When you think you've had enough lemons to deal with, life gives you more. And just when I thought it had rained enough between Tawny and me, it starts to fucking pour.

I know my relationship with Tawny hasn't been all roses and sunshine, but tonight I've had enough—I've reached my breaking point, finally. Now that this supercell storm has become larger and much more powerful, I refuse to allow her to slip away. And I'm now more than ready to share my umbrella and survive this storm with her.

After Tawny stormed off, leaving me on the dance floor looking like a fool, I lowered my head, said a quick prayer, and instead of letting her run into the arms of another man, such as Wyatt's, I went after her. Then, not caring whose eyes were on us, I picked her up and threw her over my shoulder, groaning, "We're leaving."

"Put me down!"

"No," I barked. "We need to talk."

"Our talk ended on that dance floor!" she argued, trying to fight her way off my shoulders. "I have nothing more to say to you."

Hannah stepped in front of me, putting her hands on my chest. "Put her down, Ian," she demanded.

"Step away, Hannah. I'm bringing Tawny somewhere where we can talk in private."

Hannah's eyes shot over to Tawny, hissing, "Well, if you're going to carry her out like she's unable to walk on her own, the least you could do is cover her ass cheek that's out in the open for everyone to see."

My eyes shot to Tawny's ass, and when I saw her very exposed cheek, I reached up to the silky fabric of her dress and quickly covered the ass I've wished to kiss and bite. "I swear if Tawny comes back in tears, I'll go ape-shit on you," Hannah groaned, stepping to the side.

"There'll be no tears shed," I assured. "I can guarantee you that. I only need to clear up a misunderstanding between us."

"Misunderstanding," Tawny mocked. "There's no misunderstanding between us! I actually do understand everything about what's going on. You're just a thirty-year-old brat who can't handle not getting your way."

"A thirty-year-old brat. I hardly think that's the case," I derided. "In fact, I know it isn't," I stated as I entered an empty room. I shut the door, locked it, then as I lowered Tawny to the ground, I politely said, "I'm going to put you down, but the second you try leaving this room, I'll either put you back over my shoulder or I'll find something to tie you to."

"Whatever," she hissed, taking a couple of steps away from me and crossing her arms against her chest. Then a scornful expression filled her overly gorgeous face. "Well, now that you took me away from a party I happened to be enjoying, I demand that you hurry and get whatever it is off your chest so I can get away from you and enjoy the rest of my night—"

I interjected by holding up my hand. "Stop. Please. I didn't bring you in here to fight."

Her eyes squinted, her eyebrows drew to one, and then she scoffed. "Then why are we here? You couldn't talk to me where we were?"

I crossed my arms, then raised and rested my foot against the door. "No. What I want to say needs to be said privately."

"Why's that? Is it, so nobody knows how much shit exits your mouth?"

Good one Tawny, but no...

I shook my head. "No. That's not it." Then, as I stood with my back against the door, I looked down at the ground and combed my fingers through my hair, heavily exhaling as I thought about everything I admitted to her the other night. Then I looked back up at the one woman I hope to be bringing back to the wedding reception with her hand in mine and showing all the single men attending the wedding, Tawny's taken—by me.

From the bottom of my heart, I pleaded, "Last weekend when I opened to you; I meant every word. Every damn word that came out of this mouth," I said, raising my hand and pointing at my mouth. "I meant."

Tawny's eyes softened, and before she could say anything, I continued. "Look. Tawny. I want to apologize for how I've acted towards you. You didn't deserve any of it."

"Are you admitting the accident was your fault?"

"No. I'm admitting that you're a much better person than me and that you don't deserve to be treated like you're a child... I like you, Tawny. And if you want to know the truth, then you should know, I have for a while."

Her arms lowered from her chest, resting her hands on her hips. A look of disbelief in her eyes. "If that's the truth. Then why have you been treating me like shit? Like I'm nothing? And like I'm a piece of trash that needs to be thrown away?"

God, I'm such an asshole.

"Again. I apologize."

"I want to know why?" she asked, angry as expected. "Why were you treating me as badly as you were? Besides that stupid accident. What did I do to deserve that type of treatment?"

"You did nothing," I breathed. "You did nothing at all... and I want you to know it was all me," I admitted, feeling as sick as a parrot that my ridiculous actions may cost me any chances of Tawny allowing me into her life.

