My Chance (Chance #2) (23 page)

I gave her a sympathetic look. “I hate that he’s bringing someone.”

“Me too, but we can’t do anything about it. If he wants to spend his life with a skank who will screw him when he wants, that’s his choice. I need more than that. I didn’t think I ever would, but after being with Brett, that’s what I want.” Julie laughed. “Ironic, right? I never wanted a serious relationship with the guys who wanted one with me, and now the table’s turned. I guess this is my karma.” She stared at her drink stirrer going around and around in her glass.

I looked up and saw Brett walking toward us with Alex. I tapped Julie’s foot so she’d look at me, but she didn’t. “Hey, guys,” I said.

That got her attention. She looked behind her and then back to me. “Great.”

I slid farther into the booth, and Alex sat next to me. Julie didn’t move, and Brett just stood there. He looked sad. I wondered where Nikki was.

Julie must have wondered the same because she asked, “Where’s your girlfriend?”

Brett shoved his hands in his pockets. “I don’t have a girlfriend.”

“Oh, that’s right. You don’t do commitment. Let me rephrase. Where’s your fuck buddy?”

“Jules…” I said.

“No, Aubrey, it’s true. That’s what he wanted from me and I said no, so he found a slut to say yes. Isn’t that right, Brett?”

Brett’s expression remained blank. His eyes were almost hollow. There was no life in them at all. “I just came over to say hi. I’ll see you guys later. For the record, Julie, I didn’t want you to be my fuck buddy. I wanted you to be my girlfriend. Have a good night.”

“I should go too.” Julie’s voice cracked.

“I’ll go with you.” I looked at Alex.

He slid out of the booth. “My driver will take you both home.”

“Thank you. You’re a good guy, Alex.” Julie smiled as a tear ran down her cheek.

Alex placed his hand on her shoulder. “He’s trying. He really is. He’s not bringing anyone on Sunday, just so you know.”

I was surprised to hear that.

Julie smirked and shrugged. “It really doesn’t matter, does it? Thank you, Alex.”

Alex kissed me and told me he’d see me later.

The rest of the week went by slowly. It was monotonous, and my nerves were getting to me. I had received a call from Mary. Apparently she was the designer Alex had referred to. She was coming over on Saturday to show me gown styles and fabrics and discuss my wedding gown. I asked Julie to come over Friday for a girl’s night. We planned to hang out, watch chick flicks, and chat until we fell asleep. Julie was as excited about it as I was.

On Friday, Julie and I changed into our PJs and waited for the pizza guy. We were sitting on the couch when the buzzer rang.

I went to the door and pushed the intercom. “Hello.”

A muffled voice came through the speaker. “Pizza delivery for Aubrey Ryan.”

“Come on up.” I went to my purse to grab some money. When I heard the knock on my door, I opened it and found out that my pizza guy was Alex. I laughed. “What are you doing?”

“I wanted to kiss you good night since I wasn’t allowed over here tonight. I intercepted your pizza guy.” Alex walked in and set the pizza on the table. He looked at Julie. “Hi, Julie.”

“Hey, Alex.”

“Okay, I’m not going to hang around. I just wanted to say have a good night. Remember, the sky is the limit for your gown, okay?”

“Yes, sir.” I walked Alex to the door. “Thank you for the pizza.” I put my hand on his jacket zipper and unzipped it a little. I kissed his heart and zipped his jacket back up. “I love you.”

He held my face, looked into my eyes, and kissed me. I felt it all the way to my feet. My knees literally became weak.

“You two have a great night.” Alex pulled the door closed.

“You’re a lucky lady, Ryan,” Julie said. “Now how about that pizza?”

We cuddled together to watch the Hallmark Channel. By the time the credits rolled, we both had tears running down our cheeks. We looked at each other and laughed.

“We’re a pair, aren’t we?” I said.

Julie handed me a tissue. “I don’t know what my problem is. I think all of this shit with Brett has me all messed up, or maybe it’s my best friend who’s getting married in a few weeks!”

“Can you believe it? It blows my mind! We’d better get some sleep because Mary is coming at nine.”

We crawled into my bed together like we did when we were teenagers.

I turned off the lights. “Good night, Julie.”

“Thanks for everything, Aubrey. I’m really happy for you. I can’t wait to help with your wedding gown.”

“I wouldn’t want anyone else helping me. You’re my family. Love you. Good night.”

“Good night, Aubrey.”

Mary was on time and accompanied by two assistants. One helped me try on different styles, and the other draped fabric over me. It was quite the production.

Julie sat in a chair and held signs like a judge in the Olympics. Only a few earned anything over a five. The last dress I tried on was a fit and flare, and the fabric was a combination of soft lace and tulle. It had a sweetheart neckline, and since it would most likely be cold, Mary paired the dress with a white faux fur shrug. I walked into the living room, and Julie started crying.

She stood and dropped her score cards. “Oh my god, Aubrey, that is perfect. You’re so beautiful.” She held up both her hands. “That’s a ten! What do you think?”

I stepped in front of the mirror Mary had set up by my front door. I was stunned when I looked at my reflection. I felt my eyes well up, and I looked at Julie. “Yea, I think this is it. We should call my mom so she can feel like she’s a part of this.”

