Intrigued and Enchanted (18 page)

Brandon has arranged a limo to take all of us to La Catedrale which was a lovely gesture. When we arrive, Brandon is his usual gentlemanly self and helps me from the car. I’m not scared that I’ll fall on my face now that I’ve discarded the robes, but now that I’ve had that thought, I’ll probably hit the deck at some point this evening when it’s most humiliating! The atmosphere is nice, everyone getting along and enjoying the day.

Brandon guides me into the restaurant with his hand at the base of my back. It sends a jolt to ‘little Lil’ every time he does that. It really never gets old. I’m touched by all the effort that Paul has put in today for Jess and I. The place looks even more amazing than it normally does. There is a gorgeous banner with ‘Congratulations Jess and Lily’ over the bar area. The place has hundreds of balloons hanging from the ceiling. It looks magical. The entire restaurant is lit with what must be hundreds of candle lanterns.

The tables have been set into one long banqueting style table in the centre of the room, and it is decorated with stunning arrangements of roses, with crystals woven throughout the foliage. It has Brandon written all over it. There are place cards for everyone, seating Jess and I at either end of the long table. It gives us a good vantage point to make crazy faces at each other throughout dinner.

As I walk round looking at the names next to each place I notice Simon and Nate’s names at the table. Jess is going to blow a gasket when Simon gets here, and as if by magic, I watch this very scene play out in front of me. The door to the restaurant swings open and in walks Nate, followed closely by Simon. As Jess looks towards the door, not expecting anymore guests, her face drops and a look of panic crosses her face.

I swear I can see the colour draining from her face as I watch her. I’m guessing these are the friends Paul invited to join the party. He probably thought it would be fun for going out somewhere else later if there were a few extra bodies. Paul is at the door welcoming them both before anyone else gets a chance. I immediately turn to Brandon.

“Did you know they were going to be here?” He looks puzzled.

“Yeah. Why? Is there a problem? Paul and I thought that we could all go out later after the families disperse, do some real celebrating with you girls. What’s wrong Lily?”

“Things between Jess and Simon are…well, I don’t actually know what they are, but from what I saw when he left the last time, it’s not good.”

“But Simon really likes her. He only has good things to say about her.” I pull him off to the side so no one can overhear us, especially not Jess.

“If I tell you this, you have to keep your mouth shut. I suspect Jess likes Simon more than she’s ever liked a guy. I’m pretty sure it spooked her because they’ve not known each other long. She hasn’t been her usual flirty man crazy self since she saw him last. I’ve tried to talk to her but she shuts me down every time.”

“Why? If she likes him she should just give him a chance.”

“She had a bad experience freshman year with a total creep of a guy and she’s never let anyone close since. I was hoping if she met someone worthwhile she would let her guard down, but that’s not happening, as you can see.” We both turn in the direction of Jess. She is completely blanking Simon – I feel bad for him. It’s so obvious to everyone in the room that there’s something going on between them.

Paul urges everyone to take their seats for the appetisers, and Simon takes the opportunity to locate his seat next to Brandon – a friendly face. He looks crestfallen by Jess’s lack of acknowledgement. Nate is next to Simon and my family are across the table on the other side of me. I can see my sisters eyeing the latest man candy to arrive. Cathy and Liv waste no time in trying to charm the pants off of Nate and Simon. They seem to be having fun and the conversation flows freely throughout the meal.

My mom is sitting lower down the table next to Jess’s mom Marjory; It’s nice to see my mom laughing and joking with friends. It warms my heart to see her happy. Jess on the other hand is shooting daggers at my sisters and Simon from the bottom of the table. As the waiters take our drinks orders and bring out the desserts I catch Jess’s attention to come with me to the bathroom. We’re best friends. I just need to give her a look and she knows what I’m trying to tell her – ‘Get your ass to the bathroom now.’

I excuse myself and drag Jess by the hand behind me down the hall and into the restroom. I lock the door behind us.

“What the fuck is going on Jess?” She leans against the marble sink, her eyes focused on the fascinating tile pattern on the floor.

“I don’t know what you mean.” So this is how she’s going to play it.

“Okay Jess. Have it your way. I’ve not pushed you until now, but you need to get a grip. It’s obvious that you like Simon. You don’t seem to want to give him a chance even though he’s given you no reason to doubt that he’s totally into you.” She interrupts me, with her weak excuses.

