Our Chance (17 page)

I laughed. “I would very much like to arrive in one piece.”

“There is
nothing
wrong with my driving.”

Another, louder burst of laughter broke out from the pit of my stomach. “You drive too fast and brake too late.”

“But are you dead?”

“I would like to keep it that way.”

“You might not have a choice!” She growled.

“It makes me hard when you get all worked up like this.”

Her mouth dropped open. She walked around me, got in the car and slammed the door. That was absolutely worth it. I waved Chloe and Logan off, tried not to laugh at Nell too much, and pulled onto the road.

“Are you ignoring me?” I asked, twenty minutes in when she hadn’t even glanced my way.

“I’m just thinking.”

“About?”

“About how uncomfortable my bra is.”

My heart started flying. “Take it off then.”

She reached around her back and her hands went up her top. “Going to, there’s no way I can be uncomfortable for seven hours.”

“If there’s anything else you want to take off to get more comfortable be my guest.”

“Yeah?”

“Absolutely.”

Her hands left the back of her top and went to the zip of her jeans.

“Nell!” I said, swerving to the side in shock and almost crashing the damn car. “Are you serious?”
Oh God, please be serious.

“Keep your eyes on the road! You can’t complain about my driving and handle the car like a knob at the same time.”

“You’re taking your jeans off, what do you expect?”

Every few seconds I glanced back to see if she was actually going to take them off.

“I expect you to get us to Scotland in one piece.”

“Maybe we should find somewhere to pull over.”

“Why?”

“I’m not driving for the next seven half hours with blue balls.”

Rolling her eyes, she pointed to the road. “Look ahead. I’m changing into shorts for the drive.”

“Why couldn’t you just wear them to begin with? This isn’t fair.”

“Because it was cold outside and I had to wait for the car to heat up.”

“Do you think I’m an idiot?”

Turning her head, she laughed. “Do you want an honest answer? Contrary to what you believe I don’t stay up at night planning different ways to torture you.”

“No, that just comes naturally,” I muttered.

“In a minute I’m just going to go to sleep and let you drive the whole way in silence.”

“That would be lovely, Nell. I’d appreciate seven hours nag-free.”

She gasped. “I do
not
nag!”

“Think back five seconds to when you were telling me how to drive.”

“
Anyone
would tell you to watch the fucking road!”

“Most people wouldn’t take their clothes off in my car.”

Growling, she slapped my arm.

“What the fuck, Nell?”

Her eyes filled with tears and she sat bolt upright in horror.

Shit, what just happened?

“What? What’s wrong?” I asked, looking around.

“I’m sorry,” she mumbled, looking at my arm.

Had we stepped into another dimension? It wasn’t as if she’d stabbed me. We teased and play fought all the time. Granted it was more wrestling than slapping, but it was on the same level to me.

“Hey, don’t worry, I think I’ll live.”

“I’m so sorry,” she repeated.

“Nell, seriously, forget it. Why’re you so spooked by this? It’s not the first time we’ve messed around like that,” I said, flicking my eyes between her and the road.

“I know I just don’t want to hurt you.”

“That didn’t hurt.”

She raised her eyes to look at me. “Are you sure?”

“Real sure. I’m not that much of a pussy.

“I know you’re not, I just…” Her eyes glossed over again and then she was so far away I could barely breathe. Was this linked to why she was so closed off? If someone had hit her growing up I would fucking kill them.

“Hey, would you rather have sex with a family member or have your vagina sealed shut?”

Bursting out laughing, she covered her face with her hands. “What’s wrong with you? You’re disgusting.”

Just lightening the mood again.
We had a long way to go and I didn’t want to spend the trip with a subdued and moody Nell.

“Which one, Nell?” I asked, grinning.

“Sealed shut, you weirdo! Who would pick the other one?”

“You’d never be able to do me again.”

“I don’t care! That’s so gross. I feel like I need a shower now. Wait… What would you choose? Family or penis drops off?” She looked scared to ask.