Julie grabbed my laptop and called her via Skype.

Mom started crying when she saw me. “You look perfect, honey, just perfect. You look beautiful.”

Mary and I discussed where the embellishments would be. I told her I didn’t want too many, and the gown really didn’t need them. Once that was settled, Mary and her crew headed out. It was mid-afternoon, and I was spent. Julie decided to head home, and I headed for a bath.

I sank into the bubbles and let the hot water lap over my shoulders. My hair was up in a bun, and I lit some candles. I had my iPad playing the songs that Alex had transferred to it from the tablet he had given me. I sang along to some, and I didn’t hear my front door open. When I saw a shadow and then Alex, I was startled. I moved so quickly that water spilled from my tub.

“Geez, Alex, you scared me.” I looked at his black pants and gray, fitted, long-sleeved V-neck shirt. “But you look so hot you can scare me anytime.”

“I love your outfit too. Those bubbles look amazing on you.” Alex laughed.

“How about you join me?”

Alex didn’t hesitate to strip off his clothes and slip in behind me. He wrapped his arms around me and kissed my cheek. “So how was the gown shopping?”

“It was great, thank you. I found the perfect one. Mary was awesome, and there’s nothing better than having the gowns brought to me.”

“You would be beautiful in a sack, but you deserve the best.”

I leaned my head back and looked at him. “You’re the best, so if that’s what I deserve, then I already have it.”

He kissed me, and I turned around to wrap my legs around his waist. My arms slid around his neck, and my hands slid into his damp hair. We looked into each other’s eyes. He brought his lips to mine and kissed me. I moved my hips and reached into the water. I wrapped my hand around him to guide him into me. I didn’t move right away. I just wanted to be connected to him. He must have understood because he didn’t move or say anything. He was letting me take the lead, and that was just what I wanted. I moved my hips while my thighs slid on his. I leaned back, and he brought his right hand to my chest as his left supported my back. He moved his hand between my legs, making me move faster. I sat up and our chests touched. We were wrapped in each other’s arms and legs.

“You’re so good, Aubrey.”

His hands went to my hips, and he took control. He moved me faster, and I could tell that he was getting close as a groan escaped his throat. I grabbed his hair and crashed my lips onto his. Our tongues met, and I lost all control. My legs shook, and I came as he thrust into me. I slowed my pace, and put my head on his shoulder. We sat there for a while, holding each other.

“Babe, the water is cooling down. Let’s get out of here.”

I hadn’t even noticed the change in temperature. I moved to get off him and looked into his eyes. I couldn’t help but smile. Alex stood and grabbed a towel and wrapped me up in it before he grabbed one for himself. His body was perfect. The way his muscles moved was enough to send me into orgasmic bliss. I could watch him all day and never tire of it.

Alex glanced at me. “You keep looking at me like that, and we’re going to go right to bed.”

I smiled. “Okay.”

The engagement party was in full swing. Alex’s father was there, and he was talking with Brian and his wife. I imagined that Brian was pitching him on using Walker-Stone Marketing for Logan Industries. I smiled at that thought. I’d love to work with Jack to prove to him that I’m a hard worker and not relying on Alex to provide for me. Brian glanced up and saw me, so I walked over to them.

“I see you’ve met my future father-in-law.” I smiled at Jack.

“Yes, I have,” Brian said. “He’s a lucky man to be adding you to his family.”

Jack looked at me. “I’m lucky indeed. I knew my son had impeccable taste, but Aubrey is the best.” Jack hugged me, and when he released me, he kept his hands on my shoulders. “I want you to know I couldn’t be happier for you and my son. You’re good for him, and I’m sorry I didn’t see that in the beginning.”

I nodded and glanced at where Brian had been standing, but he was gone. He must have sensed that Jack wanted to say something private to me. “I know some women were attracted to Alex because of his wealth, but I’m not like that. Material possessions and money aren’t important to me, but he is important to me. He’s my missing piece, and I’m so glad that you’ve reconciled.” I hugged him.

“Hey, Dad, you know she’s spoken for.” Alex came up and shook his dad’s hand.

“Yes, Aubrey just broke my heart and told me that she’s taken.”

We all laughed, and I noticed that Alex and Jack had the same laugh. Their eyes lit up in the same way as well. I was happy to see them putting their animosities aside.

“Can I steal you both for a moment?” Jack asked. “I have something for you, and I’d like to give it to you now if that’s okay. I promise not to keep you long.”

I looked at Alex, and he nodded.

Alex led us to a table in the corner. “Will this do?”

“This is perfect.” Jack reached into the inside pocket of his suit jacket and pulled out an envelope. “I was going to wait until the wedding, but I wanted you to have this now.” He handed the envelope to Alex.

Alex looked at me and then back at the envelope. He slid his finger underneath the flap and pulled out what appeared to be legal documents. He scanned the documents and then looked at his father. “Am I reading this correctly? Isn’t this the house you and mom built on Shelter Island? I thought you sold it years ago.”

“I didn’t sell it. I couldn’t. Your mother and I loved that house and loved watching you and your sister play there. It’s yours now. Well, yours and Aubrey’s. I had both of your names added to the deed. I hope you and your family will enjoy as many happy times there as we did.”