I gaze around the room, still taking all of it in. At the tables decorated with floral center pieces, at the massive chandelier, the waiters gliding by, the flamboyant outfits in the room, at the cards explaining that it’s been 110 years since the hotel opened its doors to guests for the first time, along with some other historical facts about the place. I’m glad these things distract me from the monotonous speeches.

Dessert is brought to our table. Delicate filo pastry parcels filled with rich gooey dark chocolate with a tiny jug of caramel sauce to pour over the top. And finally, there’s a round of applause as the last speech is over.

“I hope it wasn’t too boring for you, Lauren,” Jackson’s Mom says to me.

“Oh no, not at all. I’ve enjoyed the evening, thank you.”

His Dad starts laughing. Jackson was right, the change in him is astounding. He’s been charming all night. “You don’t need to humor us,” he says, grinning, his eyes twinkling just like Jackson’s. “I’m sure there are a hundred places you’d rather be tonight!”

I smile. He’s trying to put me on the spot. “I wouldn’t say that,” I protest. “It’s not often I get the chance to dress up and come to such a beautiful place. Some of the speeches were a little…well, long, but yours I very much enjoyed. And the food has been fantastic.”

I take a spoonful of desert as if to prove my point.

“I see,” his Dad continues. “And what, if I may ask, did you particularly enjoy about my speech?”

I rack my brain trying to remember something notable. But all I can think of is how proudly he spoke of the industry and in regards to Jackson. “I just thought it was very heartfelt and genuine.”

“It was, Dad. It was great,” Jackson interjects.

I squeeze Jackson’s leg under the table for coming to my rescue, and he smiles indulgently at me.

“So, did David forgive you for not going to Tahoe?” his Mom asks.

He laughs. “It was Joe who was the main problem. He is still mad at me for ruining his party, David was cool about it. We sorted it out. He understood.”

“I’m looking forward to meeting the mysterious Pamela,” his mother says.

This got my attention. Pamela? And Pam’s bridegroom is called David. It can’t be… Surely not. “Hang on a minute,” I interject. “Pamela?”

“Yes, David met her in Africa, isn’t that right, Jackson?”

“What’s the date of the wedding?” I ask, my brain whirring away.

Jackson’s looking at me, confused. Then he clicks. “Your friend, Pam? No way! It’s… umm.”

“It’s on the 6^th,” his Mom finishes for him, and then turns to me in surprise. “Do you know Pamela, Lauren?”

“I can’t believe it,” I say. “Yes, it must be the same Pamela and David.”

“This is crazy,” Jackson says, shaking his head, laughing.

“She’s been one of my best friends since high school,” I explain to his parents. “I’m going to be one of her bridesmaids.”

“So I guess you didn’t need to invite Lauren, after all!” His dad says with a laugh. “She’s a more important guest than you.”

“It means I can take Danny as my plus one instead of you,” I tell Jackson, winking. I can’t wait to text Pam and tell her the strange coincidence.

We file out of the room after dinner, back to the hall where we started the evening. There’s a bar at one end and a band at the other. They start playing some old songs from the sixties, music that reminds me of my childhood.

“Wanna dance?” Jackson asks me.

I don’t know if I can still remember how to waltz, but I nod.

He takes my hand, leads me to the middle of the floor where other couples are swaying. His arm wraps around my waist and mine around his shoulders. Then he twirls me away. It is like a dream. Looking into his eyes, I couldn’t be happier.

“Your Dad’s like a different person,” I say to Jackson.

“I know, I’m so glad he’s happier. For Mom’s sake more than anything.”

I giggle. “I know all about difficult fathers! You’ll have to meet my Dad soon.”

“I’d love to. You don’t talk about him very much.”

“I guess I’m closer to my Mom. Dad always wanted a son I think.”

“Aw, how wrong he was. You’re perfect. I’m sure he would have been proud of you tonight. You look amazing!”

I smile. “I’m glad everyone else is really dressed up too. I was worried everyone would be looking at me.”

“Oh, they were.” He winks at me. “Every single guy in the room was jealous of me tonight.”

“Stop it!” I hit him playfully, trying to not blush.

“Let’s go get a cocktail,” he says as the song comes to an end.

His parents are at the bar, smiling at us and to my amusement Jackson looks a little embarrassed.

We say our goodbyes and wave them off, and as soon as they’re out of sight, Jackson turns to me then kisses me long and deep, hugging me tight. “Shall we get out of here?”

I nod. I’ve been longing to be alone with him again!

We slip out of the venue and back upstairs to our beautiful room where more flowers have been delivered and a fresh bottle of champagne is awaiting us in the living room. Jackson pops it open and we toast to a successful night. To be honest, I’m a little relieved it’s all over, although it was much better than I’d expected.

He catches my hand, pulling me towards him. He strokes my face, and looking deep into my eyes, captures my lips in a fiery kiss. Then when he pulls his lips from mine, he states, “I am the luckiest man in the world. Do you know why?”

“Tell me,” I ask, pretending to be so sophisticated by rolling my eyes.

“Because…I get to see what’s underneath the dress,” he replies as his hand goes around to my back and gently pulls the zipper all the way down, letting the dress fall to the floor. “You are stunning, Appleton,” he growls fiercely.

I feel a lurching sensation in my chest, then his hands start gliding over my naked torso, cupping my breasts, and gently pinching my nipples, making me gasp. I’ve never wanted anyone so much in my life.

He scoops me up with ease and carries me, naked but for the smallest red thong in the world, to the bedroom. I let out a yelp when he throws me onto the huge bed. Petals fly everywhere. He takes off my shoes one by one, carefully undoing the tiny buckles and tossing them on the floor.

I lie there and look up at him in awe. Watching as he unbuttons his shirt and flings it away. My eyes feast on his toned and tanned beautiful body. There’s nothing more that I want than to feel his naked flesh on mine.

I sit up and crawl towards him, our eye contact so intense I can’t look away. Reaching for his pants, I unbuckle his belt, undo the top button, and very, very, very slowly pull the zipper down. I run my hands over his black briefs, his cock already beautifully hard.

Jackson groans low in his throat as I touch him.