28. Braxton

Dakota was much more relaxed this time as we pulled up to the private airstrip outside of Hartford. Letting me handle her bags, we stepped onto the plane to find almost everyone else already on board.

The core group was all there—Natalie and Jaxon, Liam and Amy, Lucy and Preston, and Benji and Liv. The only ones missing were Cal and Hannah.

I ushered Dakota toward a pair of open seats, and we had barely sat down when I heard the voice of the one woman who loved to make an entrance call out, "Who's ready for the party plane?" Hannah came into view, holding up two bottles of champagne. She was ridiculous and over-the-top, but she owned it.

If I was right and this weekend was about her, it would be one hell of a bachelorette party.

She passed off the bottles to the flight attendant before pointing at each of her friends, including Dakota. "Listen up, bitches. We are on vacation. The babies are all at home. I don't want to hear any excuses." She paused, taking a deep breath with her eyes closed before reopening them. "And I swear to God, if somebody even mentions a pregnancy test this weekend, I'm throwing you overboard. Got it?"

Peeking around, I saw the women nodding in agreement. What was the deal with the pregnancy test? Honestly, I wasn't sure I wanted to know.

"Good." Hannah plopped down in the seat across the aisle from us.

Cal appeared at the front of the plane, spotting his girl and stalking toward her. Bending at the waist, he gripped her chin in one of his large hands. "You behaving?"

Smirking, she raised her chin as her blue eyes flared, the combination signaling she was rearing up to be defiant. "Never."

A growl worked its way up his chest. "Guess you're lucky I'm in a good mood. You might just escape punishment this time."

"That's too bad." Hannah pushed her lower lip out in a pout. "I'll have to find a new way to earn one."

Without warning, Cal lifted Hannah, sliding her into the window seat before taking the aisle seat for himself.

Dakota leaned into my side, practically panting. "That was kinda hot."

Stunned, I turned my focus back to the woman accompanying me on this trip. The fire in her eyes had my cock thickening behind the fly of my jeans. Nipping at her lower lip, I teased, "Then I guess it's too bad you have work to do before we can play."

Eyes narrowing at the threat that I might withhold sex until she finished her appointed tasks, her lips curved up and she shifted her gaze to the couple across the aisle. "Can't stop thinking about how he's pierced . . ." Dakota threw a pointed look at Cal's crotch. "Down there."

Shocked, I swallowed my own damn saliva, choking and coughing, drawing the attention of everyone seated around us, including the man in question, who apparently had a pierced dick.

Cal slapped my back, and I managed to take a deep breath.

Surveying me with ice-blue eyes, he asked, "You all right there, man?"

Nodding, I swallowed a few times, my throat scratchy from coughing violently. "Fine," I croaked out.

Dakota slid her hand over my forearm, addressing Cal, "He'll be right as rain as soon as we reach our destination. The dry winter air is rough on his throat."

I cut my eyes to her but remained silent. Oh, she was a little vixen, and it would take all my self-control to keep my hands to myself until she completed her administrative checklist.

Cal sat back down, quickly becoming preoccupied with Hannah beside him. That woman was more than two handfuls, but he was fully up to the task.

Dakota slid her hand over my thigh, drawing my attention back to her. The smirk on her face and the sparkle in her sapphire eyes had my heart swelling inside my chest. The love for this funny, intelligent, beautiful girl consumed me and made life worth living.

The engines turned on, drowning out any chatter inside the cabin. Speaking directly in my ear, Dakota said, "Sorry, babe. Figured you already knew. Since you guys all shower together." Pausing, she kissed my jaw. "Or is that another stereotype I need correction on?"

I pinched her side, and her squeal split the air. Happiness with this girl wasn't a question; it was a guarantee. I owed Bristol a thank-you gift for bringing Dakota into my life. If it weren't for her, I would still be miserable, shuffling along, worried about factors I couldn't control impacting my mental state. Dakota had changed all that, and I eagerly anticipated the future for the first time in my life.

Pressing my lips against the shell of her ear, I replied, "Not a stereotype, but there's an unspoken rule that you don't look at another man's junk."

Dakota pulled back enough to shoot me with a doubtful expression. "Yeah, and I'm sure no one's eyes have ever wandered . . . Especially if someone caught a glint of silver."

