Teasing the Best Man, page 1
Teasing the Best Man
Alexa Riley
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Epilogue
Chapter 1
Read Me Romance
Stalk the Author
Copyright © 2022 by Author Alexa Riley LLC. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, email to riley_alexa@aol.com
http://alexariley.com/
Publisher’s Note: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental.
Edited by Aquila Editing
Teasing the Best Man
by Alexa Riley
When Lexi is introduced to the best man at her best friend's wedding, she knows right away that she needs to run. He's overwhelming in a way she's not ready for, so all she has to do is avoid him forever. Right?
Asher has found a way to get to Lexi and that's through her gamer videos. Pretending to be someone else while trying to make her fall in love with the real him can't be too hard. Right?
Warning: She's desperate for money, and he needs someone to spoil. This is the transaction we're all looking for...Right?
For Women in Gaming…
Fuck yeah.
* * *
Chapter One
Lexi
I know he’s following me because his eyes have been tracking me all night. I’m not used to so much attention from men. Well, in person at least. Tonight is different, though, because I’m dressed up for my best friend's wedding. We spent all afternoon getting ready for this, and I’ve never been so pampered in my life.
Parker went and landed herself a good one, and he’s not only sweet with her, but the man is beyond loaded too. I can’t even wrap my mind around this kind of wealth. I almost passed out when we went wedding dress shopping. Is it even shopping if everything is brought to your own home? Because that’s what Parker and I sat through. Dresses that were too expensive to ever sit on a rack in a store for anyone to try on. They were all one of a kind. This wedding was no freaking joke.
I’d always thought Parker came from money because she’d gone to a fancy boarding school growing up and her father took care of everything for her. At first I’d been in awe of it and a bit jealous. I was sure she was going to be stuck up, but she’d been far from it.
In fact, Parker is the sweetest person I’ve ever met. So much so that I always worried over someone trying to take advantage of her, and it made me protective. In all her father’s control, he’d made her a bit naïve in a lot of ways.
It didn’t take long to see everything her father did for her was all about control, and he’d done a real number on her mentally. I guess parents aren’t all they’re cracked up to be, but I should know that better than anyone. My whole life all I wanted was parents, but maybe I lucked out to a degree.
Parker’s father might have had some money, but it’s nothing compared to the man she married or the people at this wedding reception. Everyone here is so shiny and perfect, but I’m sure it’s all a show. The same as Parker’s father put on to hide who he really was.
I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about Samuel once Parker told me how they met. After all, it’s not how most love stories start. I’d given my best friend the idea to order a sex toy because she’d never had an orgasm. Somehow she ended up mailing it to her new office where she’d been starting an internship that her father pushed her into. The package landed right into the boss's hands, and he’d personally delivered it back to her.
I still can’t believe their story, but here we are months later, and she’s not only married but knocked up too. It’s not surprising that Parker got Samuel to fall madly in love with her so quickly. She’s easy to love. I wish the same could be said about me. I’ve never been lucky in love. With each new foster I was sent to, I’d wonder if maybe this family would fall in love with me and want me to stay. I’d seen it happen to so many others but never to me.
Unable to help myself, I peek over my shoulder at Asher. His eyes are on my ass now but a pretty blonde has stepped in front of him and is chatting away. His eyes suddenly lift and catch mine, but I quickly jerk my head back around, making it super obvious I was staring at him.
I really have no moves when it comes to men. It’s probably because I spend all my extra time, when I’m not in classes or studying, playing video games. If I don’t have to leave my dorm room, I won’t.
Since Parker moved out, I've been flying solo, and it’s the first time I’ve had a space all to myself. I was sure I was going to enjoy it, but it’s turning out to be a lot lonelier than I thought. Even with how much time I spend chatting away to random people online, it can be isolating. Never did I think playing video games while speaking into a mic and telling people what I was doing in the game would make me money. I’d been oh so wrong.
Men are strange creatures. They come to watch me play and even ask questions while still spouting off that the only reason I have the following I do is because I have tits. Which may be true, but when I play, I’m always in a shirt or more often a hoodie. Lately I’ve had sponsors ask me to wear their logos, and I stuff my hair into a branded hat to maximize exposure. There’s nothing remotely sexy about it. When I’m dressed that way on campus, no one gives me a second glance. After today, though, it does make me wonder what I could make if I sexed it up a bit.
Not that I could do that on my channel. I would never chance getting hit with a ban, but also who knows what might happen with my sponsors? They could end up pulling out because they’re not okay with the sudden change. They aren’t giant, but they keep me from having to get another job.
