Loving My Fiancé’s Sister, page 1
Contents
Arresting Temptation
Willow
Bennet
Willow
Bennet
Willow
Willow
Willow
Bennet
Willow
Bennet
Audrey
Willow
Bennet
Willow
Bennet
Bennet
Audrey
Bennet
Willow’s Epilogue
Coming Soon
Title Page
Copyright
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination and/or Are used Factiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2020 by Rose Marie All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Arresting Temptation
Book One
Bennet and Willow
By: Rose Marie
Willow
Time is of the essence. I still need to change, do my hair, and head to my parent’s house for Audrey’s engagement party. As I’m rushing towards my door, I run into a brick wall. I grab my head and pout, rubbing the pain away in frustration.
“Shoot.” What the heck? That wasn’t there this morning. Momentarily struck stupid, I shake my head and look up at the offending obj- Well hello handsome!
“Whoa there, beautiful. Are you okay, Willow?” Already picturing an elicit dream featuring this fine gentleman and myself, I shake my head once more to clear the dirty thoughts.
“Hey Luka, sorry about that. I’m in a rush and I wasn’t paying attention.” Once I get my wits about me, I try to walk past the human wall but stop feeling the need to express why I am in such a hurry. “Audrey’s engagement party is this evening, and I’m going to be late.” I smile apologetically and walk around him because lord knows even though I want to, I can’t stand here and ogle him. I only have about an hour to get dressed and get to the party before my mother has one of her meltdowns.
“Oh yeah. Did you ever find a date?” Ugh! Leave it to Luka’s sexy ass to ask me about finding a date. Tsk, yeah, right. I release a deep breath that I feel as if I’d been holding since my twin announced her engagement. I swallow the sadness and envy I feel in my heart, and instead fish around my purse for my keys.
“Unfortunately, I never found a date. Between work and helping at the hospital, I lost track of time.” When I finally get ahold of my keys, I unlock my door, pushing my apartment door open. Feeling the weight of what I am going to walk into at this party, I step out ready to close the door ending this humiliating conversation with my hot as sin, playboy neighbor.
I bumped into him a couple of weeks ago and mentioned my dilemma, and he’d offered to be my date. At the time, I laughed it off as a joke. However, now I’m kicking myself for not taking him up on his offer. I can just imagine how shocked my family would be if I showed up with the scrumptious, chocolate-eyed Luka on my arm! His presence would stop my mom from asking questions about the lack of a man in my life. Damn! I was so close to shoving their inquiries up their a-
“Great! What time should I pick you up?” Startled, I stop midway in closing the door and stare at him, making sure I heard him correctly.
“Excuse me?” My face must have shown my surprise because first, he smirked, then chuckled.
“Well, I know you told me you weren’t comfortable having me tag along when I asked you before, but I’m hoping you’ve had a change of heart.” He bit his lip in what seemed like the anticipation of my answer. I was dumbstruck that he still wanted to go with me.
He would often joke with me by calling all types of endearments in his native Castilian tongue, and he’s always asking me out on dates. I never accepted because I knew he was only vaguely interested in me, and I knew that we would never get anywhere. Even though we instantly hit it off when he moved in, I knew he was not a ‘going steady’ partner and I am not interested in that right now. Although I do allow him to flirt with me from time to time, I consider him a close friend, and masturbation material, but nothing more.
“Aww, thank you for the offer, but you know how dysfunctional my family is. I told you before I wouldn’t want to subject you to their cattiness.” It was his turn to look at me in surprise.
“Mi amiga preciosa (My gorgeous friend), I’m not worried about your family in the least. My only concern is spending time with you, a beautiful and intelligent woman for whom I deeply care. Besides Willow, I don’t think you understand just how much I’d like to be your date.” I stared at him open-mouthed with eyebrows raised. Laying it on a little thick, aren’t you Luka? I start feeling a bit conflicted, because I want to take Luka to the party, but I don’t want to do it at the expense of him thinking we’re going to do something afterward.
“But...”
“Shhh, what time should I pick you up? I was just running out to pick up something to eat, but now that I’ve run into you, I was hoping I could eat you out. I mean, eat out with you.” Did he just, I know I heard him say- no, it was just a trick of the ears. I start to decline again when I hear an incoming call on my phone. Of course, it’s the last person I wanted to hear from, my mother. When I don’t pick up, I see a message pop up, and I say forget it, turn to my friend and smile.
“I’m sorry Luka if it’s not too much trouble, I’d love it if you could be my date.” His eyes light up, and I could feel the little devil on my shoulder, poking my neck for using this good man. “If I can have about thirty minutes, I’ll be ready.” He smiled looking me up and down
“Cool, I’ll go change too.” He looks down at himself in question.
“Honestly, you look fine. There’s no need for you to change. You’re well within the dress code.” In his tailored slacks and dress shirt with cufflinks, I’m sure he’d have more than a few of my aunts drooling. “I’m only changing because I practically ran here, my car broke down yesterday.”
