Soul Temptation (Souls Entwined) (11 page)

“I did, but I’m CEO of the company. I expected you to keep me abreast of any major financial blips. This could potentially cost us millions.”

“I’m handling it.” Oliver forced a smile as his mother joined them.

“I like seeing my men dressed so handsomely.” His mother embraced him then cast a quick look between both men. “Okay, what’s going on? Or do I even want to know?”

“You don’t.” Oliver pulled his own sunglasses out of his suit jacket pocket and put them on.

Ann took hold of her husband’s arm. “Stephen, you promised not to talk shop while we were here, and especially not today.”

“This couldn’t wait.” His father’s gaze was cool. “Oliver, I want every report regarding Vegas sent to me as soon as possible.”

Oliver gritted his teeth to prevent saying the expletive on the tip of his tongue. He would not upset his mom with their shit.

“Stephen.” Ann sighed. “There’s our limo. Are you going to ride with us to the reception, Olie?”

“No.” Oliver kissed his mom on the cheek. “I’ll see you guys there.” The instant his parents were out of earshot, he unleashed a dark curse. It was high time he told his dad what he could do with his heavy arm tactics regarding him and the family business. His father continually said he trusted him to do his job, but it was clear that he didn’t. That had to change.

“You coming, man?” Oliver pivoted to see Jax through the window of the limo as it came to a stop in front of him. “You know the party can’t start without you.”

Oliver chuckled. “Let’s go celebrate.” He got into the vehicle, pushed his thoughts about his father into the background and joked good-naturedly with the men.

All hell would break loose once he got back home and expressed what he needed, how he
expected
his father to treat him as the Executive Vice President of Banner Hotels. Right now, he simply wanted to focus on his brother’s happiness and Serene.

Serene.

She didn’t know it yet, but he had a whole evening planned for the two of them and she
would
come for him, one way or another. Oliver wouldn’t stop until she did.

* * * *

Serene lifted her glass then took a sip from her glass as those around her clapped. She hugged her sister, kissed her on the cheek then sat down, happy her maid of honor speech was over.

“That was beautiful.” Ava dabbed at her eyes with a napkin. “Good job,
chica
.”

“Thank you.” Serene drew in a breath as Oliver stood up to speak, annoyed by the flutters of awareness scattering goose bumps over her skin as she listened to him speak. She glanced around to see if anyone was staring at the I-just-had-sex-with-the-best-man stamp she was certain was imprinted on her forehead. She’d tossed and turned all night, in disbelief over all that had happened, replaying everything Oliver had said. Thank goodness she’d packed her trusted vibrator, but even after her frenzied orgasm she’d needed, wanted more.

Pull it together.

It was damned difficult to do, especially when every move on the hard chair she sat on set off little twinges between her legs. Serene watched Oliver, enchanted by his charm and confidence like everyone else listening to him. God, he had a sexy voice. Who was she kidding? Oliver Banner was gorgeous.

The things he’d told her to do…

Serene laughed along with the group at something Oliver had said, not knowing what was funny. She couldn’t stop thinking about where he’d taken her…what they’d watched. Serene suppressed a shiver as she recalled how aroused she’d been the entire night. She wanted to chalk up her wanton actions to the wildness of the evening. Oliver was correct, voyeurism turned her on, but it was more than that. She’d been pushing back thoughts about him placing his hands all over her body since he’d helped her put on that stiletto.

I let my lust get the best of me and it was fun and exciting.

Serene lifted her glass as Oliver instructed and toasted her sister and Cameron. She swallowed the champagne as Ava turned to her.

“You okay?” Ava eyed her closely.

“I’m fine.” Serene sat back in her chair as a waiter presented her with dinner. “Why?”

Ava frowned. “I’m picking up some kinda vibe from you, but I can’t quite put my finger on it.”

“That’s funny.” Serene shook her head as she poured dressing on her salad. “So, how are things going with NJ?”

Ava’s face brightened. “Oh,
Dios
. NJ is something else.”

Serene chuckled as Ava began gushing over the hunky football player, relieved she’d able to divert her focus from any more talk about strange vibrations. Her mind a million miles away, she had to concentrate on the Latina’s conversation to interject the appropriate phrases.

