Page 102 of Friend Zoned

“Why are you never in bed when I wake up”? I ask before I give her an indecent kiss. “I wanted some more of what I had last night,” I say against her mouth. I trail my lips to the side of her neck and suck on her skin, uncaring about leaving a mark or that we’re in public.

“You were snoring, and the baby was crying so loud. I came to help Vickie. Colt didn’t even stir through the crying. Men,” she says with an eye roll.

“Helpless man baby,” I say against her neck. “But seeing you in there holding a baby is giving me ideas I have no business having this early in the morning.” I pull away and her eyes widen as I stare into them and nod.

“Um, get those ideas out of your head right now, Mr. I Can Either Pull Out Or Not.”

I chuckle when she throws my words back at me.

“Too late. They’re in there.” I tap at my temple. “It’s like a vault.”

“Why? Because it’s so thick?”

“Because I like what I saw.” I run my nose along the side of her neck. “I like it a lot.”

She pulls away and takes my hand. “Let’s have breakfast. I’m hungry.” She starts to walk away, but I don’t move from my spot. “Come on.” She pulls my hand. “I know you must be hungry.” She tries to pull again, but I take her wrist and pull her to me instead.

I lift her off her feet and carry her back to our bedroom. “I mean it,” I tell her.

“I know. You always mean what you say,” she replies.

“And?”

“And what? You didn’t ask me a question. You just made a declaration,” she says.

“I’m not asking yet, but I will.” I hold her stare.

“Can we eat while you mull it over?” Her lips twitch in amusement. She comes and wraps her arms around me. “There’s an entire breakfast buffet down there, and Evan is waiting for us.” I cup her ass and press her to me. “Maybe we can discuss other things later. Like when we’re in Morocco.”

I stare into her eyes while I think back to one of the first serious conversations we had. I’m not taking no for an answer, and I hope she knows it, but now is not the time. I press my lips to hers and say, “Deal. Let’s eat, but I’m having you for dessert tonight.”

Chapter 54

Jeannie

This wedding is completely different than the last one I attended. Or it might be that I’m different. Also, weddings thrown by billionaires are insane. Tara has her own team of hair and makeup stylists, two wedding dresses, three wedding planners, and a personal assistant. Despite that, she’s no Bridezilla. She’s gracious and kind to everyone.

“So, who’s who?” Aiden whispers to me. We’re on the balcony, looking down into the yard and the makeshift floor. He hands me a glass of champagne. “That guy over there looks just like Ethan.”

“Oh, you missed it. That’s Adam, and he’s Ethan’s long-lost brother. I guess their father had difficulty keeping his pants zipped.” I lean closer and lower my voice. “Ethan and his sister had no idea he existed until last year, but Adam’s always known. He wanted nothing to do with them, but I guess they managed to convince him to get to know them. And Alan,” I point to the bride’s brother, “has been breaking his neck to look at her all day.” I point to a young woman standing on the other side of the yard. She’s in big glasses and wearing a white dress with red and black polka dots.

“As long as he’s not breaking his neck to look at you, otherwise I’d have to snap it like a twig.” I wrap an arm around his and rest my head on his bicep. “Who is that guy over there that keeps crying?”

“That’s Hunter; he’s Ethan’s personal assistant who somehow managed to be a member of the wedding party. Ethan and Hunter are like two bickering old men.” Aiden chuckles and shakes his head.

“Seems like you’re in the know. Did you hear any good gossip?”

“Tara hated Ethan because he bought her father’s business. I guess she wanted to run it one day. Tara’s mom has this weird competition thing going with her stepmom, who’s the sweetest woman ever. And there will be a signature drink called rat poison at the wedding. Apparently, during their first meeting, he asked her to join him for lunch, and she replied that she’d rather drink rat poison.”

Aiden snorts and says, “Rat poison, huh? Rich people are so weird.” He winks at me while I stare at him in disbelief. Then we both burst into laughter. “From rat poison to I do.” He pulls me closer and kisses my temple. “Life is so unpredictable, isn’t it?”

“It is.” I lean against him as we watch the scene before us. The yard is filled with members of the wedding party. The boys run around while Vickie’s brother chases them. Everyone is laughing and happy. A few months ago, I never could have envisioned this, but right now, I can’t imagine being anywhere else.

“One more.” He puts his lips to my temple and snaps several pictures of us together. “You’re so damn beautiful tonight.” I can feel myself blush. This is about the fifth time he’s said that to me since he’s seen me in my dress. He pulls me closer and takes a few more pictures of us. “I’m posting these on social media.”

He types on his phone before he slides it back into his pocket. When he’s done, I press my body against his and we slow dance to the music. We’re in a secluded area on the upstairs balcony, overlooking the yard and the pool. Guests can dance and eat on either level now that the reception is in full swing. I grind against my man even though the song being played is fast. I press my body on his and wrap my arms around his neck.

“Remember that ho phase I considered?” Even in heels, I have to get on my toes and whisper the words against his lips.

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