I'm not one for admitting that I've done any wrong. But with how beautiful Tawny is. How stunning she looks tonight, and after seeing how all the single men in my family and their friends have been gawking at Tawny since she entered the cathedral, nows the time for me to swallow my pride and to let the sun come shining into our lives.

"You didn't and haven't done anything to deserve the way I treated you. So when I say it was all me, it's because it was. And the reason for my behavior is not about you. But all about my ex and what she did to me." Bringing up my ex to Tawny and reminding myself of how she ended things had me tugging at my tie and pausing to take a breather. I took a deep breath, looked up at the ceiling, then exhaled. "I was still feeling heavy-hearted about Alexandra. That at our first court appearance, when I looked over my attorney's shoulder, and I saw your face for the first time, I instantly got upset with myself for how your exquisite beauty affected me and my thoughts." I lowered my head, locked my eyes with hers, and continued. "Then, after that day in court, all I could think about was you. And it pissed me off. For months, I'd been mentally suffering with how the love of my life ended our engagement a week before we married that I felt no woman could ever replace her. Then you come along, ruining my entire thinking process. Here I was, wanting to hate you, yet twenty-four-seven, my mind insisted on reminding me of your gorgeous face. And because of that, I hated you more for the way I was thinking."

"Why?" she asked, confusion written all over her face.

"Because I was in love with Alexandra, and I wasn't supposed to be feeling what I was for another woman. So hoping to get you off my mind, I tried brainwashing myself into believing you're this evil woman—an enemy I needed to hate. And for months, it worked. But then I got the surprise I never saw coming. You working for me—reminding me once again about how fucking beautiful you are and how I wished you were mine. So I tried fighting every damn feeling I felt. But then, seeing you hanging out with Jason, and Brett, along with Hannah and my mother, and how they were constantly on my ass about you. All the hate I wanted to feel towards you unwillingly dissipated. And because I wanted to hate you and I couldn't, it caused me to be the asshole I was—just so you could give me a good reason to hate you, finally."

"Do you know how stupid that sounds? To treat me like shit and to make my life as miserable as you have, just because you wanted to hate me? And for no damn reason at all?" she asked, raising her voice.

"It's a shitty reason, really. But since I brought you in here, wishing for you to listen to what I have to say, I'll tell you why. And the reason was because of how badly I wanted you," I sighed. "And because of me being the type of person I am, I felt you were way too good for me. And someone I could and will never have. So even though I tried getting you to give me reasons to hate you, it ended up backfiring—drawing me closer to you."

I pushed myself away from the door, and with my eyes on the beautiful woman standing directly in front of me looking more confused than ever, I slowly walked towards her, then stopped when she asked me to.

Come on, Ian. It's now or never. Convince Tawny you're worth giving a chance.

"Tawny, please. Please forgive me for being the douchebag I was and give me a chance."

"Give me one reason why I should?" she quietly asked, looking desperate to know. "I want to know exactly why I should give you a chance."

I stepped two steps forward, then stopped. "Because I know I can give you everything you wish to have." I stepped one step closer to her and said, "But I'll be honest with you. I can't make any promises that I won't screw things up. Because when it comes to relationships, somewhere, I always seem to fuck things up. I don't know-how. But I do."

Tawny's eyes flickered away from the ground and up to mine. "Are you saying you want this game to end between us?"

Yes...

"I'm spent, Tawny. I'm so fucking exhausted trying to despise someone that I just cannot seem to hate. So the answer to your question is yes. I want this game I started to be all over. You win..."

"I don't know what to say, Ian."

"Please say you'll give me a chance," I desperately pleaded, heavily emphasizing the word, please.

She bit down, then started chewing on her bottom lip. And the longer she remained silent, the more nervous I'm becoming, and the more my gut tells me, she's thinking about telling me to go someplace I belong—in hell.

"Ian... I'm not so sure you and I can ever be a couple."

I think this weak muscle hiding behind my chest just shattered into a million pieces.

"I do, however, enjoy playing games. I like a good challenge, like the one you have given me. Usually, I'm not one to end a game that I'm having fun playing. And I usually refuse to let the one I'm playing against be the one calling the shots on wanting to end the game. But like you. I, too, am exhausted," Tawny admitted, my nerves on edge as she slowly steps toward me with a look in her eye that awoken the third leg resting between my other two. "I've had more than enough arguing, fighting, pushing the limits, and doing all that I can to piss you off to last me for a while." She stopped inches short of me and looked me deeply in my eyes. So deep that I felt her thoughts going straight to my soul.

