Chapter 9

CHAPTER 9

Crystal

Because Mayson was in the wedding party, he had to get dressed with all of the others. and I would need to join him there. That meant I had to get my own transportation to the wedding. Thankfully, Bennett Stone was able to make arrangements for me.

When I arrived, I saw the huge white tent and more guests than I'd expected. Why did I think this was going to be a small wedding? Orion was the Vice President of Tabiq. Instantly I started regretting accepting Mayson's offer. I didn't belong here. But before I could back out, I saw Bennett and a stunning woman on his arm. They approached me.

"You must be Crystal. My husband told me all about you. I'm Zoey. So nice to meet you," she said. "And by the way, that dress is amazing."

"Thank you. Mayson brought me to a shop yesterday and I was lucky they had exactly what I needed in my size."

She elbowed Bennett and said, "Did you hear that? Mayson brought her shopping. Why don't you go with me?"

"I wouldn't want to ruin your outings with your sisters-in-law," he replied.

Zoey smiled at him. "And you do get to stay home with the kids. So, I guess I can't complain." She turned back to me and said, "Bennett told me you're a nurse. You should have Mayson give you a tour of the hospital here."

A strange thing to do on vacation but if it meant more time with Mayson, I'd do it. "I'd definitely ask."

"No. I'll suggest it. I find men are more obliging when it comes from someone else," she said.

"Hey. Do you do that to me too?" Bennett asked.

She kissed briefly and said, "Oh course not." Then gave me a wink. "Come, let's find our seats. The wedding should be starting any time."

Even though I could've sat closer, I chose to sit towards the back. This was something meant for family and close friends. I was honored to be there but still felt like I was intruding. That didn't mean I didn't tear up as they exchanged vows. Mayson hadn't exaggerated when he said Orion and Raya were soulmates. I could tell not just by their words, but how they looked at each other as they uttered them.

I'd never had anyone look at me with such adoration and love. Probably wouldn't either, as all I seem to do, is work.

"You may now kiss your bride," the officiant announced.

Orion pulled her into his arms and kissed her passionately. The tears started all over again. I wiped my tear-streaked cheeks and wished this dress had pockets because I surely could have used tissues.

The woman sitting beside me tapped her husband and pointed at me. He pulled out a handkerchief and handed it to me.

"Thank you," I sniffed, dabbing my cheeks and around my eyes.

I looked at the handkerchief and thankfully, my waterproof mascara was holding up.

Raya and Orion walked down the aisle, and everyone threw flower petals into the air as they went by. It was a beautiful, touching ceremony. They were followed by Mayson and Kathy walking arm-in-arm. As they passed, Mayson reached out and touched me briefly on my bare shoulder and then gave me a wink. I felt like the only person in the room, despite the crowd.

How do you do that?

He made me feel...wanted. It felt great. But I needed to control my feelings. The saleswoman had asked if I was ready to get my heart broken. I thought it was ridiculous when she said it. Not so much now. I could easily fall for him if I wasn't careful. And it had nothing to do with how sexy he looked in that tuxedo either.

Everyone was making their way to the other tent that was filled with round tables, covered in all different colored tablecloths. The only thing common between the tables was the pure white flowers as the centerpiece.

I looked around but couldn't find anything that said what table I was to sit at. Back home they assigned seating. But it didn't appear to be that way. I had no idea where to sit, and Mayson was off getting pictures taken with Kathy and the happy couple.

There was a stunning woman who I recognized from photographs. She waved me over and I went to join her and her husband Finn.

"Hello, President O'Connor."

"Please call me, Reesa. And this is my husband, Finn. Why don't you sit with us," she suggested.

I could see security guards around in the distance. What I was trying to do was blend in. This definitely wasn't the table to do that. Not like I could decline her offer.

"Maybe just for a few minutes while waiting for them to finish with photos," I said.

Finn got up and held a chair for me to sit. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. How are you enjoying Tabiq?" he asked.

"It's a very beautiful island," I replied.

He nodded. "That it is. The hardest thing for me to get used to is the lack of change of seasons."

"That's what you get when you live on a tropical island," Reesa said. "But I would take this over snow any day. Not a fan of being cold."

"I don't hear you complaining about all the air conditioning we have," Finn stated.

She laughed. "There is a major difference between heat and humidity. And we can get very humid here. Thankfully Orion and Raya have a perfect day for a wedding."

"It really is lovely. Yesterday I felt as though I was going to melt, and I wasn't even moving," I said.

"That's a feeling I don't think I'm ever going to get used to," Finn said. "Bennett told me that you're a nurse in the States. What hospital do you work at?"

And now I know why you want me to sit with you. The inquisition begins.

"I don't. I'm a private nurse."

"You mean you reside with them as their full-time caregiver?" Reesa asked.

