Not Just Play (6 page)

“Gosh, it has been years! You look really great.” She smiled as she pulled away from him.

Blake gave her a light amicable squeeze and held her waist as the three of them walked towards the house. “You look lovely, Garnet. He punched Max lightly on the shoulder. You’re a very lucky man, Max. She’s my dream girl.”

With that, he winked at them both and led them inside. “Come in, the guests are waiting.”

For the first time since her false engagement, Garnet felt a tight knot on her tummy--a feeling that she never expected to feel, not when everything is going so right. She didn’t know what the exact cause is, nor did she have the time to figure out what as her parents and Max’s parents applauded exuberantly as they arrived.

So this is it, Garnet thought. She smiled nervously as she listened to the heart warming speech being delivered by his father. If only he knew. If only they knew.

The celebration began after the announcement of their engagement and the toasts offered by the guests. Max was in a very good mood and spent most of the evening talking to Garnet’s parents. She watched him from afar, as she was sipping a glass of Cristal. He’s so damnably handsome. She would really hate to have to let him go when this farce is all over.

Just when she was starting to get lost in her thoughts, Blake came from out of nowhere. “Would you like to dance, future Sis-in-law?”

She looked up at him. “Oh
Blakey
, I missed you. I’d love to.”

He led her to the dance floor, and they swayed slowly to the music. He looked at her and said. “You’ve grown beautifully, Garnet. I knew that one day you’d be the prettiest girl ever. I think nothing could have prepared me for this. You look mighty lovely.”

He held her waist affectionately and smiled. “I am really happy for you G. I know it’s a bit weird asking you this but, do you love him?”

Garnet’s eyes wavered and she swallowed. What the hell would she answer to that? Of course, she loves Max. Sex is good and he’s handsome, and her parents love him but then...

Her answer was a coy smile. “I guess it is too late to back out now. Max is amazing, Blake. The plus is that, we’d finally be related. Wasn’t that what we wished for that summer?”

He took a deep breath. “Yeah, that summer. I remember.” He breathed deeply and looked across the garden for his brother. He is positively beaming. How could he not, when he’s about to have everything.

She lightly squeezed his arm and grinned at him. “Blake, you look like an absolute playboy. I sincerely hope that you are not causing a lot of women plenty of tears. How about you, are you seeing someone?”

“I just look like a playboy, but Max is the true playboy.” Garnet’s eyes widened so he smiled teasingly. “Am kidding and no, am not seeing someone. Work has kept me busy. Besides, who would have me now?”

“You haven’t change. You’re still oblivious to the female attention you often get. Garnet scanned the entire venue. I could name three ladies eyeing you right now.”

“Are you included in the three?”

Just then, Max swooped in from out of nowhere. “Alright, brother. Your time is up. It’s my turn now.”

Blake shrugged his shoulders and looked directly at Garnet. “Can’t blame him.” With that, he left the dance floor with three easy manly strides.

“Finally, I was able to snatch you away from him.” Max whispered as he held her possessively.

Garnet wrinkled her brows, slightly amused. “What do you mean by that?”

“Don’t tell me you don’t see it.”

“See what?”

“The way Blake looks at you.”

“How does he look at me?” Garnet asked.

“I don’t know but it bothers me. I think he really likes you.”

“Don’t we like that? I mean, he likes me. Don’t you want him to like me? At least, he doesn’t give me the cold shoulder or something like that.”

“You know that’s not what I meant, Garnet. The man obviously LIKES you.”

“Oh Max. Please don’t be silly. He’s Blake. He’s your brother. Maybe he’s just excited to see me. Like I am excited to see him. It’s been years.”

Max sighed. “Whatever. Come here.” With that, he held her even more tightly. We had a deal Garnet. I hope nothing will go against that.”

“Nothing will, Max.”

Garnet held his shoulder and wondered why his tone bothered her. Max is being silly. Blake is Blake.

Six

Garnet raised her sunglasses on the top of her head and sighed in amazement. “Oh, this beach is simply gorgeous!”

“She says that all the time.”, said a woman’s voice in that very familiar French accent.

“
Tante
Gabrielle! She rushed towards her very chic aunt and hugged her. The older woman’s golden bangles clicking and clacking as she moved.

“Oh I missed you, Garnet. And who are these two dashing men?”

“Oh, remember Blake?”

“Nice to see you again Blake.” The woman eyed him curiously.

“
Tante
Gabrielle, this is Max, my fiancé.”

“Hello, Max.” She smiled lightly.

“Come in, everyone. Welcome to my home. You can stay here for as long as you want. Keep me company.”

“We would love that,
Tante
Gabrielle.” Blake said and added, “
Mmmmm
something smells delish.”