It’s nice to be able to make my own hours, but I worry that if I went in that direction, it could kill my chances of ever being taken seriously in the gamer world. It’s a dream of mine to one day release a game I’ve been slowly building over the last year. Would that kill any chance of that? Who am I kidding? Having a vagina might have killed that already. It’s why some girls create usernames that sound like guys. Asher is a sexy name.
I go to steal another peek, wanting to know if the blonde lured him away, and I realize I’m jealous. It’s not an unfamiliar feeling because most of my life I’ve spent wanting things everyone else around me had. But feeling this over a man is very new to me.
When I turn my head, I gasp and then start to stumble back a step. I realize too late that Asher is right behind me. He’s so close I’m not sure how I hadn’t felt him catch up.
“I was starting to think you’re running from me,” he says, and he’s not wrong.
I’ve been dodging his handsome ass since I laid eyes on him. The rush of feelings that swept over me scared the crap out of me, and it’s been no easy feat trying to hide. He’s the best man and I’m the maid of honor, but somehow I’ve managed to avoid him until now. Thankfully I don’t think there’s much left of the wedding before I can slip out of here. They’ve got to cut the cake and toss some flowers, then I’m gone.
“I’m not running from anything.” I tilt my chin all the way up to meet his eyes.
“You’re a terrible liar.”
“Am not,” I blurt out, and he throws his head back and laughs. That sound is rich and sexy as hell, and I never realized a laugh could be a turn-on.
This man is dangerous, and it doesn’t help that he’s friends with Samuel. It probably means he’s a good guy, and he’ll break my heart in the sweetest of ways when we don’t work out for one reason or another. People always break your heart—even my sweet Parker chipped at mine a little when it was time for her to go.
“Then if you’re not running, dance with me.” He offers me his hand, and I stare down at it for a long moment. Oh shit.
“It’s now time to cut the cake,” the wedding planner announces, saving my ass.
“Sorry, that's my cue,” I say before I turn and take off once again.
When I look back, Asher is smiling as he watches me make my quicky escape to the other side of the ballroom. Another blonde, in a red dress this time, tries to snag his attention, but he steps around her, his eyes never leaving me as he continues to chase.
Damn, that’s hot too.
Chapter Two
Asher
“Asher, honey, be a dear and get your father for me. I want cake.” My mom walks briskly by me, not even waiting for me to answer her. Probably because she knows I’ll do exactly as she says. Damn it.
Turning away from where I see the maid of honor, Lexi, standing near the table, I go in search of my dad. Well, technically my stepdad, since Samuel’s dad married my mom when we were in middle school. It’s my brother's wedding day, and I won the sister-in-law jackpot.
Parker is perfect for my brother, and with the way he loves her, I know that he’s truly happy. She’s good for him, and I know she feels the same. But even with all of that, I can’t help but be a little jealous of what they share. Sam lives next door to me, and we’ll always be family, but I don’t see me popping over every day unannounced anymore. It’s not that I don’t want Parker to be a part of our lives, I think I’m just going to selfishly miss his free time. Knowing Sam the way I do, he’ll devote all of his time to his wife, and honestly, that’s the way it should be.
“Dad,” I call when I see him outside smoking a cigar with some of his buddies.
The wedding is small, but our family is even smaller, so most of the guests are friends or work colleagues. It was weird Parker didn’t have any family here, but when I asked Sam about it, he said he’d tell me later. Maybe it’s something he’s not ready to share, and I respect that. I guess I just have to get used to being out of his loop.
“Hey, son, come have a drink with us.” He pulls me in for a half hug and motions to everyone in the group. “This one is going to be next. Mark my words.”
A flash of Lexi’s dark hair spread out on a white silk pillowcase enters my mind, and I have to clear my throat.
“Mom wants cake,” I tell him, and he straightens up.
“I’m on it.” He’s gone before he’s even finished his sentence and tosses his cigar in the ashtray. That man worships the ground she walks on, which is why it was so easy for him to step into our lives.
“When are you going to come work for me, Asher?” Mr. Bennett asks before I have a chance to turn around and follow my dad.
“You know I’m only in it for the investments,” I joke, but it’s still the truth.
When Sam started up his company, I was a silent investor, and we’ve made more money than either of us ever thought was possible. Now we’re both set for life, and we get to kick back and enjoy it. Only now he’ll be enjoying it with Parker.
Another image of Lexi on her back with her eyes closed fills my brain, and I have to force myself to push it out.
“If you change your mind, I’m always a phone call away.” Before I can step back, he puts his hand on my shoulder and tugs me closer to him. “Have I introduced you to my daughter Julia? I think she tried to speak with you a minute ago.”
There was a blonde who got in my way earlier—is that who he’s talking about? “Um, I’m not sure.”
“Why don’t we have you over for dinner one night this week? Your parents can come too. It will be good for you kids to get to know one another.”
