Page 49 of Without a Hitch
“Pepper.” His tone is low and controlled, like he’s working extra hard at keeping himself in check, and it makes me want to push him. Shove him, actually, until that long-practiced control he holds on to snaps like a twig. But I don’t get a chance.
“I’m going to own that sass tonight. Then I’m going to spank you so when I reach around to thatmagicallittle pussy of yours, I find it sopping. I’m going to fuck you so hard you’ll remember me with every step you take for a week. Do you want me to do it right here, or are you finished?” The last three words come in a harsh staccato.
“You speak as if I’m going to follow orders, lover.” His gaze widens, and I smile. What is it about him that makes me want to shred the traits that have always made me invisible and push all of his buttons? “You keep calling me Pepper, well, guess what? You’ve made it very clear you don’t do happily ever after, and I do nothing else. So, that makes you my lover until I say otherwise. You’re not boyfriend material because we can have no future. Lover it is.”
His jaw ticks, and I almost laugh, but then I see his hands twitch at his side. Holy hot pockets, does he really intend to spank me?Would I like it?Hot tamale, hell on a cracker,yes, you idiot.Yes, you’d like it. My mind flitters to all those naughty books my sister writes. Wanting to act out dirty scenes your sister writes must be a new level of kink I’m not prepared for. Or maybe I can pretend she didn’t write them?
“I am boyfriend material, Abby.”
Gah! Blaine’s voice hurtles me into the present.
The anger in his voice has a shiver running down my arms. “I’m just not wedding material.”
“Same thing, Blaine. Same freaking thing.” Sidestepping, I ease out of his grasp and leave him on the dance floor. I weave through the maze of people in my search for Audra. I’m so tempted to peek over my shoulder, but by the inferno at my back, I know he’s followed me.
“A committed relationship, love, and marriage can happen independently of one another.”
“Not in my world, lover. In my world, you meet a guy, fall in love, commit to them and only them, then you get married,” I call over my shoulder and catch his sister watching us.
“But why?” he growls at my ear.
I turn slowly, carefully choosing my words. I’m hit by a wall of emotion when my gaze locks on his, but I swallow it down.
“Because, Blaine…” A heavy, painful sigh escapes my lips. Much too painful to be directed at a one-night stand, that’s for sure. Staring into his bewildered blue eyes, I open my heart to him. “I’ve been searching for the fairy tale my whole life. I need the happily ever after. I deserve the happily ever after, and I won’t settle for anything less. Why are you even pushing this when it’s clear all you want is one more night?”
His mouth opens and shuts. Then he does it again, but he speaks no words.
“Abby!” Audra’s angelic voice sings out excitedly, giving me a reprieve from Blaine's intense scrutiny. “You did it again! You’re truly amazing. You saved my wedding, even if my mother is a rocky turd sometimes.”
“Oh, Audra. I’m so happy for you. This entire evening has been stunning. Um, so Katrina wasn’t feeling well and went home. Did Bailey tell you?”
“She did.” Audra smiles ear to ear.
“Audra,” Blaine’s cantankerous baritone says at my side.
“Oh my goodness, I cannot believe you’re here! You never come to weddings,” she screeches, launching herself into Blaine’s arms. “Can you believe I’ve known this grump since we were both in diapers?” He holds her like a two-by-four and pats her like he’s tapping out of a wrestling match. It’s so at odds with the way he is with me. My nose scrunches up as I watch.
“Really.” I take a step closer to her. Maybe Audra will know why he’s such a dark cloud sucking all the light and love from my happy places. But, in true Blaine fashion, he doesn’t give me a chance.
“Do you need Abby for anything else tonight? Or is she free to join me on a private tour of the library?”
“Ooh, I thought you two had hit it off at Jenna’s wedding. It’s so nice to see you pursuing someone again.”
Here’s the thing about Audra. She’s like a mix of Snow White and Bambi. It’s impossible to dislike her, and even if her words grate on Blaine’s last nerve, he can’t be rude to her.
“You’re sweet, Audra, but Banny here doesn’t believe in love.”
“I believe in love, Pepper. Just not mar—” He cuts himself off when he realizes he’s about to offend our host.
“Pepper? Banny? Eek! You guys are so cute! Maybe I’ll get to save the day at your wedding soon.” Audra claps her hands while bouncing up and down. She lifts her gown to flash her shoeless toes with a wicked grin. “My mother can’t always win.” Her smile never falters while studying the two of us. “Isn’t it just the most amazing feeling?”
“What feeling?” Blaine’s voice cracks. If I knew him better, I might think Audra’s words are getting to him.
“Love, silly. I didn’t realize you two knew each other so well, but you do look amazing together.”
“Oh, we don’t really know each other,” I blurt, just as Blaine drags me closer to his side.
“Are you done with Abby?”
