Page 55

A small crowd nearby cheers, and I don’t even have to look to know who it is. The bass of a pop song blares through the speakers, and we are swarmed by people coming to dance. Ivy appears through the crowd, pulling me into a big hug. Over her shoulder, I find my mom watching us, smiling. She gives me a small nod of approval as she takes a sip of her wine.

Before I know it, the night has passed in one exhilarating blink. The reception becomes a whirlwind of energetic dancing, nonstop laughter, and a rush of adrenaline and alcohol, leaving me breathless and entirely surrounded by love. My hands still hold the proof of just how much love is in the air. I had supposedly caught the bouquet by coincidence during the toss. But I didn't miss the glint in Ivy's eyes the moment she turned around, spotted where I was standing in the crowd, and launched the flowers right in my direction.

I sit alone at a table, savoring my final glass of champagne as the venue's waitstaff begin to tear down the reception space around me. The chaos from earlier has settled into a peaceful calm. Cooper and Ivy made their grand sparkler exit just minutes ago, and the vast majority of the guests dispersed immediately after. Now, under the dimming lights of the tent, the air is still, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the lingering warmth of the evening.

The sound of footsteps on the grass approaches from behind, and a warm hand gently brushes against the back of my chair. The top button of his dress shirt is undone. He doesn't say anything at first, just watches me sip my champagne. He pulls out the chair right next to mine and sits down, and the clinking of the waitstaff clearing plates fades into the background.

“You survived,” he says softly. “Your brother is officially a married man, the crowd is gone, and you look absolutely breathtaking in that dress.”

I let out a small chuckle, twisting the stem of my champagne glass between my fingers as I hold his gaze.

“Hm. Now what?” I tease boldly, tilting the glass to finish the rest of my drink before setting it aside.

“Now is the part where I steal you all to myself for the rest of the night,” he says, pushing his chair back to stand, extending his hand to me.

I place my palm in his. “Lead the way.”

The elevator doors slide shut with a soft click, leaving us in complete silence. The tension between us has thickened throughout the night. A sharp ache radiates through my feet, driving me to finally unbuckle the straps of my heels.

“Remind me why women willingly wear these things?” I kick off one heel, and instant relief rushes through my foot.

Drew glances down at me, his throat moving as he swallows. Without a word, he drops to one knee. His hand wraps around my ankle, grounding me as he unbuckles the remaining strap and slowly slides off the second shoe.

“Because they make your legs look incredible.” His hands slowly graze up my exposed leg, disappearing into the high slit of my satin dress.

My eyes flutter shut, goosebumps rising beneath his soft touch. I lean my head back against the elevator wall, holding myself steady with the handrail. His fingertips travel up my inner thigh until he reaches the hem of my thong. My breath hitches in my throat as a small moan escapes my lips. His hazel green eyes look up at me from below, hooded with unspoken want. I part my legs wider, giving him the silent plea to keep going.

The moment his thumb grazes the fabric of my underwear right at my center, my legs betray me, turning to liquid beneath his touch. He grabs my hips, keeping me firm in place. Then he rises from his knee, his hand wrapping around the back of my neck to pull me into a deep, searing kiss.

The elevator chime cuts through the haze and the doors slide open, signaling us to break apart. Drew catches my hand, his other pressing against the small of my back as he guides us out into the hallway. Our suite door beeps green as it unlocks, and then complete darkness swallows us.

The heavy door clicks shut, but neither of us reaches for the light switch. The moment I turn to face him, his lips are already crashing into mine. He presses my back hard against the wall, dragging his mouth down the sensitive line of my neck to press a hot, wet kiss against my collarbone. My heart is thumping rapidly in my chest with a strong pulsing ache between my legs. I reach for the buttons on his shirt, quickly maneuvering each one through the dark.

“God, I’ve wanted you for so long.” He breathes heavily, pulling his shirt off.

“Then show me.” I whimper.

He pulls my mouth back to his with a low groan, rocking his weight firmly against me. Slowly, he guides us deeper into the room until the back of my legs hit the edge of the bed.

“I need to see you, baby,” he whispers, turning the lamp on his nightstand to the dimmest setting. A low, warm glow illuminates the small room. My eyes fall to his tanned, broad chest, my knees weakening under me again.

“Turn around for me.” He says, his voice cracking.

I do as he says. He unties the low satin ribbon at the base of my lower back and finds the zipper, slowly sliding it down until it gives way completely. His hands glide up over my bare skin, fingertips lightly brushing the curves of my waist. The sheer intensity of his touch makes my body tighten, and I throw my head back against his chest. He leans into my neck, his mouth sucking hot and heavy against my racing pulse. Finally, his hands slide upward, coming to a rest just beneath the swell of my breasts.

“Is this okay?” He whispers in my ear.

“Yes,” I say, my chest rising and falling.

His hands cup over my breasts, pinching my nipples between his fingers.

I gasp. “Drew.”

“There you go again, you’re driving me wild, Cami.”

I turn to face him, letting my dress pool around my ankles until I'm left in nothing but my underwear. Drew sinks onto the edge of the bed, his eyes traveling over every inch of my body now that we're at eye level.

“You’re beautiful.” He whispers.