“Ready to go?”

Nate looked down at me as I sat on my bed, adjusting the strap of my right stiletto shoe.

“Almost.” I kept fiddling with the buckle, trying to tighten the strap to no avail. Nate sank down in front of me, a sly grin playing on his face.

“What do you think you’re doing down there?” I asked, arching my brow.

“Nothing that isn’t G-rated,” he said as he fixed my shoe strap for me. “You have a dirty mind.”

I grinned. “Can you blame me after the last few days?”

We’d decided to spend our last three vacation days before the wedding doing nothing but having fun. As such, the last seventy-two hours had been filled with walks on the beach, snorkeling adventures, kayaking around the islands, succulent restaurant meals (avoiding seafood, for obvious reasons), live music, and even an off-road ATV adventure tour in the forested, slightly mountainous part of Saint Arnaud.

In between all that, we’d somehow managed to find ample time for sex. I’d actually lost count of how many times we’d ravaged each other’s bodies, but believe me, I wasn’t complaining about that one bit.

Nate chuckled. “Fair point.”

“I’m ready now, by the way,” I said, gesturing to my shoe.

Nate took my arm and led me out of the room. We made our way to the elevator, and then down to one of the resort’s restaurants, which Libby and Bobby had booked out for the rehearsal dinner. Nate and I hadn’t actually been at the wedding rehearsal at the church earlier, since we weren’t in the wedding party, but we were still invited to the dinner upon Libby’s insistence, seeing as I was family.

When we stepped into the restaurant, we found that we were the last of the attendees to arrive. We weren’t late, but everyone else had shown up together, seeing as they were all at the rehearsal earlier. The place was gorgeous—crisp white interior with silver accents, candles everywhere, and a picturesque view from the enormous window on the edge. As it was dark now, the silvery ocean outside was dotted with glittering golden lights from all the boats and yachts out there, making the view that much more impressive.

Before us stood a long table covered with a white tablecloth and runner, and Libby stood up and waved to us. “The only two seats left are those ones,” she said, pointing to two empty seats at the end of the table. “Sorry.”

I smiled. “That’s okay,” I called back. “We’ll still be able to—”

I didn’t finish my sentence, because my shoe strap suddenly loosened itself again, and I stumbled forward on the hardwood parquetry floor. As I slipped, I almost fell into Bobby, who’d made a beeline for Nate and me when he saw us come in.

The brothers both reached out to rescue me from the fall. Bobby quickly realized that Nate had me, so he drew back and awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck. “Hey.”

“Hi,” I said with a smile before stooping to fix my shoe again.

Nate cleared his throat. “Hi,” he echoed.

He still hadn’t gone to talk to Bobby about everything yet, like we’d discussed the other day. Seeing as neither of us were sure how it would go, we figured it would be best if he waited till after the wedding, just in case it started any drama. After all, contrary to my mother’s initial thoughts, we weren’t here to ruin the wedding.

Bobby dragged a hand through his thick hair. There was a thin sheen of sweat on his face. “I just wanted to… er… apologize for the other day,” he said. “I hope I didn’t cause an argument.”

“Oh, it’s fine,” I said, patting his arm. He was clearly nervous.

I gave Nate a side-eyed glance to see how he was reacting. He simply nodded. “It’s fine,” he said, echoing my words again.

“Good. It wasn’t my intention to cause any issues. I….” Bobby trailed off and rubbed his chin. “Look, Nate, I also wanted to say I’m glad you’re going to be here for my wedding. You know, despite all the shit.”

Nate nodded curtly. “Yeah, me too,” he said.

There was an uncomfortable silence for a moment. Clearly, no one knew quite what to say next.

“Well, enjoy the dinner,” Bobby finally said. He turned and took a few steps away, but Nate called out a second later.

“Wait. Bobby, stop.”

My eyes widened. I’d never heard Nate call his brother by his nickname before. Apparently Bobby hadn’t heard it for a long time either, because he turned around, his eyes like saucers. “Yeah?”

