Page 31 of Rose and the Grouch Next Door

Chuckling, Braxton shakes his head. “That’s Ash. Always hustling.”

As Ash leads Adrian away, I turn to Braxton with a grin. "Well, looks like your brother might be stickin' around. How do you feel about that?"

Braxton's smile is warm. "Honestly? I think it'd be great. But right now, all I can think about is getting you alone."

My cheeks flush at his words, and I'm about to suggest we make our escape when I hear giggles behind me. I turn to see my bridesmaids and two best friends, Tessa and Lila, wearing knowing smirks.

"Look at our Rose, all eager to ditch her own wedding," Lila teases. "Can't wait to get that handsome groom of yours all to yourself, huh?"

"Oh hush," I say, feeling my blush deepen.

The girls erupt in laughter, and I can feel Braxton's chest rumble with amusement as he wraps his arms around me from behind, snuggling me into his body.

"Don't you worry, ladies," he drawls. "I promise to return her... eventually."

I'm about to reply when the crowd parts, and a familiar white blur comes bounding towards us. I’m admiring his little doggy tuxedo when I notice something in his mouth.

"Oh, sweet peaches and cream," I mutter, my eyes widening in horror as I realize what he has in his mouth.

Honeybun drops a small white stick at our feet, looking pleased with himself. It’s landed face-up, two pink lines clear as day.

My secret's out, and in the most Honeybun way possible.

Braxton's jaw drops. "Rose, are you...?"

I nod, tears welling up in my eyes. "Surprise!" I exclaim, throwing my hands out, fingers splayed for dramatic effect.

The crowd erupts in laughter and congratulations. Braxton's strong arms wrap around me, lifting me off my feet as he spins us around.

"You sweet, beautiful, amazing girl," he whispers, before capturing my lips in a searing kiss.

We break apart, both breathless. Braxton's eyes are dark with desire. Without a word, he takes my hand and starts leading me towards the door that leads to the hotel downstairs.

"Well, folks," I call over my shoulder, "Guess we’re leavin’! Y'all enjoy the party!"

Braxton practically drags me to the elevator and to our suite. The same one I used to get ready for the ceremony is now filled with rose petals and candlelight.

"You planned this, didn't you?" I ask as he closes the door to the bedroom, leaving poor Honeybun whining on the other side in the living area.

"Guilty as charged," Braxton admits, turning me around so his hands can work the buttons of my dress. "But I didn't plan on that little announcement downstairs. How long have you known?"

I bite my lip. "Just a few days. I wanted to surprise you tonight."

"Oh, you surprised me alright," he growls playfully, pushing the dress off my shoulders. "Now, I believe it's time I showed you just how much I appreciate the surprise."

He spins me around and his lips find mine again. I lose myself in the moment, eager to feel him as I work the buckle of his slacks.

He hisses my name against my lips when my fingers delve into his briefs and I grasp his hard length, rubbing the moisture seeping from the tip with my thumb.

"Rose," he growls, his deep baritone sending shivers down my spine, "I've wanted you since I laid eyes on you in my backyard with your silly animal. If you didn’t already know, I’m in awe that you’re mine forever. Mine to hold forever, kiss forever … fuck forever.” He punctuates each statement with a soft kiss to my lips, his hands cradling my face.

Scooping me up into his powerful arms, he carries me to the four-poster bed, his eyes never leaving mine.

He openly admires my lace-embroidered panties as I’m spread on the bed, like some blushing sacrificial bride. He smirks that smoldering smile of his, unbuttoning his shirt, revealing a toned, tanned chest that oughta be illegal.

My eyes can't help but linger on his abs. "Like what you see, Mrs. Barrows?" he asks, a cocky grin spreading across his face.

"Oh, I'm definitely admiring the view, professor," I tease, growing bolder by the second. He chuckles, a low, rumbly sound..

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