Almost Perfect Read online

  He chuckles. “Not out here. Later,” he promises and tucks me into his side before we start walking again. “Has it been as bad as you were expecting?”

  “I suppose not. Your mom is nice, and at least, I’m with you. So far today we’ve not had to endure the three stooges.” Dominic laughs with me, but I’ve spoken too soon when we hear loud laughter and see them in the distance. They haven’t spotted us, yet. Dominic pulls me off the path and behind a large tree. He presses a finger to his lips but I’m not likely to make a sound, anything so as I don’t have to listen to them again. There are only so many stories about Dominic and Mia I can tolerate.

  Any hope they are just passing is short lived when they stop on the path near us. Someone groans as they sit down on the bench on the path, then we hear the matches strike as one of them lights up a cigarette. I flash Dominic a wide-eyed look of panic in case they see us.

  Dominic shakes his head, in an ‘it’ll be fine’ gesture, and there is nothing we can do but wait until they leave. The big oak tree means we are in the shade, and when I shiver, Dominic steps closer and rubs his hands up and down my arms.

  “Well, that’s that. Todd’s married, first one out of all of us.” I think it’s Isaac speaking.

  “Yeah, I’d always thought it would have been Dominic,” adds Seth.

  “Seriously?”

  “Yeah, him and Mia.” My eyes flick up to Dominic, and he gives me another negligible shake of his head.

  “They were pretty full on,” Paul points out.

  “That’s what I mean. He was her first. I always thought it would be them getting married.” I stare up at Dominic, my eyes growing wide. Although I don’t know why I’m surprised, I’m sure I knew this. But hearing someone else saying it is different.

  “What the fuck happened there?” Isaac blows out smoke.

  “Hell if I know. Something about him not wanting a girlfriend at college.” Seth sounds puzzled.

  “Who can blame him, if you end up with someone like Charlotte.” Paul laughs heartily. Before I can look to see Dominic’s reaction, Isaac starts up.

  “Mia was always straight-laced, but Charlotte looks like she gets around.”

  “Bet she put out first time.” I bite back my gasp of outrage at Paul’s comment. And nearly jump from the behind the tree shouting ‘I did not.’ It is the one thing I didn’t do.

  “Did you see the rack on her?” Isaac says, a suggestive hint in his voice, and a shiver of disgust rolls through me. When I cast a worried look in Dominic’s direction, his eyes darken and the muscle in his jaw bunches. In fact, his whole body is tense. It’s more likely he’ll be the one to jump out from behind the tree and rip someone’s head off. I reach for him and place a hand on his chest, hoping my touch might calm him down.

  Oh my God, is that how people see me?

  They are all busy laughing at Isaac’s comment until Seth says, “Come on, the bridesmaids will be finished with the photographs by now.”

  “Is that all you can think about?” Paul scoffs.

  “Yeah, that’s the beauty of coming to a wedding.”

  “You’re a dick,” one of them calls out as they walk away, their voices fading into the distance.

  “Fucking dicks,” Dominic seethes, his hands balled into fists now. For a second, it looks like he’s about to take his frustration out on the tree until I step in front of him.

  “Ignore them,” I mutter, but I’m the one who should be more pissed off. Does everyone think that he would have ended up marrying Mia. Hearing what they think, hasn’t eased the knot in my stomach or my worry from earlier.

  “Was it that serious with you?” I wonder in a small voice.

  “What? No.” His head jerks down to look at me, concern swirling with the anger.

  “They thought so.”

  “What the fuck would they know?” I bite my lip in contemplation. “Charlie, you know I love you.”

  “I know.”

  “And I know this weekend has been hard for you. But whatever I had with Mia was over a long time ago.”

  “Okay,” I manage, in a strangled whisper.

  “Anyway, I’m not too happy with Isaac. I knew he was staring at your tits.”

  “Shut up.”

  “He was, you heard him.”

  “You said it yourself. He’s a dick.”

  “Come here.” He pulls me closer and encircles me in his arms. The possessive look in his eyes causes another shiver to rip through me. Heat races from my core down my limbs, making me warm, and suddenly, I don’t feel cold anymore. With me still in his arms, he moves me backward, guiding me carefully so I don’t trip over any roots.