Nate cleared his throat. “When we’re back in the city, would you wanna grab a beer sometime?”

Bobby looked utterly stupefied. “You mean… really? With me?” He looked behind him for a second, as if he genuinely couldn’t believe Nate was asking him out for a drink.

Nate’s lips curled into something that could almost be described as a faint smile. “I was just thinking, it might be time for us to have a talk. And I know you like beer, so….” He trailed off and shrugged.

“I’d like that.” Bobby nodded vehemently. “How about I give you a call once Libby and I are back from the honeymoon?”

Nate nodded. “Sure.”

My heart swelled with pride and happiness. I was so glad he trusted my judgment enough to try and make things up with his brother. I knew it wasn’t easy for him, after all the years of resentment, but I had a feeling it would be a massive weight off his shoulders if he found it in his heart to forgive his brother and try to move on.

I just hoped I wasn’t wrong about Bobby.

Nate held out a hand, and Bobby slowly yet firmly shook it. Then he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Nate in a tentative hug, his eyes glistening with tears. “I really am glad you’re here,” he muttered, his voice husky.

Nate didn’t reply. He simply patted his brother on the back. The embrace was awkward, hesitant, and stiff, but it was still one of the sweetest things I’d ever seen. It was probably also the most contact the two brothers had shared in years, as well as the most civil.

Bobby pulled back and coughed nervously. “Enjoy the dinner,” he said for a second time, giving us a smile and a nod.

We smiled and nodded back at him before heading over to our seats at the end of the long table. I didn’t need to say anything to show Nate how happy I was about what just occurred. We may have only known each other for a month, but we were already able to communicate via gestures and body language, so I knew he could tell how I felt from my crinkled eyes and the beaming smile which refused to leave my face.

The night marched on. Smiling family and friends. Delicious food. Expensive wine flowing in a seemingly endless supply. Libby wasn’t drinking, because she needed to be at her brightest and freshest for the wedding tomorrow, but I indulged in a glass. The ceremony wasn’t till noon, and I didn’t need to spend hours getting my hair and makeup done in the morning, so I could handle a drink. My mom obviously felt the same way, because she knocked back three full glasses before the second course even came out.

Nate looked down the table as she loudly recounted a story about Libby from our childhood, and then he turned his attention back to me. “Any news from Reuben yet?” he asked.

I shook my head. “It’ll take a while.”

“Yeah, I figured. Just excited, that’s all.”

I smiled. “Oh, I know. I am too.”

Nate looked back down the table at my mother, and then he leaned forward. “I’m half expecting to wind up with a bunch of footage of your mom roaming around in a black cat suit.”

“Don’t forget the sack slung over her shoulder with a dollar sign emblazoned on it.”

He chuckled. “Yup. You know, that little theory of yours about her was far too convincing. I had a dream last night where the feds called me, and they told me it was actually her behind the whole heist.”

I snorted with amusement and held up a hand. “Like I said the other day, it was just an example. She wouldn’t do that.”

Nate smiled. “I know. But what was it you were saying about her coming into a bunch of money recently? You never elaborated.”

“Libby and I noticed she suddenly has a bunch of new, expensive stuff, and she’s been lying to us about where it came from,” I said in a hushed voice, ensuring none of the nearby bridal party could hear. They were the biggest group of gossips in the world, especially Bianca, the maid of honor.

The smile dropped from Nate’s face. “Wait, what?”

“She told Libby that I bought her a Chanel bag and some diamond earrings with a work bonus. But then she told me that Bobby bought them for her. Other stuff, too.”

His brows furrowed. “Why would she lie?”

I shrugged. “I’m pretty sure she has a rich new boyfriend who bought the things for her, and she doesn’t want to tell us yet.”

He nodded slowly. “Is that like her, though?”

“Not really. Usually she gets all excited and tells us about new men right away. But I dunno. Maybe she’s changed?”

“Hm. Maybe.”