Pinching the bridge of my nose, I shook my head. "I can honestly say I've never been tempted. But to answer your question, Cal and I were never on the team at the same time. He retired at the end of last season before I signed my contract. So, no, I didn't know. And I'll probably never be able to look at the man the same way ever again."

Her giggles were music to my ears, and I pulled her close as the plane taxied down the runway in preparation for takeoff. Peeking around to the other couples fully absorbed in each other as the crew prepared the cabin, I couldn't help but feel joy. Everyone had found the one person who not only complemented them perfectly but brought out the best in them, myself included.

Life couldn't get any better than this. Of that, I was convinced.

Landing in Puerto Rico, we were shuttled to a dock where the yacht, Shine Brighter, awaited our arrival. According to Jaxon, this was the same boat they'd chartered a year ago.

The sun had set long ago, but the crew was ready to greet us with champagne before escorting us to our cabins. Even though the party size had doubled from the last trip, they assured us that there were still plenty of empty cabins.

In this group, Dakota and I were hands down the furthest down the line in terms of seniority, so we were likely assigned the sixth-best room available. But when the steward opened the door, I was shocked at the size of our cabin.

Easily larger than either of our bedrooms back home, it had a queen-sized bed in the middle, a large glass window along the exterior wall, and an ensuite bathroom. It would be a long time before I could afford anything like this trip myself, so I was going to enjoy it with my girl.

There would come a time when I could spoil her rotten, but knowing her, she would hate that. Simple gestures and soft-spoken words of love made her come alive. No matter how my career evolved, we would be rich in the love we shared.

Changing out of our travel clothes, we met with the rest of the group for dinner beneath the stars. The chatter was lively, and it was noted more than once how peaceful it was without constant interruption from children. I knew they all loved their kids, but there were no days off from being a parent. I was learning so much from my brother, his wife, and their friends about how to make time for your relationship.

They had found the perfect balance. I would definitely be taking notes for the future.

Even though I was preoccupied with the open displays of love surrounding us, I noticed Dakota shifting restlessly in her seat beside me throughout dinner. Leaning over, I asked, "You okay?"

Tugging her lips between her teeth, her blue eyes darkened, and she shook her head slightly.

Concerned, I slid my chair closer to hers. "What is it? Do you want to go back to the room?"

Dropping her gaze, she whispered, "Being under the stars has me thinking of us by the lake."

That was all I needed to hear. I stood so quickly that my chair toppled behind me, and everyone stopped talking to stare.

Dakota bit back a smile beside me, but Jaxon raised an eyebrow. "Everything all right?"

My mind raced, trying to find a way to play this off so I didn't look like a lunatic or, more accurately, like I couldn't wait to tear Dakota's dress off with my teeth. Stretching both arms over my head, I let out a loud yawn. "Yeah, just tired. Long day. Think we're gonna turn in."

Hannah snickered. "Sure. Turning in early to sleep." The ladies laughed in response, and Dakota's cheeks turned bright red.

"Uh-huh." I nodded, pulling back Dakota's chair and helping her up.

"Night, everyone," she said, her eyes trained on the floor.

There was a chorus of "good nights," and I tugged her toward the doors leading to the yacht's interior. Just as we reached them, Hannah called out, "Dakota, don't forget to take Baby Braxton's virginity tonight!"

I stopped dead in my tracks. Spinning around slowly, I faced the group. Every head was turned in our direction.

"Not sure that's possible, Hannah."

She waved a dismissive hand. "Of course, it is. I took Cal's."

I gawked at her before sliding my gaze to Cal, who merely rolled his eyes at her latest antics. "Excuse me?"

Hannah narrowed her eyes. "Oh no. Don't tell me you let some Minnesotan lake hussy pop your cherry."

"That's not any of your business."

All eyes volleyed between me and Hannah, watching our exchange. Dakota's body vibrated by my side, and a brief glance betrayed that she was holding back laughter.

"What's so funny?" I asked her under my breath.

Before she could reply, Lucy shouted, "She wants to know if you've ever fucked on a boat before!"

Natalie covered her face with her hands, and Liam's turned red, but the rest of them burst out laughing.

My jaw dropped, and it clicked that as soon as I brought a girl home, they'd sucked me in from the fringe and made me a fully-fledged member of their tight-knit group. And apparently, it was a lot livelier than they let on.