I shrugged. “It’d have to be a sexy cousin.”

“Oh my God, what’s your damage, you fucktard!”

Laughing, I replied, “I’m kidding, and I don’t have cousins. Not any that’re sexy anyway.” She turned her nose up, making me laugh again. “Do you want to play the number plate game or make each other pick between horrendous situations?”

“Number plate,” she replied instantly.

The entire way there I exchanged banter with the old Nell again. She was funny, rude and downright annoying, and I loved every second. A few miles from the hotel she changed back into her jeans, almost making me crash again.

I’d promised her that as soon as we got everything up to our room I’d spend the rest of the day making her scream. We’d never checked in or moved so many bags so quickly.

I spent the entire evening making good on my promise.

Nell

My best friend was getting married today. I was unbelievably excited and happy for her but I also envied her for having something so amazing. I guess I just felt a little sad that I couldn’t have this, or have it so easily. The thought of getting married made my head spin.

“Chlo, you absolutely have to drink on the morning of your wedding. You’re not following the rules,” I argued when she pushed away the glass of champagne for the second time.

“She’s right, darling,” Chloe’s mum, Bethany said.

I gave her a smug smile. “See, I’m right. Drink up.”

“I’m not getting drunk before I marry him.”

“Can anyone even get drunk on one glass of champagne?” I asked.

“Fine,” she said, holding her hands up. “
One
is all I’m having until after the ceremony.”

“That’s all I ask,” I replied, handing it to her – again. “Bethany?” I said, holding one out for her. She took it like a real sport, her eyes filling with tears. Uh oh, proud mum coming up.

I was a proud best friend too. Chloe and Logan’s journey hadn’t been easy but they’d made it and were happy now. And Chloe looked beautiful. Her hair long brown hair was styled with big curls and a silver, crystal encrusted comb pinning back one side. Her gown hugged her body perfectly, giving her the perfect figure.

“Chloe,” Bethany said thickly.

“No, Mum. No way. You can’t do this to me right now, I’ve just had my make-up done.”

The make-up artist had left a few minutes ago and she’s done an amazing job of accentuating Chloe’s natural beauty, her amber eyes looked bigger and the dark subtle eyeliner made them stand out. She looked incredible and I almost wanted to marry her myself.

The make-up artist had also done mine and Bethany’s and we look bloody good too. My eyes also looked bigger, brighter and I couldn’t help taking the occasional peek at how awesome they looked. Tomorrow when I tried to recreate the same thing I’d look a mess.

“I’m sorry,” she replied, fanning her face and taking a sip. “You just look so beautiful. I’m so proud of you.”

“Mum, seriously!” Chloe said, looking up and blinking. They looked absolutely ridiculous and I couldn’t help laughing.

“I can solve this problem. Chloe, who’s bigger Jace or Logan?”

“Nell!” She snapped, mouth popping open.

Bethany pretended to be shocked but she laughed and ruined the act. “Bet you don’t feel like crying now, huh?”

“You’re the worst maid of honour ever.”

“But your make-up is still perfect. You’re welcome.”

“I think I’m just going to see how your dad and the boys are getting on,” Bethany said.

I put my glass down. “Wait, Bethany. I’ll go and order them around, you stay and have a few minutes with your daughter. If she starts getting teary just bring up the size thing. Works every time.”

She smiled and shook her head, discouraged. “Thank you, Nell.”

The guys had a room down the hall. They didn’t really need one since they didn’t do the getting ready together thing but Damon had insisted so they could have a few drinks together before the ceremony. There was also talks of cigars and card games but I hoped that was just a joke.

I walked down the hallway and knocked on their door but over all the laughing, and what I assumed was teasing of Logan, they didn’t hear. If I walk in there to find strippers I was going to lose my shit.

