Wilted (27 page)

NIKOLAS

It’s almost three in the morning before everyone finally leaves the restaurant. Kylie’s artwork has gotten tons of notice tonight from our guests. Many tried to purchase the ones on the wall. The thing is, these are personal. They represent us, so they’ll never be for sale. I’ll never forget the look on her face when several commissioned her to paint pieces for them. Smiling, I can’t help but gloat about that. Painting is what she’s meant to do. Seeing her live her dream makes me incredibly happy.

After closing up, I find Kylie up on the rooftop level, looking out across the Dallas city lights. Sometimes I like to just stand back and watch her. I try to see the world through her eyes. I wonder what’s going through her mind, how she feels. But, most of all, I stand in complete awe of how this incredible woman has saved every part of me from myself.

No time has ever felt completely right. No time until now, that is. I can’t let another perfect moment slip by without doing what I should have done months ago. If I had been the man I should have been, we would’ve never lost any time from one another. I will be damned if I ever let that happen again. Sure, we fight from time to time. But the fights we have are over average, silly things. I will confess that, sometimes, it’s fun to just to see her get all worked up over something. After all, making up is more than fun, if you know what I mean.

Patting my pocket, I smile. If she ever finds out how long I’ve been carrying this ring around, she will freak the fuck out. I ease up, wrap my arms around her, and nibble her bare shoulder. Turning to her to face me, I take her hand into mine and gently kiss it before dropping down to one knee. Her face is priceless. I’ve actually managed the impossible. I’ve rendered her completely speechless.

“Kylie, all these years, I’ve never believed in love… not until I met you. You blew into my world like a raging storm and knocked me on my ass. Losing you was the darkest time of my life. It made me realize that I can’t live without you. I thank God every day that you’re back in my life. You piss me off and you turn me on, all in the same breath. I want to spend forever listening to that smart mouth of yours. I want to hold your body against mine every night. Your beautiful face is what I want to see when I wake up every morning. You are my life, baby. Kylie Reynolds, will you marry me?”

“Oh my God! Yes!!” She screams as she tugs me to my feet. I scoop her up and swing her around, kissing her with everything in me. This gorgeous woman has just agreed to marry me. Sliding the ring on, we make it official. I want the world to know. This woman is taken. She is forever mine.

KYLIE

There is nothing like being wrapped in these strong arms. Nothing. The way his bare skin feels against mine stirs every possible desire ever known. His familiar scent comforts me as I breathe it in. His warm lips brush across mine, urging me to open my mouth. In one sudden move, he’s shifted his weight so he’s on top of me, his tongue tenderly dancing with mine. My legs fall open for him, and in one gentle thrust, he’s inside of me.

Slow.
We break our kiss and lock eyes.
Silence.
No words. Our bodies speak what we can never possibly put into words. His hand brushes away my loose waves. The tenderness in his touch is enough to bring tears to my eyes. Slowly he inches out of me, before pressing back inside. Every ridge, every single inch deliciously rakes across my inner walls. When his length fills me, I push down to feel the way he teases my cervix. His balls against my ass make my eyes roll in the back of my head. Our breathing grows heavy as we struggle to hold the feeling inside.

My hand finds his face, and the large engagement ring twinkles in the morning sunlight. He looks at my hand and smiles knowingly. Again, he pulls out and then tenderly fills me. The emotion in his face is so moving that I can’t help but feel it too. Entwining our hands, he leans down, allowing our tears to blend into one as they flavor our kiss. Our need grows. I hold onto him as his thrusts become harder. Our moans break the silence as the powerful sensation builds. Looking into each other’s eyes, we silently know to let go, our bodies climaxing in perfect unison. All we can do is hold on to one another as our bodies shake in pleasure. Exhausted, we lay panting, unable to move or speak. He turns to look at me, his breathing just as erratic as mine. Taking my hand into his, he kisses my ring and once again slides his fingers between mine.

We’re two, but we’re one, proving to each other just how powerful making love is when it is with the other half of your soul.

Looking at my very miserable pregnant, best friend, I smile. Skylar seriously looks stunning in that red dress, even if she waddles now. She’s gone out of her way to make sure everything is perfect for us tonight, and I can never thank her enough. Throwing this event near her due date hasn’t been easy, but she’s more than made it spectacular.

“Thank you so much for having this party for us!” I say as I tightly hug her. These past months have flown by like a blink of an eye. Just as I thought, her pregnancy has been easy. Baby and momma are looking good, and not to mention, baby’s due any time now.

“You know you’re welcome. Besides, it meant you had to stay in town and help me plan it.”

“And I told your ass that I was staying until this baby is born. There’s no way Nik and I are missing our Goddaughter’s birth.”

I haven’t told her yet that he and I have just bought a house not far from them. We are going to announce it later tonight to everyone as a surprise. My parents don’t even know.

“I’m so glad Sophie made it.” I smile over in her direction.

“Me, too. Bless her heart, she’s found herself in quite the predicament. Two men competing for her heart, when only one really has it.”

“I guess she takes after her big sister, huh?” I joke but watch my friend frown. Surely she knows I’m only joking.

