He scowls. “Yes, it was. I didn’t like the way he was looking at you.”

“And how was that?”

“Like he wants to fuck you.”

I can’t help but give a big, exaggerated smile. “You look at me like that all the time,” though usually only in private.

He confidentially nods. “And I want to fuck you all the time.”

I let out a laugh as we both get into the car.

We joke around for a few minutes, and I poke him about his age. He shakes his head. “You’re not being very nice to me, sweet girl.”

I look over at the gorgeous man driving an expensive sports car. The whole scene is hot, and I’m feeling inspired by my earlier conversations with my friends.

I bite my lip. “Maybe I don’t feel like being so sweet tonight.”

I move my hand to his lap and feel the thick muscles of his thigh. There’s nothing I love more than the sight of him naked with me tied up as he uses those thick thighs to drive himself in and out of me.

I’m so wet right now. I’m aching for him.

I move my hand up to his dick. It’s still hard. I can practically feel it between my legs.

Feeling inspired and wanting this last night to be everything, I unbuckle my seatbelt and lower my head to his lap, kissing his dick through his pants before unzipping him and pulling out his length.

He stutters, “W…what are you doing?”

I stroke him while licking his tip. “I’m here to service you, Mr . Montgomery .”

I take my sweet time to give him the best blow job of his life. He’s always the one in control in the theoretical bedroom, but tonight he’s bordering on losing control. It feels good to make him come undone this way.

It’s always been him fucking my mouth, but right now it’s me sucking in his cock until it hits the back of my throat. I can’t help but moan at the satisfaction I’m feeling. If he slid his hand up my dress right now, he’d easily discover just how turned on I am.

In what may be the record for how quickly he’s come, it takes only a few minutes before his warm seed fills my mouth and I swallow it all down.

I think I need to touch myself before we get to his house. I’m so on edge.

Given how low his car is, I don’t want anyone to see him when I pull away. I quickly tuck him back into his pants before lifting my head. His eyes are glazed over as he stares at my swollen lips.

As soon as my head is up, I see that we’re about to slam into the car in front of us. I scream, “Watch out!” before the world goes dark.

Darkness. I can’t see anything. I can’t feel anything. But I hear Tanner’s voice telling me to wake up.

Despite the pounding in my head, I manage to blink my eyes a few times. Realizing I’m snuggled into Tanner’s lap, I croak out, “What happened?”

He frantically moves his hands all over my body like he’s checking it for damage. Worry is written all over his face. “We crashed. Are you okay?”

Pound. Pound. Pound. I must have hit my head. It feels like a heavy metal band is playing the drums in there.

“My head hurts, but I think I’m okay.” I gingerly look around and see what’s become of Tanner’s new car. It’s wrecked, and I start to get hysterical. “I’m so sorry, Tanner. This is my fault.”

He squeezes me and rubs my hair. “No, it’s not.”

He keeps asking if I’m okay. I feel like I’m going in and out of consciousness, but I’m trying to be present .

Suddenly there’s a loud bang at the window. It makes my head hurt all the more. Stop the banging. Please.

I think it’s a police officer. He’s asking Tanner a bunch of questions. I don’t hear much with the ringing in my ears, but I do hear him ask, “How did this happen?”

Tanner can’t bite back his smile as he whispers to me, “Do you want to show him?”

If I wasn’t feeling like death, I’d laugh. Or maybe slap him.

He goes on to tell the officer about swerving to miss a car, after which the officer asks him to reach behind me and turn off the ignition.

Tanner attempts to do so, but because of the damage to the car and me on his lap, he can’t reach it and asks me to do so.

That’s when I realize just how bad this is. My top half is wracked with pain, but my bottom half feels nothing. Absolutely nothing.

“Tanner, I…I can’t feel my legs.”