Promising Forever Read online

  Ahhh… It’s going to be so beautiful!

  “Didn’t he do a great job?” Mrs. West interrupts my blissful daydream, pointing at the arch.

  My heart overflowing with love, I softly answer, “Yes, it’s beautiful,” still picturing Collin and I standing hand in hand below it.

  Collin

  “Alright, now we’ve gotta hurry up and get downtown. I’ve gotta pick Summer’s present up by two,” I tell Matt once we drop Summer off at home so she can get her jeep.

  He glances at his watch.

  “Shit, man. You’re cuttin’ it close.”

  “Well, I wasn’t really planning on Summer coming with us this morning, but-”

  “You couldn’t keep your mouth shut?” Matt cuts me off with a smirk.

  “Oh, whatever. She couldn’t care less. This is Summer we’re talking about.”

  “Nah, it’s fine. I knew she wouldn’t care and I was relieved to have her input. It’s an important ass decision to make. I was sweating bullets!”

  “Right?” I look at him and nod my head in agreement, remembering how stressed out I was. “It took me forever to pick out Summer’s ring.”

  “Ahh…look at us,” he chuckles. “We’re so damn pussy whipped! Who would’ve thought?”

  I snicker at his statement…who would’ve thought?

  It seems like just yesterday we were throwing around a football, barely able to grip it with our little hands and now, here we sit, both engaged and disgustingly in love.

  “It’s crazy, right?” I tell him, completely agreeing with him.

  “Crazy and fucking awesome.”

  We both nod our heads and smile. It’s definitely fucking awesome.

  Chapter 4

  Summer

  “Okay, so I just have to have you sign off on the place cards, and…”

  Breathe.

  “The photographer called and confirmed that he and his team will be at the hotel tomorrow at three to take pictures of you ladies getting ready…”

  “Mmm…here’s my beautiful bride,” a warm, sweet breath whispers into my ear as I feel two firm, yet soft arms wrap loosely around my neck from behind.

  My anxiety completely disappears as I melt into Collin’s arms. He gently kisses my neck, sending desirable chills throughout my body and a smile across my face.

  Oh, how I love this man.

  “Honey, Summer and I have some work to do here. Aren’t you supposed to be helping with the chairs outside?”

  Casually running his hands over my shoulders then down my sides, he interlocks his hands with mine.

  “Nope. All done, and I’m stealing my fiancé-”

  “What? I don’t think so. You already made her late this morning.”

  “Yup, and I’m stealing her now, too,” Collin says matter-of-factly as he starts to walk out of the room, pulling me behind. “Love you, Mom. Everything looks great!” he adds, glancing over his shoulder and shooting her a grin.

  As I giggle and hurry behind my soon to be husband, I hear her sigh behind us.

  “You’re a pain in my butt, Collin Michael!”

  “Love you, too!” he shouts again, before opening the door to leave.

  Once outside the door, Collin pulls me into his chest and nips my ear before nuzzling into my neck. Although it tickles the crap out of me, I love how playful he is.

  “Collin!”

  “What? Does this tickle?” he jokes, continuing to rub his five o’clock shadow along the fold of my neck, making me laugh.

  “Yes, stop! I’m going to pee myself!”

  “Okay, I’ll stop, but what about this…” his lips move slower, gently breathing his warm breath against my skin, turning every ounce of me on within seconds. The control he has over my body is so intense that it’s almost unbelievable.

  My breath grows heavy and my mind goes blank. Already I’m cotton mouthed from not swallowing, focused on his every movement.

  Swallowing hard, I manage to softly say, “Mmhmm.”

  “Well, you’re gonna have to wait.” He steps back with a devilish grin, before gently smacking my ass.

  “Wait? What?” I look at him annoyed. He did not just play me!

  “Sorry, beautiful, but we’ve got plans with Leah and the guys. You’ll have to wait ‘til later.”

  Pressing my tongue hard along my top teeth, I give him an evil glare.

  “Maybe I’ll be too tired later,” I tell him, raising an eyebrow.

