“If we stop, we’ll both be worked up and won’t be able to get through the night without…” He looks up at me before darting his gaze down to my tits. He palms one before running his tongue over the other nipple. “If you want me to behave tonight, come for me now.” My phone has stopped ringing at this point and I just pray it’s not anyone that’s looking for me. “Give it to me, Avery. I need you to come all over my dick.”

  “Theo…” I whine, when he bites down gently on my nipple. “Oh fuck!” I cry out as I feel the orgasm starting at the base of my spine.

  “This will not be the last time I fuck you this weekend.” My mouth drops open at the thought of sneaking off somewhere with Theo amidst Raegan’s engagement party. “It may not even be the last time I fuck you tonight.”

  I slip out of Avery’s room with ease and breathe a sigh of relief that no one is around to see me leaving. I get in the elevator after giving myself a once-over in the mirror to make sure I’m somewhat put together. I know I’m being reckless but I can’t fucking help it.

  I wanted Avery so much that I almost didn’t care.

  I make it to the restaurant inside the hotel where we’re having the party. Raegan spots me first and moves towards me instantly, dressed in a white, short backless silk dress that I’m sure she picked because soon she won’t want to wear anything like it. I meet Wes’ gaze over her head and he gives me a nod that I’m pretty sure doesn’t have a hidden meaning but I can’t be sure.

  “Thank God, you’re here,” she says as she hugs me. “Lucas just got here, but he’s showering.” I almost tell her I know because that’s who called Avery, but I catch myself before it slips out. “Thank you so much for setting all of this up.” She beams up at me and squeezes me for another second before she lets go. “You really pulled all the strings.” She giggles. Wes offered to take care of everything, but I wanted to do this for Raegan. I’m her father, and I always assumed I would be paying for her entire wedding. I wanted to do more for her big day, but Wes wouldn’t hear of it.

  The room does look amazing and exactly like Raegan. Completely over the top. There are white and gold balloons floating along the ceiling, a large lit neon sign with their initials hung on the wall along with the words, And so it begins. There is a champagne tower set up in the corner and candles on every table along with a bouquet of white roses.

  “Anything for you.” I press my lips to her cheek.

  “Oh my gosh!” She says, her eyes no longer looking at me. “Avery, you look so amazing!” She squeals and I try not to stiffen, but just hearing her name sends what feels like a bolt of lightning through me. I follow Raegan’s eyes towards Avery who is a few steps away from us and I try not to react to how gorgeous she looks. She wasn’t dressed before I left her room, so seeing her in this sexy off the shoulder black dress with a long slit up the side that stops mid-thigh shocks me for a moment.

  “Thanks, Rae! You look amazing.” She hugs her tightly and I’ll admit it warms my heart to see the two most important women in my life hugging like this. I have a fleeting thought that hopefully it will always be this way. “Let me see the ring!” She says and Raegan holds it out for her, beaming with excitement. I’ll admit I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so happy.

  “Gorgeous. It’s perfect! He did great.”

  “Right!?” She puts a hand to her chest and her blue eyes glisten. “He knows me so well.” She looks at me with a smile. “Thanks again for giving him your approval.”

  “He’s not bad, that one.” I nod towards my future son-in-law who’s standing in the corner talking to some people I don’t recognize. They invited just under a hundred people and most of them RSVP’d they were coming, so I anticipate quite a few people I’ve never met. Wes’ eyes look up and find Raegan and I almost feel like I’m intruding on the look they share so I turn away from her just as he makes his way over to us.

  “Avery.” I nod, turning my attention towards her. “You look beautiful.”

  I see the faint pink in Avery’s cheeks and she gives me a smile that isn’t the usual smile she gives me when I compliment her. It’s shy and polite and yet it still makes my dick hard. My fingers touch her elbow as I lean down to press a kiss to her cheek and I hear the sharp intake of breath as she stiffens against me.

  “Thanks, Theo.” She narrows her eyes playfully and moments later she’s blocked from my vision as Lucas scoops her into his arms and lifts her off the ground.

