Chapter Twelve

Brooke

It’s the morning of the wedding, and Bonnie and I are on the terrace of my room, dipping in the infinity pool and enjoying the breakfast feast Xavier ordered for us.

“This view is sick,” Bonnie says, taking a photo of me in the pool against the backdrop of the Caribbean Sea. “You’ll love this set.” She takes a few more shots, then puts my phone down and wanders to the breakfast table to grab another bunch of grapes.

I met Bonnie yesterday at the rehearsal dinner. I’d been feeling self-conscious and underdressed in Stella’s simple emerald silk dress, another one she’d bought on a whim despite it being a size too big for her. The dress was simple, with a halterneck bodice and figure-skimming skirt.

Seeing Vanessa, who’d been dressed to the nines and sending sneers in my general direction, had made me question my choice of outfit until Bonnie strutted toward us with the grace of a queen, dressed in leather and lace-up boots. Her black curly hair was in an asymmetric pixie cut and streaked with purple .

Her style did nothing to detract from her exquisite features though. She made a beeline for me and we’d hit it off immediately as she reminded me so much of Stella.

She’s a freelancer in IT security, mainly working from her home in Long Island, and we were pleased to discover we don’t live very far from each other. We’d already made plans to catch up once we returned to New York.

When I suddenly disappeared with Xavier and then returned half an hour later, she’d calmly taken my arm and whispered, “Holy hell, girl, your effect on that man needs to be studied in university, and until you give me the source of that elixir, I’m latching on to you like a baby octopus.”

I’d laughed, thinking surely she’d meant his effect on me.

I’d later met the bride and groom, Jordan, his wife Sabrina, Ethan, and Xavier’s best buddies Ryan, Wyatt, and Lee. Despite dark looks from Vanessa, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and even texted Stella to tell her I was having fun.

Bonnie had booked herself into another hotel when they arrived in Cancun. She’d been happy to hop on Jordan’s jet but said she would never allow him to pay for her hotel room. I admitted I didn’t quite understand her logic but could respect it. Then I’d invited Bonnie to stay overnight in my own room.

I was confused about what was developing very quickly between Xavier and me. I knew unless I did something drastic to put brakes on it, there was only one way last night would end. In Xavier’s bed. A prospect that scared me shitless because somehow I knew it would be impossible to spend the night in his bed and remain unaffected afterward.

Stella had said to ghost him after the wedding. I desperately hope that ship hasn’t sailed. As it stands, I may already be in too deep if I’m being honest. The man makes me feel and give up way too much. He told me he needed a date. For all I know, he might only have brought me along to deter Vanessa from chasing him. Not to mention he’s still a cocky jerk and a playboy who I’d be wise to stay away from once this “date” is over.

I decided I had better keep my head for a bit longer. Since I couldn’t very well keep Lisa with me, nor could I run to Zoey and Dan’s room, I begged Bonnie to stay.

Bonnie knew exactly why. She’d smiled. “Babes, I don’t see why you’re cockblocking yourself from that prime piece of man cake, but I’ll respect it.” And then she sighed. “And here I am, in need of a proper fuck… but hey, who said there was any justice in the world?”

It turns out Bonnie understood the assignment. When we went over to speak to Zoey, Dan, and Xavier, she made a production of gushing over how nice this hotel was compared to hers and how she’d kill for a nice view of the sea. Xavier had asked if she’d like a room in our hotel, and I, of course, then offered to share my too-large room. I’d expected Xavier to be disappointed, but he was gracious and seemed happy even. His reaction stung, making me question what exactly I wanted.

“What time do we need to be there?” Bonnie asks, munching on the dark juicy grapes.

“Around ten thirty, the wedding starts at eleven.” Xavier had sent me a naughty text first thing this morning about what time we needed to be at the venue.

“Right then, we’ve got a couple of hours. Having completed my task, I’m going to run to my hotel and get dressed—and give you some Xavier time. I’m sure the man is gagging to see you.” Bonnie wags her eyebrows suggestively.

I laugh, watching her leave in the thick dressing gown. “Bonnie, surely you don’t mean to go across town dressed that way? ”

“I’m not about to wear last night’s clothes, someone might see me and think I’m doing a walk of shame.”

“Okay, and that’s better than if they think you’re crazy?”

“Absolutely! Meet you downstairs then,” she says as she leaves.

I’m still chuckling when I get out of the pool and pick up my phone. Bonnie was right. The pictures are stunning. I see a recent missed call from Xavier. My phone is still on silent since last evening’s rehearsal, which is why I missed the call.