  “Ha! You can’t resist this,” he jokes, glancing down his body.

  “Oh, but I think I can.”

  I really can’t.

  But, he doesn’t need to know that.

  Taking a step closer to me, so that I can feel his breath against my skin, he seductively says, “You can’t. And you won’t.”

  Every muscle and bone in my body softens and I can feel my knees becoming weak. I want to say something snarky, have the last word, but I can’t. I have no words. Collin knows my weakness.

  Him.

  Collin

  “So, where are we going?”

  “Our spot,” I smile, squeezing her thigh as I pull out of the driveway. No further explanation is required. The place where I proposed to Summer is now considered our spot.

  “Are we fishing?” she asks with a raised eyebrow.

  “Gonna try.” The fall isn’t the best time to fish, but very rarely is the crew all together like this and, well, fishing is what we all love to do together. Even if we don’t catch a damn thing it’ll still be a good time. It has been forever since we’ve done this.

  Instead of responding, a smile spreads across her face and her hand covers mine. One of the reasons I first fell in love with Summer is that hanging with her is just like hanging out with the guys. She immediately meshed into our group, doing and enjoying all the things that we like to do, and Summer quickly became my best friend, someone I wanted to spend all my time with.

  As soon as we pull into the parking lot I see Leah’s and Travis’s car. A smile covers my face as I pray to myself that we’ll always make this time with each other. That no matter what crazy life we all fall into, we’ll always make time for the pond.

  After grabbing our fishing poles and tackle box from the back, I reach for Summer’s hand and make our way to the trail that leads back to our spot. As we get closer we can hear the joking and laughter filling the air.

  I love my fricken friends.

  “Hey, fuck-face!” Travis yells once we come into sight.

  Summer chuckles. Travis is being Travis. I respond with a smile, “Was’up, bro?” before doing our little handshake.

  “Hey, sexy,” he jokes with Summer before bringing her in for a hug.

  “Hi, Travis. How’re ‘ya?”

  “I get to fuck this hot ass whenever I want now, so yeah, life’s good,” he nods his head and smiles to his girlfriend Mackenzie next to him.

  I know- Travis with a girlfriend. Say it ain’t so, but it definitely is. I never thought any girl would tame that beast, but Kenz has and I’ve never seen that fucker so damn happy.

  God bless that girl!

  “Hi, Kenz,” I greet her, bringing her into a hug. Although she fits the bill- tall, blonde hair, blue eye, huge tits- she’s nothing like the other girls Travis has been with. Mackenzie is actually smart, a med student at Upstate Medical University, with morals.

  Crazy, right?

  “Hey Collin…Summer,” she responds, hugging Summer after me.

  “Long time, no see,” Matt comes up, doing the same hand shake as I had with Travis.

  “Buddy,” I nod. “How’re ‘ya?”

  He doesn’t answer, just moves to Summer, gently clasping her shoulder with his hand before discreetly whispering into her ear, but loud enough so that I can hear him, “She doesn’t know you know yet. Waiting until later.”

  Acting nonchalant, Summer nods her head with a smile, understanding what he’s talking about. It’s gonna be fun seeing Leah’s face later when she finds out
that we all know. You can see it in her eyes that she has no clue and that she is trying with everything inside of her to keep it a secret. We can’t keep big news away from one another. We’re like family.

  “Oh my god, look how long your hair is!” Summer greets Leah, acting like she knows nothing.

  “I know,” Leah responds. “I was getting sick of it being short.”

  “I love it.”

  Letting them have their girl time Travis, Matt, and I leave and head over to the cooler to grab some beers and start prepping our poles with some lures.

  “So, gettin’ kinda serious with Kenz?” Matt asks, casting his line into the water.

  Travis exhales, nodding his head.

  “Yeah, dude, we’re looking at places.” He says it like it’s the scariest thing ever, but you can see the glow in his eyes, confirming his excitement.

  Shit, Travis is crazy in love. What a sight to see!

  “Look at you, settlin’ down with one chick. Never thought I’d see the day.”

