Page 45

A different waiter appears ready to take everyone’s order. When he works his way down towards me, the vibrations begin again and I want to scream. This is the biggest mix of pain and pleasure. Brad casually orders his food, all the while tapping at his phone under the table.

From the corner of my eye, I see Ria root through her purse. “I’m telling you, someone’s phone is vibrating, Jack, check your phone. It could be Anne about the girls,” Ria says, pulling her own phone out.

Ground, open up and swallow me whole, please.

Jack holds up his phone. “Sweetheart, nothing. It’s not vibrating.”

The vibration stops and I let out a sigh of relief. I need to get to the bathroom and get this thing out of me, but I fear the evidence of my arousal is going to be left on my seat. I know I have to burn this underwear. They are ruined.

I kick my leg to catch Brad’s, but Harry yelps. “Ah, what the fuck, Ali?”

“I didn’t do anything.”

“Sorry, that was me,” I say weakly as I look over at Brad, who continues to smirk but thankfully pauses my torture.

“… and for you, Miss, what can I get you to eat?”

“Hi, can I get the bruschetta to start, and the tomato paaaaaaa…” I cry out, my pitch reaching a level only well-trained dogs could hear.

My legs begin to tremble.

“Are you okay, Gabs?” Harry chuckles.

I let out a slow breath when the vibration stops.

“Sorry, can I get the tomato pasta with the buffalo mozzarella?” I pant.

“Are we singing out orders now?” Ali Chuckles and everyone around the table laughs.

My cheeks burn in embarrassment. “No, I’m so excited about this pasta. Yay, carbs,” I say, waving my menu in the air, my voice verging on another whimper.

"I’ll take your...” he reaches for my menu and I grip a hold of it.

“No, please, don’t.” My tone is pleading and desperate, as if he were stealing something of value. I fan my face with it. I glare at Brad and he winks. He winks. I’m wound so tightly right now, I don’t know if I want to punch him in his rugged face or beg him to bend me over this table and finish me off.

The waiter nods and informs us he will put our orders through and I breathe a sigh of relief when the buzzing stops and continue to fan my face with the menu. I turn to look at Ali and Ria, both looking at me with confused expressions.

“Are you well?” Ali asks bluntly.

“I’m fine. Just, it’s so hot in here. I think I need some air.” I attempt to rise from my seat, but Brad starts tapping his fork against his glass.

“Gabriella, before you do, I’d just like to say a few words.”

I stare at him, deadpan. Really? Right now? The man of very few words suddenly wants to make a speech at the dinner table after tormenting me for the past thirty minutes.

“I’m not one for words, but I just wanted to wish Jack and Ria a happy holiday with your beautiful family. I hope it’s the trip you have been wishing for. Harry, I’m gonna miss your shit banter, so don’t stay in London too long.” Everyone laughs and suddenly my heart swells. I truly believe he means every word he’s saying.

“And, Ali, I’ll miss your sharp tongue while you’re away, and don’t worry, I’ll keep a close eye on our Gabby girl. I’ll take good care of her.” Ali wraps her arm around me and pulls me towards her.

“You better. We’ve never left her this long,” she says, making a sad face.

“Hey, I’m gonna be fine,” I assure her.

“I know, but let Brad take care of you, okay. If you need him, you call him,” she says sternly.

“I will,” I agree, with a slight roll of my eyes.

“Okay, no more, or I’ll start crying, and so will Harry and Jack,” Ali jokes, fanning her face with her hands. Jack and Harry give her a disgruntled looks and she blows them both a kiss.