Page 8 of Pieces of Us
Linc’s toothy smile breaks out across his face, and I swear I see his eyes go a little glossy. I’ve never seen a man cry at the drop of a hat like he does. He crosses the living room and pulls Jax intoa rough hug, practically banging on his back. “You got it. I’ll help you marry the hell out of Audrey.”
The room breaks out in laughter, but I internally roll my eyes. I’m a little worried about Linc being the best man. If I have to work on anything for the wedding with him, I’ll pitch a fit. I take a long sip of my wine and resolve to avoid him the best I can.
Chapter Two
Linc
Ihug Jax one more time and wipe away a tear. It’s crazy to think he’s getting married. It’s a turning point for our trio. One of us will be a husband. I already feel like he spends less time with Marcus and me. Can’t say I blame him, though. If I had a beautiful woman waiting for me at home, I wouldn’t go out much, either.
Speaking of beautiful women, the thought has me scanning the room for Melonie. When I saw her at the proposal, my body had its usual reaction to her being close. My mouth gets a little dry, and I’m forced to walk around with a semi. Anytime I see her, I’m only reminded of the night we spent together, and I fill with regret and a little lust.
Okay, a lot of lust.
When I saw her the night of the fundraiser, when Audrey was planning on introducing our friend groups, I couldn’t believe she was actually standing in front of me. I had to answer a lot of questions from Jax and Marcus after she confronted me about leaving. I felt horrible when Jax told me he was disappointed with me. I told him why I left, but he insisted I should have been honest with Melonie.
I can’t go back in time to change things. Now she avoids me like the plague, and I know she still hates me for what happened. I never really had the chance to tell her why I left. I think she might understand if she would just give me two minutes to explain myself.
I decide today is a good day to try pleading my case again. She’s going to be the maid of honor and I’m the best man. If Jax or Audrey ask us to help with anything for the wedding, I want the awkwardness gone. We could have fun with this, and I want to make sure everything is perfect for Jax and Audrey.
I finally spot her across the room, talking with Audrey’s mom. She’s wearing black leggings that show every perfect curve of her ass and legs and a pink V-neck sweater that dips down to show just a touch of cleavage. Just enough to tease a man. She looks comfy, but still hot. Like I wouldn’t mind cuddling with her on the couch or tearing off all of her clothes.
I shake out my arms to clear my mind of the wandering thoughts. I need her to take me seriously, so I put my game face on as I approach the two women.
“Hi, Melonie. Hey, Mrs. Eastwood.”
Audrey’s mom blushes. “Linc, you know to call me Amanda.”
I nod. “I’m sorry, I always forget.” Melonie rolls her eyes. “Sorry to interrupt any conversation, but I was hoping to steal Melonie. We have official wedding business to discuss.”
“Oh, yes! You go right ahead. I think it’s great you two are helping Jax and Audrey.” She taps my shoulder.
“Thanks, Amanda.”
I see Melonie’s neck turn almost the same shade of pink as her sweater. I know she’s probably mad that I’m forcing an interaction between us, but we’re going to hash this out. Once and for all.
I place my hand in the middle of her back, and she stiffens. I hate that reaction from her. I guide her to Jax’s old room so we can speak privately.
“Linc, we don’t have anything to talk about. Audrey hasn’t even given me any tasks yet.” She sounds annoyed.
“This isn’t about the wedding, Mel. This is about us.” We stand facing each other in the empty bedroom.
“I have nothing to talk about on the topic of ‘us’. And do you think Jax and Audrey’s engagement party is the proper time to have this discussion?”
“There hasn’t been any other time for me to do this. You avoid me the best you can. Can we work this out, or will you just make it miserable if we have to work on anything for the wedding together?”
She tilts her head. “You don’t get it, do you? You left that night. You made me feel like I wasn’t worth sticking around for breakfast. You went from the best sex of my life to the guy I can’t stand to be around.” She shakes her head as she turns away from me, like she can’t even look at me, but all I can think about are a few keywords she just said.
A smile creeps across my lips. “Best sex of your life, huh?”
She throws her arms up. “Ugh! You’re insufferable! Out of everything I said, that’s the one thing you hear?”
“I’m sorry. I’m screwing this up already.” I rub my jaw and collect my thoughts. “Listen, the reason I left that night was because of the pictures I saw on your refrigerator.”
“What?” She turns back to face me.
“After you fell asleep, I woke up and needed water. When I took one from your fridge, I saw all the pictures of you, Gigi, and Audrey. I had no clue you were best friends with her, and when I realized it, I made the decision to leave. I wanted breakfast; I wanted to see you after that night, but I knew I couldn’t risk a chance encounter where Jax would see Audrey. It messed with him when she left him in Jamaica, just about broke his heart, and I knew if we had hung out or dated, Audrey would be around, and I couldn’t do that to Jax. He’s my best friend.”
“If we dated? You don’t date, Linc.”