"That would be a no," I declared as the laughter began to settle.

Dakota squeezed my hand, pulling me inside, but not before throwing over her shoulder, "Don't worry, guys, I'll make sure to ease in nice and slow! Lots of lube!"

There were cheers behind us, and I could have sworn I heard Benji say, "I definitely like her."

The sliding glass door shut behind us, and I wrapped my arms around her waist from behind. "Oh, you're gonna get it now, Firefly," I growled in her ear.

"Promise?" I could hear the smile in her voice.

Fuck. I couldn't love this girl any more if I tried.

The following day, we ported in Jamaica, and it became clear that Cal and Hannah were the ones who would hopefully say their vows this weekend. They took off early on a hike, and then all anyone could talk about was whether Hannah would agree to a record-breaking twenty-four-hour engagement before saying "I do" with the ocean as the perfect romantic backdrop.

Dakota spent hours hidden away in our cabin with her laptop, working hard while everyone else played. The other ladies spent the morning shopping, enjoying the calm before the storm. The guys were content to lounge around, soaking in the sun.

After lunch, I snuck into our room, whispering, "I'm not here. Just came to grab more sunscreen."

Closing her laptop, Dakota declared, "All done!"

My eyebrows rose, and excitement coursed through my veins. "Really?"

Nodding, she climbed across the bed, reaching for me. "Formatting's all done, and the book is officially in the hands of the advanced readers. I should have several reviews by the time we get home and know if I hit the mark."

I stepped closer to her. "That's great, baby. It's going to be amazing. I know it."

She chewed her lower lip. "I hope so."

Using my thumb, I pulled that lip free from her teeth. "Like any artist, you are your own worst critic. But don't worry, I have faith enough for the both of us."

Dakota rolled her eyes. "Blind faith, considering I've never let you read my writing." She paused. "Well, outside of that snippet you read over my shoulder."

Sliding my fingers into her curls, I tugged her head back and slanted my mouth over hers. Against her lips, I whispered, "That's how much I believe in you."

She hummed. "You must really love me."

"More than anything in this world." It was God"s honest truth. Nothing mattered more than her.

Sliding my tongue into her mouth, I claimed it. She was my drug of choice. I would never get enough.

Breaking free once she was breathless in my arms, I asked, "You eat yet?"

"The crew brought me a tray a little while ago." She teased my scalp with her fingernails.

"Good. Then you won't mind if I have a little snack while you watch."

"What?"

My hands moved to the back of her thighs and pulled, flipping her onto her back on the bed. Kneeling on the floor, I pushed her skirt up her legs. This trip had me yearning for spring and summer to hurry the hell up so I could have easy access like this at all times. Hooking my fingers into the waistband of her silk panties, I eased them down her creamy thighs, allowing her to kick them off once they reached her ankles.

The scent of her arousal reached my nostrils, and I groaned. We already knew it was enough for me to lose my mind. It was as if she was imprinted on my brain. I was hard-wired to need her so desperately that I would do almost anything to claim her.

Dipping my head, I flattened my tongue, licking her from entrance to clit as she moaned. Her unique flavor coated my taste buds, and I hummed in appreciation. "My favorite snack."

A hand found my head, gripping my hair and placing it exactly where she wanted me. Dakota breathed out, "Less talking."

"Yes, ma'am."

The time for talking over, I ate that delicious pussy until she was screaming my name so loud that everyone on board knew who she belonged to.

Dakota joined the rest of us on deck in a purple string bikini that barely contained the swells of her breasts. The ladies were perched on a tanning pad situated on the bow of the yacht while the guys relaxed on chairs, taking in the view of the women they loved.

A deckhand approached to take Dakota's drink order. She asked for a margarita, and I smiled, glad it was time to relax and enjoy our first official vacation together.

Before the young guy in his early twenties, dressed in a white polo and khaki shorts, could make it two steps away, Amy called out, "Change it to water. And a round for everyone."

Ducking his head to signal he understood, he scurried off.

When Dakota looked at Amy in question, she explained, "Either way this goes, we're in for a wild night. Best to hydrate now so you're not paying for it tomorrow."

Preston chimed in. "She's right. Lucy got completely wasted at Amy's bachelorette. I can only imagine Hannah's will be ten times wilder."