She's going to give me a chance.

"Since you opened to me... I think it's time that I open to you as well. So with that said, I'll end this game. But on one condition."

My lips spasmed. Unsure if they should smile, speak, or frown. Then I noticed a sparkle in her eye that gave me glitter of hope. And at a turtle's pace, the corner of my lips curved upward. "What condition is that?"

"On the condition that you quit being a psychopath. I want you to drop the rules you gave me about what I'm allowed and not allowed to wear around the resort."

My lips pursed tight. That specific request made me unsure if I could handle that one, especially if Tawny denies giving me a chance.

She tilted her head to the side as she studied me. "I see that look in your eye. You're not going to drop those rules, are you?"

"Do I have to?"

"If you want this bickering and bantering to end between us. Then, yes. You must accept my wish."

"Fine." I quickly held up my finger. "I'll agree to that condition as long as you don't wear that bandaid bikini you were wearing that one day you were hanging around Jason when I'm not around."

A wicked yet beautiful smile finally crossed her face. "I only wore that bikini to go fishing with Jason because I had a feeling you'd be spying on me—knowing it would piss you off. So you have yourself a deal. I won't wear it anymore."

Oh, you'll be wearing it again. But it'll be only when you and I are alone.

"Anything else you need to get off your chest?"

Her face brightened, and oh shit immediately came to mind.

"Oh, I have plenty I'd like to get off my chest. But since that'll take a while, and since I'd like to get back to the reception, I'll wait another day to unload those issues on you."

I chuckled. "Thanks."

"There's one more request I'd like to bring up before we leave this room."

Crap.

"What's that?"

"I want you to show how sorry you are for the way you ridiculously treated me."

Now it's my turn to ask a serious question because the last thing I want to do is to screw things up with her again.

"Is this your way of saying you're giving me a chance?"

She smirked while stepping in front of me, invading my space. A space I have zero problems with her invading. "Yes. I want you to kiss me before I change my mind."

A breath of relief and happiness soared out of my mouth.

I got the girl!

Now, whatever you do, Ian... don't you dare screw this up with her!

I wasted no time fulfilling her wish.

I wrapped an arm around her while cupping the back of her head, and then I pulled her tightly against me, lowering my mouth and showing her how sorry I was—kissing her long and hard until she started clawing at my back, alerting me she needed air.

I broke the kiss, rested my forehead on hers, and as I looked her in the eye, I couldn't help but smile—happy to finally get the girl I haven't been able to rid free from my mind. "Thank you. Thank you for giving me a chance." I rested the back of my hand against her cheek and began caressing it. "I'm not a perfect man by no means, and because I'm good at screwing things up, I'm sure at some point in time I'll do or say something to upset you. However, I want you to know; I'll try my damnedest to do everything in my power not to disappoint you."

Her beautiful lips pulled upward. "Hopefully, you'll do as you say. And now that we've straightened things out between us, can we go back to the party?"

"Of course," I said, stealing one more taste of her lips.

"Good. You owe me a dance or two, or three or four," Tawny giggled.

I chuckled, then smiled while lowering my hands to hers. "I'll dance with you as many times as you'd like. And then when your little feet get tired and sore, and you're ready to leave, let me know. Because I'd love to take you back to my place where I can officially straighten something between us."

******

What I thought would be a long night and a night from hell ended up turning out to be a night I don't want to forget. After nearly two years, I still can't believe the woman I tried so hard to hate is now my girl. And as I sit at the table, watching Tawny dance with my sister and my other family members, all I can do is grin.

"It's about time you smile," Arnie said as he gripped my left shoulder and patted my back like he was proud I did something right for a change. "I didn't think I'd ever see a smile tonight."

I lifted my drink to my lips, and with my eyes glued to Tawny, I said, "I haven't had any reason to smile. Until now," I added, quietly muttering.

"Since you two came back holding hands, smiling at each other like the two of you are in love, and the way you both can't take your eyes off each other, I take it you got what you didn't think you'll ever have."

"Affirmative..." I said, setting my empty glass down on the table. "We came to an agreement. One that I'm sure one of us will screw up," I painfully admitted, "most likely with it being me the one to screw it up. I always do..."