“Ouch!” Skylar says, grabbing her stomach. “Man, this girl can sure kick.”

“You sure you’re okay?” I ask concerned. I guess this is another one of those Braxton Hicks contractions her doctor’s mentioned.

“I’m fine! Remember? The doctor told me yesterday it might be another week or so. Besides, she checked me and I’m not even dilated. See? Look, I’m fine now.”

Raising my eyebrow, I remain unconvinced of her act. You bet your ass I'm going to be watching her like a hawk tonight.

“Sebastian! It’s time we make our toast, baby,” she says, waving me off. Pregnant or not, I will gladly whip her ass if she doesn’t watch it.

“Gather round, everyone!” Sebastian shouts and everyone falls quiet and takes a glass of Cristal from the servers’ trays. Nik and I stand side by side with Sebastian and Skylar on the steps of their patio. Beautiful lights are strung across the yard, connecting to the huge tents where we just had an excellent meal. Yes, my best friend has more than outdone herself on this party tonight.

“We thank all of you for coming this evening to celebrate the engagement of our family. I say family for a very special reason. Kylie Reynolds has been my best friend since we were little girls. Growing up, she was the wonderful little firecracker who was always so full of life and adventure. Through every twist and turn of my life, she’s been right there, holding my hand. Kyles, I love you just like my sister, and I can never begin to thank you for everything you’ve done for me. When you met Nikolas Thorne, I knew you’d finally met your match. So I want to thank you, Nik, for making her the happiest I’ve ever seen her, and for setting her ass straight. You are our family. We’re so blessed to have you both, not only in our lives, but soon our daughter’s, as well. We love you both so much! Here’s to a lifetime of happiness for the two of you. To Kylie and Nikolas!” The moment she raises her glass, her face goes from a glorious smile to pained. She turns away from the crowd and faces me. The glass drops from her hand as she grabs her stomach.

“Baby?” Sebastian grabs her by the waist. I grab her hand and she squeezes mine so damn tight, I think my bones are gonna crack. “Breathe, baby. Is it another contraction?”

She nods and breathes through the pain.

“Another? Why didn’t you tell me?” I snap.

“She didn’t want to ruin tonight for you two. Besides, you know she’s been having those Braxton Hicks contractions for over a week now.”

Once the contraction is over Skylar smiles at me. “I’m sorry, Kyles. It’s over now. Let’s go cut the cake.”

“Fuck the cake! We need to get your ass to the hospital.”

“I’m fine, Kylie. I’ve been having these on and off all day. They’d just send me home if I went. They aren’t even regular. We’ve been timing them.”

“Let’s at least get you inside so you can sit down and rest,” I demand, pulling her up the steps. Sebastian opens the door and I walk her into the living room.

“I’ll go get you a blanket, babe. Nik, go grab her a water please.”

“I told you I’m fine—,”

The sudden gush of fluid splatters across the floor and drenches my favorite shoes.

“Fucking hell! Sebastian! Nik! Get your asses back in here!”

“What is it?” Nik asks as a frantic Sebastian comes running behind him.

When they see the puddle, I watch the panic go through them. Jesus! Can men not handle anything?

“Nik, go pull our vehicle around. Sophie, go grab her bag. It’s in the hallway closet. Sebastian, go call her doctor and tell her we’re on our way.”

On my orders, everyone scatters and I help Skylar sit down.

“Everything’s ruined,” she says, hanging her head.

“Ruined? Are you fucking kidding? Everything is absolutely perfect! I get to meet my Goddaughter today.”

The French doors open and my mom walks in from outside.

“Honey, your dad’s entertaining everyone. Is everything all right?” she asks concerned.

“I’m fine, Ms. Reynolds. Just looks like our daughter’s wanting to make a dramatic entrance into the world.” Skylar gives my mom a pained smile.

“Oh, how wonderful!” Mom smiles. “Why don’t I run upstairs and get you something to change into? You won’t be comfortable at the hospital in that dress.”

“Thank you, Ms. Reynolds.”

Sophie returns with the overnight bag and sets it on the floor beside her sister.

“I can’t believe I’m going to be an aunt!” She smiles, taking Skylar’s hand.

“Oh God, here comes another one!” Skylar bends over in pain.

“Breathe, Sis!”

“Really? How long does it take to pull a fucking car around?” I snap as I stand to go look for Nik.

“Kylie Reynolds, watch your mouth!” my mom scolds as she returns with Skylar’s clothes.

The contraction lets up, and my best friend has the nerve to chuckle.

“Shut up, bitch,” I whisper.

“Kylie!” My mom looks at me hard. Fucking hell! I’m grown and she makes me feel like I’m four.

“Yes, ma’am,” I say in defeat. We help Skylar with her clothes and finish just as Nik comes in.

“Car’s up front,” he says out of breath. I think it’s cute as hell how he’s all excited.

“What took you so long?”

“I’m sorry, but it was blocked in. It took me a while to get the person to move the other vehicle. Where’s Sebastian? Is he ready?”

“I’m here. The doctor is on the way there now. Are you ready, baby?” Sebastian asks as he walks towards us.

“I guess, but what about all the guests?”