“Okay, I’ll see you in thirty minutes.” Smiling, I tell him goodbye and hurry into the house to shower. I thank the lazy gods that I pulled out my outfit last night, so now I don’t have to rummage through my closet for something last minute. After taking the quickest shower ever, I make quick work of my makeup and throw on my dress and heels. I grab the dropper from my Jamaican Black Castor oil and run it through my afro, being careful not to ruin my dress. I’m grateful for the fact that today is a school day, so I had to be presentable for my class because if not, I’d be walking around my house in a roller set and avocado mask like it’s nobody’s business. After spritzing on some cookie and vanilla perfume, I was just about to walk out of my room, when I hear a knock on my door.
I mumble a curse then grab my keys, clutch, and phone, and sprint to the door, before stepping out into the hall with Luka. I was in such a rush I didn’t have the time to admire the fact that, even though I’d told him he didn’t have too, he’d still made an effort to freshen up. Though when we made it to the car, I was sure to express my gratitude for doing so.
“You look very handsome, Luka. I appreciate you freshening up for me. You didn’t have to do that.” He placed his hand on my knee. Uhm?
“I know I didn’t have to; I want to. I want to look my best in front of your parents. Besides, this is our first date. I can’t put anything other than my best out there. Does he think this is a real date?
“Well, if this is the first date, it’s a shitty one, and I apologize in advance for what you’re about to witness.” I noticed a frown while he was looking at me out of the corner of his eye.
“I’m serious, Willow, no more games. I’ve been trying to take you out on a date for years now. I want you to give us a shot.” I can only hope my face didn’t show the shock I felt at his words.
“Luka, I’m sorry, it’s just... to be completely honest, I like our relationship now. You’re my guy best friend. If I allowed us to date seriously, that could ruin what we have now.” Silence fills the car, but Luka being the man he is, doesn’t let that deter him. He grabs my hand, bringing it to his lips places a soft kiss on it.
“Willow, you have no idea how much I want you.” I decide to keep quiet because I have no idea what to say to that. As much as I desire Luka, I couldn’t see myself with him long term. In all the years I’ve known him, not once have I remembered him to be serious about someone romantically, and if I was honest with myself, I wasn’t about to be his test dummy.
Not wanting to get into this any deeper, I decide to change the subject to keep the conversation light. I can’t be thinking about Luka attempting to entice me into bed when I have to prepare myself for the storm raging ahead. Their names: Hurricane Audrey and Hurricane Gabriella. My mom and twin sister are a handful, and then some. We have such a strained relationship with each other because of their prejudice, and it bothers me to no end, but I’ve decided long ago not to dwell on them. Though it saddens me that I’ve tried, but I have concluded there is no way to make it better.
After years of trying and getting nowhere, I had no other choice but to wash my hands of them, so color me surprised to get a phone call from my mom speaking so boastfully about Audrey’s engagement. It was not only a shock but, unfortunately, a massive blow to me. On the other hand, the relationship that I have with my dad is the polar opposite. He is the greatest father a girl could ask for, and I’m thankful that I take after him. I wish he were going to be at the party tonight since I haven’t seen him in a long time. Unfortunately, he’s out of town on business. If Luka hadn’t offered to come along, I would have been on my own, and that is not ideal.
As we pull into the driveway of my childhood home, I exhale deeply, exiting the car, but not before I plaster a smile on my face. I know if I don’t do it now, it’ll be etched into a permanent frown the moment I step through the front door. I guess Luka could sense my nervousness because he grabs my hand, then bending down, lightly kisses my cheek.
“You’ll be the most beautiful woman in the room.” Note to self: make Luka his favorite Butterfinger cake. Grateful for his encouraging words, I smile up at him then make my way up to the door, going to ring the doorbell, I pause when my mother swings the door open. An unwelcoming and stern face greets us.
“Willow, how nice of you to finally show your face. I was sure you would be too jealous to stop by and congratulate your sister.” She made a smug face, and I could only do as I tell my babies in class, count backward from five.
“Hello mother, it’s nice to see you as well. I apologize for being late. I had to take the bus home because my car broke down yesterday, and some of my babies’ parents were late picking them up so-” she waves her hand in the air as if my explanation were unwanted and unnecessary.
“Of course, that vulgar contraption you call transportation would fall apart on you, isn’t it a two thousand-five model?” She made a snorting sound, making me ball my fist in embarrassment. “And the bus, Willow? That’s beneath even you, my dear.” Swallowing my frustration, I turn away from her and her hurtful insults walking into the house. “Enough about you and your drama, what’s important is that you’re here to give Audrey all the love and support she deserves. Come along.”
I shrug my coat off, choosing the high road as always. When Luka catches it for me, hanging it on the coat rack behind him, I see her turn her attention from me to him—eyeing him with appreciation and curiosity. I’m sure more than a little bit of surprise that I would bring someone as attractive as him as my date.
“Who do we have here?” She asked, extending her hand in his direction.
“Hola, my name is Luka, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“I’m Gabriella, Willow’s mother.” She looks him up and down again then turns glaring at me with suspicion. “How do you know my daughter?” She asks as if she expected him to say I found him on a website for escorts. Thankfully, Luka isn’t fazed and just puts a sexy smile on his face.
