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WORM

“ Y ou should get a hot shower and some rest, sugar,” Worm says when they reach Allison’s door. They’ve just gotten back to the hotel after the day-long hike. He can tell Allison’s energy is fading. Her face pinches into a frown. “You’re exhausted. You need to rest before you have to sit through the rehearsal dinner with your aunts.”

Allison shudders. “You’re right.” Her eyes lift to his. “Thank you for being so thoughtful.” Worm smiles, realizing he’s smiled a lot in the last few days, more than he has in last year.

“You’re welcome,” he replies, wanting to say more, but bites his tongue. He’d meant what he said. He can’t have a real relationship with her but damn if he doesn’t want to. She’s easy to care for. “I’ll be back in a couple hours, and we’ll head down for the rehearsal and then dinner.”

“Sounds perfect.” Allison gives him a peck on his cheek then slips inside her room.

He takes the few steps to his room sliding the keycard in the slot to unlock his door. Stepping inside he glances around, noting everything is as he left it. His suitcase is tucked into the open closet and the bed is neatly made. He snorts a laugh, realizing he hasn’t slept in it since he’d brought Allison to the resort, memories of holding her through the night consuming him.

Heaving out a sigh, he strips off his sweaty clothes and heads to the shower, taking his own advice. While the hike hadn’t been overly taxing on him, he knows a hot shower after exertion will be good for his muscles. Stepping into the shower, he closes his eyes while the hot water cascades over him. The heat relaxes his body. An image of Allison in her shower next door flashes in his mind. His cock hardens at the image.

Why hadn’t he asked to join her? They could’ve taken turns washing one another. Images of his hands soaping her tits has him groaning. His hands moving up and down her torso, cupping her ass, pulling her body to his. Using his bare hand to soap up her pussy, letting his fingers dip inside to tease her little bud. He can almost hear her gasps and moans and her breaths coming in short, shallow puffs.

His hard cock is throbbing painfully. He grasps it pumping slowly, then speeding up when he remembers how Allison had sucked him so well. It doesn’t take long until he is splattering his release on the shower floor.

He quickly washes then shuts off the water. Grabbing a towel, he dries himself, then pulls clean clothes from the dresser, where he stored his clothing the day he’d arrived. He still has an hour and a half before time to escort Allison to dinner. Maybe he should take his own advice and grab some sleep.

Laying down on top of the covers, he wills sleep to come, but Allison keeps dancing through his mind and sending all the blood in his body south. He groans with need. Getting off in the shower doesn’t seem to have helped him at all. Rolling to his left side, he grabs the extra pillow, hugging it to his body, pretending he’s holding Allison.

Even though they hadn’t done anything but sleep the night before, he’d slept soundly as he’d held her through the night. Worm hasn’t ever stayed the night with his sex partners in the past. Usually renting a room or going to her place for a couple hours of fun, he’d leave once they’d both been satisfied. He never thought he’d like sharing his bed, but he’d found a peacefulness with Allison he hadn’t realized he’d been missing.

Flopping onto his back, he releases a heavy sigh. He needs to stop thinking along those lines. He can’t allow himself to imagine what it would be like to have her in his bed every night, to wake up to her sweet face every morning. NO! It would never work, and the sooner he accepts this the better off he’ll be.

An hour later, he’s up pacing his room. Sleep has remained elusive. He’d fought the bed as long as he could, finally giving up. He has too much pent up energy to find sleep. He focuses on the upcoming rehearsal and following meal with the wedding party and Emma’s family.

He’s actually looking forward to the rehearsal, knowing he’ll be spending plenty of time with Allison since they are paired up for him to escort her down the aisle. When Wallace had first asked him to be a groomsman, Worm had dreaded having to escort a strange girl he’d never met. He’d feared he’d be paired with someone who he wouldn’t get along with or who was annoying, but he couldn’t have chosen a better partner than Allison.

The chemistry between them is amazing, and she’d agreed they would never work long term. It’s the perfect scenario. So, why does his stomach drop out when he remembers they only have a couple of days left together and that most of that time will be taken up with wedding activities?

Worm glances down at his watch. It’s almost time to head downstairs. He pushes his errant thoughts away. Time to get Allison and get things moving. He’s hoping there’ll be no cock blocking or twat swatting, as Allison called it, tonight.

One night with her won’t be enough. This crosses his mind as he steps out of his room on his way to collect Allison for the rehearsal. He knocks on her door, waiting patiently for her to answer. He’s about to knock again but hears movement on the other side of the door.

A sleepy-eyed Allison opens the door. A crease is embedded on her right cheek, probably from the pillowcase. She’s in a tank and shorts which are showing off all her curves, making his mouth water.

Worm’s heart stutters in his chest. Once again struck by how naturally beautiful she is, whether fresh out of bed or in full makeup, Allison takes his breath every single time.

“Hey, sugar,” Worm manages to say despite his dry mouth. “It’s about time for the rehearsal.” Yawning, her hand coming up to hide her wide mouth, she nods.

