Holiday Games

Chapter Nine

The skies were gray and ominous on Jenna and Ty’s wedding day for the entire day, the threat of snow hanging heavy in the air. Liz was certain that at any moment she’d see thick flakes come down from the sky. But so far they’d held off. Liz was going to keep her fingers crossed.

As they arrived at the church, all she could see were clouds. It was bad enough she was freezing to death in this sleeveless dress. She hoped the heat in the church was working well.

“I’ll see you at the front of the church,” Gavin said as he kissed her good-bye.

“Just like the last time.” She smiled at him, patted his chest, and they walked in opposite directions.

She made her way to the bridal suite, where Jenna’s mother and Tara were lacing up the back of Jenna’s dress.

Jenna looked stunning in a cream taffeta halter dress with a dropped waist and tiers from her hips to the floor. A bow sat at her right hip. It was luscious and elegant and her tattoos made her look beautiful.

Liz stood in the doorway and took a moment to watch Jenna looking at herself in the mirror. The look of awe on Jenna’s face was priceless.

“You look gorgeous, Jenna,” Liz said as she came into the room.

Jenna gave her a serene smile. “It’s kind of hard to believe this is happening. Me, in a wedding dress. Who’d have thought that day would ever come?”

“Me,” Jenna’s mom said, tears in her eyes.

“And me,” Tara said, dabbing her eyes with a tissue.

“Don’t you cry, Mom. I had to sit in a chair this afternoon for hours getting my makeup done. I don’t want to do it again.”

“All of you can stop with the blubbering. We all had to sit through makeup,” Alicia said.

“Southern girls never cry,” Savannah added, sniffling.

“We all look gorgeous,” Liz said, smoothing down her dress. “And no one is allowed to cry. Except maybe Jenna and her mom, but not until the ceremony.”

“You all look so beautiful,” Ty’s mother said. “And especially you, Jenna. My son is a very lucky man.”

Jenna reached over to squeeze Louise’s hand. “Thank you, Mom.”

“We should be starting shortly.” Savannah took her phone out of her clutch. “All we need now are the flowers.”

“They’re here,” Tara said, checking her phone. “I need to get the florist to bring them in here. I’ll be right back.”

Tara ran to get the florist, who came in bearing the most beautiful flowers Liz had ever seen—short of her own wedding, of course. Cream roses and purple lilies highlighted Jenna’s bouquet and were a perfect complement to her dress, and since the bridal party wore purple dresses, they had cream bouquets.

There was a knock on the door. Tara answered, then turned to them. “Five minutes. We should line up.”

Jenna laid her hand on her stomach. “I’ve never been so nervous about anything in my entire life. Even singing for the first time didn’t make my stomach flutter this much.”

Her mom came to Jenna’s side and put her arm around her. “You love Tyler. This is your moment. Be happy, and relaxed.”

Jenna nodded. “You’re right. I am happy. And excited.”

They all stopped out in the foyer. Jenna’s dad was there with a huge grin on his face. “You look beautiful, baby girl.”

Jenna blinked away tears again. “Thank you, Dad. You look pretty handsome yourself.”

“You sure you don’t want to make a run for it? I’ve been working out. We can dash out the front door and into the limo. There’s a game on. We can catch it at Riley’s.”

Jenna laughed. “As tempting as that sounds right now, I think I’m good here, Dad. But thanks for the offer.”

He took her hand and tucked it into the crook of his arm. “Okay, then. Let’s do this.”

Liz could have kissed Jimmy for that bit of levity. It was just what Jenna needed to relax.

Everyone lined up in their positions. Gavin came and walked his mother down the aisle, then Ty’s mother was escorted to her seat.

And as the music started to play, Liz was overcome with dizziness and nausea and leaned against Savannah.

“What’s wrong?” Savannah asked, grasping her arm.

She took in a deep breath, then let it out. “Tight dress. No air. And probably too many flowers.”

“Take deep breaths,” Alicia said.

“Doing that.”

“I can ask them to wait,” Alicia said, a concerned look on her face.

Liz waved them on. “No, I’m good. Let’s get this thing moving.”