“I’m her neighbor.”
“Mhm… neighbor. I see.” In true form my mother, makes her famous stink face then turns on her heel to lead us to the formal dining. “Luka feel free to take part in the refreshments. I need to speak with Willow for a moment.” He looks at me, unsure if he should leave my side. Still, I nod, letting him know it’s okay, and he makes his way over to the beautifully decorated table holding all types of expensive-looking assortments of charcuterie, seafood, desserts, and other finger food. As soon as he’s out of hearing range, she roughly grabs my arm, turning me to face her.
“How dare you bring a male escort to your sister’s engagement party! Are you so jealous of her success you’ll stoop so low as to hire a man that’s well out of your league and bring him here? Newsflash, if you wanted to make it believable that you’re dating someone as attractive as that, then you should have come up with a better story. Neighbor my behind; now I want you to apologize to your sister when you see her for being so disrespectful.”
“But mom, Luka is my-” she snaps her hand in my face twice to shut me up. “Enough, Willow! You always do this! Today is not about you. Just do as you’re told and try to stay out of the way.” I open my mouth to rebut her assumptions of me again, but by aunt pulls my mom’s arm knocking me out of the way, not even bothering to acknowledge me.
“Gabriella, come here I just heard the funniest thing.” Without another word or glance my way, she is whisked away. Leaving me standing there feeling out of place in my own childhood home. I almost go to find Luka to tell him I was ready to go until I spot my favorite cousin Tracy. Running over to her, I tap her shoulder, and she turns, then we hug squealing.
“Oh my goodness, I had no idea you were going to be attending,” I tell her, smiling. She rolls her eyes looking from side to side to make sure none of our nosy family members were around.
“Truthfully, I only came to show my face. I have to go because I have a few houses I have to show in the morning. Plus, my godson is coming over, so I’m about to bounce.”
“Aww, well, thank you for coming. Have you seen my sister or her new fiancé yet? Did you get to wish them a happy engagement?” She made a face and shook her head.
“Nope they’ve been surrounded since I got here a while ago. You know how your sister is. I doubt she’ll care that I wish her anything. Though I did peep her new man, and he’s delicious looking.” Chuckling, I swat at her arm.
“Stop being bad. I’m not going to hold you. I’m-” I look up, seeing Luka engaged in a seemingly enthralling conversation with a male cousin of mine, “probably going to round up the misfits and go upstairs to my room for some fun.” She shook her head in understanding, knowing exactly what I meant by misfits. It’s childish, but that’s what Tracy and I branded ourselves and the few other female cousins in our family who didn’t pass the paper bag test, so we are therefore deemed “unlikeable” by our own family. Being the oldest in our generation, we like to look after the younger girls to make sure they are okay while dealing with this type of family.
“That sounds good. Give me a call tomorrow and let me know how everything goes. Tell everyone ‘hi’ for me and-” she places her hand on my shoulder “I hope your meeting with your sister isn’t too terrible.” Snorting at that fat chance, she kisses my cheek then walks off. After she’s gone, I round up the girls and lead the way upstairs. Once we are in my room, we turn the music up loud enough to have a separate party without disturbing the live orchestra downstairs.
“Hey Willow, did you see that new twerk video that went viral with that white girl named Christina? She’s our age and can dance her ass off.” Laughing, I shake my head at my baby cousin.
“Hey now, watch your language. I might be the cool cousin, but I still don’t want you all cursing like that. If you accidentally slip up and do it in front of your parents, and they found out I’m the one allowing that type of behavior, I’ll be in an even bigger mess with the family than I am already.”
“Sorry.”
Giving her a one-arm hug, I peck her cheek. “It’s nothing to apologize about, but to answer your question, yes, I did see the video. It was her and her best friend, Kahlani or something, right? It was cool, but you know what?”
“What?” They asked in unison, making me laugh.
“I bet I can do better.” Slipping from my long black dress I’m thankful I decided to wear my spandex shorts. “Put it on something good I’ll show you young ones how to do it.”
Bennet
I needed a fucking drink. Whose idea was is to have this kind of saddity ass party anyway? I know I should have listened to my mama when she said to let her have a cookout on the ranch. I spot a waiter passing by and snatch two drinks from his tray, downing them both fast, wishing they were an ice old beer instead of champagne.
As another damn waiter passes by, I set the empty glasses down, loosening my tie, letting out a snort. Waiters at my engagement party. What a fucking joke! Even though I’m a part of the upper class, I hate these types of events—the ones where you can’t breathe wrong, or you’ll be deemed out of place. With my looks and bank account, I ‘fit in’ but I still don’t like it.
I thank God my pa listened to my wishes, when I told him as a kid, that I didn’t want to attend any more of these soirees. I only went when it was mandatory, but now that I’m my own boss and have taken over the family ranch to boot, I don’t have to attend anything if I damn well don’t want to. I know one thing for sho’ I wouldn’t have come, nor would I have allowed such a monstrosity of a party to be thrown in my honor had I known this was Audrey’s plan.
