Page 8 of Conveniently Theirs

Josh and I remain in the living room, silently staring out the tall windows for a long time after Keni goes to bed. There’s so much to say and yet, no words can convey what I’m feeling. Finally Josh rises and holds out his hand to me. “I love you, Devin.”

I stand and pull him into my arms. His body presses against mine, warm and firm in all the right places. His lips though are soft and his kiss tender. I whisper my love against his mouth before leading him to our room. Our lovemaking is slow and passionate, a reverent pledge to each other and to the future.

five

Kendall

What a crappy night. The tracker I’m not sure why I wear claims I slept four point two hours. From my gritty eyes and the number of hours I’d witnessed passing on the bedside clock, I think my tracker is being generous. My sleeplessness makes sense though. I just couldn’t turn off my mind. Thoughts flip-flopped from Josh’s proposal and all the problems we’ll probably face to the disbelief I’ve actually agreed to his silly plan.

Love makes people do strange things.

My heart has been waiting for Josh for years. While my head knows he’s not attracted to mephysically, my heart continues to harbor unreasonable hope. I hate admitting to myself how much of the night was spent fantasizing about how he might really want me the way a man wants a woman.

I didn’t pack a toy, probably wouldn’t have used it anyway just in case the soft buzz would be heard outside my room. I hadn’t known our rooms would be on the opposite sides of the huge suite.

So, the dance of my fingers chased my desire until I arched from the mattress, my free hand covering my mouth to contain the sounds of my desperate orgasm. Finally, hugging one of the deluxe bed pillows, I fell asleep.

When I wake there’s the muffled sound of voices outside my door. “We should let her sleep.”

“There’s too much to do before your appointment at the chapel.”

“I wish you’d come with.”

“You know why I can’t. Let it go, babe. You gonna knock or shall I be the bad guy here?”

Straightening my nightshirt as I sit, I make sure I’m covered before calling out, “I’m awake, guys. Come on in.”

There’s a pause before the door opens, giving me an opportunity to run myfingers through my tangled hair, hoping to not look like a crazed wild woman. From their expressions as they fill the doorway, I’m not sure I’ve succeeded.

Josh is the first to press his lips together and grin. Devin turns his face away before settling his full lips in a serious expression. Surrounded by the scruff of his short, tightly manicured beard, I wonder how they’d feel against my skin. Of course my traitorous body tingles with interest. So not appropriate for so many reasons.

Josh perches on the end of the bed facing me. “Sorry to have to wake you.”

“No problem. The sooner we get the day over with, the better.”

He gnaws on the inside of his cheek. “Are you sure you want to do this? It’s not too late to change your mind.”

From the corner of my eye I catch Devin’s expression as I lean forward to reach my hand toward Josh. I don’t have a lot of experience but I swear there’s desire in his gaze. How could that be? No, that’s just a leftover expression for Josh. Then I realize he can see straight down the loose neckline of my nightshirt. At least my boobs keep the view from going lower.

Josh takes my hand and I return to the moment. “Joshua Castillo, I said I would marry you today and I will. You’re my bestie, part of my true family, and I love you.” Hoping the slight tremor in my voice doesn’t indicate I feel more than brotherly love for him, I give his fingers a squeeze. “So, if we’re going to do this, I’m going to need breakfast fortification.”

Devin chuckles. “I’ll go order room service while you shower. Your usual French toast and fruit?”

“For a day like today I might need a mimosa,” I mumble.

His lips twitch. “Done. Come on, Josh. Let’s let her get ready.”

Josh presses a kiss to the back of my hand. “Thank you, darlin’. For everything.”

“Get out, both of you. I won’t be long.”

At the door Devin turns and grins. “Wear something easy to change out of…we’ve got a wedding outfit to buy.”

I groan as I crawl out of bed. I hate trying on clothes. It really doesn’t take me long to get ready since I’ll probably want to shower and wash my hair before dressing for my wedding.

Ah, my wedding. Like many girls, I grew up dreaming about my wedding, although I didn’t have a scrapbook of ideas like my friends started at ageten. My dreams were simple. I chuckle as I drag a brush through my hair. This sudden trip to a wedding chapel in Vegas is almost like eloping. At least it will be a fun story to tell—eventually.

Breakfast and the guys are waiting when I exit my bedroom. The French toast with strawberries is luscious, and I probably drink more of the pitcher of sweet orange mimosa than I should. Josh keeps pace with me and I wonder if he’s as nervous as I am. Devin on the other hand, it cool and responsible, only sipping from a single glass the entire meal.

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