The bridesmaids moved down the aisle and Liz tried to quell the dizziness, holding the flowers as far away from her face as she could. The last thing Jenna needed was for Liz to face-plant walking down the aisle at her wedding. When it was Liz’s turn, she breathed as normally as she could, smiled, and concentrated on Gavin’s face. He smiled back at her, and she made it all the way to the altar, though she felt beads of sweat rolling down her back.

Great. Just great. It was probably the flu or something. Talk about bad luck.

But she focused on Jenna coming down the aisle with Gavin’s father, and how beautiful she looked.

She’d get through this. And she was going to be fine.

Nothing was going to ruin Jenna and Ty’s wedding day.

Gavin couldn’t believe that was his little sister coming down the aisle looking so beautiful, so grown up. His throat swelled with emotion as he watched their dad turning her over to Tyler, listened to the two of them making vows to watch over each other, to care for each other in hard times and in good times, and promise to love each other forever.

He wasn’t an emotional sort, wasn’t the kind to get choked up over things, but this was his sister, the one he’d teased mercilessly when they were kids. He’d pulled her hair and laughed when she ran to Mom about it. But he’d also picked her up and carried her into the house when she’d fallen off the swing and broke her arm.

She might have been his to tease, but she’d also been his responsibility to look after.

Now she wasn’t his responsibility anymore. She was Tyler’s. She was an adult and she was getting married. He’d had to pass the torch on to another man who’d take care of her when she was hurt, who’d calm her fears and tease her and laugh with her.

He realized he had tears in his eyes. He quickly swiped them away, then looked over at Mick, whose eyes were also filled with tears. Mick crooked a smile and nodded at him, and he knew Mick felt the same things he did.

And okay, maybe Jenna was getting married today, and he knew Ty was a great guy and would always take care of her, but he and Mick would always be there for her, no matter what.

Because they were Rileys. And nothing would ever tear them apart.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

As Jenna and Ty kissed, the church exploded in applause, music pealed, and the wedding party began to descend from the altar.

Gavin met up with Liz, who looked a little pale, but smiled as she slipped her arm in his. They did their part for the photographer, but when they reached the back of the church, he turned to her.

“Are you all right?”

She tipped her head to the side. “I’m fine. Why?”

“You look pale.”

“Huh. Maybe I need more blush. And here I spent all that time getting my makeup done. I should ask for a refund.”

He laughed. “Seriously, are you okay?”

“My dress is a little tight and I think they had the heat up a little high in the church. Wasn’t it warm in there?”

“Not that I noticed. Why? Were you having hot flashes?”

“Kind of.”

“Hard to believe considering how little you’re wearing.”

She tapped his arm. “I’m wearing plenty.”

They were pulled apart then to greet guests on the way out. Then they had photos in the church. Gavin kept his eye on Liz, though, who smiled and seemed okay, but still looked pale. There was a winter flu going around, and the last thing she needed right now was to get sick. They had to host the holidays with the family next week, and he knew she was stressed about that, plus the whole trying-to get-pregnant thing. She’d had a lot on her mind lately, and he hadn’t been helping in trying to relax her.

He’d have to work on that.

After photos, they headed downtown to the Hyatt for the reception. Since they’d checked in to the hotel earlier in the afternoon, their car was parked there and they all got to take the limo to the hotel. Ty and Jenna still had photos with all the parents, then they’d come over in their limo. In the meantime, the bridal party was finished, so they were headed over to the reception.

“Glad to be done with all those photos. It was like being at a game. Only with fewer interviews.” Cole cracked open a bottle of champagne.

“It wasn’t that bad,” Savannah said.

“That’s because you’re beautiful and you should have your photo taken every day.” Cole kissed her cheek and handed her a glass.

He started pouring champagne into glasses and handing them around the limo. Mick handed Liz a glass, but she passed it on to Gavin.

“Not drinking?” he asked.

“I’m pacing myself. It’s going to be a long night.”

“And she doesn’t want to end up naked table-dancing too early,” Gavin said.

Mick laughed. “I’ll keep my camera phone ready for that.”

Tara nudged him. “You will not. And no one will be naked table-dancing.”

“Are you sure about that?” Savannah asked. “You can’t vet everyone on the guest list.”