  “Dominic, I don’t know. What if someone sees us?” Even though my intention had been to coerce him into outdoor sex, I’m not so sure it’s a good idea now.

  “Who will see us?” He kisses along my jawline to my earlobe, making it hard to breathe properly.

  “Anyone could catch us.”

  He pulls back to stare down at me. “Since when did you care about getting caught or what other people thought?”

  Perhaps since I heard your friends talking about me like that. Or since I realized that the jealousy I felt toward Mia is not over something as superficial as how she looks or whether she still wants you but because she doesn’t have a past like mine which is now coming back to haunt her. Mia is an actual good girl. She was virgin when she met Dominic, and he was her first. I was anything but. Yeah, she might have cheated on him, which in itself is unforgivable, but it is why they finished. She doesn’t have photographs turning up, proving to her boyfriend what a tramp she was. How long will it be before Dominic realizes that I’m okay for fun but not the kind of girl you spend the rest of your life with?

  “That’s what I love about you. You don’t give a shit what people think.”

  Yeah and that’s part of the problem.

  Dominic’s palms rest on the trunk, on either side of my body, caging me in. My argument is falling on deaf ears. He leans forward, bringing his delicious body teasingly close and dips his head lower. The tip of his nose runs up my neck, making it impossible for me to say no.

  “Stop thinking about what those dicks said. I would never have married her.” He brings his hands to rest on my waist, but there is no bare skin for him to tease so he moves his hands lower. They slip under the hem of my dress and glide up the outside of my thighs. As always when he touches me, the sensible part of my brain starts to shut down, and it is replaced with lust and a frenzied need for him. My brain is quickly becoming frazzled, and I start to forget why I don’t think it’s a good idea for him to fuck me up against this tree.

  “You’re finally willing to have sex outdoors?” I bite my lip, trailing my finger along his strong jaw. But he laughs and shakes his head.

  “I am not fucking you against this tree. No matter how distracting you are.”

  “Me? Distracting?” My eyes widen in mock protest. “I’m not the distracting one.” Warm palms slide further up my thighs, around to grip my ass, sending electricity skittering through me. Dominic moves closer, widening my stance with his knee. I can’t keep track of what his hands are doing when his lips brush against mine and his tongue dips into my mouth to tangle around my mine.

  His kiss sets my pulse racing and my stomach flips with every stroke of his tongue. The rush of desire that courses through my body has me cursing the fact we’re outside and his reluctance to outdoor sex. I’m expecting him to pull back at any minute, so I stand waiting, and as always, I’m putty in his hands.

  At the same time, his lips trace the line of my jaw to my ear before sliding ever so slowly down the column of my neck. I hear my breath stutter in my throat and feel my heart slam in my chest. Dominic draws my bottom half closer to him. My hand moves from his waist, squeezing between our bodies to trace the outline of his erection, that strains in the confines of his pants. His kiss falters and I hear the growl in the back of his throat when my hand runs over his length. />
  “Charlie,” The warning is there, in his deep voice, and I know I should stop, but I can’t.

  His hand captures my wrist, moving it out the way, while his other hand moves between my legs, running over my panties, making my need for him intensify.

  “Dominic.” I squirm under his touch when his finger hooks in the side of my panties.

  “What do you want, babe?” he mumbles, continuing to suck on the sensitive skin of my neck.

  “You. I need…” The rest of my words are swallowed up by my moan as his finger presses down on my clit and I sag against the tree.

  “Am I distracting you?” He repeats the same sliding motion, putting pressure on my clit over and over, leaving me breathless and desperate for more. My free hand grips the material of his shirt while the other clenches uselessly in his grip.

  “Dammit, yes.” I rush out and close my eyes, tipping my head back against the tree. My breathing picks up, increasing with the pace of his finger.

  “Dominic,” I whimper. His mouth slants over mine, cutting off the rest of my pleas, and his finger pushes down, bringing with it the release he’s been driving me toward. It takes hold and washes over me. He lets go of my wrist and tugs me into his body, kissing me senseless as I ride out the rest of my orgasm.