Tante
Gabrielle beamed. “I like you, young man. I am baking some lemon tarts for dessert later.”

“Let me show you to your rooms.”

They had their lunch at the backyard patio, with the breeze softly wafting. The food was delicious. They had some delicious clam chowder, some baked chicken and potatoes, and a yummy lemon tart. By the time the meal was over, their tummies were so full.

The two men went to their respective rooms afterwards, while Gabrielle and Garnet stayed in the kitchen for some tea.

“When is the wedding?”
Tante
Gabrielle asked without preamble.

“A couple of months from now.” Garnet said as she took a sip of her favourite hibiscus tea.

“You don’t look ecstatic or happy, dear. Is something wrong?” Gabrielle knew her niece so well to know that there is indeed something not quite so right.

Garnet looked at her reflection on the back of the spoon and sighed. ‘I’m just jet lagged. Of course, everything is fine,
Tante
Gabrielle.”

The older woman touched her niece’s hand and pursed her lips. “If you need a getaway car if you decide to run and leave the poor man at the altar, you know where to find me.” She winked at her.

“Although I must say that all I ever wish for you Garnet is that you find true love. If you don’t love the man, don’t push through with it. No reason will ever make it worth it.”

Garnet felt a lump in her throat but struggled to fight the tears. She looked away as she sipped her tea. This is not the time, she thought. She stood up and hugged her aunt. “You are imagining things,
Tante
Gabrielle. I love you.”

Gabrielle wagged one elegant finger at her. “I may not know everything, but I know you only too well Garnet. I won’t press you. But remember, we are family. You can tell me anything.”

Garnet nodded and kissed her cheek. “Thanks.”

***

Blake’s eyes almost popped as Garnet walked towards the living room wearing a sheer white
kaftan
. Underneath was a pair of skimpy bikinis. Her legs moved confidently, her hair lightly bouncing behind her. He saw plenty of women in bikini before but never has he been this overwhelmed. It was a challenge to seem not to care.

“Hi there, beach babe.” Max greeted. “Ready?”

She smiled at him and nodded. “Very much so.”

“How about you, Blake?” She asked.

Blake cleared his throat and met her eyes. “Maybe later. I have to make some calls. You two enjoy.”

Garnet chuckled. “Okay, busy bee.”

***

The beach is absolutely enchanting----with a long stretch of fine pristine sand and aquamarine blue water. Garnet felt instantly at peace as the gentle sea breeze caressed her face. Walking side by side with Max, she indulged at the picturesque sight of the shore early in the morning. Now this is her version of heaven.

Beautifully secluded, with random palm trees, the place is absolutely amazing and romantic. Being with Max at one of the places she loves the most did wonders to her mood. She felt totally relaxed and blissful.

Max pulled her to him and met her eyes. “You’re absolutely beautiful.” He looked at her so intensely and she quivered, feeling so many things at the same time. The back of his fingers caressed her face and the sudden contact heightened all her senses. She suddenly has a very strong urge to hold him close, to run her hands all over his body. He sat on the sand and pulled her gently. She was so startled to do anything but giggle. “Max, somebody will see.” She whispered.

“Let them.” With that, he rubbed his nose against hers and cupped a round full breast. He felt his rod stirring back to life as he held her. His mouth found hers and is welcomed with so much warmth that he sighed. His lips teased her lips and they opened up to him, clamping his lips with hunger. He sucked on her lips for a while, knowing how much she likes it. In no time, she was clinging to him, returning his sucking with the same intensity. At long last, his slippery tongue slid inside her hot mouth, its thickness making her breathless with wanting. He pushed his tongue gently on her throat, in suave slip sliding motion that made her feel so aroused. He stood up and removed the sand that stuck on his arms and legs and pulled her upwards. “Let’s go back. I’m stiff as a stick.”

They hurried towards the beach house and instead of using the front door, Garnet led him towards the patio at the back. They were able to make it inside the house without any incident. There was a room nearby and Garnet signalled at Max. “Let’s go.”

The room was large and spacious, with a very rustic design created specially by
Tante
Gabrielle. They were both oblivious to the stunning beauty of their surroundings. Max removed Garnet’s
kaftan
to reveal her bikini clad body. Max had seen her naked before, but seeing her in a pair of white skimpy bikinis ate up all his restraint. They were so absorbed on each other that they did not notice that the door was ajar.

Max sat on the bed and pulled Garnet on his lap. The bulge on his pants is rubbing against the front of her bikini bottom as he kissed her, his tongue showing no mercy. He slid his tongue inside her mouth and her hips rocked against his, following the rhythm of their kiss. Just then Blake passed along the hallway and noticed the crack on the door. He stood frozen in place.