Tara sighed. “So true. Let’s hope no one dances on the tables tonight.”

“You’re no fun,” Mick said.

“My date is stripper,” Ty’s friend Victor said. “She could dance naked on tables.”

Everyone looked at him. Victor laughed. “Just joking. She is kindergarten teacher.”

“I’m telling Felicia you called her a stripper,” Eddie said.

“You do that and I’ll shove hockey stick up your ass. Also, will tell your date that you’re seeing another waitress.”

Victor and Eddie glared at each other.

Gavin snorted. “I really like these guys.”

It was going to be an interesting night.

The Hyatt was decorated beautifully. The lighting had been set perfectly, the tables were elegant, and the views of the St. Louis Arch were stunning.

“Jenna’s going to love this,” Liz said to Tara. “You did such a wonderful job arranging everything.”

Tara smiled. “Thank you. I hope she’s happy with it.”

They found their places at the head table and took their seats. Liz was happy to sit down. She blew out a breath and tried to quell the queasiness that hadn’t quite gone away yet.

“Would you like something to drink?” Gavin asked.

Her savior. “How about a club soda?”

He frowned. “Still not feeling good?”

“There’s a flu that’s been going around. I’m hoping like hell I haven’t caught it. This couldn’t be a worst time.”

He rubbed her back. “I’ll go get that club soda for you.”

She would not ruin Jenna’s wedding day by being ill. Fortunately, her part was mostly done, photo-wise, but she didn’t want to miss Jenna and Ty’s special day.

Gavin brought her club soda and she took a sip. “Thanks. This will help.”

“If you don’t feel good I can take you up to the room.”

She laid her hand over his. “I think I’ll make it, but thank you. I’m sure the excitement of the night will overcome my stomachache. Besides, you have to dance with me.”

“I can handle that.”

The crowds were filling in, and the photographers had arrived. That meant Ty and Jenna weren’t too far behind them. When she saw their parents arrive and take their seats, she stood, grasping Gavin’s hand.

Soon the deejay announced the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Tyler Anderson. A lump formed in Liz’s throat at the thought of the two of them being married, and she blinked back tears as they entered the ballroom to loud applause from the guests.

They made such a beautiful couple. Liz couldn’t be happier for her friend.

And as Jenna and Ty took the floor for their first dance, Gavin wrapped his arm around her waist while they watched Jenna and Ty sway to a beautiful love song. Just watching them look at each other, it was obvious they were so much in love.

Liz tilted her head back and smiled at Gavin. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

Her heart swelled and she felt like the luckiest woman in the world tonight. Even though it wasn’t her wedding day, she felt reaffirmed in her love for Gavin.

Gavin grasped her hand when they asked the wedding party to take the floor for the next song. Now she was surrounded by family and friends, and she didn’t even notice the photographer hovering close, because she only had eyes for her husband.

His fingers traveled down her back. “You look beautiful tonight.”

“So do you. I have a weakness for a man in a tux.”

“Just any man?”

“Oh, sure. Any random man in a tux that catches my eye will do. You know how easy I am.”

He tugged her close and whispered in her ear. “I should spank you for that.”

She laughed. “Promises, promises.”

After the dance, everyone sat and had dinner, which gave Liz pause, but since her dizziness and nausea seemed to have disappeared, she decided to go ahead and eat.

Gavin looked over at her plate, then back at her. “You sure you’re up for that?”

“Definitely. I really do think it was hot in the church, plus this dress is skintight. Add those two together, plus all the stress with the wedding and Christmas next week, and that’s what got to me. I’m feeling a lot better now.”

He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Good. I hated the thought of you getting sick.”

She was happy about that, too. She began to eat her meal, taking each bite slowly, gauging her body’s reaction.

“You’re certainly savoring each bite,” Tara noticed after Gavin left to go get a beer.

Liz smiled. “It’s fantastic food.”

“I think so, too.”

“Okay, so what do you think so far?” Jenna pulled up one of the empty chairs.

Liz squeezed her hand. “First you made me cry during your ceremony today, you bitch. Second, you made a gorgeous bride. And third, this food is to die for.”

