Page 16 of Pour Decisions
Bianca’s family is famous in the music industry, and they’re more than happy to foot the bill for what sounds like an extravagant wedding.
“It was great.” Bianca smiles, glancing at Waylon. “We nailed down the vibe we want and we’re finding a venue. It’ll probably be in New York, though.”
“Upstate,” Waylon adds. “It’ll be more private. Lots of trees.”
“That sounds so romantic. It’s going to be gorgeous,” Jada says with a dreamy smile. Ash lets out the tiniest huff, just loudly enough for me to hear.
“And what about your groomsmen?” Mom asks, looking to me.
Wes just chose Waylon for his best man, which cut out a lot of nonsense. Just because Waylon and I get along doesn’t mean I want this somewhat meaningless title.
“Jeremiah and Wes,” Waylon says, handing Bianca a roll. “Sorry, Ash and JD.”
“I don’t give a shit,” Ash says with a snort. “I’ll live without being a part of the wedding.”
Waylon and Bianca shrug him off, but Jada glares at Ash. Ash glares back.
“I’m sure it’ll be amazing and beautiful regardless. I’m just glad you’re together.” Mom beams.
ShelovesBianca. Probably because she was trying to get Waylon to settle down for ages, but also because they really do mesh well with each other.
“You have that meeting with sales, JD?” Dad asks. It’s like he’s been in his own world this entire conversation and he’s deciding to pull us into his world every once in a while.
“Yeah. And I scheduled a follow-up,” I say. “I’m going to work on some of the projections when I get home.”
“Sweetheart, shouldn’t you rest?” Mom asks. “It’s Sunday.”
“I’m fine, Mom. It needs to be done.” I stab a green bean. “Better to do it when I won’t be interrupted.”
“It’s fine, Delia.” Dad pushes back from the table and goes to the bar cart.
“We shouldn’t talk shop at the table, then.” Mom dabs at her mouth with the cloth napkins she pulled out for the occasion.
“I just needed to know.” He pours himself another drink. “He’s right—he’s going to run the whole damn thing when I retire, and I want it done the right way. He’s the best one to do it.”
I hate the pride that diffuses through my chest at his words, even as Ash lets out a pained sigh. Dad doesn’t give compliments freely, so working to get even a tiny one like that is an addiction I can’t quite break.
But the other part of what he said lingers in my head. He wants it done “the right way”—his way. It can’t be his way forever, as much as doing things his way gives me the shreds of approval I wish I didn’t need.
CHAPTER SIX
KATRINA
I’m not awake enoughto ignore JD standing in the kitchen. He’s hard to ignore, period, given his height and bulk. But the lack of shirt, low slung basketball shorts, and adorably sleepy expression make ignoring him impossible.
His default of dead serious is gone, replaced with a haze that makes him look softer and sweeter. He absently scratches at his beard and yawns as he fills up the coffee machine with water, staring blankly off into space.
It’s endearing, but almost too intimate for comfort. We never lived together back when we dated, but I slept over basically every night. I woke up to sleepy JD often, usually with a kiss or more. The pang of nostalgia is quickly overwritten by irritation. I’ve been here for a week and am already swooning over the guy I’ve had a grudge against for a decade.
At least our physical therapy sessions have been productive and less awkward. I can’t believe I nearly blacked out just touching him in our second one.
But I can’t even be mad at myself. He’s so absurdly hot. Every inch of his body has been honed by punishing workouts. Just to sit behind a damn desk. He should be flaunting his body all over the place.
Bubba is the only one of us who’s wide awake, and he prances over to greet me, tail wagging.
“Morning, Bubba,” I say softly, smiling.
JD slowly blinks and looks at me, his eyes going from my face to my tits, then back to my face. His gaze clouds with lust for a moment before his cheeks redden. I yank up the neckline of my tank top. I’m surprised (and thankful) that my tits didn’t make a run for it again. I woke up with one breaking free from my shirt like it was trying to get an early start for the day.