"Did you tell her about the club, finally? Because if you didn't, that could be the one thing to screw up what you want."

I shook my head. "No, that was the last thing on my mind. And it still is," I said, turning to Arnie, pointing. "And you're not going to say anything either. Eventually, I'll tell her, but that won't happen until I feel the time is right."

He furrowed his brows, jutting his chin towards the dance floor. "Tawny seems to be a smart person. So you better tell her soon before she finds out on her own. And if Tawny continues asking where we know each other from or which business of yours I help you run, I know me. I'll end up opening my mouth, and as close as she is to Hannah, she'll tell her all about it. And then you know what'll happen next..."

I slid my chair away from the table, then stood while looking at Arnie. "Everything will be just fine, including mom... anyway; I'm going to go steal a dance with my girl before Wyatt tries making another move on her."

"You better hurry," Arnie warned, pointing towards the dance floor, "It looks to me like he's already one step ahead of you."

Apparently, Wyatt hasn't gotten the memo about Tawny and me. And if he did, then that means he's up to his dirty ways again. And I'll be damned if he works his charm on a woman I've repeatedly warned he stays away from.

"Ian," Wyatt happily said as I approached, grinning ear to ear. And that shitty grin of his tells me he's purposely fucking with me. "Did you come over to steal this beautiful woman away from me again?"

If we were anywhere else, with no hesitation, I'd punch Wyatt in the mouth. But, instead of making a scene, I rested my hands on Tawny's shoulders and simply said, "I didn't come over to steal Tawny from you; I came over to dance with my girl. And you're right. She's one gorgeous woman." I pressed my lips to her cheek. "Would you care to dance with me?"

She spun around, wrapped her arms around my neck, and beautifully smiled when her eyes met with mine. "Actually, I'm ready to call it a night. My feet are feeling a little tired, and they're a bit sore."

My dick twitched—alerting me he's ready to have some fun finally.

If I were reading Tawny right, I'd say those ever so pleasing earthy brown eyes of hers as she looks at me are those of bedroom eyes. And they're also saying she's ready to take me up on my offer.

"Are you saying you're ready to leave?"

"I am. I already informed Hannah I would be leaving with you."

"I suppose that ruined the rest of her night," I teased, smiling widely.

"She seemed to be okay with it... Actually, she seemed to be thrilled about me wanting to leave with you."

Of course she did. Hannah's plan of bringing you along was all a setup to get us to hook up.

I have to give it to Hannah; her game plan of bringing Tawny and I together worked. And I have a strange feeling. My mother, Arnie, and Wyatt were in on the scheme as well.

I was desperate to leave and to bring Tawny back to my place, that we hurried out of the cathedral without saying our goodbyes.

"So, do you live far from here?"

"I have a house about forty-five minutes from here."

"Where at?"

"Tonka Bay."

"Of course, you do... a guy like you wouldn't have a house anything like my fathers..." she quietly muttered.

I looked away from the road and over at her. "What do you mean by that?"

"If you saw my father's house and where we lived, you'd understand."

"I know where you live, Tawny. I've been there before."

"You do? Were you stalking me or something?"

I chuckled. "No. I never once stalked you. But, after you refused to go on that coffee date with me, I wasn't going to take no for an answer. So I got your address off the accident report and drove over to your house. That's when I found out you packed up and left."

"You talked to my father?" she asked, surprised.

"I did."

"How was he?"

I shrugged a shoulder. "From what I remember, he looked tired. Like I had awakened him from a nap. He also seemed a bit upset you left. More so because you didn't tell him where you were going." I looked back at Tawny after realizing she sounded worried about her father and asked, "Why?"

She sighed, "Just curious, is all. He wasn't too happy when I said I was leaving. And there's a reason I didn't tell him where I was going."

The day I found out she was working for me, Tawny commented something about her father, about some bills she had to pay that were his. And now I'm curious to learn more about her father and what those bills are.

"Do you two not get along?"

"We get along. It's just that my father does some things I disagree with..."

"Like what?"

She leaned her head against the window, sighing. "It's a long story and one I don't feel like talking about right now."

It's evident to me now... Tawny's father is a sore subject, and since she and I are getting along finally, I'd like to keep her in a good mood she's in and end this night how I intended to end it when we left the cathedral—by making her the happiest woman alive.

I hope the chapter was okay!!❤❤