Pushing the door open, I crept in. It was fine, they were all going to keep their privates – no strippers, just lots of booze. “Logan, you better not get drunk!” Jesus, now I sounded like Chloe.

Damon was the first one to look up. He froze and his eyes widened. I did look pretty damn great. My hair was naturally wavy and messy but it’d been curled and ruffled up, similar to Chloe’s but I didn’t have anything fancy in mine, I’d probably lose it anyway. I wished I could afford a hairdresser to come and do the same thing for me every day.

“Nell,” Logan said. “You look incredible, and no I’m not getting drunk. I’ve only had two pints.”

“Good. Keep it that way or Chloe will have your balls,” I replied, trying to keep my eyes on Logan while I could
feel
Damon close by,
feel
that his eyes were fixed on me. It gave me butterflies.

Usually Logan would say something crude but Chloe’s dad was in the room so he wisely chose to do nothing but laugh.

“How is she? Not planning her escape?” He asked.

“Oh, she’s already gone, that’s what I came to say.”

A few of the guys laughed and Jace shoved his arm. Damon barely moved, his eyes were still fixed on me and not on my breasts. On
me
.

“You’re really not funny, Nell,” Logan said, glaring.

“She’s fine, she looks amazing, and you’re going to lose it when you see her.”

His grin lit up his light eyes. “Yeah? Is she nervous?”

“She’s not showing it if she is. I’m forcing champagne down her neck so that’ll squash any last minute nerves if she has any.”

“You’re a true friend,” he said dryly.

“Alright,” I said cracking my knuckles, “line up guys, I need to fix your sorry attempts at tying the cravats.”

It looked like they’d tied them they way they did their shoe laces. Chloe wanted the big, perfect wedding and she was bloody well going to get it.

Jace appeared in front of me first, smirking back at a now glaring Damon. Men. “You’re crap at this,” I said, undoing it and tying it again.

“Good thing you’ve come to the rescue then.”

“It is. Are you excited for today?”

“That your way of asking if I’m going to ruin the wedding?”

“No, that was me asking if you were excited. My next question… well, not really a question, was going to be a death threat along the lines of
I will bury you in the grounds of this castle if you mess this up for them
,” I said, smiling sweetly.

He laughed as I finished and dropped my arms. “I got over Chloe a while ago, Nell. I’m happy for them both.”

“Good answer. Now move along, I’ve got another six of these things to do.”

Jace walked away and Damon was up next. After briefly shooting daggers at Jace’s back with his eyes, he turned to me. His lips parted and looked at me through hooded eyes.

“Hi,” I whispered, my heart flying in my chest.

He tilted his head to the side and took a deep breath. “Hey,” he replied, taking hold of my upper arms and pulling me against his chest. We didn’t really have time for this but I couldn’t help it, he was like a magnetic force that I was powerless to withstand.

I felt lightheaded. With shaking hands, I reached around the back of his neck, lifted the collar and then removed the badly tied cravat. Damon’s hazel eyes pierced into mine with a thousand promises that I wanted.

“You look good,” I said, focused on the task in hand so I wouldn’t let the things I was feeling right now consume me.

“I can’t…”

I looked up, amused to see him lost for words, it didn’t happen often. When I met his gaze the look in his eye stole my breath. Neither of us said a word. Everyone in the background faded until their conversations were merely a background hum. I could smell Damon’s aftershave, a smell that instantly made things better, and hear his slightly heavy breathing. And my heart, my heart was racing in my chest, beating so fast and so hard I was certain he could hear it too.

“There,” I said so quietly I barely heard myself and patted the cravat. “All done.”

Damon didn’t say a word in reply and I was becoming concerned about what was going through his head, but I had a feeling it was the same as what was happening up in mine. Something melted away inside me and I fought to grip hold of what I needed to do in order to avoid repeating history. For the first time ever I understood why they couldn’t walk away.

“You are so beautiful, Nell,” he whispered. His voice was hoarse and sexy and turned my insides to mush.