“Everything Liz just said,” Tara added with a nod.

Jenna grinned. “Thank you. Did you see my lip trembling when I was saying my vows to Ty? Oh, my God, I thought I was going to totally lose it and end up sobbing.”

“I might have noticed that,” Tara said.

“Why do you think I ended up crying? I don’t think I teared up as much during my own wedding.”

“Aww, Liz, you’re becoming so sappy and sentimental,” Jenna teased.

“Screw you. I am not. I’m a coldhearted bitch.”

Tara patted her back. “Sure you are.”

She glared at them. “I hate you both right now.”

“It’s no sin to be a marshmallow, you know. Especially around people you love.”

Liz shot a look at Tara. “Fine. But in my professional life, I’ll continue to be cold, calculating, and cutthroat.”

“Of course you will,” Jenna said with a firm nod. “We’d expect nothing less from you.”

“Now that the wedding is over, I know you and Ty are looking forward to the honeymoon. Too bad it has to wait until after hockey season is over,” Tara said.

Jenna shrugged. “We knew when we set the date that hockey season would be in full swing. We’re fine with waiting. And this way we can enjoy two weeks in Tahiti after the Ice season is over.”

“You’re going to love it there,” Liz said. “And it’s a honeymoon worth waiting for.”

Jenna smiled. “I think so.”

Tara grasped Liz’s arm. “Just look at that.”

Liz followed Tara’s gaze to the dance floor, where Nathan and Sonja were dancing. They looked gorgeous together, with Nathan looking much too grown-up in his suit and Sonja absolutely beautiful in a smoking-hot copper-colored cocktail dress.

And they only had eyes for each other.

“Awww, young love. It’s so adorable,” Jenna said.

Tara shot her a look. “Do you think they’re in love?”

“I think they’re hot for each other. One look at them and you can see that.”

Tara worried her bottom lip. “On the one hand, I’m happy for him. I like Sonja. She’s smart and levelheaded and I think she’ll keep him on his toes.”

“On the other hand, you don’t want him to get hurt. Or lose his focus,” Liz said.

Tara nodded.

“You do realize you can’t protect him against everything.” Jenna grasped Tara’s hand. “He’s going to grow up. He’ll get hurt.”

“I know. I’m not one of those clingy mothers who wants to hold on to her babies forever. He has to get out there and make his own way in the world.”

“That’s a good outlook,” Jenna said. “But still, you want what’s best for him.”

“They do look good together, don’t they?” Liz asked. “And maybe she’s what’s best for him right now. She seems to have all the right priorities.”

“I hope so.” Tara watched her son on the dance floor.

Liz turned to Tara. “I had a nice conversation with Sonja at your house. It seemed to me she had her head on straight. I think she really likes Nathan, but she’s putting school first.”

Tara took a deep breath. “That’s what Nathan’s told me. But you know how those hormones are.”

“They won’t screw it up, Tara. I know they won’t.”

Tara nodded at Liz. “I hope you’re right about that. And in the end, he’s an adult now. He has to make his choices—and live with them, right?”

Liz laughed. “So true. Just like we all did when we were that age.”

“Lord, don’t remind me,” Tara said. “Hopefully he’s listened to Mick and to me, and he won’t repeat our mistakes.”

“He’s fine, Tara. He’s awesome, in fact. Now let him get out there and become the amazing adult you know he’s going to become,” Jenna said with a big smile.

Tara’s eyes brimmed with tears. “What would I do without you two?”

“You’d be lost, woman,” Liz said. “Totally lost.”

Tara laughed, then hugged them both.

The night passed in a whirlwind of photos and dancing and a lot of crowds. At least Liz’s nausea had gone away, seemingly for good. She danced with her father-in-law and her brothers-in-law, as well as several of Ty’s teammates. Her feet were sore, she was tired and sweating, and oh, dear God, if she didn’t get out of this dress soon, she was certain it was going to compress some internal organs. She headed over to the table just to take a breather and sip from her glass of water.

This damn dress had fit only two weeks ago during the final fitting. She had to cut down on eating and maybe get a little more exercise.

Damn holidays. And dinners at her mother-in-law’s house. She was enjoying delving into the pasta a little too much lately, and now she was paying the price.