“Just give me a second to change.” She steps back to allow him to follow her inside. She pulls out another flowy dress in lavender. He watches in fascination as she strips down, then dons her bra and panties.

Without him thinking of doing it, his hand reaches out to take her in his arms, but he catches himself before making contact. They don't have time for what he wants and needs to do to her. Later. Be patient. He tells himself they have important things to do, then he can finally have her. He doesn’t want their first time to be rushed. He needs to take his time with her.

Allison spins to face him when she’s gotten dressed. “I’m almost ready. I just need to fix my hair and makeup, but I promise I’ll be fast.”

“Take your time. We have a few minutes.” Worm settles on the bed while Allison heads into the bathroom. A few minutes later she emerges looking like an angel. Her hair is falling in long brown waves down her back with the sides pulled back into a matching lavender clip. Her full lips are a light pink, a light blush to her cheeks, and her eyelids have a light coating of lavender eyeshadow.

“You’re gorgeous, sugar.” Worm is on his feet, pulling her close, kissing her neck. He inhales her raspberry and lilac scent. His cock enlarges, going down his thigh. It’s going to be a long evening.

By some miracle, he keeps himself from stripping Allison out of her dress and taking her in her room forgetting all about the rehearsal. They arrive just in time for them to get in place. Worm can’t keep his mind on anything other than how good Allison looks in the dress she’s wearing and how much he wants to take it off her.

Susie Beth has taken charge of the rehearsal to ensure everything goes to plan. She insists they go through the ceremony three times until she is satisfied everyone knows what to do and where to stand.

“Kevin, move to your left about six inches,” she demands on their second run through, giving Bull a hard look. They’ve all walked in and are standing in formation on either side of the bride and groom.

“Six inches?” Susie Beth nods. “How about ten? Can you handle ten, tiger?” Bull has a smirk on his face as he watches Susie Beth’s face shift from shock to pissed off. Worm can tell there are about to be fireworks. At least maybe the focus will be off him and Allison for a change.

“You have some mighty big fantasies, buster,” Susie Beth spits out through gritted teeth. “Just move like I said.”

“Oh, you have no idea about my fantasies, tiger,” Bull intones in a husky voice, “and I’ll definitely move like you need.”

“Damn!” Allison whispers loudly. Worm peers around Bull to see her fanning herself. Worm can hear some of Emma’s cousins chastising Allison for her cursing. He rolls his eyes and resumes his position.

Minutes later, Susie Beth demands they run through it one last time. On their third trip down the aisle, Worm leans closer to Allison and whispers. “I need you out of that dress, sugar.” He straightens up, peering at her out of his peripheral vision.

Allison’s face is flushed a deep fuchsia. The hand that is gently gripping the crook of his left arm, tightens almost to the point of pain, but her expression remains unchanged from the soft smile she had plastered on when they first arrived to the throng of family and friends who had decided to watch them practice until time for dinner.

When they reach the altar, he goes to the right to stand next with Wallace and the other groomsmen, while Allison heads left to stand with the bridesmaids. It doesn’t take long to finish the last run through. Susie Beth declares it’s time for them to exit.

Allison’s father is the officiant for the ceremony. Allison didn’t get a chance to greet him or her mother before practice began. Mr. Simpson has Emma and Wallace turn to face the crowd and be presented as husband and wife. Then they walk down the aisle and the bridesmaids and groomsmen follow in pairs.

“Alright, dinner will be served in fifteen minutes,” Susie Beth announces when the practice is over. “Everyone should head up to the reserved room on the second floor.” Worm watches as Bull takes Susie Beth’s elbow leading her toward the elevators. Surprisingly she doesn’t resist like Worm would have expected.

“You think we could get away without eating dinner?” Worm asks Allison, who shoots him a look that says maybe. He grins, slipping his arm around her waist with the intent to lead her back to her room.

“Allison?” an older version of Allison calls from the door leading in from where the outdoor ceremony will take place.

“Mom!” Allison exclaims and hurries into the woman’s waiting arms. Worm watches the family reunion take place feeling a bit awkward while waiting for them to finish. “You’ve lost weight, Mom.”

He can hear the concern in Allison’s voice. He takes a long look at the woman, who does appear to have lost a significant amount of weight recently. The skin on her face hangs loosely and her clothes seem to be too large for her.

Allison’s father joins them. “Allison, my girl, you look lovely.” Allison beams up at the man, adoration evident in her gaze. She gives him a tight hug.

“Hi, Dad. How did your appointment go?” Allison turns to her mother.

“Oh fine, dear,” the woman dismisses her. “Who is this?” All three of them turn their gazes on Worm. He’d been hanging just behind Allison. He probably should have gone on up to dinner, but for some reason, he felt like he should wait for Allison.

“Mom, Dad, this is Russell Chapman,” Allison introduces him. “Russell is one of Curtis’s friends and will be my escort for the ceremony, as I'm sure you noticed.” Allison wraps an arm around Russell’s left arm. “Russell, these are my parents, William and Sherry Simpson.”