  “There she is.” He sets her down after no more than a moment and I try not to pay too much attention to them to avoid getting jealous of his hands on her.

  “Hey, Lucas.” She returns his hug. “Not like you to be late,” she says, taking a peek at the gold watch on her arm.

  He scoffs. “I am not late.”

  “Your mother beat you here, I’d say you’re late.” She scrunches her nose and he puts his hand up.

  I slowly move away from them, not wanting to feel like an awkward third wheel, and make my way to the bar set up in the corner. I’ve just ordered a scotch when I feel a hand on my shoulder. “How ya doing, Theo?” I turn to see Avery’s father, Shawn, giving me a curious look. “I don’t know what it’s like to have my only daughter get married, but I imagine it’s a little tough.” He nods towards where Wes and Raegan are taking pictures. “You like him?”

  “Yeah, he’s a good guy and he really seems to love her.”

  “You good with the age thing?” He says and I hope the universe is getting a kick out of forcing me to have this conversation with my girlfriend’s father. My eyes find her instantly like they’re trained to do it.

  “Yeah,” I tell him honestly. “It was a little difficult at first, but all a father wants for his daughter is for her to be happy.” I take a sip of my drink before turning back to him, selfishly hoping that one day he’ll have those same thoughts about his own daughter.

  “Well, I’m happy for you, and Rae is glowing.”

  “There you are, finally I’ve been looking for you!” Rebecca’s voice rings through the air just as she comes to stand next to me. “The photographer wants us to take pictures with Raegan and Lucas.” I give her a look and then down at the dress she’s wearing.

  “What?” She asks, her brows furrowing like she’s already annoyed.

  “Why are you wearing white?”

  “Umm hello, I’m not. This is cream.” She looks down at herself and then back up at me as if to say obviously.

  I narrow my eyes at her, disappointed at the thought that even on one of the most important days of her daughter’s life, she couldn’t resist making it about her. “Looks white.”

  “Because you know nothing about fashion! God,” she looks at Shawn. “You should have seen how he dressed before I got to him.” She giggles and I take a sip of my drink, not nearly drunk enough to deal with her bullshit. “But anyway, pictures with her parents? You know, both of us? Come to think of it, I don’t think the four of us have many pictures,” she says with passive aggression dripping from her words.

  Because you were never around? I think and Shawn clears his throat, giving me a look like he had the exact same thought. “Rebecca.” He nods with a polite smile.

  “Shawn! How are you?” She touches his shoulder. “Great to see you.” She flashes her flirtatious smile that she uses on every man she encounters.

  “You as well and I’m great. How are you?”

  “Never better!” She gushes and I roll my eyes internally at her usual response.

  He nods at me as if to say good luck before he slips away.

  “Do not wear anything white…or white adjacent to her wedding, Rebecca. Contrary to what I’m sure you’re thinking, the day is not about you,” I tell her as I begin walking towards Raegan who’s now with Lucas and Avery.

  She scoffs from behind me. “Can you go five seconds without being a dick to me?”

  I turn around before we get to our kids and I’m grateful there isn’t anyone close enough to hear us. “I don’t know. Can you go five seconds without being a narcissist?” I don’t wait for her response before I keep moving towards Raegan and Lucas and yet they can both sense it as soon as I reach them.

  “Ah, it feels like old times.” Lucas chuckles as he takes in my annoyed expression.

  “Your mom says we should take pictures,” I say, ignoring my son’s usual comedic response to our arguing.

  “Yes, the four of us hardly have any!” She says as she links her arm with Raegan and pulls her towards the corner where they were previously taking pictures.

  “Correct me if I’m wrong,” Lucas points towards them as they walk away, “but aren’t you not supposed to wear white to any wedding-like functions unless you’re the bride?”

  Avery’s lips form a straight line and Camille lets out a sigh before turning to Avery. “I would never.”

  “I know.” Avery nods and our eyes meet briefly before I look away.

  I hate that I’m standing with Avery’s mother and my son, and I can’t just touch her for five seconds or even look at her for too long.