“Yeah right. Have you not seen the way he’s shamelessly flirting with your sisters. I wouldn’t be surprised if he tries to take them both home tonight.”

“Firstly, What the Fuck? They’re my younger sisters. And secondly, they are the ones that are shamelessly flirting. From where I’m sitting, he’s been very polite, but he can’t stop staring at you every five fucking seconds.” She’s not happy at that last statement.

“Shut up Lily. You don’t know what you’re talking about.” Did she just tell me to shut up? Oh…It’s on!

“Get a grip Jess. Brandon told me Simon really likes you. It’s written all over his ridiculously handsome face. If you keep blowing hot and cold on him, you’ll lose any chance you have with him. Make fucking nice with him tonight and don’t lead him on if you’re not interested. He’s a nice guy, and he doesn’t deserve the way you’re treating him.” I know it’s harsh but she needs someone to set her straight.

“You’re supposed to be my best friend Lily. Not Simon’s.”

“Don’t talk shit Jess. I’m saying this because I love you. I don’t want you to miss out on a great guy because of that douchebag Gavin.” With that I unlock the door to the restroom.

“Don’t let Gavin win Jess.” I hope I wasn’t too harsh, but I feel like it’s the only way I’m going to get through to her. I leave her to think on that for a moment and gather her thoughts before coming back to the table. We’re supposed to be celebrating graduation together so I really hope she’s not mad at me.

I take my seat next to Brandon and I know he can tell something has just gone down. His mental mind reading skills are at work. I quietly assure him that everything is fine as I take a long swig of my Prosecco. Not my most feminine moment, but I really need a drink right now.

Jess emerges from the bathroom five minutes later, her make-up touched up and her head held high. She comes up behind me and gives me a hug, whispering in my ear.

“Thanks bestie. Love you.” I clasp my hands on top of hers and give them a squeeze. “Love you too bestie.” Jess gives me a peck on the cheek and heads back to her seat.

I notice Simon’s eyes on her the entire time, and amazingly, when he catches her eye, she gives him a genuine smile. He looks like the cat that got the cream for the rest of dinner – It’s pretty sweet actually.

17

As Jess and I say goodbye to our families, I find myself a little sad to be saying goodbye to my mom. My sisters have decided to stay out and come with us to Simon’s club. Jess’s parents are going to give my mom a ride home so I don’t need to worry about her. Jess’s mom and dad give me big hugs and kisses and tell me how proud they are of both of us before they leave. I’ve always really liked them, they’ve always made me feel like family.

When it’s time to say goodbye to my mom, I have a lump in my throat. Today has been lovely – not what I was expecting at all. Maybe because I’ve come to terms with what happened, it’s made it easier for me to be around them. My mom holds me tight.

“It’s been lovely seeing you Lily. Let’s not leave it so long next time. I’m so proud of you darling. I hope you know how much I love you.”

“Thank you mom. That means a lot to me. I love you too.” I’m quite choked as she leaves with Mr and Mrs Foster. Brandon swoops in to take my mind off it.

“Come on sweet girl. You’re riding with me to Cube. Simon’s arranged a car for the rest of them. They are going to wait on Paul sorting out some business for the evening crowd.” I say my interim goodbyes and leave with Brandon.

It’s so peaceful in the back of his town car. Brandon put’s up the privacy window before pulling something from his inside pocket.

“I got you a graduation present. I hope you like it.”

“You didn’t have to get me anything Brandon. You’ve already done so much for me today.”

“Just open them.” Them?

He hands me an envelope and a Tiffany’s box. He looks nervous. As I open the box I find two little suede pouches inside. I open the first to find a silver graduation cap. It’s so cute.

“I love it Brandon. Thank you.”

“Just so you know. I’m not some crazy guy who’s going to buy you a charm every time I see you. You just happen to have a lot of significant achievements going on in your life right now.” He’s so funny.

“I would never think you’re crazy Brandon. It’s lovely.” I open the second pouch and am a bit puzzled by what I find inside – a silver and Tiffany blue double decker bus charm. I look at Brandon, an obvious question on my face.

“Open the envelope and it will make sense.” Now I’m nervous. I open the envelope carefully and remove the contents – Two first class tickets to London, leaving on Monday.

Oh…My…God. I’m actually dumbstruck.

“Baby…talk to me. Are you happy?” I quickly snap out of it.