  “Eh.” Travis shrugs his shoulders. “It’s just a guaranteed fuck every night.”

  We all burst out laughing.

  “Good try, man,” Matt tells him, draping his arm around Travis’s shoulders. “We’re all just as fucking whipped. Don’t sweat it. It’s a good thing.”

  Travis looks at Matt like he has ten heads.

  “Nah, dude. You idiots are pussy whipped. I’m just reaping the benefits of getting to fuck her every night from the comfort of my home…that we just might be sharing soon.”

  “Yeah, okay.” I roll my eyes and shake my head, totally seeing through his shit. “Keep telling yourself that. So, when’s the wedding?” I smirk at him.

  “Fuck you!” He smiles, pushing me off balance, and making me stumble backwards a little, but he finally agrees with us. “Alright, alright! Jesus Christ, I’m fucking pussy whipped in love, but can you blame me? Look at that fine ass.” Travis tilts his chin up in Kenz’s direction.

  Matt and I both nod our heads.

  “We’ve got some hot ass women,” I answer.

  With that we all agree, clicking our beer bottles together.

  “Amen to that!”

  Chapter 5

  Summer

  All day I’ve been fine. No nervous jitters or eager anticipation, but now, getting ready for the rehearsal dinner, my nerves are off the charts and my stomach is in knots. It’s not that I’m nervous about the wedding or about marrying Collin. He’s my best friend and there’s no one in this world that I could ever love as much as him. It’s just a lot to take in.

  I’m getting married.

  I’m at a suitable age. Being three years older than Collin at twenty-four years old, I’m at a typical age to be settling down. But Collin- he just turned twenty-one. That’s still young. Right now is supposed to be his “primetime” for living; going out, getting hammered and being a typical college guy, but Collin doesn’t do any of that. Yes, we’ll have a few drinks here and there, and when he’s with the guys they get pretty close to wasted, but that’s it. I fear he’ll wake up in five, ten, twenty years from now and worry that he missed out. That he never got his “primetime” to live.

  “Hot damn!” Collin whistles, coming into the bathroom where I’m getting ready. Wrapping his arm around my waist, he brings my body flush to his. “I think we have time for a quickie,” he breathes against my face with an eyebrow cocked and a seductive grin.

  Immediately a rush of warmth fills my body, prompted by his words. Feeling my nipples harden, anxious to be pleased, I contemplate his offer. Opening my mouth to explain how we’ll be late, Collin’s lips graze my neck, swiping my brain of any previous thoughts.

  “Mmm…” he moans, inhaling in the perfume I just applied. I know he loves it, so I wear just for his pleasure.

  Slipping his finger beneath the strap of my dress, he slowly brings it down my arm with his lips grazing my skin behind it. Once the strap falls effortless down my arm, his mouth trails back up and over the other side. My breathe catches and gets progressively heavier when he stops at my neck and sucks an area of skin into his mouth. A shock of heat floods my body when he does it and I don’t stop to worry that it might mark.

  A low moan escapes my throat as my sleek cream dress falls to the floor after he unzips the back. Standing in just my black strapless bra and thong, Collin lifts me up and sits me on the counter. Taking my face in his hands with authority, he pulls me hard against his lips, holding them there for what feels like eternity and transferring so much heat and passion that I can feel the wetness forming between my legs. Full of lust and need, I lock my legs around his waist, pushing him forcefully into my body.

  “Uhhh…” Collin moans out as his hardness slams against my crotch.

  Sucking my bottom lip into his mouth, his anticipation and aggressiveness climbs as he reaches behind me to undo my bra. Just as eager, I move quickly, unbuckling his pants and letting them, along with his briefs drop to the floor. Not even bothering to remove my panties, Collin moves them aside and pushes in deep, relieving the hard ache between my legs.

  Our mouths and tongues move in sync as he thrusts in hard and passionately, filling me with his love. Feeling my temperature rise, and moving closer to the edge, I fist my hands in his hair and hold on, ready for the drop.

  “Mmm,” Collin moans, sending a surge of heat throughout my body.