"Not always, but for the past three years, I have been the sole caregiver for a woman who is very ill." One who should be here attending her son's wedding instead of me. If it wasn't for the fact thatI was told that we couldn't take videos or pictures, I would've made sure to do so and send them to Anya. I know she would've loved watching Orion get married.

"That is very difficult. I mean, you never get a break," Finn said.

"I have Sunday from ten in the morning until five at night, off," I stated.

"You are very dedicated. I'm not sure I could do that," Reesa stated.

"You're probably working way more than I do, as the President of a country. Just adifferent kind of work," I reminded her.

"I'm glad that you were able to take a vacation. No wonder why you traveled alone. It's probably a rare thing for you," Finn said.

"It is. I love what I do, but this is definitely a treat for me. But since I arrived, I hardly have been alone. Mayson, Raya, and Orion seem to have taken me under their wing."

"They are good people. And for you to be allowed into their home, says something about you as well. Orion is very protective of his family. So is Mayson," Reesa said.

"I am grateful for their friendship," I said. That was true. But I know I didn't deserve it. And when this all came out, even Reesa and Finn would change their opinions of me.

As we sat talking, I didn't even notice Mayson approaching. All I felt was his hands on my bare shoulders and his deep sexy voice near my ear. "Are you enjoying yourself?

I turned to look up at him. "Very much so. It was a beautiful ceremony."

He nodded. "Would you two mind if I stole my date back?"

Finn grinned. "Not at all. It was nice meeting you Crystal. If you get a chance, have Mayson bring you by the hospital and I'll give you a tour."

I bit my lip wondering if Zoey had set that up. "I'd like that very much."

Mayson slipped an arm around my waist and said, "Then consider it done." He looked at Finn and asked, "Will you be there tomorrow?"

"Mayson, tomorrow is Sunday," I reminded him.

Finn said, "I will be there. How about nine? That will give me time to do my rounds and meet with the staff."

Mayson looked at me and I nodded. He turned to Finn and said, "We will see you at nine.

I thought Mayson was going to bring me to sit at a table, but instead, he escorted me out of the tent and to a private spot away from everyone.

"Mayson, don't you have to be at the head table with the rest of the bridal party?" I asked.

"Not sure. I didn't ask."

"Well, in the United States, the best man usually sits with them. You have responsibilities. Like a dance with the maid-of-honor."

"There is only one woman I am dancing with. And that is you," he said firmly.

I loved hearing that, but not at Raya's wedding. There was protocol and he wasn't following it. "Mayson, as flattered as I am, you just can't walk away and do things your way."

"I am telling you, if I dance, it is with you." His eyes roamed over me, and he said, "I'm glad to see you chose the red one. You look amazing. And before you tell me about my role, you should've thought about that yourself."

"What did I do?"

"No one is supposed to look more beautiful than the bride," he said.

I felt my cheeks warm and my heart melt. "Thank you."

Mayson's eyes were dark, and he said, "Crystal, I'm going to kiss you. But if you don't want me to, you better tell me now."

I swallowed hard. No should be my answer. That word was caught in my throat. All I could do was lick my lips in anticipation.

Mayson pulled me into his arms, his lips claiming mine. First, they were soft, and I expected him to end the embrace and pull away. But he didn't. Instead, his tongue traced mine and teased me to open to him. There was no resistance in me. I wanted to taste him.

Our tongues danced as he held me close. The need rushed through me, and the world around me vanished. I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling myself even closer to him. He moaned in my mouth, and I shuddered.

I hadn't had anything to drink, but his kisses were intoxicating.

Someone cleared their throat loudly from behind us. Mayson didn't release his hold, but I pulled away slightly.

"I hate to interrupt the two of you, but your brother sent me to look for you," Kathy said.

"Tell him, I'm busy," he replied. I looked at him sternly and he just grinned. "I'm just joking, Kathy. We are coming."

He still didn't let me go. "I thought we were going?" I reminded him.

"If I go now, everyone will know the effect you have on me."

He pulled me up against him again, and I knew exactly what he meant. I was glad to know that I wasn't the only one hot and bothered by that kiss.

I called out to Kathy and said, "Tell him we'll be there in a couple of minutes."

"Fine. I'll let him know," she said and walked away.

Mayson smiled. "Do you know how tempted I am to pick you up and carry you to my car and drive away?"

"If it weren't your brother's wedding, I wouldn't put up an argument."

"Any problem with us leaving early so we can finish what we started?" he asked.

Say no. Don't do this. It's not going to end well.

" Not before they cut the cake," I said.

He looked into my eyes and said, "You're all the dessert I need."

The heat rushed to my core, and I knew that tonight, I was going to cross the line and break my own heart. But I'd rather it be broken and get this time with Mayson now than never have it at all.