This Time Around (Maybe)

Epilogue

Ryan

Having Xander and Seph in the same room is awkward as hell, well, at least for me. They keep eye f*cking each other when the other isn’t looking, and sneaking in longing glances whenever they can. I try my best to ignore them, instead concentrating on the celebration around me. Today is the official opening day for Taiya’s dance studio. We decided to have a gathering here so everyone could check the place out. I started the party by getting into the middle of the dance floor and showing off my moves, which made Taiya burst out laughing. Don’t think I’ll be going professional any time soon, unless grinding my hips can get me qualified. It’s just like sex, so I know I’m good at that. I hired a new guy to work at the bar, for events like this where everyone needs to be here. With Sephie working there now as well, I don’t need to go in much, so I’m looking at other business opportunities to keep me busy. I’ve never been one to be idle. I need to be productive.
I see Taiya walk over to me, wearing a yellow sundress. She looks edible.
“Everyone loves it,” she beams, pushing away an errant curl.
“It looks great. You did an amazing job. I’m proud of you,” I tell her, pulling her close to my side.
“Me? This was all you,” she says, going on her tiptoes to give me a kiss on the cheek. I want to ravish her right here and now, but that kiss is going to have to do until we get home.
“This is your dream, beautiful. Now you get to live it.”
When I see her eyes starting to pool with tears, I flinch. “Don’t cry.”
“They are happy tears,” she says, blinking furiously a few times. “And you’re my dream, Ryan. This is just a bonus.”
“You’re so f*cking sweet, Tay. Sweetest girl in the world. Happy tears or not, I still don’t like seeing you cry,” I tell her, playing with the thin strap of her dress. I kiss her on top of her head, and pull her to stand in front of me. I stare at the mirrored walls surrounding the entire wall, and instantly get ideas. All kinds of ideas.
“Ryan, why do you have your sex face on?” Taiya suddenly asks, interrupting my dirty thoughts and making me laugh.
“Sex face?” I have to hear this explanation.
“Yeah, you know, your bedroom face. Like this…” she says, giving me a smouldering look.
My laughter can’t be contained. I can see the others staring at me like I’m crazy, so I just wave at them. Reid stalks over and gives me a weird look.
“Are you on something?” he asks me with a serious face.
I lean against the wall to steady me. “No. I’m just… happy.”
Summer walks over and stands next to me. I wrap my arm around her. “Time for the after party?”
Summer looks at Taiya, “Can I take dance classes here?” she blurts out, looking excited.
“Of course you can,” Taiya says. I see Reid eyeing the mirrors and start laughing again; his face takes on an intrigued look.
“I’m going to have to lock this place up, aren’t I,” Taiya mutters, shaking her head at us. Tag, Dash, Xander, Isis, Seph and Jade walk over, all smiles. They congratulate Taiya once more, and then we head to my apartment for the after party.
Life couldn’t get more perfect.
*****

One week later

“You look so f*cking beautiful,” I whisper, staring down at Taiya. She’s lying in the middle of the bed of our hotel room, dressed in her white gown, looking like a temptress slash virginal sacrifice. We just renewed our vows, and the day couldn’t have been any more perfect.
“Are you going to stare at me all night?” she asks, sounding breathless.
“Amongst other things, yes.”
Her pouty lips tug up into a smile. “I’m waiting,” she says, lifting her arms above her head and thrusts her breast out. My mouth waters, wanting those sweet nipples in my mouth. I take my shirt off and throw it on the floor, followed by my pants and boxer shorts.
“I love you,” I tell her, kissing her with everything I have.
“Show me,” she replies, a challenge in her eyes.
I rip off her dress and do just that.

The End

Chantal Fernando's books