Page 43 of Lovers' Dance: Vol. 2

“Where is Madi?” Nathan asked, swapping his empty flute for a full one as soon as the waiter glided by.

“Around here somewhere with the twins,” Matt replied coolly. “Where’s Bella?”

“I feel left out.” Adam mocked.

“She’s somewhere about, discussing the wedding with whoever cares to listen. I say, I can’t wait for it to all be over and done with. Her mother and mine are constantly on at me about input. What input? I’ll be there on the day. What more do they want from me? I hope you’ve already started working on your best man speech, Matt.”

“He’s had quite a bit.” Adam warned Matt with a rueful grin.

“I have not.” Nathan stated sourly. “I need a lot more actually. Two months and I’ll be off the market. Nathan Walthamstow, married.”

Matt stifled a laugh at his friend’s ‘woe is me’ countenance. “You’ve not been on the market for years, you tosser. What’s wrong with you? You love Bella and you’re damned lucky she’s put up with you for all these years.”

Nathan suddenly beamed at them, nodding vigorously. “I am a lucky bastard.”

Matt shook his head, amused at Nathan’s behaviour. He’d obviously had his fair share of alcohol tonight.

“What about you?” Nathan asked abruptly. “When are you going to tie the knot with your little slice of chocolate?”

Matt leaned back, eyeing Nathan in bemusement as his friend nudged Adam with his elbow.

“I found her for him you know.” Nathan stated proudly. “Did he tell you that? Of course, he assured me he only wanted to shag her,” Nathan laughed and downed his champagne in one.

Matt raised one eyebrow and exchanged a look with Adam. It was becoming quite clear Nathan was drunk. Adam shrugged in his tuxedo, giving Matt a ‘what do you want me to do’ sort of look.

“I would shag her,” Nathan said as he blinked slowly. “An obscene amount of times and in various positions with some sort of syrup involved. Have you seen her arse?”

“Nathan.” Matt said coolly. “You need stop now.”

“Oh, don’t be such a wet blanket, Matt.” he joked, tugging repeatedly at his bow tie. “You’ve got to admit she’s-”

Matt cut him off at once. “Nathan. Stop.”

Nathan seem to realize what he was saying and he shot Matt an apologetic stare. “Bugger. I didn’t mean-”

“It’s done.” Matt tried not to clench his jaw. This was his closest friend who was inebriated and speaking out of turn. “Don’t ever let it happen again, otherwise we’ll be having a different sort of conversation.” Matt didn’t need to expound on the details, it would be a very painful ‘conversation’ for his friend; they both knew and understood this.

Nathan nodded his head quickly, wearing a dazed expression. “Of course, you know I didn’t truly mean - I don’t know what I’m saying and I’ve had too much to drink.”

“Yes, you have.” Adam agreed, warily watching Matt. He knew Matt was annoyed.

“It’s this blasted wedding,” Nathan grumbled. “I’m going to be a failure as a husband, no doubt. My sweet Bella will eventually divorce me and take half of everything I own and run off with some young buffoon named Philippe. I can see it happening as we speak.”

Matt burst out into reluctant laughter, he was still slightly miffed over Nathan’s drunken teasing where it concerned Madi. Adam quickly followed.

“You arses.” Nathan glared at them both or tried to, it was more a drunken leer than a scowl. “I’m voicing my worries and all you two can do is laugh?”

“I’m sorry, but that has to be one of the most amusing things I’ve heard all night.” Adam gasped between his guffaws. “Philippe? Oh, you always were a strange one, Nathan.”

“It’s in no way, shape, or form, funny.” Nathan fumed. “I work all the time, travel all the time. We barely see each other. Dad is dropping not so subtle hints about me taking over at his company. I bloody despise the thought of it. And Mum, oh don’t get me started. Being an only child has its disadvantages you know. You tossers won’t know anything about that.”

“Shall we get him home?” Adam asked Matt.

“Both he and Bella are staying at my Surrey estate tonight.” Matt replied, checking his watch. “It’s quarter to midnight. Let’s keep him away from the alcohol and my driver will take us home in about an hour. Are you staying here tonight?”

“Yes,” Adam frowned. “I am trying to be the dutiful son once more. Hannah and the girls are staying also.”

“Such a shame Stuart’s on call at the hospital tonight,” Matt mused as he thought about his brother-in-law.

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