She wanted to sit down and ease her shoes off under the table, and maybe just close her eyes for a second.

She wondered where Gavin was, but she couldn’t find him through the sea of bodies on the dance floor. He was probably somewhere with the guys, no doubt talking sports.

They hadn’t had sex today. They needed to have sex. If they had any chance at all of making a baby, it was important they keep up the daily sex routine. And yes, she was well aware she didn’t ovulate thirty days out of the month, but her cycle was screwed up lately, and the best time to have sex was . . . all the time.

She smiled at the thought. Nothing wrong with practicing, was there? They’d certainly done plenty of that, and she had no complaints. She knew Gavin didn’t.

Just the thought of touching him, kissing him, had her breasts swelling against her oh-my-God-this-dress-is-too-tight bodice.

Now all she had to do was find Gavin, and make a subtle suggestion . . .

Gavin was gathered with the guys at the bar, knocking back another beer and listening to Cole and Mick talk about the games tomorrow. He was stuck in the middle of them grousing about linemen not covering plays and upcoming contract negotiations. But his gaze was on his wife, who leaned against the table and sipped water while she watched the dance floor.

Liz looked tired. He should take her upstairs. He knew she’d object, that she was determined to stay until every guest had left the ballroom. Though he didn’t know why. This party could go on for a while.

He pushed off the bar and headed toward her, circumventing the dance floor and coming around the back of the tables. She hadn’t seen him, though she was looking for him, her neck stretching as she lifted up on her toes to scan the room, which gave him a great view of her fantastic legs. She caught sight of him as he came up on her left and gave him a half smile.

“There you are. Were you at the bar?”

He laid his beer on the table and tugged her close. “I was. Listening to Mick and Cole talk football.”

She rested her palm on his chest. “How . . . riveting.”

“You can’t imagine. How are you feeling?”

“Perfect. And you?”

“Restless. Want to dance?”

She shook her head. “I was actually thinking we could go someplace”—she looked around—“I was going to say private, but I don’t think there’s anyplace secluded in this ballroom.”

“Doesn’t look like it. Grab your purse and come with me.” He took her hand and led her out of the ballroom and toward the elevators. They rode up to their floor.

“It’s a little early to leave for the night.”

He gave her a smile. “Just a short break.”

He inserted the key and opened the door to their suite. Liz laid her bag on the table, went to the sofa, and sat. Gavin went to the bar and pulled out a bottle of sparkling water.

“You read my mind.”

He opened the bottle and poured it into a glass he’d filled with ice and brought it over to her, kneeling in front of her as he handed her the glass.

“This looks promising,” she said as she accepted the glass and took a sip.

Gavin lifted her foot and slipped off her shoes. “Again, I don’t know why you torture yourself by wearing these heels.”

Liz resisted the urge to groan. It felt so good to have those things off. “It was part of the uniform. All the women wore them today.”

“You wear them every day.”

“And you like my legs when I do.”

He tucked the shoes aside and started massaging the balls of her feet. This time she did moan.

“I’d like your legs if you walked around in bunny slippers.”

She laughed at that. “You would. But there’s not a chance in hell that bunny slippers are in my future. Or my shoe closet.”

“Some day you’ll be huge and pregnant and then what’ll you do? You’ll topple over in those things.” He motioned with his head toward her four-and-a-half-inch heels.

She couldn’t help but lay her hand on her stomach and make a very fervent wish that that day would come. “I’ll wear very stylish sandals. But not bunny slippers.”

Gavin raised her leg up and pressed a kiss to her ankle. “This foot would be cute in slippers.”

“Only if they’re sexy kitten-heeled ones.”

“You, my very delicious wife, have a fetish.”

“So do you, my leg-obsessed husband.”

He smoothed his hand over her calves. “You think so?”

“I know so.”

“I have a fetish for you and your sexy body.” He smoothed his hand over her dress, dragging it up and over her thighs. “And I have an obsession about your scent.”

When he kissed her inner thigh, she gasped, unable to help the sounds that escaped her throat when he dragged her underwear down her legs. Her dress was oh-so-tight and she could barely breathe in it, so the fast, in-and-out pants Gavin’s soft kisses along her inner thigh caused were only making it more difficult to catch a breath.

