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She looks stunning, dressed in a blue gown that clings to her curves and emphasizes her eyes. She looks equally beautiful in a pair of faded jeans and a t-shirt. But my favorite is when she wears nothing at all, and I have full access to every inch of her silky skin.
The Lockhart Club is owned by Jensen Lockhart and is an exclusive members-only club in Houston. Several round tables are spaced at intervals in the function room, beautifully laid with pristine tableware and fresh flowers. The room has a bar and bartender, and there’s a small, raised stage area in the corner, already set up with a drum kit, keyboard, and microphone stand, ready for the band later.
Shelby and I spent a month apart before I was able to join her here in Houston. Although I sent her here with my ring on her finger, I still worried that she would get cold feet. But if anything, our time apart only made us more certain of what we wanted—each other.
We spoke every day on the phone, often for hours late at night, strengthening our bond and sharing our dreams for the future. The day I landed at the airport, Shelby was there to greet me and flew into my arms with a sob as she scattered kisses all over my face. That was the moment I knew I was home. Needless to say, we spent the rest of the day in bed.
And things have only gotten better from there. I’ve settled into the new practice seamlessly, and every night I get to come home to my gorgeous fiancée. Yeah, life is pretty fucking amazing.
Shelby’s squeal pulls me from my thoughts, and I turn to see her running to greet a dark-haired woman as she enters the room.
I smile as I watch her. My woman may come from money, but she doesn’t give a shit what people think as she hoofs it across the floor in her gown.
I make my way over as Shelby pulls the woman into a hug before turning to me with a huge smile. “Poppy, this is my fiancé, Tony. Tony, this is my bestie, Poppy.”
Poppy reaches out to shake my hand, but I surprise her by pulling her in for a hug. This is the woman who got Shelby through rough times, and a handshake won’t cut it. “Good to meet you, Poppy. I’ve heard a lot about you.” I smile warmly as I release her.
“Uh, oh! She didn’t tell you about the time I accidentally knocked her in the duck pond, did she? Or when I got her to squirt water at her neighbor from the bathroom window? Poor guy had no idea where it was coming from. Ooh, and then there was that time when—"
“Okay, okay! Enough with the trip down memory lane,” Shelby cuts across her friend, covering her mouth with her hand.
“Seriously, it’s nice to meet you finally.” Poppy beams at me.
“Likewise, Poppy.” I look at Shelby. “I think we’re going to get on well,” I say in a loud whisper, hitching a thumb in Poppy’s direction.
Shelby rolls her eyes. “Oh, God! Now I’ll have two of you to keep out of trouble.”
We talk for a few more minutes until Shelby and I get called away by new arrivals, and Poppy moves off to catch up with Shelby’s parents.
A half-hour later, one of the waiting staff prompts everyone to take a seat at one of the tables. Everyone waits for Shelby and me to take our seats before sitting themselves.
The next few hours pass in a blur of delicious food and pleasant small talk. Once the meal is finished, the band strikes up—a group called “Fuego,” which consists of two guys and a woman. One of the guys is on drums, the other on guitar, while the woman plays the keyboard and sings lead vocals.
Shelby drags me onto the dance floor, laughing as I massacre John Travolta’s Saturday Night Fever routine. It’s a great evening, and by the time Shelby and I reach the suite I booked for the night at the club, we’re both a little tipsy.
I take Shelby by surprise as I open the door, making her squeal as I scoop her up in my arms and carry her over the threshold.
“I thought you were supposed to do thatafterthe wedding,” she says breathlessly, laughing up at me as I put her back on her feet and close the door behind us.
“I’d carry you over the threshold every day if I had my way,” I promise, tugging her toward the kingsize bed.
The suite is decorated in muted golds and creams with heavy oak furniture and a plush carpet underfoot.
“Need you naked in that bed,” I mutter, my eyes gleaming with intent.
Shelby pauses, stroking her hands down my arms as she lifts her blue eyes to mine. “You’re so gorgeous, inside and out, and you could’ve had any woman you wanted, one with far less emotional baggage than me. I never apologized for pushing you away. I’m sorry because I know that must have hurt. Thank you for not giving up on me. I love you so much.”
“I don’t want any other woman. I want you. You’re mine, Shelby. I’ll never give up on you. I’ll always fight for you, for us, and for our future. I’ll love you for the rest of this life, and I’ll love you in whatever comes after.”
Her blue eyes are full of so many emotions as I gaze down at her, but it’s the shining hope and excitement for our future that has me catching my breath.
I dip my head, rubbing my nose against hers, and her arms wind around my neck. Our lips connect in a kiss that’s soft and tentative at first as if she’s exploring my mouth for the first time. I open my mouth, and her tongue sweeps inside feverishly, telling me of her need—which I’m only too happy to satisfy.
“I’m so blessed to have you in my life,” she breathes, her mouth hovering an inch from mine. “You helped me put my pieces back together.”
I drop my forehead to hers, swallowing hard. “I’m the one who’s blessed, baby. Every goddamn day.”
Shelby steps back and grabs my shirt, pulling it free of my pants. I lift my arms, and she tugs it over my head, tossing it to the floor. She turns in my arms, giving me her back so I can slide the zip of her dress down, revealing the smooth expanse of her back. She faces me again, and my hands slip beneath the material, sliding it from her shoulders so it pools at her feet.
