Holy Frigging Matrimony - A Tangled Series Short Story (The Tangled Series) by Emma Chase

Chapter One
    I S IT I N A H IGH -B ACKED C HAIR in the corner of the bedroom in a suite at The Plaza hotel, flipping through the advertisement-packed pages of Bride Magazine . Female-targeted ads are ridiculous. I don’t care how “flawless” looking the makeup claims to be; if you don’t already look like a Victoria’s Secret model, no cover-up in the world is gonna make you look like one.
    Another thing I don’t get—everyone always raves about The Plaza, but the room is wall to wall florals—the bedding, the upholstery, the framed pictures. It looks like it was designed by a deranged Mistress Mary, quite contrary- obsessed grandmother. I shift in the chair, trying to get comfortable, but the seat was obviously made to be “looked at” not “sat in.” I give up on the magazine and wait.
    Waiting for what, you ask?
    For Kate, of course.
    She’s behind the closed bathroom door, probably taking a bath. And she doesn’t know I’m here yet. It’s going to be a surprise. A lust-filled, haven’t-seen-her-in-twenty-four-hours-and-I-can’t-wait-to-get-inside-her kind of surprise.
    You have no idea what’s going on right now, do you? Well, hang on; you’ll figure it out shortly.
    Because the bathroom door opens, and Kate steps into the bedroom. And like a dog who hasn’t seen his master all day, my lonely cock lifts its head at the sight of her.
    She holds a champagne glass filled with bubbly, orange liquid. Her hair is twisted up in a high knot, while delicate, curling strands brush against her damp neck. She’s wearing a short, red silk robe that leaves little to the imagination—which is exactly why I bought it for her.
    I smile when she sees me. Her beguiling brown eyes widen. “Drew?” She glances at the door. “What are you doing here? You’re not supposed to be here.”
    “I know. I snuck in. I’m stealthy like that.”
    She steps towards me. “If Dee sees you, she’s going to freak out.”
    I scowl at the mention of Kate’s psychotic best friend, whose mission in life is to interfere with mine. “Screw Dee. I wanted to see you.”
    Last night was the first night we’ve spent apart since Kate moved in with me. Now, you might think that one night shouldn’t be that big a deal—but you’re wrong. Ask any recovering drug addict which night of detox was the worst? When they were hungriest for a fix? The initial hours of withdrawal are always the hardest.
    Kate smiles forgivingly, but reminds me, “The guys aren’t supposed to see the girls before the reception. It’s a tradition.”
    I stand up and pull Kate flush against me, because seeing her, smelling her vanilla- and lavender-scented skin, makes touching her a must. “It’s a stupid fucking tradition. And that’s not even accurate—the actual rule is the groom isn’t allowed to see the bride before the ceremony . Delores just made up this shit up to make me miserable.”
    Are you starting to figure it out now?
    Kate giggles. “Because everything is always about you, right?”
    “Well…yeah.”
    I lean in to kiss her lips, but she leans back. “You can’t stay here.”
    I counter her dodge with a move towards her neck. I kiss and suck the sensitive skin above her collarbone. Delicious .
    I mumble against her, “Sure I can.”
    Kate tilts her head with a sigh, giving me more room to taste, even while she argues, “And when Dee finds out you’re here?”
    “If Delores comes in this room, she’s going to get an eyeful.” I chuckle. “Maybe she’ll go blind. Or she’ll learn something—lucky Matthew.”
    Kate sees the wisdom of my words. Or else she’s just as horny as I am. Her body relaxes against mine and her arms tighten around my shoulders, giving in.
    Victory is mine .
    My hand slides beneath her robe, palming her soft, gorgeous tit. And I whisper, “Tell me you missed me last night.”
    She pushes against my hand, wanting more. “I did.”
    I trail light, tickling kisses down her chest and bend my knees to reach