Simply Complicated, page 20
“Seriously?”
“I’m not joking.” I snapped my fingers at her, which only served to earn me a tiny scowl. But I was persistent. “Now, woman.”
“You’re lucky I love you,” she said, smiling as she slowly stripped off her clothes.
“Trust me. I know.”
34
Olivia
“You look fantastic.” Luke circled me, running his hand over my backside before giving my cheek a squeeze. “Damn, woman. I don’t think I want to take you to Heather’s wedding now. I just want to stay in and ravage you.”
Because I agreed to accompany him today, he insisted on purchasing my dress. The gorgeous shade of maroon made my green eyes pop. The hemline reached midcalf and was slightly longer in the back than in the front, the bottom several inches of sheer material. The neckline dipped into a respectable V, and a stunning, silver-beaded detailed broach sat directly below the bustline.
“I’m sure your sister and parents won’t appreciate that too much. Besides, aren’t you in the wedding party?”
When he stepped in front of me, he grabbed me by the waist and pulled me close, tipping my head upward so he could look into my eyes. He liked to do that a lot. Sometimes it was because he wanted me to pay extra attention to what he said, and sometimes he was silent. I didn’t mind one bit, however, because I easily lost myself in his beautiful, soul-searching gaze.
“Not anymore. They made changes last minute and now only have a best man and a matron of honor. Which is fine with me. The less I have to do, the better.” He smiled but the expression wasn’t completely genuine.
I’d gotten good at deciphering his moods, as he did mine. “What’s the matter?” I rested my hand on the side of his clean-shaven face. I loved when Luke wore a bit of scruff, but this look was just as sexy.
“Nothing.”
“Are you sure?” I asked, skeptical he wasn’t telling me the truth. Glancing down at his knee, I thought perhaps it was bothering him. “Are you in pain?”
“No.” His mouth covered mine and the tip of his tongue teased my bottom lip. When I opened for him, he pulled back. “I….” His eyes shifted downward, the silence making my heart pick up its pace because he was acting a little strange. “I’m consumed with the way I feel about you, and sometimes it scares me. I’ve never been in this situation before. Not with anyone else. There are times I think I’m going to lose my mind with all the irrational fears I have whenever I look at you. I know you’re mine now, but that can change at any moment.”
The desperation in his stare warmed my heart, making me realize we shared the same affliction. I was often bombarded with the fear that he would change his mind about me, realize he didn’t love me, and he’d come to recognize what we had was nothing more than passing lust. I feared he would one day view me as not enough and move on.
There were women vying for his attention everywhere he went, even while I stood beside him. They were brazen and looking to hook up with him, even if only for a one-time deal. Temptation was all around him, and because of who he was, I tended to have quite a few jealous moments, each time him reassuring me he had no interest in anyone other than me.
“Are you afraid I’m going to leave you, or that you’ll change your mind about me?” I asked cautiously.
“I’d never leave you.” He linked his hands behind my back. “I love you way too much. I never want to picture my life without you.”
“Then don’t. Because you’re stuck with me now.”
“Promise?”
“I do.”
Luke took a step forward, causing me to follow suit as I took a step back. Within only a few strides, the bed brushed up against the backs of my knees.
“I have to say, I love hearing those two words come out of your mouth.” He tried to push me onto my back, but there was no way I was going to let him ruin all the work I’d done with my dress and my hair, which was styled in perfect waves. I shoved at his shoulder to get him to back up, but he didn’t budge.
I refused to acknowledge what he’d said, though. It’d barely been a month since he brought up the topic of moving in together, I wasn’t going to broach the subject of marriage.
“Luke,” I said in warning, all while the corners of my mouth tipped upward. This man was too gorgeous and sexy for his own good, especially while sporting a black suit. “We’re not having sex right now. You’re going to have to wait until later.” With more might this time, I managed to persuade him to retreat a few steps. Smoothing down the bottom of my dress, I stepped around him.
“How about you put your hands against the wall, and I take you from behind? That way I won’t mess up your dress or your hair?” The slow tip of his lips excited me, and I contemplated his offer, but in the end, us losing ourselves to each other would make us late. When we did have sex, I didn’t want to rush. I wanted to take my time and enjoy my man.
“Not going to happen.” With my denial, I raised the bottom of my dress, allowing him to peek at the black lacy thong I’d donned for the occasion. “Besides, I really like these, and I don’t want you to rip them in your frenzy of horniness.” I did a little twirl, and when my back was to him, a few choice expletives flew from his mouth.
He really was an ass man.
“Why am I so nervous all of a sudden? It’s not like I don’t know your family.”
I’d known Luke’s family practically my entire life, but when his parents moved four years ago, I’d only run into his mother once at the post office, almost two years back.
“I have no idea,” he answered, reaching over to grab my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. His comfort went a long way to help settle my sudden bout of nerves. “When was the last time you saw my sister?”
“I ran into her a little less than a year ago. She was with John at the time, so I got to meet him. He seems nice.”
“He’s okay.”
His response was unexpected because I was under the impression he liked his soon-to-be brother-in-law. He’d never made any comments to the contrary. To me, anyway.
