Reed's Reckoning

“I can’t believe this is happening.” I say breathlessly.

Reed takes the opportunity with us alone to move me into his lap and nuzzle along my jawline. “Believe it, Angel, this is all for you. I wish we could leave tomorrow for a real honeymoon.” He keeps kissing and tingling runs through my body.

“Stop it. I’ve got to face like a million people in a minute. I’d rather not do it flustered.”

“Are you saying I fluster you?” He continues to kiss around my earlobe and neckline.

“You know you do.”

“Did I tell you yet how gorgeous you look?”

“You didn’t.”

“Well, be prepared for the Neanderthal you married to come out tonight because you are exquisite. And all mine.”

I lean in to kiss him but a knock at the window lets us know it’s time.

We exit the SUV to cheers and more applause. He leads me through the lobby to the ballroom and dance floor. People surround us as we dance to “Someone Like You” by Van Morrison.

Molding into his arms, I let him carry me away with the lyrics he mimics in my ear. Davis runs out a few seconds before the song ends and Reed picks him up and into our embrace. We finish the song and turn to face our guests.

The room goes crazy and I am swept in one direction and him in another. We do sit by each other for dinner, but we get separated as the night goes on. Sophie and Jack seem to be glued together and Luke is dancing with a beautiful brunette I recognize from the football games.

When another Van Morrison song starts to play, he walks over and grabs my hand to dance. I clutch his embrace and breathe in his familiar scent.

“You know nothing changes right? You’re still my rock?” I say to him insecurely.

“Ari, baby, everything changes, but I am okay with that. I trust him. It’s time I let go and let him take the reins.” He whispers back.

“Luke, you will never be replaced. I love you with all my heart.” I hold back a sob.

“And I you, but you deserve this, Arianna Matthews. He will take care of you—without a doubt in my mind. I wouldn’t turn the job over to him so easily.”

I look into Luke’s eyes and see nothing but happiness. He winks and twirls me so I fall into the rock hard chest of the man I love. He smiles down at me and I melt. Luke squeezes my shoulder and then kisses my cheek.

We make our way off the dance floor and talk to numerous people until my throat is dry. I wave to the bartender I need a drink and Lamar saunters over with a look on his face that makes me nervous. Reed goes on alert and yanks me to him.

“No FUCKING way! I’m telling you right now, I will make your life a living hell if you try.” Reed clings to me desperately.

“Reed man, sorry, but it’s Shani’s tradition. You can give her to me willingly or we got to take her.”

I look between them confused but feel Reed’s grip tighten on me. Lamar reaches out for my loose hand and smiles seductively. I get nervous but know he would never hurt me. As soon as my hand lands in his a few guys haul Reed away and Lamar launches me over his shoulder chanting something as he runs to the dance floor. I try to beat at his back but he weighs about two hundred pounds more than me. When he sets me down the familiar tune of Sir Mix’a Lot’s “Baby Got Back”, and I’m surrounded by tough, burly football players gyrating to the music. I laugh out loud and join in.

My dress is so bustled I can enjoy dancing in the circle with the guys cheering me on. Every once in a while, someone jumps in and we grind together. After the third song, I’m exhausted and have hugged or kissed every man dancing. These guys went through hell with me last week and have made sure tonight I was treated like not only a princess but also a player’s wife.

When Beyoncé comes on, a few ladies jump in with me and we dance like we are auditioning for MTV. I look up to see Reed red-faced but grinning. I motion to him with my finger and he comes willingly. We dance seductively together for a few minutes until the cake is announced.

We walk together hand in hand to the table and he bites on my earlobe. “Tonight, you will pay for that.”

I smile sweetly and look at Shani who is grinning widely. I wink in appreciation.

Reed

Hold it together, hold it together, hold it together. I keep reciting in my mind. All I can think of is stripping her out of that dress and sinking as far into her as possible. I’m pretty sure she’s taking her time to torture me on purpose.