I leaned forward, wishing I’d used a different example the other day when I was trying to show Nate how the CryptX thief could be someone other than his brother. Clearly, I’d planted a seed in his head, which wasn’t my intention. “Nate, trust me, there’s an innocent explanation. Mom wouldn’t do anything shady.”

He nodded again. “Okay. I trust you.”

“Good. She’s got her bad points, I know, but she would never steal or cheat someone out of anything.”

Nate smiled. “I know what you mean about the good points. The other night when you were sick, she fussed over you so obsessively. It was cute.”

I groaned at the reminder of the food poisoning. “I don’t even remember most of that night.”

“I do. She stayed for hours,” he said. He looked down the table at Mom again, then back at me. “She might be a bit nutty, but I think she’s gotta be a decent woman overall. She really cares about you and your sister, even if she has a funny way of showing it sometimes.”

“A very funny way,” I said with a thin smile as I recalled all the times she’d berated me for being single.

We lapsed into a comfortable silence as the dessert course arrived. As we dug into the vanilla soufflé, we heard my mother’s voice drifting down the table again. “Oh, I just can’t believe it. Twenty-four hours from now, my youngest girl won’t even be a virgin anymore. I’m getting so old!”

I looked down the table. Libby shot a meaningful glance at me from her seat, and I raised my brows and grinned back at her. She stuck her tongue out.

Nate leaned forward. “Does your mother think you’re a virgin too?” he asked, eyes twinkling with humor.

I snickered. “Doubt it. She’s seen you. I’m sure she knows no woman could resist you, even if they were a virgin when they met you.”

He licked his spoon and raised an amused brow. “So she thinks I’ve defiled her precious daughter, huh?”

I smiled slyly. “I certainly wouldn’t mind being defiled right now,” I murmured, leaning even closer. “The way you’re licking that soufflé off the spoon is giving me some ideas.”

Nate grinned. “I have an idea too,” he said, eyes lit with an inviting gleam.

“Oh?” I tilted my head to the side.

“I saw a nice little spot when I went to the bathroom earlier. Down the hall, there’s a little balcony with a side view, and with the way it’s designed, I think there’s an alcove on either side of it.”

“Uh-huh. So what’s your idea?” I said, slowly licking my own spoon to tease him.

“You already know,” he murmured, his face only inches from mine now.

I giggled softly. “Can we sneak away?”

We pulled back and looked down the table. Everyone was either drunk or engrossed in conversation. Nate and I carefully stood up and slipped away as quietly as possible, trying to look inconspicuous as we headed down the hall in the direction of the restrooms.

“It’s here,” Nate said, pulling me toward an open glass door. “See?”

It really was small. Most passersby wouldn’t even realize there was a balcony here if it weren’t for the breeze coming through. But it was big enough to fit us around the side in the little nook without anyone seeing from the hall.

“What if someone is down there?” I asked, leaning over the balustrade. It was too dark to see anything other than the ocean and glinting lights below.

“Then someone will be getting a show,” Nate said, wrapping one arm around my waist. His free hand pulled my face toward him, and he crushed his mouth to mine.

I released a half gasp, half moan as he kissed me, pulling me closer to him and the hardness growing in the front of his pants. I rocked against him, grinding on it, and his hand traveled up the skirt of my dress. The arm around my waist snaked upwards and around to untie the pussy bow on the front of my dress before delving inside to cup my breasts in their bra cups. The hand up my dress grazed the swell of my ass, and I let out a moan as Nate squeezed it.

Part of me still worried about people below seeing us, or someone walking in on us from up here, but a far bigger part of me didn’t care about anything other than being with Nate, however he wanted me.

“Nate… I want....” I tried to choke out the words, but it was almost impossible to speak over the thick desire coursing through me. Every time I tried to get another word out, a moan would rise up in its place instead.

“What do you want?” Nate asked, his breath hot against my ear.

I finally managed to eke out two more words. “Touch me.” I shuddered against him as his thumb grazed my nipple.

“Gladly.”