  I nod at them both before following Lucas towards the photographer when I feel a vibration in my pocket. I reach for it and I’m surprised to see the name on the screen. I discreetly turn around to see Avery with her phone in her hand. A small smile finds her face before she looks back down.

  Heart Eyes: Breathe please, baby. You look so annoyed. Don’t let her get to you. This is a happy time!

  Me: I know. I somehow forgot how much she gets under my skin.

  Heart Eyes: If you’re a good sport for the rest of the night and don’t get into it with her, I’ll come to your room later. *kissy face emoji*

  I’m typing out a reply that she definitely has herself a deal when I hear Rebecca’s voice, “Honestly Theo.” I look up just as I make it to where the three of them are standing and see the disapproving look she’s giving me.

  “I know you’re not talking,” I snap back at her as I close my phone and slide it into my pocket. It is rare that she doesn’t have her phone in her hand.

  “Give him a break,” Lucas says as he slaps my back. “He’s probably talking to his new lady friend.” He raises his eyebrows up and down and I know he’s just trying to irritate his mother on my behalf but this is absolutely not where or how I wanted Raegan to learn this news.

  “Lady friend? Dad!” Raegan turns towards me with an excited grin. “What!? How is this the first I’m hearing of it? Where is she? Why didn’t she come? Why didn’t you invite her?”

  “Smile!” I hear from in front of us and Raegan turns towards the photographer.

  “One second, please!” she says before turning back towards me with the biggest smile. I remember Wes’ comment about how she’s worried about me so I’m not surprised she’s excited for any potential love interest. “Dad, how are you telling Lucas things and not me!” She stomps her foot and I roll my eyes.

  “Your brother is nosy, I haven’t told him anything,” I correct before shooting a glare at him.

  “But there is a lady,” he says as he wraps an arm around my shoulder. “They had a sleepover and everything while I was home,” he says to Raegan like I’m not standing right next to him. For the love of God, Lucas.

  Her blue eyes snap from mine to his. “You’ve met her!?”

  “Nah, he slept at her house.”

  “Hello, can we talk about this later?” Rebecca says as she picks at her nail beds, her tone bored and annoyed, and I’ll admit I’m glad, at least it succeeded in irritating her.

  We take a series of pictures over the next few minutes and Raegan turns to me as soon as we’re finished. Wes also joined the last few so he’s standing next to her trying not to react to anything.

  “You absolutely should have invited her! What’s her name?”

  “Can we not do this now?” I ask her, suddenly very nervous even though there’s no way in a million years that Raegan would ever conclude that Avery is the woman in question.

  “He’s so secretive about it. Like we’re kids.” Lucas rolls his eyes before taking a sip of his beer.

  “I’m totally asking Avery if she’s seen her,” she says before fleeing the circle and as much as I want to go after her, I turn my annoyed gaze to Lucas.

  “Really?”

  “What? I don’t see why it’s such a big deal that you’re seeing someone. You do know that Raegan and I are actually not kids anymore and we just want you to be happy.” He laughs and I cast a glance toward Raegan and Avery. I’m not surprised to meet her eyes for a second before she turns back to my daughter. Avery laughs and shakes her head and while I know Avery can handle it, I wish I knew what they were saying. I decide against following Lucas when my phone starts to ring. I see it’s my brother so I step out of the room to answer it.

  “Hey, are you here yet?”

  “Just landed. I could not fucking tell you why my flight was delayed. This is why I need my own jet.”

  “For what? You don’t leave Arizona.”

  “Well, when I do, I do not want to worry about this fuckery. I should be there in thirty minutes or so. I just want to shower and change.”

  “Well, we’ll be here all night. No rush.”

  “You get caught making eyes at your girlfriend yet?” he jokes.

  “No, and I hope you’re not going to spend the night fucking with me.”

  “Of course, I am.”

  “Also,” I look around the lobby to ensure no one that I know is close enough to hear me, “Raegan and Lucas know that I’m seeing someone and they are pressing me for details. If they ask, you know nothing, got it?”

