Page 70 of Conflagration
Ariana looks confused as she allows her sister to pull her out of the room. I watch as they disappear then turn back to my cousin, amused.
“What was that about? I thought you two were friends,” I say to Shane.
He rolls his eyes. “We were. We are.”
I wait for him to continue.
He runs a hand through his hair. “It’s complicated.”
I let out a laugh as we follow the women out the door. “Things with women usually are.”
He cocks an eyebrow and turns, stopping us by the elevator to wait for it. “Is that true for you and Ariana? Are things complicated?”
“No. And maybe that’s why we work. Even when we were thrown into living together, it was never difficult. I know you’re worried about it, but don’t be. I’m happy, Shane.”
He places a hand on my shoulder. “I know. I can tell. But do you know everything about her ex? Do you know why they really broke up? I don’t know. I hate to say this because she seems like a nice girl and I can tell she does care about you, but the whole thing just seems…a little too convenient.”
I try to swallow the anger that’s threatening to rise up, not really sure what he’s trying to say. “Yeah, Shane. I know. She’s been nothing but honest with me about it, and to be honest, I don’t give a shit why she left him. That doesn’t matter. Just like it doesn’t matter why I’m not with Megan anymore. I’m leaving the past where it belongs—in the past—and I’d appreciate it if you’d do the same.”
He holds his hands up and takes a step back. “Okay, okay. I’ll drop it.”
We ride in the elevator in silence, and as we step out into the lobby, I see Ariana and her sister through the window. Shane starts to move past me, but I place my hand on his arm, stopping him.
“I don’t think I ever thanked you for always having my back, even when everyone else treated me like the bastard I was. I’m grateful for you, and I know I should’ve listened to your advice all those years ago. That being said, Ariana is different. I love her, man, and regardless of how we got together, I’m spending the rest of my life with her. I’d be appreciative to have your support.”
He swallows hard and then gives me a head nod. “I guess it’s the cynic in me, and after watching you be miserable for so long, I’m just worried about it happening again.”
“Do I look miserable to you?” I ask, and he lets out a barking laugh.
“No. Not at all. And to be honest, I was convinced after the wedding. I was surprised you made it off the dance floor before tearing her dress off,” he teases. “I guess I was just caught off guard by the whole fake engagement thing. You have to admit it’s a pretty wild story.”
“I know, I know. I was even more of a cynic than you are. If I hadn’t lived it, I’d be thinking the same thing.”
When we get outside, Alyssa’s just getting into a cab, and Shane gives me a quick goodbye before grabbing hold of the car door and sliding inside next to her. I can hear her shriek a protest, but he closes the door, and Ari and I watch as they take off.
Slipping my arm around her shoulders, I grin down at her. “Any idea what that was about?”
“No clue. I tried to grill her before you two got out here, but she just gave me some bullshit line about not being able to be friends with the opposite sex. She wouldn’t elaborate, and the moment she saw you guys walking out the door, she hopped in that cab. Although I have a feeling she’s regretting it now.” As we make our way up to our room, she turns to look up at me. “How crazy is it that those two have something going on? Your cousin and my sister?”
“It’s a small fucking world, baby,” I tell her, and she laughs. “All right, sleepyhead. Let’s get you upstairs and into bed. We have a lot to do tomorrow.”
“Yes, definitely get me into bed,” she agrees, giving me a devilish smile.
Raising an eyebrow, I open the door to our suite and lead her inside. “I thought you were tired.”
Her hands come up to my chest and she starts to loosen my tie. “It appears I’ve gotten my second wind. And since it’s our last night here, we should make the most of it. You know, one more night of memories to replace those you lost,” she says, her eyes twinkling as she continues to undress me.
For the first time since the night of our first date, I allow her to have full control as she pushes me to the bed, slowly stripping and then climbing on top of me. I may not remember everything from that first night we met in this hotel, but she makes damn sure to give me a night I’ll never be able to forget.
IT’S MY first official weekend living with Branson, and the last thing I want to do is leave the bed. I know, I know. We’ve technically been living together for a couple of months now, but like I said, this is official. It’s also our last weekend before he goes back to work full time. His dad already made sure to let him know that the recuperating excuse wasn’t going to fly for another week. It’s for the best anyway.
Now that we’ve been back from Atlanta for two days, I’m all unpacked, settled, and ready to get on with my new life. Tonight, however, we’re to be at the Wellingtons, welcoming back the newlyweds from their honeymoon. In my opinion, I’d think they’d want to be alone, but that could be my own wishful thinking, wanting to spend these last two days in a blissful cocoon with Branson.
At the same time, it’s heartwarming how much of a tight-knit unit the family has become, and at times, it still floors me that, a year ago, they were still in a rift. Perhaps that’s why Amelia is so gung ho about keeping the Wellington brunch tradition alive as well as little get-togethers such as the one she’s planned for this evening. As much as I selfishly want to stay home, I love being a part of this family. Looking down at my ring, I wonder how long it’ll be until we make thisofficialofficial.
Branson walks into the kitchen just as the thought crosses my mind, and as soon as I look up, the words leave my mouth without a second thought. “When do you want to get married?” My eyes widen just as he stops in his tracks. Clapping a hand over my mouth, I shake my head vehemently. “Sorry, sorry. I was just thinking about Knox and Charlie on their honeymoon, and I guess I’m feeling sentimental. Ignore me.”
He doesn’t say a word, and when I glance at the clock, I see that it’s nearly time to leave. His silence is deafening, and I start to scoot past him, wanting to get out of this room and this situation. Just as my body brushes his, he slips an arm around my waist and pulls me into him.
