And I didn’t hate that he was here, no, not at all.
They both looked delicious in their suits, and fantasies of what they could do to me with their ties, together, had me clenching my thighs. Clearing my throat, I pushed the thoughts out of my head, not wanting to get turned on with Jude right next to me, nor with my family within close proximity. Some societal limitations were harder to get rid of than others, and keeping it PG around certain crowds was apparently one for me. It was good to know your boundaries.
“Hey, what are you guys doing here?”
Sax smirked, lifting his eyebrow like the answer was obvious, and based on the way his eyes trailed over my body, I supposed his intentions were. When he didn’t give anything up, I turned to Nicco, hoping he’d be more forthcoming.
“I, uh, wanted to make good on what I said earlier, and when Monroe mentioned he wasn’t able to join you, I decided I would. I know we’re technically crashing, but I made a few calls and was able to get your cousin an upgrade, and in return, she was kind enough to extend the invitation.”
I looked between the two, Sax still undressing me with his eyes, and Nicco with hope that I wouldn’t turn him away. It was a sweet gesture, and I knew my cousin wouldn’t mind.
“That was kind of you. I’m sure you made Jo very happy.”
“Joe?” he gulped, looking at Sax, apprehension building in his gaze before he looked back. “Your cousin is named Joe?”
Before I could tease him a little more, someone outed me. “Don’t let her razz you. She means Josephine. Loren’s just the only one who can get away with calling her Jo,” my aunt offered, joining our circle and causing Nicco to relax.
Pouting, I turned to my aunt. “Ah, come on, Aunt Lorrie, don’t ruin my fun!” The older woman rolled her eyes, giving me a rueful smile. Dropping the act, I folded her in my arms, a broad smile on my face. “It’s so good to see you.”
My Aunt Lorrie was my favorite relative and, fortunately, my dad’s sister and my namesake. She was the coolest, and her daughter Jo and I had been close growing up, despite the age difference. Jo really was like a younger sister to me.
“You too, dear. Now, Josey called me in tears today when this one here called to offer her the Rose room and whatever upgrades she wanted.”
My aunt beamed at me before walking over and kissing Nicco and Sax’s cheeks. It was cute watching Sax bend down for her. They both preened under her affection, beaming smiles my way. She turned back to me, taking in Jude.
“Ah, this must be the famous Jude I’ve heard so much about.”
I watched as he blushed when she patted his cheek and squeezed his hand. I knew she wanted to hug him, but she’d always been conscious of body language, believing hugs were earned and not expected.
“Nice to meet you, ma’am.”
“Now, none of that. It’s Auntie Lorrie.”
“Okay. I’ve never had an aunt before.”
It was an innocent comment, yet my insides wept at the life he’d lived up until now and rejoiced we could make it better.
“Well, I’m honored to be your first. This means I have a lot to do to show you the benefits of having a Great-Aunt.”
“Aunt Lorrie, you are the best. But who have you been getting all your gossip from? I know my mother hasn’t been praising him.” I looked at her curiously as she smiled wide, a hint of mischief at play.
“Ah, well, I believe that is surprise number two.” She looked over at Nicco and Sax, and they briefly bowed their heads, smiling wide. I wanted to think how cute it was that they were all in on a secret with my aunt, but the suspicious part of me had anxiety creeping up at the unknown.
“Well, Beautiful, I didn’t want to come empty-handed, and since roses are a little too ordinary for you, I brought something that will hopefully make you smile and soften you toward me.”
Cocking my head, I looked at him, unsure what he could bring me.
“That’s a pretty tall order.”
The door to the bridal suite opened, pulling my focus, not realizing it had been so close. Jo exited, her white satin gown flowing around her as she talked animatedly to someone on the other side of the door. When she saw the group gathered, she spotted me and stepped forward, making her companion visible.
“Jude! Loren!” Imogen’s voice rang out, and she bolted toward us before quickly stopping in front, not sure how to proceed. Taking the step for her, I pulled Immy into a tight hug, so happy to see her. Her brown hair was swept up, and she wore a dress. It was the most put together I’d seen her, and the thought eased me, the worry I’d held for her dissipating some.
“Oh my goodness, Immy. It’s so good to see you. I’ve been so worried.” I pulled back, running my hands up and down her arms, as I confirmed she was really here and okay. Stepping back, I tried to ease the awkwardness between the two teens. “And this one,” I joked, knocking Jude’s shoulder with mine. “I don’t think he will believe it’s you unless you hug him.”
She smiled and reached across, and Jude opened his arms to hug her back, both of them relaxing in the gesture before pulling apart. My aunt, in her perceptiveness, could read a room better than anyone and covered the awkward silence that had fallen.
“Imogen’s been a huge help. She’s a delight, a true treasure.”