Page 40 of Allison

“Um, well, it’s tradition in our family for the women to have a slumber party the night before the wedding,” Gloria informs them. “I, um, we, were coming to see if Emma wants to keep that tradition.”

Emma’s face falls a bit, but she keeps a smile on her face. She glances at Curtis who puts his arm around her shoulders, whispering something into her ear. She nods. Emma turns back to them. “Yeah, we’ll have a slumber party in my room. Give us a little while before you all arrive. Let’s say” —she glances at her watch— “ten-thirty?”

Leslie looks like she’s about to argue. “Ten-thrity is perfect,” Allison jumps in before Leslie can say a word. “I’d like another dance or two. Susie Beth? How about you and Kevin come dance with us?”

Susie Beth looks like a deer in the headlights, but she gets up and allows Kevin to lead her out to the dance floor. An upbeat song is playing. Allison and Susie Beth dance mostly with each other while the guys are hanging on their peripheral.

When the music changes to a slow song, Russell pulls Allison into his arms. Brett Young’sGoodnight Into Good Morningplays as Russell moves her around the dance floor. The song has Allison thinking of all the naughty, fun times she’s had with Russell this week and makes her want more of them. As the last strings play, Russell pulls her toward the door.

They are on each other the second the elevator door closes. He kisses her long and deep, causing her lady parts to moisten in response. Her body craves the pleasure she knows he’ll give her when they can at long last come together. They break apart long enough to walk from the elevator to her room.

She’s barely gotten the door open when a familiar voice calls out. “Allison, honey, is that you?” Allison looks up to see her parents walking down the hall.

“Hey, mom, dad. What are you guys doing up so late?” She’s hoping she doesn’t sound as guilty as she feels at having her parents catch her going into a hotel room with a man.

“We’ve been out for a walk,” her mother answers. “I thought you girls were going to have a slumber party in Emma’s room?”

“They are,” Russell answers for her. “I was just walking Allison to her room so she could get what she needs, then I’m going to escort her to Emma’s room. Be sure she gets there safely, ma’am.” Allison’s mom beams at them with a knowing look, which shocks her to her core. It almost seems her mother wouldn’t mind if Allison were hooking up with Russell, but that can’t be right.

“Thank you, young man, for looking out for our girl,” Mrs. Simpson says. “Allison’s lucky to have you.”

“Mom!” Allison exclaims, wanting to melt into the floor and disappear.

“Go on and get your things, dear,” her mother urges. “Don’t keep the young man waiting. He’s being so considerate.” More flustered than she’s ever been, Allison heads into her room to grab some pajamas, a robe, and her hair and makeup accessories for getting ready in the morning.

When she emerges, her mother and father are still waiting in the hall with Russell.Seriously? What is happening right now?

“We’ll walk with you,” Mr. Simpson says when Allison shoots them a questioning look. “Your mother wanted a moment to speak with Emma before the wedding anyway.” Allison nods. Russell takes her bag from her hand and using his free hand at her lower back guides her down the hall.

When they reach Emma’s room, Mrs. Simpson grabs Allison’s bag from Russell’s hand and gives it to Mr. Simpson. “Come in with me dear and congratulate Emma on her wedding.” Mr. Simpson looks like he wants to protest, but he follows her inside, leaving Allison and Russell alone. The door to Emma’s room is kept open slightly by Allison’s bag. Her father drops it down, presumably to keep it open for her to enter when she’s ready.

“I’m sorry,” Allison says, turning to face Russell. He grins down at her, pulling her a few steps away from the open door.

“There’s nothing for you to be sorry for.” Russell’s deep seductive voice sends a wave of desire over her. He drops his voice to a whisper. “It’s just not meant to be, tonight.” Allison leans into him, needing the reassurance his touch gives her. “Tomorrow night will be a different story. Come hell or high water, I’m fucking you, sugar.” Allison shivers at the promise in his voice.

“Yes, you will,” Allison declares. Rising up on her tiptoes, she presses her lips to his. Their tongues dance like she wants their bodies to be doing. When they break apart, she’s breathless and so hot, she might spontaneously combust.

“Get inside, sugar, before we cause more gossip,” Russell says, giving her another peck on her lips. “Tomorrow night, you and me.” She nods, turning toward the open door.

“Just one more?” Russell’s voice is full of humor. Allison spins, leaping toward him.

“Caveman,” Allison quickly kisses his lips, then darts into Emma’s room.

27

ALLISON

Allison is disappointed to not be spending the night with Russell. She can’t remember ever being this needy for a man. It has been a long time since she’s had sex, still Russell is unlike anyone she’s ever dated before. Not that she’s dating him now. They’re just having fun.

Tomorrow is the wedding. She’ll be leaving the next day and she’ll never see him again, or at least not for a long time.Ugh!She shouldn’t feel so sad about that prospect.

“What’s wrong with you?” Susie Beth whispers, glancing over at Leslie and the others who are discussing the best hairdo for Emma. Like Emma hasn’t already planned how she’s going to wear her hair atherwedding.

“It’s nothing. I’m fine,” Allison semi-lies. Susie Beth’s mouth quirks to one side. She isn’t buying. Susie Beth has been Emma’s friend since forever and she’s been Allison’s friend, too. She knows Allison almost as well as Emma.

“Bullshit, Ali. What’s going on?” Susie Beth demands. “Spill it.” Allison can’t keep her lips from tipping up at the edges as she fights a smile.

“It’s just tomorrow is the wedding and the next day I’ll fly back home,” Allison offers as if that’s a complete explanation. Susie Beth gives her a sympathetic look. “The days have flown by, and now it’s almost over.”

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