“Oh my God Brandon. I can’t believe you did this. This is amazing. I’ve been dreaming of going to London my whole life.” I see him breathe a noticeable sigh of relief.

“Good. For a minute there you had me worried sweet girl. You did not look happy.” I grab his face in my palms and kiss him with everything I have.

“I’m beyond happy Brandon. I can’t believe I get to see London…and…I get to see it with you.” Then it dawns on me.

“What if I don’t have a passport?” There’s a glint in his eye as he answers me.

“Don’t you know me by now woman? I have my sources.” He winks at me before explaining.

“I called Jess before I booked the tickets to check I wasn’t going to book tickets to somewhere you couldn’t go!”

I pull his lips back to mine and lose myself to the passion I feel for this man. Brandon takes control of the kiss, gently lifting my hands from his face and pulling me into his lap. His kiss is urgent, full of passion. I want him so badly right now I can feel my panties becoming damp just from his tongue fucking my mouth.

His hands let go of mine and begin to wander all over my body, palming my breast over my tight dress, his other hand sliding under the hem of my dress and moving up my leg. He stops in his tracks when he feels the tops of my stockings.

“Fuck me baby. You’re wearing stockings. I need to see this.” He pulls my dress up to my waist, revealing my stockings, black garter belt and matching lace panties.

“Fucking hell Lily. That is the sexiest fucking thing I have ever seen.” He grabs my ass in his hands and kisses me with a ravenous hunger. His tongue setting a punishing rhythm that I want between my legs. I feel like I might explode if I don’t feel his hard length inside me, fucking me to the same rhythm as his kiss.

“God Brandon. I need you inside me now. Please…please fuck me...Mr Redgrave.” He loses all control at those words. He barks through the intercom for Angus to keep driving until he says otherwise. I know I should be mortified that Angus clearly knows what’s going to happen back here, but I just can’t find it in myself to care. I want Brandon...now.

I straddle his thighs, my skirt around my waist. Brandon quickly unbuttons his suit pants and slips them down just enough for his huge, engorged cock to spring free. He yanks the lace of my panties to one side and thrusts two fingers inside me as I hover over him, dropping my head onto his shoulder.

“You’re so ready for me sweet girl. It’s so fucking sexy.” I feel the loss of his fingers as he pulls them from my wet entrance. I watch as he brings them to his lips, sucking the evidence of my arousal from his long, beautiful fingers. I can’t look away. I know I should be embarrassed by it, but I’m not, I want to taste myself on his lips. As I lick the crease of his gorgeous lips with my tongue, he positions himself at my entrance and pulls me down onto his dick, hard and fast.

The feeling of being filled by him is overwhelming and I can’t stifle the guttural moan that escapes my chest. He knows exactly what I want. His tongue devouring my mouth, fucking me in time with each delicious thrust into my sex. It’s amazing. I can feel myself building towards my release too quickly.

“Oh God Brandon. I’m so close. I’m going to come.”

Brandon speaks in between kisses.

“Not. Yet. Sweet. Girl. Not. Until. I. Say. So. Your. Orgasm. Is. Mine.”

I almost come at the sound of his demanding voice, thick with desire. I try to hold back but I don’t know how long I can last. Brandon can feel how close I am and starts to pound into me harder and faster, hitting my G spot every time.

“Yes baby. That’s it. Oh fuck Lily. Come for me now baby. Come with me.” On command, I let myself crash over the edge and embrace the immense pleasure that I feel coursing through every nerve ending of my body. We scream and groan, riding out the aftershocks of our joint release. It is raw and primal but at the same time, a wonderful, beautiful connection of two souls.

“Holy Shit baby. You are the sexiest woman alive. I don’t think I’ll be able to stand let alone function in the club around other people.” That makes me giggle as I try to calm my erratic breathing, smearing my sweaty hair off my face.

“How do you think I’m going to face everyone with this obvious sex hair?” We both burst out laughing, his cock still pulsing inside me. He cups my face, smoothing my hair out of the way.

“I don’t care what anyone thinks baby. You. Are. Mine.” He lifts me off of him and places me down gently beside him. He straightens my dress for me before attending to his own attire. We just cuddle into each other for a few minutes, enjoying the post coital bliss before Brandon tells Angus to take us to Cube. I have no idea how long we’ve been driving around Manhattan aimlessly. Brandon takes the opportunity to attach my new charms to my bracelet before we reach the club.