“Oh, I think that’s Sam calling me,” I lie as I step out of his hold and hurry toward the ballroom.
Before the ceremony, I didn’t have a chance to meet anyone, and I was busy running around for Sam. It wasn’t until the actual ceremony that I saw Lexi for the first time. I’d noticed her name on the program but had never actually met her. Although I’d heard Parker talk about her best friend almost every time I was around her.
When Lexi walked down the aisle, I had to remind myself not to lock my knees. She looked so thick in that tight dress, and it didn’t hide an inch of her plentiful curves. All I could think about was putting my face between her tits to feel how soft they were against my cheeks. I had to put my hands in front of me to hide my erection during the ceremony, but every time I looked over at her, a new part of her body called to me. I wanted to put my dick in all of it and then lick every last inch. Fuck, I’ve never had a reaction to a woman like this before. Maybe I need to get laid?
Then I remember her looking over her shoulder and how her eyes widened when she looked up and saw me. She was so close I could see gold flecks around her dark lashes and a dust of shimmer across her cheeks. She looked like something out of a dream, and I never wanted to wake up.
By the time I get through the crowd and back into the ballroom, I see they’re already serving cake. The DJ says something, and then I see Parker on the other side of the room lifting her bouquet and tossing it over her shoulder. I can’t see past the people in front of me, but when I hear the crowd cheer, the people in front of me move out of the way, and I see Parker giving Lexi a hug. Gripped tight in Lexi’s hand is the bouquet, and for half a second, I think about going out there and sweeping her up in my arms.
When I take a step forward, my great-uncle Chet moves right in my path. “Asher, can you help me get your Aunt Belinda in the car?”
My great-aunt Belinda uses a cane, and Chet isn’t a spring chicken. I know they’ve got a driver, but I can’t say no to him.
“Sure, can you give me one—”
“Take this,” he says, ignoring me, and drops a huge flower centerpiece into my hands.
“Uncle Chet, I don't think you’re supposed to take these.”
“Belinda wants one, so that’s what she’s getting. Now let’s go; it’s practically midnight.”
“Uncle Chet, it’s eight-thirty,” I say, but he once again ignores me.
Belinda is waiting by the door, and I see him take her hand as I walk behind them with the monstrosity of a centerpiece. I guess if they weren’t supposed to take it, someone would have stopped me by now, but I can’t help but think he asked me to carry it so that I’d be the one to get in trouble.
“You’re a sweetheart,” Aunt Belinda says, patting me on the cheek. “When are you going to have some babies? I’m not getting any younger.”
I’m pretty sure she’s ninety-seven years old, but I’m not about to correct her. “I’m just waiting for someone to put up with me,” I tease, and in the distance, I see a flash of dark hair getting into the back of a taxi. “Shit.”
“With a mouth like that, it’s no wonder you can’t find a wife,” Aunt Belinda chides as she gets in the back seat and I put the centerpiece in the trunk.
By the time I’m free, the taxi is long gone, and I’ve lost her. All hope isn’t lost because I’m sure all I have to do is get Parker or Sam to give me her number. It’s been so long since I’ve had a woman that I just need one good night to get it out of my system. That has to be what I’m feeling right now, because I couldn’t possibly have fallen in love with just one look. Right?
There’s a roar of cheers behind me, and I turn around in time to see sparklers going off and people throwing bird seed as Parker and Sam go running to the limo waiting out front.
“What the fuck?” I throw my hands up, thinking somehow everyone but me is ditching this wedding.
“Did your brother not say goodbye?” My mom walks over, eating what is probably her third or fourth piece of cake.
“No, the bastard.”
“He’s just ready to start his honeymoon.” She grins at me, and I roll my eyes. “Leave them be. They’re working on making me a grandma.”
“Yeah, well, I’m working on blue balls,” I mumble so low she can’t hear me.
“Did you get to meet Parker's friend Lexi?” My mom is already on her way back inside before I grab her arm and stop her.
“Tell me everything you know.”
“Well, not much. Something about gaming.”
Chapter Three
Lexi
I swipe through the photos Parker texted me, and I’m a bit surprised there are actually a few outside. I was sure Samuel would have her trapped in the hotel room the whole time. Those two are always all over each other. My eyes almost fall out of my head when I get a peek at the private plane. No way she’s not in the mile high club by now. My girl went from a virgin to nympho, so it really wasn’t a shock at how quickly he knocked her up.
In each picture, there’s no missing the love in both their eyes. My heart starts to ache wanting to know what that feels like. A love that deep is something I’ve never had. Sure, I love Parker, but I think the love you have for your partner and children is something else altogether. I’ve never even experienced the love one has for their own parents.