  Overwhelmed with pleasure, my head falls back, separating our mouths and I moan loudly as my body releases into a delicious orgasm.

  “Oh baby,” Collin breathes heavily into my neck just before he fills me with the warmth of his love, climaxing into a release of his own.

  Collin

  “My word, that dress hugs every damn curve of your body. Are ‘ya tryin’ to ruin me completely before saying I do?” I admit to Summer as she meets me in the entryway back in her dress.

  The flattered smile and flushed cheeks that yank on my heart every time I compliment her cover her beautiful face as she twirls around in front of me, showing it off and letting it flow around her ankles.

  “Isn’t it gorgeous?” she smiles, her eyes sparkling with excitement, adding a flutter to my soul. “Kat picked it out when she was visiting last month.” All I can do is smile in return at how beautiful she is. Not just because she looks hot as hell in that dress, but because of the beauty that pours from every square inch of her body. Not a damn thing about Summer is flawed. She’s perfect in every way imaginable.

  I love her so damn much that it’s almost too much to handle.

  “What?” she questions, seeing me in total awe of her.

  Swallowing hard and reaching for her hand with what I’m sure is the most pussy whipped smile imaginable, I softly tell her, “Nothing, beautiful. You just take my breath away.”

  Chapter 6

  Summer

  Pulling up outside the pub, I can’t believe that Collin’s mom allowed us to have the rehearsal here, but she didn’t bother protesting it when Collin looked her into the eyes and said “Summer wants the rehearsal dinner at our bar.” If looks could send out a warning sign, they certainly did that day. Collin’s stare had clearly stated that it wasn’t up for discussion. As a peace offering, I did agree that she had full range of the inside, decorating it however she pleased.

  Walking in, I can’t even believe it’s the same place. Dozens of round tables, covered in warm fall colored linens, surround the area, instead of the usual high tops. Carved pumpkins with beautiful flowers placed inside for centerpieces and a projection screen in the front of the room, scrolling photos of Collin and I from the past two years. The bar is set up beautifully with a variety of different appetizers and Troy- Travis’s brother who works for me- is behind it mixing drinks in a nice all black suit that I never thought I’d see him wear. Everything is so stunning and perfectly placed that I’m lost for words and completely overwhelmed with gratitude. My appreciation for Collin’s mom is more than words can express.

  “Do you love
it?” Collin leans over and whispers into my ear, resting his hand on my lower back.

  Swallowing back the dryness in my throat, I nod my head yes, feeling the tears of utter happiness pricking my eyes.

  “Yes,” I choke out, full of emotion. “It’s perfect.”

  Collin’s arm wraps around my waist, pulling me closer into his side as he gently kisses my temple. “Good, because that’s what you deserve,” he softly tells me, his lips close to my skin.

  “You guys are here!” Mrs. West says with a smile, reaching both sides of her face as she rushes over to us and pulls us each in for a big motherly hug. “The place really came together, huh?” she asks, stepping back and looking everything over with a satisfied grin.

  “It’s amazing. Thank you so much!” I tell her, trying to portray with words how grateful I am.

  She waves it off like it’s no big deal. “Of course, sweetheart,” she says with a tender smile, resting her hand on my cheek. “You’re already my daughter in my eyes. I want to make this day everything you hoped it would be.”

  Although I would have loved to share this experience with my own mom, Collin’s mom is more than the next best thing. She is everything I have dreamed of having in a mom, even if I can barely remember mine own.

  With tears now trickling down my face, she pulls me in for another hug.

  “Oh geez, honey. You’re going to make me cry and I paid good money to get my makeup to look like this,” she adds, making us both giggle.

  Taking a cleansing breath, we gently wipe under our eyes, hoping that we didn’t ruin or makeup too much. However, when I look up at Collin with his eyes sparkling and warmness in his smile it’s enough to make a whole new pool of tears form in my eyes. As much as Collin can drive his mom crazy, they’re an extremely close knit family that holds an impeccable amount of love in their hearts for one another. I’m so blessed to be marrying into it.