Page 70 of I Choose You

“I like it hard and fast,” she admitted sleepily. “But what the fuck was that?”

I smiled against her and stole the chance to recover in her arms.

“That was me losing my mind after you drove me crazy in that dress all night.”

“Hmm.”

I slipped out of her and reached for my pants. She lay there, spent and too lazy to move. I glanced at her dress, glad that no evidence of what we just did showed on the silky fabric.

She wheezed out another long breath, and I grinned. Thoroughly fucked. It was a good look on her. In my pocket, I found a few napkins I’d stashed in there when I’d spotted a spill near the bar. They came in handy now. I cleaned up the best I could and tried to help her tidy up.

“I can’t go back there with you dripping down my leg,” she said.

Maybe we can just go.

“But I don’t want to be disrespectful to your dad and Margaux by leaving prematurely.”

I scoffed. Yeah. That’s a good point.

“I’m pretty sure he might disapprove of guests fucking in his garden more than anyone taking off.”

She smiled, shaking her head. “Yeah. We probably should head back soon.”

More like now. I bet we’d missed the whole dinner. Food was just food, but Dad’s speech would follow the meal.

I helped her up, and we were both clumsy as we righted our clothes.

She wasn’t coy and shy about what we’d done, and I wasn’t either. Giggling and chuckling, we removed the grass and pieces of leaves from each other’s hair. Once we deemed it safe to return, we hurried back.

Not talking about it at all. Got it.

I wasn’t sure sweeping sex under the rug was wise, but when we got back to the party, I realized it would have to wait.

High on the endorphins sex could provide, we grabbed cocktails and enjoyed the evening. We’d returned in time to listen to Dad’s speech. When he professed his love for Margaux, I could have sworn I heard an aww from Brooke as she leaned into my side.

“I’d also like to thank everyone for coming and supporting us as we prepare to start our lives together.” Dad raised his drink, smiling at me. “Especially our children. Kaden.”

I lifted my drink.

Dad searched the crowd. “And Kody and Mercedes.”

I turned to find them, surprised Dad had spotted them at the same time. It made sense why he’d said both of their names so quickly. Kody stood next to our future stepsister. When he winked at her, I knew it was time to do damage control.

If he wanted to ignore my advice of hands off at the office, that was one thing.

Trying to hit on Mercedes was out of the question.

“I’m going to freshen up,” Brooke told me after the speech.

I nodded, going toward my twin.

“I can show you the gardens,” he suggested, leaning in toward her. “To get some fresh air.”

Nope. Not the gardens.

Mercedes slanted away from him and arched her brow. “There is literally fresh air all over. We’re already outside.” She laughed, rolling her eyes as she walked away.

“Nice moves,” I deadpanned.