2X The Heat (2X The Pleasure 1)
Page 85
I rang the doorbell there and waited. I don’t know why I hadn’t expected Gabriella to be the one to answer the door.
“Hey, you look amazing!” I wasn’t just saying that to flatter the bride either.
She had on a beautiful floral maxi dress with a slit on the side. For a doctor, she was very fit and tan. I just did not think she had time to make herself look this good, me? I have no excuse. Levi was a lucky guy.
“Thank you so much, do you need help unloading?” she gestured to the van, stepping out of the threshold.
“Oh no, you just wait inside. I’ll be done soon.” I assured her. I definitely did not want to mess up her perfect up do and makeup either.
I kind of felt my heart panging, wanting t
o be making the floral arrangement for my bridal shower. But I shoved the thought away and got to work. She showed me the main room and then I was otherwise alone. All the trips back and forth had me a little sweaty, and mostly tired. But I was done carrying them in after thirty minutes.
It took an hour to set everything up. We finally decided on azalea side pieces, and a mix of orchids and camellias for the centerpieces. Their large main living room had been changed to a seating area with eight tables. I wanted each piece to be perfect, she would have these photos forever. Her theme was artsy, which made sense. The other sitting room had easels set up where they would be doing a painting session with a nude model. It sounded fun. I could imagine how her bachelorette party would be, which was tomorrow.
It was my understanding she did not have many friends though, so I wondered who she was going with. But as I was setting up, I found out she had seven sisters. Seven. I was finishing up the accent wall with white, hot pink, and fuchsia touch-me-nots. They did well indoors. I strung them out and lined both pillars with them. The living room had a large entryway so I wanted to decorate it as well.
I heard Gabriella outside with her sisters the entire time, they seemed very happy. I tried not to eavesdrop, but I could not help it.
“Gab, if you don’t have naked men at the bachelorette party, it did not really happen.”
“I don’t want to go to a strip club!” She exclaimed.
“What about an entertainment club? The dancing is more tasteful.”
There was more chatter and discussion.
“Fine. Fine. Just help me with this.”
Their conversation bored down and I got back to work. Two hours later I was putting the finishing touches on the centerpieces and the other guests started coming in. I wished Ivy would get married so I could do this for her someday.
“It looks beautiful.” My fingers froze around the dome of the vase. My body softened at the sound of his voice, like it was tight and bothered before.
Tristan.
I turned slowly to look at the origin of the voice, and it was him. Dressed in faded jeans and a crisp, blue button up. He was impeccable; even his shoes were on point, a pair of casual black oxfords. His hair was kept, more so than usual. His eyes green and wide, yielding a smile.
“Tristan, what are you doing here?” His hands slipped in his pockets as he took three steps towards me, closing the space between us.
I inhaled his scent, soap and a woodsy scent, like pine. I had missed it, but it feels I never left it.
“I had to drop off the cake and party favors.” He explained. His eyes searched mine warily.
It was definitely awkward, but not unbearable. We did not leave off on the best terms. I wondered if he was still mad. And I wondered what the hell I was thinking. My body still wanted his. I regret not wearing a bra with my shift dress, I felt my nipples tightening just from him looking at me.
“Oh. I did not know you were coming.” I said. He shrugged.
“Hadn’t planned on it.” It kind of warmed my heart, how sweet he naturally was. He was really kind to be doing all of this for them.
“You need help with those?” He gestured to the stack of empty flower bins. Ugh. I dreaded taking those out.
I wouldn’t deny I wanted to spend more time with him. But I was afraid I would lose control again. Better yet, I wasn’t sure I did not want to lose control.
“Um yes, please.”
It would help get me out of here faster anyway. I did not exactly want to be around when all the girls started piling in. He did not hesitate to start lifting the boxes and take them out. He was done in only a few minutes.
“They seem really excited.” I said.