I stared at the frilly wedding invitation in my hand, fighting back tears. Jesse was getting married. Jesse, who I had been in love with since our junior year of high school. I'd always thought that someday I'd find the courage to tell my best friend I was in love with him. I fantasized that one day he'd confess to me that he had always loved me, too. But no, we gave each other dating advice, cried on each other's shoulders when love went wrong, and even decided to go to the same college so we could stay together. After graduation, he moved across the state, and our contact grew less and less frequent as we drifted apart. I never did tell him how I felt. Now it was too late; I was invited to his wedding.
The invitation read: Miss Arianne Jackson and Guest. And Guest. That only made it sting more. There was no guest, but I certainly couldn't go by myself. Maybe my cousin Simon would go with me. No, I had to find a really hot guy - one who would distract me. That would be the only way I'd get through this. I couldn't let myself get all teary and feeling sorry for myself. I crumpled the invitation and tossed it to the floor.
The next morning I found my coworker, Jolyn. She has a wide circle of friends. I asked her if she knew anyone. She rolled her eyes at me. "I'm not going to set you up with a guy to go to a wedding. No way," she said. "Why don't you just hire an escort?"
"Wha...what?" I stammered.
"I'm serious," Jolyn said. "Just go online and you can find someone."
"I don't think so." I replied. But when I got home from work that evening I kept thinking about it. Finally I Googled "straight male escorts." I had to sort through a lot of sleazy sites, but as I refined my search, I started to think this idea might actually work. And then, I came across websites belonging to guys who called themselves ladies' companions. They stated they were available as escorts to events and functions. Many of them seemed classy and cultured. I started reading websites and looking at photos. That's where I found him.
His name was Armand, and his image on my computer screen took my breath away. He was a classic Latin lover: wavy dark hair, deep brown eyes, amazing body. Beyond smokin' hot. Best of all, he said he loved to make a woman feel special. That's exactly what I would need on the day of Jesse's wedding.
I e-mailed Armand and we corresponded to get to know each other a bit better. We spoke on the phone, and I decided to hire him to accompany me to the wedding. We planned to meet in the town where the wedding would be held. Because Armand lived in another state, he would fly into the local airport.
I arrived in town the night before the big event, and got a room with two queen-sized beds. I didn't want Armand to think I wanted anything more than an escort to the wedding. Now, I knew his plane would be arriving soon.
A text came in to my phone. It was him, and he was on his way from the airport. I hurried to the glass elevator and down to the lobby, and waited where I could see the entrance. After what seemed like an hour, but was only ten minutes, I saw him striding to the door. I rose and went to meet him. A shiver ran through me as he gave me a quick hug and a light kiss. My heart began racing. He was simply one of the sexiest guys I'd ever seen.
We talked for a little while, but it was late, so we both showered and got into our respective beds. Soon, I could tell by his even breathing that he had fallen asleep. I couldn't sleep. I was still anxious about Jesse's upcoming marriage, of course, but now I was also distracted by the presence of such a hot guy in a bed right across from mine.
The wedding was at 10:00 a.m., to be held in a country garden. I explained the circumstances and my relationship to the groom to Armand. After we were seated, he took my hand. As he entwined his fingers with mine, I felt myself beginning to become aroused. He brought my hand over to rest on his leg. It was comforting, but also seductive in a way. The wedding party arrived. Jesse looked too handsome in his tux. Staring at Jesse, while feeling my hand in Armand's, was almost too much for me. I could feel the growing moisture between my legs.
When the vows were exchanged, a few tears escaped my eyes. I couldn't believe how attentive Armand was. He noticed right away, put his arm around me and drew me close to him. He kissed the top of my head. I didn't watch the rest of the wedding, but buried my face against Armand. The luncheon and reception went by in a blur. The dance that evening was amazing. I tried not to look at Jesse, but concentrated on the charming man who held me in his arms. Armand was getting the better of me. How could it not be a turn-on to be dancing with such a sweet, good-looking guy? I wanted to be closer to him. I wondered what it would be like to kiss him. As we danced, I imagined his lips on mine and the feel of his tongue. I fantasized about his mouth on my neck, my breasts...everywhere. I thought about running my hands over his arms and chest, kissing him all over, feeling him inside me.
But when we got back to the hotel, the reality of the day sunk in. Jesse was married. I didn't think I could stand it. Armand went into the bathroom for a shower. When he came out, I hurried in past him without making eye contact. I didn't want him to see that I was crying. I stood under the shower too long, letting the water wash the tears away. Armand met me at the door when I came out. He took my chin in his hand and made me look at him. "Are you OK?" he asked.