“It’s good to meet you, sir,” Worm says politely,extending his right hand out to shake William’s. The man might be thirty years his senior and have soft as a baby’s butt hands, but he has a strong grip. “And you as well, ma’am.” Worm turns to shake Mrs. Simpson’s hand.

“Oh, come here,” the older woman waves his hand away and pulls him into a hug. “It’s so nice to meet you, young man.” She releases him. “I hope you didn’t mind. I’m a hugger.” The woman’s giggles are so much like Allison’s. “It seems the two of you are getting along well.” Her eyes darting between him and Allison for a moment.

“Mom,” Allison’s tone is a warning. Worm suppresses the urge to grin and encourage the woman further. He doesn’t want to make Allison uncomfortable. “We should get upstairs for dinner. Susie Beth will have a fit if we’re late.”

“Oh, yes,” Mrs. Simpson agrees. “She’s always been a little feisty. Has she settled down with a man yet?” Allison shakes her head. “Well I’m sure it won’t be easy for her to find a man who will tolerate her outlandish behavior. Maybe Emma settling down will help Susie Beth to calm down some. Give her an example.”

Worm is shocked at the woman’s judgement, although he supposes he shouldn’t be after everything he has seen and heard from other members of the family this week. Allison takes his arm again.

“Let’s go,” she murmurs and they all pile into the next elevator.

“So, you’re in the service, too?” Mrs Simpson asks the moment the doors close.

“Yes, ma’am,” Worm answers. “I’ve been in for ten years.”

“You’re planning to make a career of it?”

“Yes, I suppose I am.” Worm replies. “That was the plan when I joined.” The woman looks at him. He isn’t sure if he’s seeing concern or disappointment on the woman’s face.

“Isn’t it difficult to have, um, romantic relationships?”

“Mom!” Allison exclaims with a nervous laugh.

“Sherry.” Mr. Simpson chides, shaking his head. “Don’t start matchmaking. Leave the kids alone.” Mrs. Simpson looks chagrin, but also disappointed she’s been shot down on her line of questioning.

Thankfully they reach the room full of tables covered with white tablecloths and set with fancy place settings. Worm leads Allison inside, her parents trailing behind them. All of the tables have little white cards with burgundy writing on them, matching the wedding theme colors. It seems they have assigned seating.

“Allison, you and Russell are seated over here,” Susie Beth directs them to the table at the front of the room. Wallace and Emma are standing behind their seats in the middle of the long table.

Everyone is standing around chatting, like they aren’t sure what to do. The sound of metal on glass draws everyone’s attention to the front of the room. Worm peers around those standing to his left, toward where Wallace is standing.

“Please everyone take your seats. The servers will be in with the first course in a few moments,” Susie Beth announces to the room. There’s a hum of voices and chairs scraping on the wooden floor as the crowd takes their seats.

Worm holds out Allison’s chair for her, scooting it in once she’s seated. He takes his seat beside her, noting that all of the wedding party is seated at this table, including Susie Beth and Bull. Bull is leaning into Susie Beth’s side, seeming to whisper something to her. Worm is fascinated at the expressions flitting over her face, annoyance, shock, embarrassment, and desire?

Susie Beth whips her head in Bull’s direction, likely intending to tell him off as she’s been doing this entire week, but Bull is ready for her. His hand grasps the back of her head, pulling her mouth to his. Worm has to look away from the intensity of the kiss which is reminiscent of the kisses he’s shared with Allison.

Worm glances back in time to see Bull release her. Susie Beth sways a little then turns back to the table grabbing her glass of water and downing it in a few seconds. No one else seems to have noticed the exchange. It seems Worm and Allison won’t be the only ones getting busy tonight, if that exchange is anything to go by.

The waiters and waitresses arrive bringing the first course. The room is filled with clanking silverware and murmured voices.

“So, Allison, how are things going in California?” Emma asks leaning around Wallace to peer over at them. “Are you still working on the story about human trafficking?”

Worm frowns. Allison had told him she was an investigative journalist, but hearing the topic of her current story causes worry for her safety to flood through him.

“Yes, but it’s not going as well as I’d like,” Allison’s nose scrunches with a frown. “I’ve written several articles in an attempt to bring awareness to what is happening, but most of the news outlets haven’t published them, claiming I don’t have enough evidence to support my assertion that a high number of children have gone missing in the last couple of years.”

“That must be frustrating,” Emma replies and Allison nods.

“Yes, especially since I have proof the numbers of missing children aged nine to seventeen has nearly doubled in the last two years,” Allison informs them. “I have reason to believe someone with a lot of power is involved in keeping this quiet, but I haven’t been able to find the evidence I need to prove it.”

“This sounds like a dangerous undertaking, sugar,” Worm comments. His unease grows with every detail she gives of this story. “There might be a good reason they are keeping the story out of the press. Perhaps they’re working to catch those responsible and your story might blow their operation up before they can make the arrests.”