But she’d make any sacrifice if he’d only move his tongue closer. And when he scooted her butt to the edge of the sofa and put his mouth on her clit, she let out a whimper of sweet satisfaction.

“Oh, Gavin, yes. Right there.” He was still fully dressed, and he looked so amazingly sexy in his tux with his head buried between her legs, his mouth doing delicious things to her pussy.

She gripped the edge of the sofa and lifted, giving him access, spreading her legs wider so he could slide his tongue along her folds. He captured the bud between his lips and sucked, and she was lost, shattering in a wild climax that left her shaking.

Then he was above her, kissing her with a deep, soulful kiss. He pulled her up and took her into the bedroom, his hand on the zipper of her dress as they made their way into the darkness of the room.

They didn’t need lights on, just the touch of their hands on each other as Gavin pulled her zipper down. She breathed a sigh of relief as he pulled off her tight dress and laid it on the chair. She turned and undid his tie while he shrugged out of his jacket and went to work on the cuff links.

“Too many parts to this tux,” she whispered, her body vibrating in anticipation of his touch.

Once his buttons were undone, she spread her hands over the warm expanse of his chest.

“I like you touching me,” he said, reaching around to unclasp her bra and remove it.

She resisted the urge to moan in relief as her breasts spilled out. Being naked felt wonderful after feeling so restricted all day. She moved into Gavin and rubbed her breasts over his chest.

“I’m trying to get my pants off here, and you’re distracting me,” he grumbled.

She laughed. “Well hurry up.”

He unzipped and dropped his pants, then lifted her into his arms. “You’re impatient.”

“Just a little.”

He carried her to the bed and pulled back the cover, depositing her in the middle of the bed before coming down next to her. “Is that right?”

She rolled over to face him. “Yes. I’ve been wanting to get you alone all night.”

He framed her face with his hands. “Now we’re alone. And I’m all yours.”

She reached down and grasped his cock in her hand, stroking him. “All of you, huh?”

She raised her leg over his hip and placed the tip of his cock at the entrance to her pussy. He pushed and entered her, but not fully.

“Gavin,” she warned.

He gifted her with that wickedly devilish smile of his that never failed to make her shiver.

“Something you want?”

“Yeah. Your cock.”

“I love when you get demanding. Take it.”

She surged forward and slid onto his cock. Gavin gripped her hip and squeezed as she moved against him, but then he took over, thrusting ever so slowly, torturing her with his movements that never failed to make her wet, to make her pussy clench around his cock.

“Oh, babe . . . what you do to me,” he said, spearing her again even as he swept her hair away from her face so he could kiss her.

Liz lost herself in Gavin’s kiss, in the way he moved within her, his body grinding against hers and taking her right to the peak. And when he rolled her onto her back, deepening the pressure, she wrapped her legs tight around him to hold him where she needed him.

“Yes, there,” she whispered, stroking her hands over his shoulders, tightening them on his arms when she felt her orgasm drawing near.

“That’s it, babe,” he said, deepening and quickening his strokes. He knew her so well, knew her body as well as she did, and recognized when she tightened around him that she was close to the edge. He knew just what to do to make her fall.

He slowed down, and rolled against her, rocking his body against her clit.

“Oh, yes, I’m coming.” She arched against him and shattered.

Gavin slipped his hand under her butt, gripping her tightly as the waves of her climax electrified her. And when he shuddered against her and groaned, it only served to prolong her own orgasm.

When she could breathe again, she realized they were stuck together.

“I’m a mess,” she said, sliding her fingers over his back. “I’ll need a shower before we go back downstairs.”

He rolled over and tugged her next to him. “Or . . . we could just stay here.”

She pondered the thought. “You don’t think we’d be missed?”

“I think they’ll manage just fine without us.”

It was a tempting thought. She was exhausted, and the thought of climbing back into that tight dress made her want to cry.

“Maybe we can just rest here for a few minutes. Then we’ll clean up and go back downstairs.”

“Sure, babe. Whatever you want to do.”

She didn’t make it five minutes before she was out cold.