“They want to fly us all out tomorrow, have the ceremony on Saturday, and then we would fly back on Sunday. Decklan is planning on leaving with Kimber directly from Vegas to St. John. Apparently she’s always wanted to vacation there so he’s gonna surprise her with a trip after the wedding.”
“Wait, what do you mean fly us all out? I can’t go to Vegas.” I object. “Besides, why would they even want me there? It’s not like Kimber even really knows me.”
“Are you kidding me right now Char?” Gavin crinkles his forehead in confusion. “You are just as much Decklan’s sister as you are mine. Of course he wants you there.”
“So is Mia invited too?” I ask, referring to our older sister.
“What do you think?” He hits me with a smirk.
I don’t even know why I asked. Decklan has never been close to Mia. Hell, none of us have. She’s always been kind of out there on her own, completely by her own doing of course.
“It’s just gonna be me, you, Harlee, Paxton and Angel. Of course they invited mom but you know how she is about flying.”
“So let me get this straight. They expect everyone to just pick up and fly to Vegas with one days’ notice?” I interject, knowing immediately that my hesitation comes from going anywhere with Paxton right now given where things got left between us and very little to do with the amount of notice given.
“Don’t be like that Char. This is Deck we’re talking about. The guy who waited up on the front porch after prom to make sure your date didn’t try to kiss you because you didn’t like him like that. The guy who walked you into school when you were twelve and threatened those snobby little cheerleaders who were giving you a hard time. The same guy who punched that asshole Travis square in the face after he called you a tease. The guy…”
“I got it. I got it.” I hold up my hands, gesturing for him to stop.
“I’m just saying, after everything he’s done for you, you can suck it up and be there for him this one time.”
“Of course I will.” I concede, knowing Gavin is one hundred percent right. “What are you guys gonna do about the bar?” I tack on.
“Val’s gonna handle it.” He shrugs like it’s no big deal.
“Just like that?” I question.
“Just like that.” He confirms. “Val knows the business inside out and it’s only four days. Besides, what’s the perk of owning your own business if you can’t take a last minute vaca every now and again.” He chuckles.
“So what do I need to do then?”
“You need to be packed and ready to leave by nine in the morning. Paxton and I will swing by and pick you up.”
“What about Harlee?” I object, knowing he only has room for three people in his truck.
“She’s catching a ride with Angel and meeting us there.” He pushes off the bed. “Don’t make me have to wake your ass up tomorrow.” He warns. “I promise it won’t be nearly as pleasant.”
“I’ll be ready by nine.” I bite back. “Now go bother your new girlfriend or something and leave me alone.” I kick at him, shaking my head as his laughter vibrates through the room.
“With pleasure.” He raises his eyebrows up and down.
“Gross!” I cry out, winging a pillow in his direction just as he disappears into the hallway.
Flopping back down onto the bed, the reality of what is coming hits me like a ton of bricks. Not only will I be stuck in Vegas for four days, but I will be stuck there with Paxton…
Paxton—who the last time I saw kissed me and then left without warning. Paxton—who sent me a confusing text that I still don’t fully understand and has left me hanging for three days without even one word. Paxton—who just being in the same room as makes me all kinds of crazy.
Fuck me. This should be interesting.
Chapter Four
Charlie
It’s bad enough that things are the way they are between me and Paxton. It’s so much worse that I am forced to sit side by side with him in the confines of Gavin’s truck and pretend like everything is all hunky dory.
This is for Decklan, I remind myself, letting out a slow breath as I stare out of the windshield toward the airport which I can now see in the distance. Well, at least it’s almost over. Just a few more minutes and I will be out of this situation and can spend the entire weekend making myself as scarce as possible.
I feel squeamish sitting so close to Paxton. I keep catching sight of his incredible profile out of the corner of my eye and every time I do, I swear an involuntary shiver runs through me.
This man is more than just attractive, he’s practically a fucking god. Tall, broad shoulders, incredible bright green eyes, dark- perfectly styled- short hair, and just enough sexy facial hair to bring it all home. And don’t get me started on his body. Dear god. Three years ago he was the perfect specimen of a man. By the looks of him time has only intensified that fact.
When Gavin finally parks the truck and kills the engine, I am all but pushing him out the door so I can climb out too. Snagging my suitcase, having successfully been able to cram everything I need for the weekend into one bag, I quickly pull it out of the bed of the truck and take off towards the entrance of the airport.
“Char.” I hear Gavin call behind me, but I pretend like I don’t hear him. “What’s got her in such a rush?” He grumbles to Paxton before I hear him slam the tailgate and arm the truck alarm.
I immediately quicken my strides. I know I can’t escape Paxton but I just need a few minutes to collect myself. Thank God the airport is only a few minutes from my mom’s house. I don’t think I could have sat in that truck for another second. Not with Paxton so close, his leg touching mine, his smell invading my senses. I felt like I was going to crawl out of my skin the entire time.
I spot Kimber just moments after I enter the airport. She’s sitting in one of the chairs that line the side wall, nervously fidgeting with the label on her suitcase.
“Hey.” I smile, stopping directly in front of her.
“Charlie, hey.” She stands, pulling me into a brief hug. “I’m so glad you could make it. I know how much it means to Decklan that you all be with us for this.” She gives me a forced smile, her expression tight.
“Nervous?” I question, taking a seat next to her when she sits back down.
“That obvious?” She laughs, twisting a chunk of her long, blonde, wavy hair around her finger.
“Maybe just a little.” I give her the most reassuring smile I can muster. “It’s gonna be fine you know. Decklan is probably the best guy I’ve ever known.”
“It’s not marrying him that I’m nervous about.” She admits. “It’s him marrying me.”
“What do you mean?” I ask, titling my head to side.
“What if he wakes up one day and realizes this has all been one epic mistake and now he’s stuck with me. I mean, we’ve only known each other a few months. Hell, we don’t even live together yet. What if he hates the way I squeeze the toothpaste from the middle or that I always leave wet towels on the floor after I shower?” She chews lightly on her bottom lip.