Page 6 of Wedlocked

Jess giggled. “His unmentionables?”

“His ass, baby. I was trying to be demure. It’s trendy.”

She laughed.

“There is nothing demure about you, bro,” Prism snarked.

Arsen has taught him so many bad habits.

“In the car.” I gestured to him. “We got places to be.”

After helping Jess into the passenger seat, Prism followed me around to the driver’s side where I leaned the seat forward so he could climb into the back. Before he went, I laid my hand on the roof of the car, stopping him.

Our eyes connected, stares bouncing for one quiet moment.

“Thanks, bro,” I said quietly.

“Anytime,” he replied.

I moved my arm, and he slipped into the back.

Before pulling away from the curb, I reached for Jess’s hand, and she surrendered it instantly. Yeah, she told Prism she was the happiest she’d ever been, and I knew she meant it.

But I knew I could do better.

3

Jess

A blastof warm waffle-scented air hit me in the face the second Ben pulled open the door to Shirley’s. I inhaled, my stomach rumbling at the scent of carbs while my wind-stung cheeks burned from the sudden heat.

Ben’s palm fit itself against the small of my back the second I stepped through, and the door drifted shut behind us, the bell on the handle jingling as it closed.

The place was usually busy, but tonight, it was packed. We weren’t the only students at Westbrook wanting to blow off final exam stress with greasy diner food. Toward the back near the large windows looking out across the street and trees beyond, our booth was occupied with a table pulled up against the end so there was room for everyone.

Actually, even with the boothandtable, it was cramped. At times like this, when I was visibly reminded of how many of us there were, I always felt a little surprised. Like, even after all these months, I couldn’t believe this was my life. That these weremyfriends. Sometimes it seemed a little too good to be true.

It was everything I always wanted and everything I thought I’d never have.

Not only did the girl from the wrong side of the tracks manage to get the guy, but she got a whole family to go with him.

“Is the floor sticky?” I blinked at Ben’s question, stare refocusing on his two-tone eyes. Both the green and brown orbs focused on me while his eyebrows arched halfway up his forehead.

“What?” I asked.

“Just wondering if your feet are stuck to the floor because they aren’t moving.”

Even though I knew my feet weren’t stuck to the floor, I glanced down at them.

Ben shuffled forward, nearly bouncing against me. The brush of his warm body was close enough that the classic diner scents were overpowered by chlorine and spice. “Hey.” His voice was soft, concern making it deep. “You okay?”

The side of my mouth lifted, his worry clouding my insides with affection. Laying my palm against his chest, I patted him lightly. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Because you’re impersonating a statue,” he deadpanned.

I laughed, then brushed my fingers against his chest once more. “I was just thinking how glad I am we could all get together tonight,” I replied, gesturing with my chin to the Elite booth.

Wrapping his fingers around the ones still pressed into his chest, he pecked a kiss on the back of my hand before linking our fingers. “But I’m your favorite.”

---