The hand on my ass moved around, fingers tracing the outline of my mound through my panties. My body arched as two fingers slipped beneath the fabric and pushed inside me.

“You’re so fucking tight,” Nate grunted against my ear, his voice hoarse and rough. “So wet.”

“Just for you….” My legs began to shake as his clit circled my thumb.

Nate’s lips moved down to my neck, kissing and nipping at me as his hand worked my pussy, teasing and finger-fucking me until I was dripping all over him. Then his mouth was on my left breast, sucking my nipple as it peeked from the top of my lacy bra cup. I let out another loud moan. “More!” I said, my voice racked with urgency. “Faster.”

Nate’s fingers curled inside me, hitting the sweet spot on my front wall, and his thumb sped up its movements on my clit until my breathing turned ragged. A few more swipes and I was coming on his hand as a succession of gasps spilled from my lips.

My legs were shaking so hard that I almost collapsed as Nate pulled his hand away, but he held me up in his strong arms, a smile playing on his lips. “Now it’s my turn,” he said, grabbing one of my hands and placing it on the front of his now-unzipped pants. His cock was so hard I could practically feel it pulsing beneath the fabric.

I was about to slide my hand inside when the staccato sound of nearby footsteps made me spring back. “Shit, someone’s coming!”

Nate cursed and quickly zipped himself back up as I smoothed down the skirt of my dress. A few seconds later, Libby stepped out onto the balcony and let out a long, heavy sigh. When she looked to her right and caught sight of us, the sigh morphed into a startled cry. “Oh! I didn’t know you two were here,” she said, taking three steps backwards.

I stepped toward her, my cheeks burning. Nate hung back. “Sorry. We were just getting some fresh air,” I said hurriedly.

“Great minds think alike,” she replied.

I crinkled my forehead. “You okay?”

“Yeah, I just needed a little break. Mom was trying to give me advice on ‘how to please a gentleman in the bedroom’,” she said, making air quotes. “I had to escape.”

“Oh, god.” I groaned. “I think she’s had a bit too much to drink.”

Libby snickered. “Tell me about it.” She shook her head slowly and looked up at the stars.

I took one step closer. “You sure you’re okay?” I asked in a hushed voice. “I know you must be nervous. The wedding’s coming up in just a few hours now.”

“I’m fine, really.” She quickly looked over my shoulder at Nate, then back at me, lowering her voice as well. “You were right the other day. Just silly little jitters. I spoke to Bobby, told him everything. He took it really well, and we’re still great.”

I smiled and nodded with satisfaction. “Good, because I can’t wait to see you in that dress.”

“I can’t wait either. But anyway, this balcony is a bit too small to fit all of us….” Her voice trailed off, and she arched a brow at me. “By the way, speaking of dresses, yours is undone.”

My hands flew to my front, deftly tying the two ends of the pussy bow back together so that my bra wasn’t hanging out. “We’ll, um... we’ll be back inside soon,” I said, my cheeks burning even hotter.

Libby winked. “Take your time.”

She went back inside and disappeared into the hallway. I turned back to Nate and stepped toward him. “Well, she totally knows what we were up to,” I said with an embarrassed grin.

He grinned back at me and shrugged. “Oh, well. At least your mom didn’t catch us.”

“True. But on the bright side, if she did, she’d probably never try to give me bedroom advice. Not when she knows I’ve already graduated to balconies.”

He chuckled. “Always a silver lining.”

I cocked my head to the side. “It’s weird. For the first week we were here, I was so worried about us getting caught out as a fake couple, but now all we’re worrying about is getting caught hooking up like high schoolers.”

“We’ve done a real one-eighty.” He winked and pulled me closer to him. “Now, where were we before we got interrupted?”

I giggled, then let out another series of breathy moans as he peppered my neck with kisses. Part of me still couldn’t believe I was actually here with a genuine boyfriend after all the fakery and games, but the lips on my skin reminded me that it was all true. Nate was mine, and I was his. We were going to slay that wedding tomorrow as a couple.

A real couple.