  “Hmmm, I might know something.”

  “You don’t,” I growl at him.

  “Alright, take it easy. I’m not going to say anything. When are you going to tell them anyway?”

  “After Rae’s wedding. I just want it to be a happy time for her and for nothing to overshadow her big day.”

  “Well, fucking your son’s girl aside, aren’t you a great dad?” He chuckles.

  “Okay fuck you very much, goodbye,” I say, before hanging up. I rub a hand over my forehead, willing away the headache that is starting to form. When I start to walk back toward the room, I spot Rebecca sitting in a chair in the corner looking very agitated. She’s on the phone and then she hangs up before her head falls into her hands. I know Garrett couldn’t make it because he was somewhere on business, but I’m wondering if there’s more to that story.

  I sigh, hating that I’m about to ask and thereby insinuating that I actually care what’s going on between her and her husband, but on the off chance it’s something else, I do want to make sure everything is okay. “You alright, Becca?” I ask as I approach her. She wipes under her glossy blue eyes and looks up at me as her lip trembles slightly. I can remember a time long ago that this visual would have had me on my knees in an instant.

  “Yeah,” she says. “Great.” She nods and it’s one of those rare times that she allows herself to put her guard down. I find myself feeling bad for her.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “You don’t care.” She sniffles before tossing her phone in her small handbag and standing up.

  “I asked, didn’t I?” Her father passed away years ago while we were still married but her mother is still alive, and from what Raegan told me a few months ago, she’s not in the best of health. “Is it your mom?”

  “What? No. She’s fine.” She fiddles with her bracelets, a telltale sign that she’s nervous or uncomfortable. She looks up at me and I give her a look that says, ‘Well?’

  She rolls her eyes. “Fine, I might as well tell you since you’re all going to find out anyway.” I cross my arms over my chest. “Garrett and I are getting a divorce.”

  This is why I shouldn’t have asked. “I see. Well, I’m sorry. That’s tough.”

  “Yeah,” she says, not offering up anything else.

  “Did you try counseling? Nothing you can do to work it out?”

  “He doesn’t want to. He says he hasn’t been happy and he doesn’t want to be married anymore. Kiiiiinda hard to counsel that.”

  “I see.” No one knows what goes on between a couple except those two people but as someone who was once married to Rebecca, she can definitely be… difficult and also has a bit of a complicated relationship with the truth.

  “Don’t say anything to the kids. I don’t want this to be a whole thing while we are supposed to be celebrating.” She gives me a sad smile. “Contrary to what you…and Garrett said, I don’t think everything is about me.”

  I wince, thinking about how that probably stung. “Sorry I said that.” Even if there’s some truth to it.

  She sighs and pulls a mirror out of her purse, running her fingers under her eyes. “Can you believe she’s getting married?”

  “I can.” I nod. “She’s always known exactly what she wanted and Wes is good for her.”

  “He does seem to really love her. The way he looks at her is really sweet. I just hope it’s not all a show for our benefit.”

  “I doubt it. Raegan has never hesitated to call anyone out on their shit.”

  “Including me,” she says and gives me a sad smile. “You did a good job with them.” Who is this woman and what has she done with my ex-wife?

  “Wow, hell must be frozen right now.” I laugh and she shoves my arm playfully.

  “This is why I never say anything nice to you!”

  I’m just about to respond when I hear Lucas’ voice. “Ave, how many drinks have I had that I actually see my parents laughing…with each other.”

  Avery and Lucas are a few feet away from us and it only takes one look at Avery’s face to know that they’ve probably been witnessing this exchange for a minute and she is feeling territorial.

  Rebecca begins fussing with Lucas’ hair, pushing it back. “Mom, stop.” He moves away and out of her reach.

  “What, I’m helping!”

  “Where are you guys going?” I ask, changing the subject.

  “Rae needs something from her room and I offered to go grab it for her. Naturally, my shadow is tagging along.” Avery laughs, earning a glare from Lucas.