  Quivering in his arms, he holds me and tilts my head up. “Close enough for you?”

  “Hmm, for now.” I sigh and rest my cheek against his chest, the sound of his heart thunders underneath my ear until my breathing returns to normal and his heart rate slows. Taking my hand in his, we head back to the hotel in silence. But I can’t switch off the thought that maybe they’re all right about me.

  • • •

  “Do you mind if I have a dance?” Mia asks tapping Dominic on the shoulder, totally ignoring me. He looks at me, and I can’t very well say no, although the thought of her skinny arms around him turns my stomach.

  “Yeah,” I concede begrudgingly, “as long as it's only one. I need him back.” I'm not even joking. Amusement sparkles in his eyes as he leans over to give me a long lingering kiss that warms my stomach. Mia is frowning when he straightens and walks on to the dance floor leaving her to follow. They dance awkwardly together, neither one talking to the other or even looking at one another. I sit for a minute watching before Todd approaches.

  Holding out his hand, he gives a little bow. “Would you like this dance?” he asks giving a theatrical bow. I giggle and let him sweep me into his arms. He is extremely good looking. Although not as gorgeous as his younger brother, but then I’m slightly biased.

  “I’m glad he’s here,” he nods in the direction of his brother and Mia. “Dominic seems really happy.”

  “I hope so.” I give a peal of nervous laughter as I look over at them. Not entirely happy with their close proximity but they look uncomfortable.

  “Don’t think it,” he orders in a low voice.

  “What?” I turn to face him, wide eyed.

  “You think Dominic and Mia might be better together.”

  “I’m not,” I lie.

  “You are. I used to think the same thing,” he says with a wry chuckle.

  “You did?” This surprises me.

  “All the time.” He flashes me a self-deprecating smile. “They’re not, you know.”

  “What?”

  “Better together. I’ve not seen my brother for a while, and I’ve only seen you two together for a short time, but I can see how much he loves you.”

  “For now,” I mutter and look over in their direction again.

  “No, not just for now. Trust me. I’m his big brother. I know these things.” He gives me a wink and twirls me under his arm.

  Before the end of the song, Dominic and Mia appear to the side of us. Dominic lets go of her waist and puts a hand between Todd and me, a wide smile on his face.

  “That’s enough. Go and dance with your wife,” he jokes but maneuvers me out of Todd’s arms and into his own, tugging me close to his body. My hands slide up Dominic's chest and wrap around his neck.

  “Thanks for the dance, Todd.” I smile at him and he laughs, putting his arm around Mia, who doesn’t look too impressed, and leads her away to dance.

  The music changes to something slower and Dominic’s warm palms run up my back, penetrating the material of my dress as he pulls me flush with him. His growing erection presses into my thigh, and looking up, I catch his sly smile.

  “Can’t help it when I’m around you.” But he makes no apology. I rest my cheek against his solid chest and feel his chin pressing lightly on my head. We are barely moving around the dance floor.

  “Thank you for coming with me.” His head dips so I can hear him. “I couldn’t have done it without you.” I pull back and look up at him.

  “S’okay. It wasn’t so bad.” Well, apart from Mia and his dickhead friends. Oh, and maybe the comment from his dad, but it really wasn’t horrible.

  Touching his forehead to mine, he looks deep into my eyes. The wedding reception, his family, and friends all melt into the background, and I couldn’t even tell you if the song has ended or not. All I see is Dominic, staring at me, his hands on me, sparking a desire that rushes through my entire body. I tip my head upwards and capture his lips in a slow lingering kiss, still staring directly into his eyes as want rages inside. His eyes reflect everything I’m feeling.

  “Let’s get out of here,” he mumbles before kissing me again. I nod slowly; he doesn’t need to ask me twice.

  Taking my hands in his, he marches off the dance floor, not speaking to anyone as he strides in the direction of the elevator. I have to run a little to keep up, but as soon as the elevator doors open, he propels me backward and into the corner, selecting our floor as he goes. Not even waiting for the doors to close, his mouth finds mine, kissing me as if he needs me to survive. His hands move from my hips, under my dress, and slide up my bare thighs to grip my ass and lift me up. Instinctively, my legs wrap around his waist as he presses his body into mine. Kissing down my neck, his hands find the zipper at the back of my dress and he slides it down.

