Page 38 of Trash Talk

Epilogue

Ruby- November

We’re all at the vineyard having drinks. It’s closed for a private party. Everyone I love and their significant others are here. I’m stoked they all came for the wedding. Mine and Knox’s of course. We’ve planned a small ceremony down by the lake tomorrow, under a giant pecan tree. Tonight, is our rehearsal dinner. It’s fall, my most favorite time of year. The leaves are changing, the air is crisp and cool and pumpkin spice has overtaken everything (it’s kinda my favorite too— I don’t care if you agree, your negativity can’t get me down today. I’m marrying Knox tomorrow; nothing can get me down).

MB and her boyfriend are chatting with my mom and Mr. Alexander. Grayson has cornered Becks in what looks like a heavy conversation. I swear he can’t turn off his public persona. Not that I’m complaining. He’s utterly charming. Willow Creek has the sexiest mayor in America. For real though, People and GQ have already made a big deal out of it. Not that I blame them, the man is fine. Poppy’s a lucky lady. But so am I. In case you missed my enthusiasm earlier— I’m marrying my best friend tomorrow!

I’m so happy to have everyone we love here. Knox’s grandparents from Hawaii flew in yesterday. Gramps has been busy giving Jemma hell about the new guy she’s dating. Apparently, he’s older, with a bike and a beard. Gramps told her if he knew he was her type, he’d have taken a shot years ago. Jemma just laughed and kissed his cheek affectionately, Gramps blushed profusely. It was adorable.

The only blemish on the evening is how out of place Graham looks. He and Knox have remained best friends over the years and he’s trying to be supportive, but I can tell he’s uncomfortable as hell. He’s changed so much; seemingly enjoying his solitude over the company of others. Even his siblings are giving him a wide berth tonight. He’s kept to himself; it could have something to do with the daggers Em’s been staring at him all night. I think it’s the first time they’ve been in the same room since college. And I’m not sure if tonight’s performance is an improvement over the last. But she has assured me, nothing will ruin my big day tomorrow. Least of all her hatred for a certain dark-haired best man sipping whiskey solo at the bar.

It’s a huge change from the Graham I remember. Life of the party. Fun-loving. Wild. Now he seems to prefer a quiet corner. It’s almost like he an Em traded places. She traded her books for boys, and he traded his girls for groves. His small-batch hard cider company is popular with locals and tourists alike, and I would never tell Em this, but his spiced autumn blend is kind of my favorite (I keep a 6-pack hidden in the veggie drawer of the fridge— no one ever looks there). Sometimes, secrets between friends are necessary to keep the peace.

I feel two strong arms encircle my waist as the fresh scent of my fiancée engulfs me. Knox presses his lips to my neck, just below my ear, in that spot that never fails to get me going. “You about ready to blow this popsicle stand? I want to make sure we both get our beauty rest before the big day.”

“I’m on to you, Teller.” I whisper back. “You just want to make sure there’s plenty of time for nookie before the nuptials,” I laugh as I spin around and lace my fingers behind his neck. It’s a stretch, but I can make it on tip toe. His big hands brush up from my waist to my ribs and my new ink. I flinch a bit. It’s still a little sore, but it itches like a mofo.

Knox doesn’t know I got it. I swore Beau to secrecy, and I’ve hidden it well the past day and a half. I’m planning on the big reveal tomorrow evening. It’s two small sparrows in flight on my left side, just under my breast. The white ink pops off my dark skin. They fit under the band of my bra perfectly (so mom will never notice). In Polynesian culture, chasing birds represent two people supporting one another; the union of two families, and sparrows are a sacred symbol of true love for Greeks.

After Knox explained the significance of his leg tattoo, I knew I’d get something, a permanent symbol of my love and devotion for him. The birds were just too perfect. What do you get for the man that has everything, and can afford anything he could ever want? My new ink is the perfect surprise gift for our wedding night. He’d never expect it. I can’t let him spoil it now. He’s been daring me to get some matching ink, thinking I wouldn’t go through with it. He really should know not to bet against me by now. I kiss him. Hard. I am equal parts not wanting to spoil the surprise and wanting him inside of me.

“Since we’re not staying together the night before our wedding, I guess we can have a quickie in my cottage before you head home,” I smile up at him as I place my hand in his and lead him down the dark trail.

“That was a stupid idea. Who’s was it?” It was his. To please my mother. She wanted the bridal party at the Vineyard the night before as a sort of slumber party, so we could all wake up and get ready together. Since we weren’t having a big church wedding, Knox had caved on the tradition of not seeing each other before the ceremony. Something we were both cursing his big mouth for now. If we hurry, no one will notice we’re gone, and we might just get a two for one special. Well, I will. It takes him too long to recover, and Knox can deliver two for me in under ten minutes. Yeah. He’s good like that.

I figure our passion will eventually wane, in like fifty years. But for now, it just gets stronger every day. I love this man with every fiber of my being. And though I hate to admit it, I’m mad at myself for denying us for so long. I won’t make that mistake again. I will be thankful for everyday Knox and I have together. I will make mistakes, and he will too. But I will be patient and forgiving. He makes me happy, and I will do my best to do the same for him. I will work hard to make us work because life is dull without him, and I don’t want to ever live that way again. That is my vow. But we will never stop talking trash. Baiting each other. Rising to the occasion. Someone has to make shit interesting around this town. Plus, I know he loves it. Thrives on a challenge as much as I do. We’re perfect for each other.

We burst through the front door, and he slams me against it as it’s closing. He lifts my dress over my hips (that’s right, I wore a dress, and I’m wearing one tomorrow too) and pulls my panties to the side while I unbuckle his belt and slide his now loose pants down his thighs.

“I need you inside me. Now.” I guide his hard cock to my entrance and rub the tip through my juices making us both groan. “I’d like to go for two, but I know we don’t have a lot of time. Show me what you’ve got, Teller.”

“You don’t think I can do it?” he asks roughly as he glides inside me.

Gamóto, he feels good. I’m so ready. It’s his first thrust and I’m almost there. I can’t help but goad him though. “Oh, I know you can. Given the proper motivation.”

“And what’s that?” he grunts out, quickly developing a fast rhythm. One I know will have me screaming in seconds. Thank God the party is far enough away that no one will hear. I hope they won’t anyway. Honestly, I don’t care right now.

“A bet of course.” He presses his thumb against my clit and slams inside me; I come so hard I see stars. My body convulses against his uncontrollably. I almost lose my grip on him and fall to the floor in a boneless heap.

“Are you sayin’ double or nothing, Shorty?” Incapable of speech, I nod my head. He chuckles before biting my neck and lightly sucking the sting away. Then pulls back and slams into me again, pinching my nipple through my bra at the same time. It’s at that exact moment, I realize the double orgasm is not a myth. And I have officially lost the bet.

THE END

---