Misha’s laughter drew Serene’s attention across the table and her stomach flipped when her gaze locked with Oliver’s. Serene averted her face from his and made a gallant effort to engage in topics being discussed around her. She got up when she noticed Aimee’s lack of enthusiasm and joined her sister-in-law. “Need another glass of champagne?”

“At least one more.” Aimee shook her head. “Coming here with Kaden was a mistake.”

“How are things?”

“Strained as hell.” Aimee twirled her wedding ring around her finger. “Kaden told me he’s going to move out when we get back, that it was wrong of him to ask me to come home before I was ready to truly give us a second chance.”

“Wow. How do you feel about that?”

Aimee lifted her gaze from her hand to Serene with tears shimmering in her eyes. “I feel sad, relieved…I don’t know.” Her sister-in-law shrugged. “Confused and guilty.”

“Guilty? Why would you feel that way?” Serene frowned at the bleak light in Aimee’s eyes.

“Serene—” Aimee paused as she glanced over her shoulder. “We’ll talk later. Kaden’s on his way back.”

“Okay. Aimee, maybe the time apart will help you figure out what you want to do.”

“Maybe. I realize we both can’t keep going on this way.” Aimee gave Serene a tight smile as Kaden joined them and handed his wife her drink.

Kaden glanced at Serene. “Should I go get you a glass as well?”

“No. I’m headed over that way.” Serene cast a look between the two of them, dismayed by the tension between them. “I’ll catch up with you guys later.”

“Cool.” Kaden shifted his attention from Aimee to Serene. “There’s something I want to talk to you about then.”

Serene nodded. “Okay.” She left them standing silently next to one another with a heavy sigh. She hoped they both could find the right words to reach the other. There was so much pain between them, but the love they shared was still evident to Serene. She stopped to chat with Josie and Jax and their lighthearted banter helped pull her a little bit out of her funk.

By the end of the first dance, Serene was mentally exhausted. She cheered as Misha and Cameron invited everyone onto the dance floor and laughed when Ava coaxed NJ to dance. She watched the two groove to one of her favorite slow jams, fully intending to find another glass of bubbly and sit back down.

“May I have this dance?”

Oliver.

Serene whirled around to see him and had parted her lips to speak when he took her by the hand and proceeded to take her out onto the dance floor. She stared at him as he wrapped his arm around her back, pulled her close and effortlessly took the lead. Just concentrating on moving her feet proved difficult each time she breathed in Oliver’s heady scent.

“Do you plan to avoid me for the duration of your stay on this island?” The corners of Oliver’s mouth twitched as he looked down at her.

“Apparently, that’s impossible.” Serene stiffened when Oliver pressed his fingers against the small of her back.

“Aw, now that would almost hurt my feelings if I didn’t feel your pulse racing beneath my thumb.”

Serene glanced at the position of his hand on hers and rolled her eyes at him as he chuckled. She remained silent as he twirled her around the floor, knowing that any retort would only encourage him to say something more outrageous.

“God, you feel good back in my arms.” Oliver pulled her in closer.

“Oliver…” Serene subtly tried to put some distance between them, her breath hitching when Oliver deliberately brushed his hard-on against her belly. “Oliver!” She surreptitiously peeked around him see if anyone else was watching them.

“Relax.” Oliver loosened his hold on her slightly. “All eyes are on your sister.” He spun her around then brought her right back against his body. “This is your last night in Tahiti and I want you to spend it with me.”

Serene shook her head. “I can’t.”

“Why not? I know you want to. What are you afraid of?”

“I’m
not
afraid. Look, last night happened. I don’t regret it, but let’s not further complicate our one-night stand with
another
night.”

“Do you remember the last thing I told you yesterday, Serene?”

Like she could forget. Just being reminded of what he’d said did funny things to her heartbeat.

“I meant what I said.”

“Oliver, I’m not interested.”

“Bullshit.”

Serene shrugged. “I know that must be shocking for you to hear. I bet it isn’t often you get turned down, huh, Mr Playboy?”

“Don’t even try it, Ms Date ‘em and Frustrate ‘em. How many men
are
you currently dating? I know I saw a Shawn and a Brian—”

“
Brady
, and that’s none of your business.”