I’m about to return the call, but then decide I’ll go and see him. I take a quick shower, wash and dry my hair, then throw on a casual T-shirt and shorts to head to his room.

He opens the door on the second knock and I take him in dressed only in thin gray sweatpants, his hair sexily mussed and standing on end, his green eyes warm and inviting, jaw covered with stubble, shirtless chest rippling with tight cords of muscle, leading south to— holy cow…

“Good morning, Brooke.” Xavier smiles, his right cheek dimpling attractively.

“Come in.” He opens the door wider.

As soon as I enter, he grabs my waist, pulling me in for a kiss.

“I missed you,” he says when we come up for air.

I missed you too . I keep my mouth shut.

“Seems like you really hit it off with Bonnie.”

I nod yes.

“I’m glad,” he says.

“You don’t mind I wasn’t with you last night?” I had to ask.

“No, of course not,” he says. “I would have liked nothing better than to spend the night buried inside you, but I meant what I said. I want you to be comfortable and have a good time. I really didn’t want to come to Cancun alone, and you being here with me is enough satisfaction.”

“But I don’t get it, Xavier. You wouldn’t have been alone; there’s so many of your friends and family here. Zoey, Dan, Ryan, Jordan… all of them are here.” I pause before asking, “Did you want me here so you could avoid Vanessa?”

“I didn’t even know she was coming.”

“So why then?” Was it too much to hope that Xavier didn’t have an ulterior motive and he just wanted to spend time with me? My silly heart thuds hopefully.

“Does there need to be a reason? You’re enjoying being here—”

“But—” I begin.

Fists pound on the door. “Xaviboy! Open up, Sleeping Beauty!”

Xavier sighs. “It’s the boys, give me a sec, babe.”

Babe ? Okay. I opened that door last night and he’s seriously barging in.

He throws the door open and six hot guys pour into the room. Lee, Wyatt, Ryan, Max, Ethan, and James. “What the hell, assholes?” Xavier addresses them.

“Poker, right now. Giovanni’s room. Move your ass,” Ryan says.

Lee sees me first. “Brooke… hello. Again.”

The rest notice me and the group goes silent. Then everyone tries to say hello at once.

“Get the picture?” Xavier snaps at them.

“Sorry, we didn’t realize you had company—” Max begins. Lee and Wyatt are still looking shocked.

“That’s his girl, dumbass,” James says to Max.

Lee recovers and says to Xavier, “We’ll let you off this time. You’ll lose anyway, so—”

“No, it’s fine, guys,” I say. “Really. Xavier and I were just talking, we’ll catch up later, right?”

I peck him on the lips.

“Are you sure?” Xavier asks.

“Of course.” I kiss his neck.

As I leave, I hear the boys teasing him.

“Oh look, he’s blushing,” someone says. “Like a fucking bride.”

I’m dressed in the rented Elie Saab dress. It’s icy blue and figure-hugging, with intricate sequin detail, a mermaid hem, and a narrow mesh insert on the front bodice, displaying more than a hint of cleavage. I brush and clip my hair away from my face but let the rest cascade down my back in a mass of waves. I finish off my makeup with a pale blue eyeshadow and a nude glossy lip color and I’m ready to leave. I stop by Zoey’s room on my way down. Dan’s already left with the other men.

“He said something about going to watch a game,” Zoey explains. I know it’s the same game they dragged Xavier to play. I watch her try to get a squirming Lisa into her white flower girl dress and offer to help with Lisa so Zoey can finish up.

We are finally ready to go join the others at the beach.

The wedding venue is set against the backdrop of the rich blue Caribbean sea, with rows of white chairs wrapped in gauzy bows, split by a red-carpeted aisle leading to a beautiful gazebo decorated with flowers .

There are about a dozen dangerous-looking men in black suits and dark glasses around the perimeter of the venue. Zoey notices me looking and explains.

“Just a little security detail. They’re the best man’s men.”

The boisterous Italian guy? I look back. It doesn’t look like a “little” detail. I’ll bet my ass those men are armed. “Is he into security or something?”

“Or something,” Zoey says mysteriously.

I spot Xavier and the rest of the groomsmen. They’d finished taking pictures and were standing around for the ceremony to start. He looks gorgeous in tan slacks and suspenders over a crisp white shirt and bow tie with the sleeves rolled up over his forearms. He’s standing a few feet away from the rest, smoking.