  “Dominic.” I can hardly get my head around the fact that he’s all set to fuck me in this elevator. The door pings open, but Dominic doesn’t let me go. With me still in his arms, he strides down the corridor, pausing only to pull the keycard out of his pocket to let us into the room. The door slams behind us and he tosses me onto the bed. He leans over me to pull my dress down my body followed by my bra and then my panties. While he unbuttons his white shirt, I work on the belt and fastenings of his trousers, sliding them down his muscular thighs.

  “That was very nearly a public place.” He gives a throaty laugh.

  “One day,” I threaten but another deep laugh rumbles through him as his body covers mine, his kisses cut me off. My words turn to moans as he eases into me.

  • • •

  “Hurry up, babe, I want to get on the road,” Dominic shouts impatiently from the living room. Our bags are packed, and now we’re showered and dressed he’s itching to go. I wander through and slide my hands up his chest. It’s impossible to keep my hands off him, and it’s all his fault.

  “Why are you in such a rush?” I lean up so he can kiss me. He lowers his head and presses his lips to mine.

  “I want to get you home and fuck you,” he growls and my eyes widen. Although I laugh, I’m sure he is serious.

  “You think that’s funny?” His eyes glint dangerously. Taking me unawares, I let out a loud squeal when he picks me up and carries me over to the couch. He lays me down none too gently, lifts up my sundress, and pulls my underwear down. His expression turns serious as he drops to his knees and parts my legs pinning my inner thighs to the sofa with his strong hands.

  “Dominic,” I warn, for a change, “We need to be out here by ten.”

  “Maybe I can’t wait that long,” he growls and I lie in anticipation, waiting for him to touch me. But a loud knock on the door stops him from going any further. With another growl, Do
minic pushes up off his knees and I grab my underwear and run to the bathroom. I hear murmured voices, and once I’ve replaced my panties and smoothed down my sundress, I leave the bathroom. Todd stands beside Dominic and smiles when I walk into the room.

  “We didn’t expect to see you,” Dominic says, mischief dancing in his eyes as he wraps his arm around me.

  “No, I bet you didn’t. I heard squealing,” he says, fighting a laugh. “Jeez, can’t you keep your hands or other body parts off each other for five minutes?”

  Dominic hauls me to him and kisses my neck. “She can’t keep her hands off me,” he teases, and I elbow him in the ribs.

  “That was all your doing, so don’t blame me.” I feel heat rise in my cheeks.

  “He wasn’t the one I could hear squeal from out in the corridor.” Todd joins in with the teasing and I stare at him open mouthed.

  “I’m getting my bag,” I mumble and turn to my bag on the sofa. It is just an excuse to hide my face, which feels like it’s on fire with embarrassment.

  “I just wanted to say how glad I was that you came,” Todd says, and I can’t help myself, my shoulders shake with laughter and a small giggle escapes me as I turn to look at Dominic who is trying to keep a straight face. Todd is looking at us puzzled and then catches on. He throws his hands in the air in exasperation.

  “You two are terrible,” Todd protests.

  “I can’t help it if she’s got a dirty mind,” Dominic defends himself, and I pout at him.

  “Hey, don’t lay all the blame on me. You’re just as bad, Hudson.” Dominic just laughs and stalks over to me. Taking me in his arms, he kisses me, forgetting that his brother is standing in the room.

  “I’m going. I don’t need to witness anything I shouldn’t. I’m glad you were both here.” He is choosing his words carefully. “Hopefully, we’ll see more of you. I just wanted to say that I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Mia and me. I… felt I’d betrayed you when we started seeing each other.”

  “It’s okay, Todd. From what Mom says, you and Mia are good together. I’m glad it’s worked out for you.” Dominic gives him a hug and picks up our bags. I give Todd a small hug too before it’s time to go. We all ride down to the reception together and see Dominic’s mom checking out. She grabs her youngest son into a hug, unable to hide the big smile on her face. His dad is nowhere to be seen, and Dominic doesn’t ask.