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Lincoln’s breathing grew ragged, his hands gripping my hips as he met my movements. I kept going, pushing him closer to the edge until he let out a low grunt, his body tensing beneath me. I felt the hot rush of his release as he filled me, the sensation sparking a final wave of pleasure that coursed through my body.
Spent, I collapsed onto his heaving chest, feeling the rise and fall of his breath beneath me. His arms came around me, pulling me close, holding me as if he couldn’t bear to let go.
In that moment, wrapped in his embrace, the world outside faded away. It was just us, tangled together, with all the complications and emotions that came with it.
CHAPTER 21
Lincoln
Nerves twisted in my stomach as I drove out to Morgan and Slade’s wedding. Erika had spent the night before at Slade’s parents’ home, preparing for the big day. The Abbotts had graciously offered their sprawling estate on Long Island as the wedding venue, and even from the driveway, I could see it was going to be a grand affair.
Michael had handed me a letter the day before, tasking me with delivering it to Morgan. The temptation to read it had gnawed at me, but I knew better. Whatever my brother had to say was his business, not mine.
A valet in a crisp black uniform stepped forward as I pulled into the paver driveway. I handed him the keys to the white SUV, double-checking that I had my card for the happy couple. As I approached the towering black iron double doors with frosted glass panels, they swung open before I could knock. Another uniformed man greeted me, his expression impassive as he ushered me inside.
The house was as grand as I’d imagined, every detail meticulously elegant. White roses twined around the curved railings of a marble staircase that swept up to the second floor. Overhead, an oversized crystal chandelier sparkled like a thousand diamonds, casting prismatic light across the entryway. The usher led me through the house, the noise from the backyard growing louder with each step.
Outside, large white tents dotted the expansive lawn, but the chairs for the ceremony were set under the blazing sun. Despite arriving on time, it was a struggle to find a free seat. Just as the classical music swelled, signaling the start of the ceremony, I found a spot and settled in. Bridesmaids in long, sleeveless lavender dresses began their procession down the aisle, each paired with a groomsman in a sharp black tuxedo and lavender tie.
I spotted Erika before she saw me, and when her eyes found mine, her smile lit up her entire face. I returned the smile, though I couldn’t shake the discomfort eating at me. The sun beat down relentlessly, and the humid air felt heavy against my skin. As Slade and Morgan exchanged vows, I fanned myself, grateful they kept the ceremony brief.
The moment the ceremony ended, Erika found me, and I couldn’t resist pulling her in for a hard, possessive kiss. She looked stunning, her outfit hugging her curves in all the right places, and the exposed ivory skin of her chest had me instantly aroused. Her hair was swept up in an elegant updo, soft curls framing her face. But as much as I wanted to keep kissing her, I knew it wasn’t the time or place.
“You look fantastic,” I murmured, my voice low with appreciation.
“You clean up nice, Elliott,” she teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
“Where’s the happy couple?” I asked, trying to keep my tone light.
Erika narrowed her eyes, a warning glint in her gaze. “Don’t start anything.”
“I’m not here to cause trouble,” I assured her, pulling out the card from my pocket. “Just want to congratulate them and give them this.”
“A gift?” she asked, sounding surprised. “That wasn’t necessary.”
“I didn’t want to show up empty-handed.”
“You’re my date. I already took care of the gift.”
“Well, consider this an extra one.”
Erika fanned herself, glancing toward the house. “Can we go inside? It’s sweltering out here.”
“I thought you’d never ask,” I said, loosening my tie. “I think I’ve sweated through my shirt.”
“Mmm, sweaty Elliott,” she purred, a playful grin on her lips. “I like that.”
I rolled my eyes, knowing full well I probably didn’t smell my best. She laughed, taking my hand and leading me into an air-conditioned tent where the cocktail hour was in full swing. Wait staff in white uniforms circulated with silver trays, offering an array of appetizers and drinks.
We found a high table and filled our small plates with hors d’oeuvres. As I bit into a bacon-wrapped scallop, I spotted Morgan in the crowd. She was stunning in her wedding dress, a radiant smile on her face. It wasn’t hard to see why my brother had fallen for her. But the card in my pocket felt like a lead weight, and I hesitated, unsure when—or if—I should give it to her.
Before I could decide, a heavyset woman with steel-gray hair and an overwhelming cloud of perfume approached our table, launching into a conversation with Erika. From the snippets I caught, she was a jewelry designer. Erika, ever the social butterfly, smiled and nodded, then shot me a quick glance before the woman dragged her off to meet her daughter.
And just like that, Morgan was standing in front of me, her smile dimming as she looked at me with a mix of curiosity and caution.
“You look beautiful,” I said, trying to steady my nerves as I bit into a tiny quiche Lorraine.
“Thank you. I love that suit on you,” Morgan replied, her tone polite but distant.