I watch him take a couple of deep drags, then crush the stub under his tan loafers. Ryan approaches him, puts an arm around his neck, and says something to which Xavier nods. Ryan then pats his back and leaves. I’m puzzled by the exchange.

“I didn’t know Xavier smoked,” I blurt.

A frown appears between Zoey’s eyebrows as she catches my line of vision. “No, he doesn’t anymore, he used to. He had to kick the habit before Lisa was born. I’m just going to find Emma, the other flower girl’s mom so we can get the girls together,” Zoey says.

“Are you alright, Brooke?” She notices the worry on my face. “Xavi’s fine, he’s just a bit stressed, is all.”

Stressed? Why would he be stressed and all of a sudden smoking?

Xavier catches my eye and strides toward me, his gaze heating. “You look incredible, babe.” He kisses me, and I taste mint and cigarette on his breath.

“Thank you,” I say. “You don’t look so bad yourself.”

He’s rubbing my upper arms, but I feel the slightest tremor in his fingers.

“Xavier, is everything okay?”

“Of course, why wouldn’t it be?” he asks, his eyes still raking over me.

“Well, you seem a bit… on edge.”

He laughs. “You should see Alex. He’s shitting himself. No, I’m good.”

I’m not convinced though. He was fine this morning, wasn’t he? Before the boys came to get him…

“So, what was that about earlier with the boys?” I keep my tone casual.

“Oh, they were just being silly. It was a game of poker. The loser has to take off a lucky girl’s garter later on,” he explains.

I see . “Did you play?”

“I didn’t lose if that’s what you’re asking.” He chuckles, and I release the breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. He traces the shell of my ear with his index finger, then curls his hand over my nape. “Ethan’s doing the honors.” Ethan is the tall, dark-haired guy in spectacles.

“I don’t see Bonnie yet?” Xavier asks.

“She’ll be here soon, she just texted me.” He nods, playing with the hair on my nape.

“What about Stella? Checked in on her?” I love that he’s interested in me enough to ask about my friends. Although I’d much rather talk about him and whatever is stressing him out.

“Yeah, I sent her photos of my room and the wedding venue.” I smile. “She’s insanely jealous but she’ll live. She’s got Cherise this weekend, so her hands are kind of full anyway.”

“Cherise the singer?” he asks.

“You bet your money it is.” My smile brightens .

“Wow.” He marvels. “Good for her.”

“I know. She’ll be out celebrating tonight. She’ll probably insist she take me out on another celebration night out since I’m missing out on this one.”

“It’ll be nice to take you on a date when we get back,” Xavier says.

“You don’t consider this a date?” I ask.

“I’ve hardly spent any time alone with you.”

My heart starts to pound. “Why do you want to spend time with me?”

Xavier laughs. “Why indeed?” He shakes his head, amused.

“No, really, I’m not your type. You said so yourself.”

“Not this again.” He throws his head back, taking a handful of his thick hair. Then he pins me with a searing look.

“Okay, here goes. No, you’re not my usual type, you’re Brooklyn. You’re funny and smart and sweet and sassy. You’re gentle yet fiery. You’re shy but also decadent and wanton. You’re sexy.” His voice lowers an octave. “Christ, you’re so fucking sexy you drive me insane. I want you, okay? That’s why I want to spend time with you. And I know you want me. So stop fighting this.” His other hand slips into my hair. “And stop running.”

I’m panting now. His words have ignited a fire in me. “I’m not running.”

“Yeah?” He looks deep into my eyes, his hands framing my face. “Come to me tonight then.”

My core clenches tightly at the dominance of his tone, and I want nothing more than to do his bidding. I’m scared by the intensity of what I feel for this man.

I bite my lip, and his gaze follows the movement. His thumb frees my lip, then rubs back and forth over it.

“Your mouth is sinfully sweet, you know.”

I know he’s thinking of when I had my mouth around him. I feel emboldened by the desire I see in his eyes. “I like the way you taste,” I say in a husky voice.

“Good.” He takes my lips, kissing me deeply, his tongue delving into my mouth to couple with mine. I moan, grabbing his wrists.

“Guys, behave.” I hear Zoey singsong as she approaches us. “Can’t be stealing the show. Don’t want to give that uptight wedding planner a fit.”

Xavier releases me, and I face Zoey, red-faced. Zoey shoos Xavier away to join the other groomsmen waiting for the cue to begin the procession. She grabs my hand as we head to our seats. “He is absolutely bonkers for you, Brooke. I couldn’t be happier he’s with someone like you.” She squeezes my hand tight. “Thank you,” she says as we take our seats.