Page 53 of The Cousins and the Brunette

We made our way to the elevator, giggles and stolen kisses punctuated our journey. The champagne buzz hummed through my veins, making everything feel dreamlike and surreal.

Sebastian pressed the button to take us upstairs, his hand resting on the small of my back. “I still can’t believe this is real. That you’re ours.”

I leaned into his touch, savoring the warmth of his palm through the delicate fabric of my dress. “Believe it, handsome.”

Joel nuzzled my neck, his breath hot against my skin. “We’re the luckiest bastards in New Boston.”

Braxton wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. “Speaking of getting lucky...”

The elevator dinged, and we spilled out into the compartment. We rode it to the third floor where most the bedroom where located.

Joel carried me down the hallway to a new bedroom suite I had never seen before.

“Allow me.” Sebastian smoothly opened the door.

We entered the luxurious suite with a king-sized bed. Champagne chilled in an ice bucket, rose petals scattered across the blankets. Joel set me on my feet.

Braxton whistled low. “Now this is what I call a love nest.”

I kicked off my heels, sighing in relief as my feet sank into the plush carpet. “God, that feels good. These shoes are gorgeous, but they’re killing me.” I sat on the edge of the bed.

Joel knelt before me, his strong hands gently massaging my aching feet. “Let me take care of that for you, Mrs. Porter.”

A warm tingle coursed through me at the sound of my new name. “Mrs. Porter. I could get used to that.”

Sebastian came up behind me, his fingers working at the intricate buttons of my gown. “You’d better. It’s yours for life now.”

I leaned back against his chest, relishing the solid strength of him. “Promise?”

His lips brushed the shell of my ear. “I swear it.”

Braxton flopped onto the bed, loosening his tie. “So, about that massage...I think I won fair and square.”

I laughed, shaking my head. “I don’t remember agreeing to those terms, mister.”

He pouted playfully. “Come on, wifey. Don’t I deserve a little TLC on my wedding night?”

Joel’s hands had worked their way up to my calves, kneading the tension from my muscles. “I think we all deserve a little extra loving tonight.”

I bit my lip, a wicked idea forming. “Well, in that case...why don’t you boys get comfortable while I slip into something a little more...appropriate for the occasion?”

Sebastian’s breath hitched while he helped me step out of my dress. “Define appropriate.”

I winked, scooping up a small bag from beside the bed that Marla must’ve left there for me. “You’ll just have to wait and see, won’t you?”

I sashayed towards the bathroom. I could feel their heated gazes on my skin. The door shut behind me, and I leaned against it for a moment, catching my breath.

My reflection in the mirror caught my eye—cheeks flushed, hair slightly mussed, eyes bright with excitement. I hardly recognized myself, this radiant, confident woman staring back at me.

I reached into the bag, pulling out lacy white lingerie. I slipped it on, and I could hear the muffled sounds of my husbands’ cheeky banter through the door.

Braxton’s voice carried clearly. “Ten bucks says she comes out in nothing but a bow.”

Joel’s deeper tone rumbled in response. “You’re on. My money’s on that little red number we saw her eyeing last week at the store.”

Sebastian chuckled. “You’re both wrong. Our Brynn’s full of surprises.”

I grinned to myself, applying a fresh coat of lipstick. They had no idea what they were in for. Taking a deep breath, I opened the door and stepped back into the bedroom. The conversation died instantly, replaced by a charged silence.

---