“You don’t like him?”
His head swiveled toward me. “I said he was okay.” When I returned his stare in silence, he elaborated. “He’s marrying my little sister. He’s not good enough for her, but no one is. Compared to her other boyfriends, though, John is the best choice. So… he’s okay.”
“Good thing Mark doesn’t feel that way about you,” I joked, but my jovial expression disappeared when he grimaced.
“Trust me. He does.”
“No, he—”
“Yes, he does,” he interrupted. “Every man who loves his sister feels the same way. Just because Mark didn’t start yelling when he found out about us doesn’t mean he feels any different than I do about John. Mark sees me as the better option compared to your other boyfriends, and from what you’ve told me about your last one, I’m going to have to agree.”
“There’s no comparison at all.”
“That better be in my favor,” he teased.
“Of course.”
My anxiousness had all but dissipated until we pulled into the parking lot of the church, which was located forty-five minutes from my house. I was back to feeling uneasy. I couldn’t readily pinpoint why the emotion overtook me. It could be because this would be the first time we’d see his family as a couple. I’d always gotten along well with his parents, and even though Heather was a year younger than me, and we ran in different circles in high school, we’d always been friendly toward each other. But knowing them as my neighbors once upon a time, and now seeing them again as Luke’s girlfriend might be why I’d been hit with a case of the worries.
“Get out of your head, Olivia. Whatever you’re thinking, stop.”
“Do they know I’m coming with you today?” Our hands were clasped as he led me toward the church steps. As we walked by, a few of the people milling around outside whispered and pointed when they saw him. Some even approached and told him they were a big fan of his.
“I thought I’d surprise them.” I tugged back on my arm, but his hold only tightened. He laughed. “I’m kidding. Yes, they know you’re coming. They’re fully aware we’re together and they’re excited to see you. Stop worrying they’ll think you’re only after me because of my money.”
“I wasn’t thinking that, but now I am.”
He leaned in close to whisper in my ear. “I’ll tell them you’re using me for sex.” Before I could react, he kissed me, and I could feel him smile against my lips.
“Not funny,” I mumbled against his mouth, hoping he’d never tell anyone else about how we hooked up. I’d have to make him promise to take that one to his grave.
The beautiful ceremony and reception were held outside at the Glen Morrow Country Club, under an enormous white tent. There had to be at least twenty round tables spread throughout the space, each one accommodating ten guests. The head table seated the four people in the bridal party, along with the matron of honor’s husband and the best man’s wife.
Opulence was in abundance. There were numerous chandeliers hanging from the ceiling of the tent, and countless candles lit throughout. The centerpieces were huge flower balls of white roses. A makeshift bar had been set up along the length of the right side of the tent, as well as a secondary one outside. Several tables were available for guests who wanted to enjoy the cocktail hour in the sunshine.
Luke stayed by my side, exchanging pleasantries with those who wished to fawn over him. Thankfully, they were respectful enough not to linger too long, realizing this was his sister’s wedding and he wanted to enjoy himself.
I’d spoken with his sister, her new husband, and Luke’s parents at the church after the ceremony. They were as friendly and as loving as I remembered, telling me how thrilled they were I was the one who ended up snagging Luke. When he told them he was the one who snagged me and not the other way around, my heart filled with even more love for the man.
Thirty minutes into the cocktail hour, Luke asked if I’d be all right for a few minutes while he visited with some people he hadn’t seen in a few years. I sent him on his way with a kiss and told him to take his time, assuring him I would be fine.
I should’ve asked if I could accompany him, however, because the second he was free of me, a black-haired woman wearing a green dress that barely covered her ass, sidled up next to him. I’d caught her ogling him earlier but didn’t say anything because I didn’t want to come across as insecure. The hussy pawed at him, and even though Luke backed away from each one of her advances, I couldn’t help but wonder if he liked the attention.
Yeah, that was where my head went.
Her breasts were on display and there was no way he hadn’t noticed. I’d seen them yards away. Seeing what she had, self-consciousness of my smaller chest rolled through me. Luke was an ass man, but every guy liked big boobs, right? And I didn’t think the bitch had fake ones either.
Lost to my own inner torture, I was unaware someone stood behind me at the outside bar. I’d placed an order for a glass of red wine, and as the bartender slid the glass across the wooden top, someone bumped into me. Luckily, I hadn’t picked up my drink yet because I would’ve spilled it for sure.
“Excuse me.”
“No problem,” I responded, turning to see who the culprit was, and as soon as I saw him, I wished I were anywhere else.
“Olivia? What are you doing here?” Cody asked, his gaze scaling the length of me. He inched closer, the corners of his eyes crinkling. There was a time I believed that smile had been reserved for me. As I stared back at him, in his light gray suit, complete with a pink tie, I couldn’t believe I was once in love with him. Or at least I believed I was at one point. His dark blond hair was shorter than it was four months ago.
“I’m here as someone’s date.” I didn’t want to say who because my ex was a fan of Luke, having been obsessed with the game as long as we’d been together. I never told him I knew his favorite player, though, mainly because at the time I didn’t want to talk about him, and Cody would be relentless with the questions.
