Chapter 45: Chapter 45

AVERY

Josh and Reed are standing under the arch where the wedding ceremony took place earlier, their backs turned to me. I manage to slip behind a nearby tree without them noticing.

“Nice touch, dedicating your entire speech to my sister,” Josh comments.

“I just spoke from the heart,” Reed responds. “Isn’t that what you’re supposed to do at weddings?”

Josh doesn’t let him off the hook. “Come on, Reed. That was a declaration of love in front of hundreds of people.”

“I should have told her everything years ago, or at least when I saw her at the clinic.” He lets out a heavy sigh. “She still hasn’t talked to me about it yet.”

Josh chuckles. “Oh, she’ll talk to you.”

Reed scoffs. “I wanted to be the man she deserved, but I screwed it up.”

Josh sighs. “Listen, you didn’t screw it up. Trust me.” He holds up his left hand. “I know a thing or two about getting the girl of your dreams.”

Reed chuckles, looking up at the sky. “I love her, man. I love her with everything I have. I just want to be the kind of man that’s worthy of her.”

I move forward, wanting to catch every word, when a branch snaps under my foot.

~Shit.~

Reed looks around. “What was that?”

I hold my breath. Josh coughs, covering his mouth with his hand to hide his smile.

~Damn. He knows I’m here.~

“Probably a squirrel or something. So, what’s the man worthy of my sister like?” he asks.

“He protects her, honors her, and worships every hair on her head. He supports her, cheers her on, and comforts her. He dances with her in good times and holds her hand in bad ones. He makes her smile, makes her laugh, and encourages her to chase her dreams,” Reed declares.

My chest tightens at the deep love in his voice.

Josh steps closer to Reed, whispering something in his ear. They share a manly hug before Josh steps back, a hand on Reed’s shoulder.

“Go get her, man,” he adds with a wink.

Josh walks away, but Reed stays put.

“You can come out now. Your brother gave you away, and I see you behind that tree,” he calls, sounding amused.

~Damn. Busted.~

I slowly emerge. Reed is standing there, hands in his pockets and a playful grin on his face.

“You like to eavesdrop, don’t you?” he teases as he walks toward me.

“Did you mean what you said?”

“Every word,” he confirms. “I’m sorry I lied to you, Avery. I should have told you I loved you a long time ago.”

“When did you realize you loved me?” I ask, my stomach fluttering with anticipation.

“I think I’ve known since that Fourth of July. You were crying on the pier because that jerk turned you down. All I could think about was kissing you. Showing you not all guys are the same. Telling you I loved you, no matter what the consequences.”

~He loved me back then?~

My breath catches in my chest. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t know how to love anyone back then. I wasn’t good for myself, let alone anyone else. My mom died and my dad left. I was just so lost and angry. You were this bright light, shining to let me know it was all going to be okay. I was afraid that if I let myself love you, my darkness would snuff that out,” he says, rubbing the back of his neck.

“So why now?” I ask.

He reaches out, his fingers curling around mine.

“I was numb after I retired. I didn’t like who I was, and I’d just lost the thing I thought made me happy. But then, I thought about you, and I figured if I could just see that light again maybe I’d know things were going to be okay.”

His thumb rubs along my skin. “The first time you touched me, I thought I was going to explode. It was like breathing again. Every part of me came to life, and I couldn’t deny it anymore.”

I lean into him as his hand comes up to cup my cheek.

“So, I guess that leaves one final question,” he says, his eyes searching mine. “Do you love me back, Avery?”

I smile. “Yes, I love you, Reed. I’ve always loved you. I’m—”

He cuts me off, pressing his lips to mine. My arms wrap around his neck, pulling him closer. His cocky grin is back the moment we pull apart.

“I knew you loved me.”

I laugh. “Oh really? How?”

“You talk in your sleep,” he whispers against my lips.

I gasp, pulling back and smacking him in the chest. “I do not!”

He laughs, dragging me back to his chest. “Yes, you do. You’ve told me you love me three times. When we were in your bed, after you…you know.”

He grins as I blush uncontrollably.

“Then again on the way home from the hockey game, and the third time was on Halloween right before you…finished. That one’s my favorite. You sounded desperate for me to know, so passionate. I swear it will be etched in my mind forever.”

I rise on my toes to kiss him. “Here’s another. I love you, Reed Everett.”

I press my lips to his, and he melts into me. His mouth moves against mine, gentle at first, then more demanding as desire blooms between us.

He pauses, pulling back for just a moment. “So…I hear great things about make-up sex. Should we maybe find somewhere more private and check that out?”

I grin, grabbing his hand and running toward the castle.

***

Reed and I race up the grand staircase, throwing open the door to the suite the bridal party got ready in earlier.

There’s barely a chance to flick the lock closed before he’s backing me up against the vanity. He lifts me up and sets me on top of it, leaning in for another passionate kiss as my hands reach for his belt.

“My girl is eager,” he laughs, moving my hands aside to unbuckle and unzip himself, his lips skillfully working mine as he slips off my lace underwear.

Those two words make me freeze.

~My girl. I’m Reed’s girl.~

He looks at me, the lust in his eyes fading slightly as he sees tears welling up in mine.

“What’s wrong?”

I try to turn away, feeling slightly embarrassed about making such a big deal over two words. He doesn’t let me though. His fingers grip my chin and bring my eyes back to his. I shudder at the intensity in them.

“What’s wrong, Avery? You can tell me anything. Please.”

“You called me your girl,” I whisper.

The biggest grin spreads across his face. “You are my girl, Avery Morris. You have always been my girl.”

I lean in to kiss him. “Show me that I’m yours.”

“Anything for you, Avery,” he whispers, his mouth descending on mine as he thrusts into me with a single, powerful move.

A sharp gasp escapes my lips as my body tightens, welcoming him back. I wrap my arms and legs around him, holding on tight as he drives himself deeper. My fingernails dig into his flesh through his shirt.

“Do you feel like you’re mine yet, Avery?” he growls, cupping my chin for a demanding kiss as he thrusts harder, penetrating me deeper.

“Yes!” I moan as I climax, a white-hot wave of ecstasy erupting inside me like a volcano.

My body shakes and convulses around him, urging him to let go and join me in orgasmic bliss. He doesn’t last much longer, roaring as he reaches his own release. His hands grip my hips hard as he pulls me closer, and we ride out the waves of pleasure together, whimpering and moaning through heavy kisses and labored breaths.

I slide down, a little unsteady on my feet as I look for my underwear and grab Reed’s hand.

“Come on. We should get back to the party before we’re missed.”

But he doesn’t move, tugging me into his body and lifting me up over his shoulder.

“Nah, your brother owes me one for all the years he kept us apart,” he growls as he carries me over to the bed and tosses me on it.

***

We finally emerge and sneak back into the party just as Josh and Madison are climbing into the backseat of a white limo. Josh rolls down his window and spots us in the adoring crowd.

“Take care of my sister, Reed,” he shouts. “We’ll be seeing you two real soon!”

Reed spins me around and pulls me in for a kiss as the newlyweds wave out the window, making their grand exit.

I’m kind of jealous. They’re off to exciting adventures and sandy beaches in the Maldives for two weeks.

~Not that jealous~, I think as we watch them drive away, standing there with Reed’s strong arms wrapped around my waist as he showers my neck with kisses.

“Come on,” he whispers in my ear. “I have an idea.”