Callum & Harper (Sleepless 1)

Her breath was sweet and warm and I could feel her panting slightly as I moved closer and closer. This was real, no longer a flirtation. Today we would be closing the gap.

I captured her mouth severely at first and my knees almost buckled beneath me. I closed my eyes in drunken ecstasy, softening immediately, savoring every taste, every sweet flavor she possessed. I sunk into her body, running my hand to the back of her neck, sliding it slowly down her back, gripping her waist and bringing her tightly into me. She had to have felt my desperation for her but I didn’t care. She silently answered a plea of desperation of her own when her hands squeezed tighter around my shoulders and I moaned lightly at the pleasure of it.

Her body leaned back and I hovered over her, holding her body close to mine with the same hand at her waist. Her hands fisted into my collar in a mad attempt to bring me as close as possible. A slight slip of her tongue met mine and I visibly shivered in happiness.

We were forced to break the kiss when the judge cleared his throat, reminding us we weren’t alone. We both stood, dazed and consumed by the other. I was snapped back to reality by furious clapping and shouting. I smiled at Harper and she smiled back, her eyes brilliant in the setting sun.

“Ladies and gentlemen! I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Callum Tate!” The judge roared over the crowd only making them shout louder.

Harper and I ran down the middle aisle as our guests threw handfuls of dried lavender over our heads, the scent was incredible and I knew I’d never forget all the overwhelming sensations that presented themselves to me that day.

Chapter Eleven

When We First Met

Harper

We ran into the little glass greenhouse as our guests continued to roar.

“We did it,” he said, exasperated, leaning against the door and laughing.

“I know!” I squealed.

He grabbed me to him and hugged me mercilessly, kissing my neck and swinging me around in a circle. He placed me back onto the ground and we stood there, staring, daring the other to do it again. I almost did but a knock came at the door and we were greeted by Charlie and Cherry.

We exchanged hugs and laughed, Cherry and I wiping tears from our eyes.

“Good job,” Charlie said to both of us. “I’m very proud of you.”

“That kiss!” Cherry said, fanning herself, making us both blush. “Come on,” she said, grabbing our hands and leading us to the ‘reception area’.

Off to the vast side of the rooftop, eight rectangular tables formed a giant ‘L’ around a makeshift dance floor. Soft music pumped through the speakers and we joined the rest of our guests with appropriate ‘thank you for coming’s’.

Judge Ryder came up to us to sign our license and the photographer caught the moment on film making me feel so conflicted inside I felt sick. We thanked him, encouraged him to stay but he said he and Karol needed to get home.

The tables were breathtaking, earthy arrangements that matched my bouquet and the flowers used in the ceremony lined the centers, leaving no gaps between. Large pillar candles were lit inside antique lanterns nestled within the generous arrangements. The tables were set with the plain white china I knew belonged to The Bowery when they used to serve dinners fifty years ago. It was all so dazzling it made me dizzy. Champagne flutes sparkled in the candlelight, begging for their drink.

Callum squeezed my hand in disbelief and we silently made it our mission to find Tom.

He was hovering near Kelly and not so subtly watching her. When he saw us coming, he straightened up and bounded our way.

“What do you think?” He asked non-chalantly.

I hugged him tightly around his neck, kissing his cheek. I was openly crying and told him out right how I felt. “I am speechless Tom. This is magazine worthy. I just cannot tell you what this means to me. You have given us the greatest gift in your generosity. Thank you so much.” I sucked in a breath at the emotion.

He pulled me from him to look at my face. “Thank you, Harper but I did have help. All the ladies at the market chipped their time in for free when they heard about what I was going to do for the both of you. The flowers were free, darlin’. Courtesy of the market.”

“I’ll be sure to come down and thank them,” I said.

o;Thank you,” I smiled.

“You don’t mind?” I asked.

“It would be an absolute honor,” he crooned in his charming English accent.

“Thanks, Charlie,” I said hugging him.

“Your Callum is a nervous wreck,” he said, his eyes crinkling in laughter.