His lingering attention made me take a step back. “You look fantastic.” His finger trailed down my arm and once his touch registered, I moved back another step until his hand fell away. “Did you look this good when we were together?”
I wanted to say, “Maybe if I did, you wouldn’t have cheated on me,” but that would be me accepting some of the unrealistic blame for him acting like a selfish, self-centered, grade-A asshole. And I wasn’t about to shoulder any of the responsibility for his actions. Besides, his question was insulting, to say the least.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, hoping the deflection would work.
“I’m friends with John, the groom. We went to high school together.” This world is too small sometimes.
“Did you come with anyone?”
I refused to let him know I was aware he had a girlfriend, or at least he did the last time I was on his Facebook page, which was before I started up with Luke.
“My girlfriend.”
“That’s nice.”
“Is it?”
“What do you mean?”
He shrugged, taking another step closer, invading my personal space. “Don’t you miss me?”
There was something about the way he looked at me that reminded me of when I’d first been interested in him. I thought he was so handsome, with his perfect teeth and chiseled features. But as it turned out, I preferred guys who didn’t cheat on me, and treat me as if I’d done something wrong to assuage their own guilt.
“No, I don’t.”
“There was a time when we were good together.”
He reached for my hand, but I took a step back, turning to see if I could locate Luke. I needed to be saved from Cody because I didn’t want to make a scene, and I feared if I spent any more time with this jerk, a spectacle was exactly what was going to happen.
Luke stood near the other end of the bar, and he must’ve sensed my distress because his eyes met mine almost immediately. He winked at me, but when my eyes widened and my lips formed a strained line, he frowned. Seconds later, he caught sight of Cody standing too close, and his nostrils flared, the crease between his brows becoming more defined.
I turned back around confident I’d been able to silently beckon my boyfriend to come and rescue me.
“We were never good together. That would imply you treated me with respect, which you didn’t.”
He chuckled, as if my statement was ludicrous. And when he parted his lips to say something else, he looked over my head, his jaw practically hitting the floor. I had no doubt my man was walking this way. A breath of relief left my body, and the second Luke grabbed my waist and pulled me into him, I smiled. If I wanted to get back at Cody for cheating on me and treating me like crap for the last few months of our relationship, this was exactly what would do the trick.
Luke had no idea who Cody was. He probably just figured it was some guy hitting on me. How would he react once he found out this was someone I dated before him? I’d initially beckoned him over to save me because I didn’t want to cause a scene, but I might’ve inadvertently caused a situation that would result in some sort of incident anyway, having no idea what Luke would do or say.
“Luke Sorenson. How are you?” Cody extended his hand and Luke took it. “I’m a big fan.”
“Thanks, man.” Luke severed the greeting and leaned in to kiss my temple. “Are you hitting on my woman?” Luke’s smile was deceptive because although he appeared friendly and as if he was teasing Cody, he was annoyed. I knew him well enough to tell from the plunge in his tone.
Cody’s eyes swung back to mine. “You’re here with him?”
“Yes. He’s my boyfriend.”
“When did you… how do you even know him?” My ex looked upset, and I didn’t know if it was because I was with someone else and not fawning over him, or because he hadn’t been aware I knew his favorite player. But at this point, I didn’t care.
But to dig the knife in even more, I said, “Luke is an old family friend whom I’ve reconnected with.”
“And now we’re together.” Luke’s fingers dug into my waist in either a show of possession or confusion as to who Cody was. By now, he could tell I knew the guy, simply by the familiar way in which he spoke to me. “And how do you know Olivia?”
Cody cleared his throat first before answering. “We used to date.”
“Really?”
“Cody was the guy I dated before you,” I added, leaning back into Luke for comfort.
“This is Cody?”
“Why do you say it like that?” My ex went from fawning over Luke to looking at him with utter annoyance.
“Didn’t you cheat on her?”
“It was all a misunderstanding.” He tried to save face or lie or spin the reality of what he did into his warped version, but I knew the truth, a truth I’d told Luke all about.
Luke leaned in close to my ear but spoke loud enough for Cody to hear. “Isn’t this the guy you said was lousy in bed?”
My surprised expression was enough to let Cody know I’d said something to Luke about his lack of skill in the sack. I never said he was lousy, because he had tried to please me in the beginning of our relationship, but Luke obviously knew I never had an orgasm with the guy.
“You said I was a bad lay?” Before I could answer, he spouted off, “Maybe if you weren’t impossible to please, you would’ve had more fun.”
“Impossible?” Luke asked, his voice dipping even lower than before. “Seems to me like you didn’t know what you were doing.”
Cody slinked off soon after, snatching the wrist of a bleached blonde who was talking with a group of men. Once he was out of sight, I turned and threw my arms around Luke’s neck, leaning up on my tiptoes.
“That was both embarrassing and awesome.” When I pressed my lips to his, he took my mouth in a panty-melting kiss. I didn’t care there were other people around. All I wanted to do was be consumed by this man. When I finally pulled back, in need of some air, his grin made my heart skip a beat.
