Page 78 of Take Me
Hard to believe he’s the same guy, but I’m getting used to the contrast.Funny how quickly I’ve gone from seeing Mason as my lifelong platonic pal to seeing his head between my thighs as I claw at the sheets.
It's temporary,I remind myself.
But what a way to embrace this long string of weddings on our calendars.
I’m dimly aware of Neil sitting six rows behind me.I watched him waltz in just a few minutes before the start of the ceremony, Annabelle serene on his arm.She looked bubbly and bright in a magenta sheath dress, and she waved with a genuine smile when she saw me.Neil glanced away, pretending to greet someone else.
I preferred that, to be honest.I’d rather not face the happy couple without my best wingman beside me.With Mason up front, I’m clinging to Hazel as my plus-one for this part of the ceremony.
My gaze drifts down to the front rows of pews.There’s my dad, parked beside the mother of the bride, holding Ruby’s hand as she beams up at Cass.My father looks dashing in a navy-blue shirt, and I remember the talk we had two nights ago.
“Are we okay?”he asked when I swung by the house to grab a few things.
“Of course we’re okay.How come?”
“Just wondering if you had any questions about Ruby and me.”
“If you’re happy, I’m happy.”
He looked like he didn’t believe me.“You’re sure you don’t want to talk?”
“Positive.”The last thing I wanted to do was discuss my dad’s love life.The fact that he’s moved on from Mom—something he had every right to do—makes me feel queasy and sad.
But no way could I say that, so I settled for kissing his cheek on my way out the door.“I hope Ruby treats you well.”
She looks lovely in her turquoise mother-of-the-bride dress as she watches her daughter step forward with Jake to light the unity candle.Mason catches my eye, and I stifle a giggle.At last night’s rehearsal, he kept cracking me up with quips about this part of the service.
“Don’t get confused and start lighting farts at the altar,” Mason coached Jake with a perfectly straight face.“I know you used to be the champion, but there’s a time and a place for?—”
“Can I punch him now,” Jake grumbled to Cass, “or do I have to wait until after the wedding?”
She pretended to ponder.“We don’t want any groomsmen having black eyes in our pictures.”
“Good point,” Jake grumbled, pointing a finger at Mason.“Don’t be a dumbass at my wedding.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” he pledged, winking at me from across the table.
Now as I watch him stand perfectly still, I’m struck by the contrast again.I’ve loved Mason’s humor since I was a kid, but I’m finding myself loving this version, too.The serious groomsman supporting his brother, representing his family in this milestone moment.
Maybe I’m biased, but as he stands at attention between Kaleb and Cal, there’s really no contest who’s hotter.Mason’s blue eyes twinkle with light from the candles.He’s watching his brother with pride in his gaze as Jake steers Cass up a small set of steps.Mason pivots to watch, and I can’t help admiring how fantastic his ass looks in those pants.
Stop ogling the groomsman.
I focus on Jake and Cass lighting the candle.That’s when I spot it: a pale scrap of fabric poking out of Jake’s pants pocket.It’s lacy and silvery-blue.
Oh God.Is that… panties?
My mouth hinges open, and I snap it closed fast as Hazel looks over.She goes back to watching the ceremony as my eyes shift to Mason.
He’s looking at me, then back to Jake, making it clear he saw my reaction.Can he see what I see, sticking out of Jake’s trousers?
Two seconds later, I have my answer.Mason’s eyes widen as they snag on his brother’s right pocket.He looks back at me, face filled with shock as he mouths one word.
Panties?
I nod with a quick glance at Cass.They’re hers, I assume, unless Jake’s into cross dressing.There’s no way he’d cheat, since he’s madly in love with his soon-to-be wife.
So they’re hers, and… okay.To each their own.With as much as Cass cares about photos, would she want us to fix this?