Lucy smirked at her husband. "This time, I expect to be properly taken advantage of, no matter my level of intoxication." She huffed out a sigh. "Mama needs a night to cut loose."

Standing, Preston pressed a kiss to her lips, whispering, "Yes, Princess."

Liam grumbled beside me. "Keep it in your pants, man."

Preston winked at his best friend and brother-in-law. "We both know your sister is no saint. Just dealing with the hand I was dealt." His eyes roved over his wife's petite form. "And what a hand it was."

Before Liam could shoot back another reply, Hannah's voice reached us from the dock. "I'm getting married tomorrow!"

Natalie sat up, clapping her hands. "All right, everyone, man your battle stations. Girls are in town for dinner and dancing. Guys are staying on board. Time to get showered and dressed."

Groaning in unison, we were reluctant to leave this lazy day behind but knew we'd come down here for a reason.

Tomorrow, Cal and Hannah would tie the knot.

With Liv adamant that she didn't need a legal marriage to be a family with Benji and their son, Knox, all eyes would turn to me and Dakota. We were the last couple standing without a formal commitment—the last pieces of the puzzle.

As we shuffled to our cabins to prepare for the rowdy night ahead, I began to wonder how and when I would ask Dakota to marry me. I knew one thing—I didn't want to wait.

Drinks in hand, the six of us men sat on the deck playing poker. It was only a matter of time before Cal caved and we went in search of the girls, but for now, we were letting them have their girl time. I'd heard over the years that they took their girls' nights very seriously.

Benji dealt another round of cards, but Liam barely glanced at his before declaring, "Fold."

Jaxon nudged him. "What is so interesting on your phone?"

"Baby monitor," Liam replied, his eyes transfixed on the screen.

Preston scoffed. "Seriously, dude. You've got issues. You're watching that kid sleep more intently than you probably ever watched porn."

"Watch your mouth," Liam snapped at him. "You don't mention my son and porn in the same breath. Got it?"

Holding up his hands in surrender, Preston rolled his eyes.

Jaxon ribbed him. "They're all sweet and innocent when they're babies. The next thing you know, they're bringing home a spelling test from school, and their spelling of the word come is c-u-m."

I spit out my drink, spraying the table as the rest of the men—minus Liam—roared in laughter.

Cal chuckled. "I mean, he's not wrong. Depends on the context."

"Nat almost had a stroke." Jaxon smiled. "But Jameson and I burst out laughing. Poor Beau kept asking us what was so funny. Having a teenage son is going to be so much fun."

Benji was a shit-stirrer and turned his attention back to Liam. "So, what's the plan? Shelter that little guy so much that someday you have to hire a hooker to take his virginity? He's going to turn into one of those socially awkward kids who can't talk to people. That's gonna be a great look on a king."

Liam rubbed at his eye sockets with his fingers. "He's four months old. Can we cool it?"

"Put the phone down, and we'll stop," Preston said. "Amy has the patience of a saint, but it's still a wonder she hasn't killed you yet."

Jaxon smirked. "You know, if she ever needs a place to hide, our house is always open."

"Don't remind me," Liam muttered. Huffing, he set his phone down on the table. "I'm not going to apologize for taking care of my family."

"There's a difference between caring for your family and smothering them. Let them breathe, man." Jaxon slid the phone further away for emphasis.

A growl rumbled in Liam's chest, but he picked up the cards and played the hand he'd previously folded.

After another hour, Cal drained his drink, slamming the glass down on the table as he stood, declaring, "I'm done sitting around. Time to track down the girls."

There wasn't one word of argument from the men around the table.

As we all joined Cal on our feet, Benji said, "I've got one hundred bucks that says Liam has a tracker on Amy that will lead us straight to them."

Liam glared at Benji. "It's called security, jackass, and it's for her safety." He turned to his brother-in-law, shooting him a pointed look. "Isn't that right, Preston?"

Preston mumbled something under his breath, his gaze dropping to the floor.

Cal threw his arm around Liam's shoulders. "Soooo, you know where they are, then?"

Rolling his eyes, Liam sighed. "Yes."

Letting out a cheer, we headed out to meet up with our girls, who were more than likely halfway to drunk.

It was gonna be a good night.