California Nights: Rich Boys of California Duet

The one that never felt like she was good enough.

I only needed my own backbone now. That and the people I loved, and who loved me.

I was damn lucky in that regard.

One moment I was thinking all these thoughts.

The next I was upside down as Clay threw me over his shoulder and carried me down the aisle.

I hadn’t been walking fast enough apparently.

“Clay, put me down!”

“No.”

“Clay!”

I was furious. Livid. I was –

Right side up finally.

I felt my ornate hairdo come undone. My hair tumbled over my shoulders. My cheeks were bright red.

Frannie ran forward, helping me readjust myself. Her fingers brushed through my hair quickly. Then she stepped back.

Her eyes were wide with –

Laughter.

I glanced at the crowd. Everyone was trying not to laugh. Many were failing.

I looked at Clay, ready to glare him into the center of the Earth.

But I stopped. He looked… ecstatic. He looked like he was crazy in love with me. And ready to get married.

Being mad at him right now would be like getting mad at an adorable puppy who just wanted to play. Although, judging from the look on his face, he wanted to do more than play.

He wanted the wedding night to start. Right now.

Maybe I shouldn’t have made him wait all week. The poor boy did get very wound up, even without having me for a day or two.

Like the time I got the flu.

He’d had the same look in his eyes.

Just… not quite as bad.

I rolled my eyes, shaking my head softly as I turned to the Judge who was officiating the ceremony. I listened attentively as he spoke of the citrus of marriage, of love, of partnership.

I was feeling good again, calm, like I was doing the right thing.

That was before I glanced at Clay. He was ignoring the Judge completely.

He was staring at me.

Not my face, either.

The groom was staring at my tits.

He licked his lips.

I kicked him.

Abruptly he started paying attention again.

“Do you Clay Monroe Westfield, take Nevada Jones to be your wife? To have and to hold, in sickness and health, until death do you part?”

Clay took my hands and stared deeply into my eyes.

“I do.”

“Do you Nevada Jones, take Clay Monroe Westfield to be your husband? To have and to hold, in sickness and health, until death do you part?”

I paused and Clay’s eyes got very big.

He looked… worried.

Then I smiled at him.

“I do.”

“By the power vested in me by the state of California, I now pronounce you man and wife.”

The crowd cheered.

“You may kiss the bride.”

Clay pulled me against him so fast that it almost gave me whip lash. Then he laid a kiss on me that was more suited for the bedroom than the chapel.

Not that we were actually in a chapel, but still.

People were cheering as Clay lifted me up and carried me down the aisle, past the startled photographer and into the house.

“We need to get – pictures!”

“After!”

The last thing I heard was the confused photographer ask his assistant.

“After what?”

But I knew. My hair was going to need a touch up. But I didn’t stop him from carrying me up the stairs to his bedroom. Our bedroom for the past four years.

The pictures would just have to wait.

“What are you doing, Clay” I protested weakly. The truth was, I was ready for him, too.

“I’m going to fuck my wife.”

He kicked open the door, grinning at me.

“At least twice.”

Chapter Ninety-Two

Jace

The cake had been cut, the dinner eaten and the guests were wrapping up the dancing and drinking as I led Frannie over to the hill where Nevada said they used to watch the fireworks. I had a surprise for her.

A blanket and a bucket with a bottle of champaign were waiting for us.

“What’s this?”

I sat down and waited for her to sit next to me.

All day I’d been in awe of her poise and charm. Never mind the way she looked in that dress.

My sexy little Francine had turned into an elegant woman in the blink of an eye.

I liked it. I liked it a lot.

If I was honest with myself, I loved it.

It freaked me out though. With all the spit and polish, everyone could see what I saw: the Francine Turner was the most beautiful girl in the entire world. What if someone tries to take her from me? I thought with a frown.

And deep down, I wanted my Frannie back with her wild hair and shy smiles. I wanted to tear off her dress and mess up her hair.

I wanted to pounce on her.

“I have a surprise for you.”

She gave me a look.

“I’m not sure I can handle any more surprises! Can you believe Clay???”

I didn’t laugh. He’d told me Nevada was driving him crazy all week. Closing the candy shop so to speak.

I could one hundred percent believe what he’d done during the ceremony.