Page 132 of Crash

“Now, Cupcake.”

I came harder than I ever came in my life, throbbing around his shaft. All while he thrust into me hard and fast, until, finally, he stilled. Spent.

It took us a minute to get our breaths, and when we were done, Blake immediately helped put my gown back into the right position.

Miraculously, we hadn’t spilled champagne or fluids on the outside of the gown.

“We’re having another round of that at home,” Blake said, kissing my forehead.

As we stepped out of the gazebo, we gave our clothes a few last adjustments. Anyone watching would know what had happened, what with two lovers emerging from a romantic, secluded spot in the garden. My lipstick was surely smeared, and I could feel the slight sheen of sweat on my neck while Blake’s dark hair was still slightly mussed. My plan was to make a beeline for the ladies’ room, but after just five steps, I froze.

Because there, standing just around the corner, was Eli. How he’d scored an invitation to this wedding and how he’d gotten past the waiter still guarding the door, I couldn’t be sure. But what I could be sure of was the look on his face, which was absolute pain. His usual confident posture was gone, replaced by something smaller, more fragile.

I could read the devastation in his eyes as he scanned me, then Blake, who wrapped a possessive arm around my waist. I wanted to say something to him, but before I got the chance, Eli walked off, vanishing into the sea of people inside the ballroom.

“I need to talk to him,” I said.

Because I owed him an apology. I couldn’t imagine how heartbreaking it was, not only to get broken up with, but to see me truly in love, knowing I’d just shared an intimate moment with my new boyfriend.

All after being accused of poisoning me.

67

TESSA

Eli walked up to me.

“Can you give us a minute?” I asked Blake.

He didn’t like my ex, that much was obvious, but after flashing a possessive glare at Eli, he pressed a kiss to my temple and nodded.

“I’ll be at the bar,” Blake said, reluctantly ambling off to give us space.

“Champagne?” Eli offered, somehow having materialized two flutes without me noticing.

I accepted one with a polite smile. “I didn’t realize you’d be coming today.”

“Sold a house to the groom’s mom.” He took a sip. “She was so appreciative that she offered me an invitation. Said she wanted to help me drum up business.”

“So, this was a business event for you too?”

“Passed out business cards,” he admitted with a sheepish grin. “Felt dirty, doing it.”

I laughed. “Don’t. I’m happy for you, Eli. Your career is really taking off.”

“Yours too,” he said, clinking his glass against mine. “Cheers.”

As I took a sip, I noted how the reception was winding down. The dance floor had thinned, leaving scattered couples swaying to the music. Through the windows, the city lights twinkled like warning signals I couldn’t quite read.

“So, it’s official,” Eli said, his voice taking on an edge I’d never heard before. “You chose him.”

I frowned.What a weird thing to say, given it had never been a competition.

“I’m sorry it didn’t work out between us.”

“Don’t be.” He waved his hand dismissively, but his knuckles were white around the stem of his glass. “I’m happy for you, Tessa.”

The strain in his voice, the odd tension in his posture, told me he was still hurt. Of course he was.