Page 305 of Forbidden Billionaires: Vol. 1
Weird."Thanks, Bee. See you tomorrow."
Mason hugged me. "Congratulations on finally graduating. I guess I can't really make fun of James for being with someone so young now."
"I'm sure you'll find something else to tease him about."
Mason laughed and released me from his hug. "It's going to be a blast, man," Mason said and slapped James on the back. "Maybe not as much fun as you guys are about to have when everyone clears out of here, though, right, Penny?" He winked at me.
Oh God.Everyone really did hear. I put my hand over my face as they left the apartment. "I'm mortified."
James laughed. "It gave everyone something to talk about all night." He put his hand on the small of my back and pulled me into him.
"You could have stopped me two seconds earlier, you know. Usually when someone throws a surprise party they don't let the guest of honor say something embarrassing in front of a room full of people."
"I don't know. How many surprise parties have you been thrown?"
"Well, none, but..."
"So I'm pretty sure this was exactly how it's supposed to go." He leaned down and lightly nipped my earlobe. "I had considered letting you keep going. So you're welcome."
I laughed and looked into the living room. There were only a few people left. Melissa and Tyler were sitting on the couch, laughing about something. "Did you say something to Melissa? To make her not want to stay with us? I was really looking forward to it."
"Although I am excited that I get to keep you all to myself, I don't think her not wanting to stay with us has anything to do with me." James nodded back over to them.
"What do you mean?"
James laughed. "They're obviously sleeping together."
"No they aren't." Tyler and Melissa were definitely not hooking up. That was ridiculous. I looked back up at James.
"What, does that upset you?" He lowered his eyebrows slightly.
"Of course not. But they're not sleeping together." Tyler was sweet and kind and Melissa was my best friend, but she was Melissa. They weren't a good fit.
James laughed. "I'm pretty sure they are."
"Melissa would have told me. Tyler would have told me."
"Maybe they thought it would be awkward."
I laughed. "Why would that be awkward?" I swallowed hard and looked back over at them. They were just friends. All three of us were just friends. Melissa laughed and lightly pushed Tyler's shoulder.They are just friends, right?
James kissed my cheek. "Let's go try to subtly get rid of everyone. I want to give you your present in private."
"I told you not to get me anything. You already paid for..."
He silenced my protests with a kiss. "My fiancée just graduated. Of course I got you something." He grabbed my hand and guided me back toward the living room.
The only people left were Melissa, Tyler, Rob, and Mason's little brother, Matt. James sat down in the only empty chair and pulled me onto his lap.
"How'd you like the rest of that drink?" Rob asked. "Are you feeling frisky yet?"
I laughed. "I didn't finish it." I was feeling a little frisky, but not at all toward Rob. The man with his arms wrapped around me was the only guy I ever wanted.
"Now what am I going to do with the rest of my night?" Rob said and leaned back in his chair.
"Stop being gross, Rob," Melissa said.
"I thought you liked when I was gross?" he said and smiled at her.