“Agreed, but your interest in
me
is.” Oliver slowed as the song came to an end. “Prove you’re not interested.” He leaned into her. “Go into the bathroom and bring me back your dry panties.”

Serene baulked. “I will not.” She couldn’t.

“Why, are they wet?” His cocky grin irritated her and simultaneously made her wetter.

“No!”

“Liar.” Oliver released her. “Be true to yourself at the very least, Serene.”

Serene watched him walk away. “Unbelievable.” Somehow he’d managed to make her feel guilty about not sleeping with him again. Sex with Oliver had been electrifying. She’d enjoyed it even if she hadn’t climaxed. She never had with any man.

‘It’s your fault you can’t come.’

Her last lover Aaron’s disdainful words echoed in her ears. He’d been a jerk and Serene had easily forgotten most of what he’d said to her, except for those six words. Aaron’s frustration with her inability to come no matter his technique had eventually made sex between them seem more like a competition sport. The pressure Serene had felt to orgasm had only exasperated the problem.

My problem.

Serene pushed the dark thought from her mind as the DJ announced the cutting of the cake. She joined everyone else gathering around the gorgeous wedding cake, which was decorated with chiffon hibiscus flowers. She cheered when her sister and Cameron sliced into the dessert. Serene put her hand on her hip as Misha came up to her. “How are you,
Mrs Banner?
”

Misha beamed. “I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to that.”

“Me either!” The two sisters squealed. “I’m so happy for you.”

“Thank you.” Misha shifted her gaze from Serene to look at Cameron chatting with Oliver. “I never dreamed I’d be this happy.” Her sister turned to her again. “You’ve been such a big help with everything. That was such a beautiful toast you gave us.”

“I just said what was in my heart. You know it was a joy to help you in any way I could.” Serene blinked back tears. “That’s what sisters are for.”

Misha took hold of Serene’s hand. “I love you.”

“I love you back.” Serene hugged Misha then both women pulled back and fanned their faces.

“I’m glad I took your advice about waterproof mascara.” Misha shook her head. “I’ve shed more tears today than I anticipated.”

“Happy tears are the best.”

“Yes, they are.” Misha leaned in toward Serene. “You okay? I know I’ve been a
little
preoccupied with this wedding stuff—”

Serene snickered. “Just a little.”

“Okay,
a lot
, but I’d intended to ask you that question earlier.” Misha studied her. “You’ve seemed a little on edge. Is there something going on I don’t know about?”

Does sleeping with the best man count?

Serene exhaled as her sister frowned.

“What’s is it, Serene?”

Serene opened her mouth to reassure Misha there was nothing going just as Cameron clinked his glass with a fork to gain everyone’s attention.

“I need my beautiful wife by my side.” Cameron’s handsome face was alight with humor at the good-natured cheers. “Right now and forever.” He beckoned Misha forward as a wave of ‘awws’ mingled with clapping.

Serene nudged her sister forward. “You better get over there, Mrs Banner.”

“Right.” Misha giggled then wagged her finger at Serene. “We
will
talk later.”

Serene nodded. “Later. Go. Your
husband
awaits you.”

Misha kissed her on the cheek with a giggle then pivoted to join Cameron by the half eaten cake. Serene moved to stand by their parents then whistled as the two lovebirds kissed again. They pulled away and Cameron held up his hand for the group to quiet down.

“Misha and I are so blessed to have you all here to celebrate with us. We want to thank each of you for boarding a plane and traveling all this way to Tahiti to be with us this weekend. We love you all.”

“We love you too, man,” Braeden called out dramatically and everyone erupted into laughter again.

Cameron waved him off and looked at his wife. “Misha, falling in love with you has been the greatest surprise and thrill of my life. I look forward to spending my days and nights delighting and surprising you. To that end… I want to whisk you away for our honeymoon in France.”

Serene gasped as Misha clasped her hands to her mouth.

“Oh, Cameron!” Misha threw herself into his arms as everyone cheered again.

Serene turned to her mom. “How exciting for them!”

“I know.” Grace dabbed her eyes. “What a wonderful gift.”

“It is. Misha’s always wanted to go to the City of Love.” Serene watched Cameron pull Misha closer to his side.

“You all are welcome to party on without us”—Cameron looked at his wife—“but Misha and I have some…packing to do.”