Page 99 of The Red-Hot Stakes

I frowned. “You didn’t take it, did you?”

He laughed, coming over to wrap his arms around me. “No. I’ve got everything I need right here.” I sighed, burrowing into his embrace as he said, “It’s a nice night out. Maybe we should try the whirlpool tub?”

A soak sounded amazing, but so did sex. “It’s outside. I was thinking of something with less clothes.”

No one’s going to see. It’s dark, and it’s a deep tub, behind a wall. Wear whatever you want…or don’t want.” He nuzzled my neck. “But we have neighbors next door, so we’d have to be quiet if they come outside.”

A steady thumping came from the wall that abutted Greg and Rhonda’s room making me chuckle. “Guess that takes care of them.”

Feeling brave, I stripped down, grabbing a towel off the rack, and Liam followed. We started the water, sinking into the tub and tossing the towels over the nearby chairs. Anyone walking by would only see shadows and hear the water running or the echo of our voices.

“Exciting, isn’t it?” he breathed in my ear, pulling me against him so my back was against his front. His fingers slid between my waiting thighs, and I moaned, which he quickly silenced with a kiss. “Quiet, remember?”

And I did my best, but we were lucky our neighbors were otherwise occupied.

* * * *

The day of the wedding dawned bright and beautiful. It didn’t hurt that I woke up to Liam going down on me. We made love, got some breakfast, and Liam insisted I find out if there was a doctor around.

The infirmary wasn’t busy. The doctor took a quick X-ray, confirmed it was broken and told me to stay off it as much as possible while taking anti-inflammatories as necessary. No boot, no crutches, no tape. I stuck my tongue out at Liam in an ‘I told you so’. Although the doctor did offer me a numbing shot, which I promptly turned down.

The wedding would take place at one, and there were special rooms for us to get ready, ensuring travesties didn’t happen on the walk over. Like the groom didn’t see the bride on the day of the ceremony. Oops, too late.

Derek kissed Avery once more as the guys escorted him out. “See you in a couple hours.”

We waited for them to disappear then loaded up the clothing rack they’d sent over with the bellboy who escorted us. I made sure I had tip money this time. We couldn’t talk much as we walked, the rattling noise of the luggage rack drowning out all conversation. The bellboy whisked us into the bridal suite, and I slipped him some money.

Our hairdresser was waiting. My style was simple, as short as it was. Rhonda had an elegant French twist, but Avery’s mass of strawberry blonde hair took forever. The poor lady’s arms must have ached by the time she was done.

Then we popped a bottle of champagne and went to work on makeup, wanting to get it just right. Avery’s dress was simply gorgeous, with lace capped sleeves and a deep V-neck to show off her chest. The waist gathered high, punctuated with a silver belt, while the skirt flowed to the floor with a gauzy overlay. All in the purest white.

The dusty rose dresses we’d picked were beautiful as well—simple spaghetti straps, plain bodices with gathered waists. I liked the hemline the best, just below the knee in front, lengthening to my ankle in the back with the same gauzy overlay giving it a beachy feel.

The guys would be wearing khaki pants and white button-down shirts. I was sure they were all ready by now, probably playing cards and drinking. I envied how simple their routines were.

Avery pulled out a bag I didn’t recognize. “I have presents!”

We both received a slightly different jewelry set, silver with dangly earrings and a pendant. Mine was an elegant rose, in the same dusty pink as my dress. Rhonda’s was a lily, in the same color. They were beautiful.

Finally we were ready. The photographer tapped on our door, wanting some shots of the bride with her attendants. We had fun posing, doing both serious and silly. Then another knock sounded, letting us know it was time.

Avery gripped my arms. “Gina.”

Her wavering voice had me holding her tight. “You’ve got this, Ave. Derek is your other half and the perfect guy for you. I’ve known it since the first day I met him.” I chuckled, pulling back to grin. “In fact, I take full credit for you two being together.”

She grumbled, but I went on, “Anything you’re feeling right now is nerves. You know deep down you’re doing the right thing.” I waited for her to find it, the sense of rightness I spoke of.

A look of peace came over her, and she relaxed her grip, smiling. “I’m so glad you’re here, G.”

I hugged her tightly. “Me too.”

We opened our arms to include Rhonda who said, “As long as we don’t start calling ourselves the three musketeers, I’m in.” And we all laughed.

With one last bolstering squeeze, we broke apart, picking up our pink, purple and white bouquets. Rhonda led us to the walkway that wound to the pavilion where an archway stood in the sun. It was beautiful, wrapped in see-through cloth that flowed in the breeze, tied at the corners with the same flowers in our bouquet.

Gauzy drapes were strung high on either side, giving us relief from the pelting sun but enough light for good pictures. I caught a glimpse of our men, all eagerly watching us walk down the aisle.

Greg’s gray eyes found Rhonda and never left. He looked great, with his sandy hair swept back and a huge smile on his face. I scanned him, moving on to Derek because I knew once I landed on Liam, it would be hard to focus on anything else.

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