Chapter Eleven

Bec

The Wedding

“ B itch, is that a hickey? You kicked off the weekend without me, didn’t you?” Dee screams, leaning closer to inspect my skin. The club music is so loud I can barely hear her.

We played several pervy games in the hotel room, had dinner tipping heavily to compensate for our obnoxious enthusiasm, and went to the strip club. We finally made it to our last stop of the night, dancing at one of the local clubs, and Ellie looks one shot away from needing me to hold her hair back. I leave the dance floor to grab her a glass of water from the bar. Dee follows me while the rest of the group continues grinding to the pulsing beat.

“Can you really see one?” I dip my chin, trying to catch a glimpse.

“Right here under your sash.” Her eyes sparkle with deviancy as she eyes the evidence of my time with Aiden. “Gimme. The details. Now.” She turns to the bartender and orders two shots.

“Dee, what are you doing? Ellie clearly doesn’t need any more. Three waters, please.” I smile at the bartender, adding to Dee’s order.

“The shots are for us . Now loosen those lips and tell me who was between those hips.”

“Ew, what? No, no one was between these hips.” Unfortunately.

I am fully on board with the idea of a carefree weekend with Aiden. A carefree, naked weekend, preferably. There’s no way that’s happening tonight. I’m on maid-of-honor duty, with overtime. Ellie is going to need food before she crashes, and it’s already two in the morning. I have no idea what Aiden is doing this weekend—huh, weird that never came up—but I can’t imagine he’d welcome a booty call at this hour.

Ellie and Dom are both out tonight for their respective bachelorette and bachelor parties. They’re sharing their hotel suite together all weekend, not caring about tradition. The message Dom’s brother sent me a few minutes ago let me know they’re already back at the hotel with pizza. I text him back, asking him to save Ellie a few slices to make sure she gets some food in her stomach before bed. We have to be up and at the spa by nine for a full morning of pampering tomorrow before the rehearsal dinner.

“Mark my words, Bec. I will get it out of you.” She winks at me, shoots her shot, grabs two of the waters, and heads back to Ellie and the girls.

I stand at the bar for a second longer, questioning my sanity because all I can think about is Aiden. His gaze, intense and focused. His stare lingering on my curves. His grip firm as he pressed me to the wall. I’ve never felt that turned on or desired in my life.

There is something captivating about him, and I feel like he could easily pull me under his influence. I hope his weekend plans are more flexible than mine because I don’t want to miss out on getting to know him better. Or at least getting under him.

After taking my shot, I rejoin my friends. Ellie screams, throws the water from Dee onto the dance floor, flings her arms around my neck, and slams into my chest. “Holy shit, I’m getting married, B,” she screams before pulling back and grabbing me by the shoulders with a serious look. “But first I need to sit on Dom’s face.” She giggles and wobbles, her eyelids slowly drooping down, and she lets out a small hiccup.

Yep, it’s time to wrap this up and get to the hotel. I guarantee she’ll pass out within the hour, fully dressed with a slice of pizza in her hand. I’d bet a hundred bucks there’s no face sitting tonight, but I laugh and smile back at my best friend. Knowing she found a love that makes her happy fills my heart with joy. She deserves the best, and I know Dom will give that to her. Turns out some people really do get their happily ever after.

* * *

Aiden : Hey stranger, can I see you tonight?

Bec : Who is this?

Aiden : Am I so easily forgettable?

Bec : I’d have to remember you to confirm if I’ve forgotten you.

Aiden : Let me jog your memory. 6’3”, mysterious smile, charming personality, witty as fuck, great butt.

Bec : And modest as hell. Good morning, Aiden.

Aiden : Ah, so not easily forgotten then.

Bec : All the alcohol in Columbus leaving my system is slowing my mind today. Give me a few hours…maybe my brain cells will return. What time?

Aiden : Meet for drinks in our spot at 10?

Bec : By our spot, do you mean the hotel bar or behind the ice machine on the 14 th floor?

Aiden : I do have fond memories of the 14th floor, but let me buy you a drink and get my fill of you before you get your fill of me.

Bec: Promises, promises. See you at 10, stranger.

* * *

My stomach has been doing flips since Aiden messaged me, and it flips again as I reread our text conversation for the millionth time. It could be the hangover, but most likely it’s him and the thought of where tonight might lead.

“I’m going to assume the dopey smile on your face has something to do with the mysterious Mister Hickey. I’ve waited long enough. Who are you hooking up with this weekend and do they have a friend for me?” Dee is relentless. I surrender rather than prolong the inevitable. She’ll get it out of me eventually.

We’re waiting in the ceremony space for the rest of the party to arrive so the wedding planner can start the rehearsal. Everything about this hotel is beautiful. Tomorrow, Ellie and Dom will get married in the rooftop garden courtyard. The atmosphere is perfect; twinkling string lights cascade around the space, casting it with a golden glow. The sky above is painted with streaks of a rose-hued sunset. The floral arrangements are heavy with rich purple blooms and greenery, offering a refreshing spring fragrance. The picturesque view of the city skyline is an awe-inspiring backdrop.

I share the details of how I met Aiden—no last name—with Dee while we wait. To say her face is glowing with amusement is an understatement. She’s practically steepling her fingers, grinning like I imagine a tiny devil on my shoulder would.

“Well, well, well. Bec came to this wedding ready for some fun. I’m happy for you. You deserve a romp with a hottie, and this Aiden sounds like he could deliver. Plus, he’ll be starving for you when he sees you in this dress tonight.”

That’s the idea. I brought a few options for the rehearsal but opted for the bolder choice. A satin, cap-sleeved, red wrap dress with a plunging neckline and the hem falling just below my knees with a less than modest glimpse of my thigh peeking through the slit with every step.

“So…does he have any friends or what?” She playfully bumps my hip with hers. I hear Dom’s boisterous voice echoing through the space as he greets a few others from the wedding party who must have joined the group .

“Dee, I literally know nothing about this guy other than he’s hot as fuck, knows how to kiss, and he’s here until Sunday.” He’s the perfect candidate for my weekend fling. No drama, no attachments, no pressure. And if his kiss is on par with his other…skills, then I’m in for the ride of my life.