Seducing the Bride

“You sent this to me?”

He nods, seemingly looking for his brain. It would be funny if I wasn’t so nervous.

“Yeah, along with the flowers and champagne. Maybe all that’s cliché, but I’m late to the romance game with you, so I’m starting here. Damn, you’re even more gorgeous than I thought.”

“Why?”

The question comes out wrong, but he seems to understand that I’m not asking why he thinks I look good or why it’s taken him so long to sweep me off my feet.

“Because everything I said the day of the cake tasting was honest and serious.”

So…he wants to fuck me until he imprints himself on my soul? Persuade me to marry him instead? Or both?

Regardless, I have a decision to make.

But do I really? I’ve known what—and who—I want all along.

Before I throw away all my plans, I need answers. Besides, I shouldn’t make this easy on him after all the torment he heaped on us. “Why?”

Again, he doesn’t pretend to misunderstand or waste time. He jumps to the heart of the matter. “Because I love you.”

Shock whooshes the air from my lungs. He’s never said those words to me.

“Hayden…”

“I have for a long time. And you love me. Still.” He puts one foot in front of the other, slowly closing the distance between us. “Don’t you?”

I always have.

His eyes are all over me, mentally undressing me, until I feel as if I’m no longer wearing a single filmy stitch. Even his stare makes me dizzy with anticipation. I have no doubt in that moment that he sees me as a grown-up. His equal. The object of his desire. The woman who owns his heart.

“You know it’s not that simple,” I murmur.

“Ah, Derek the dipshit.” He scowls, expression harsh. “Take it off.”

“The lingerie?”

He shakes his head. “We’ll get there soon. Right now, I mean that rock of his.”

I didn’t even realize I was still wearing the engagement ring. It has become second nature.

Slowly, I slide it off my finger and set it on the coffee table. “This doesn’t mean I’m not marrying him. Or that I’ll sleep with you.”

“That’s exactly what it means.”

I raise a brow at him. But it’s hard to be angry when his stare rakes down my body with a visual caress that leaves me aching. My nipples turn hard. My pussy softens and floods. I ache for him.

Somehow I manage to shake my head. If he wants me, he’ll have to prove it. A few words and gifts won’t suffice. “We’re just having a conversation.”

He scoffs. “Before I take you to bed and prove you belong to me.”

“You’re assuming.”

“You’re wearing the lingerie I chose, knowing damn well I intend to seduce you.”

“That’s not true.” But it is. “I was just curious.”

Suddenly, he smiles. “All right. We’ll play this your way. But the Perrie I know would never go back on a promise.”

What’s he talking about? “Exactly. I promised Derek till death do us part.”

“You haven’t yet. Besides, you made a solemn vow to me four years ago.” He reaches into his pocket and extracts something that pings with a metallic clink when he tosses it on the coffee table beside me. “You promised I could return that to you when and wherever I wanted, and you would show me that you’re all the woman I need. I’m cashing in—right here, right now. Come here so I can finally kiss you the way I’ve wanted to.”

I glance down to find the final token from the water park’s arcade, which I impulsively shoved in Hayden’s hand the night of our last visit there. “You kept it?”

It’s probably silly, but I’m stunned and touched.

He nods. “You told me to look at it, feel it, and remember you. I have—every fucking day.”

I’m way more thrilled than I dare let on. “A girl said those stupid words.”

“No. A young, incredibly wise woman told me to give this back when I wanted not just her pussy but her. So here I am, admitting I want all of you. I always have.”

“Your timing is lousy. I’m getting married tomorrow.”

“Not to him. I’ve got all night to make sure of that.” He takes a half step closer and points to the ground in front of him. “Come here. Meet me halfway.”

How can I resist?

On bare feet, I tiptoe toward Hayden and find myself staring up into his familiar beloved face. I’ve fantasized about him making love to me for longer than I should admit. Is it really going to happen now?

“Good girl.” He cups my face in his hand. “Are you taking the token? Are you saying yes?”

I blink, staring up into his devilishly dark eyes. This is my decision point, my make-or-break moment, but what else can I say? “Yes.”

“Thank fuck. I feel like I’ve waited a hundred years to touch you.”

“I’ve waited longer.” I wrap my arms around his neck and press myself against his body, lips a breath away from his.