Page 143 of Playbook
“You do, do you?” I ask, sounding genuinely intrigued by the possibility when I know very well it’s going to include us being naked.
He takes both of my hands in his. “Let’s go to your apartment.”
I chuckle. “Mhmmm.”
“And pack up all your stuff.”
My brows furrow. Okay, this isn’t going where I thought it was.
“And bring it to my place.”
“You want me to stay at your place for the weekend?”
“Yes.” He nods, placing a kiss on the inside of my elbow. My skin tingles. This man has made me insatiable.
“For the activities you have in mind, I don’t think I’m going to need my entire apartment.”
He chuckles softly and looks down at me with a soft expression that makes butterflies swarm in my stomach. “Move in with me.”
“What?” There is no hiding the surprise in my voice.
“Move in with me. I already talked to Archer. He’s cool with it so long as we shut the door while we’re having sex and as long as you promise not to refer to us as a throuple.”
I want to. God, do I want to. It hasn’t been very long, but I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. He is my guy. Forever. “I can’t bail on Alec.”
He scrunches up his face. “Can’t I just buy him out of your lease? I really like waking upandfalling asleep next to you.”
I drape my arms over his shoulders. “Me too, but our lease ends in four months, which should be plenty of time for him to find someone else, and then…yes, absolutely. I have conditions of my own though.”
“Oh yeah.” His eyes light up. “Like what?”
“Ummm….” I kiss him while I try to come up with some. It turns out I don’t have any conditions at all. I want him and all the fun and chaos that comes with him. The good times, the bad. All the dark parts he tries to hide so he never makes anyone feel anything but happy. I want those too. I want it all.
THIRTY-NINE
Twinkle lights hang above us and a band plays a 90s ballad while people eat cake and mingle at the circular tables. Sierra and Ben’s wedding was beautiful. The ceremony and reception were held at the zoo where Ben works. Dinner, dancing, and laughter. So much happiness and laughter.
The zoo has a cool vibe at night. All the greenery and random animal noises. After the vows, guests were able to walk around the park, although London had to stay for pictures so I didn’t partake. The reception was a full sit-down dinner with toasts from friends and family. My girl cried as she wished her sister a lifetime of happiness. Not gonna lie, I teared up too.
It really is an amazing thing. Two people committing to love each other and having each other’s back. The world is a bitch. Made harder by bad parents, personal fears and anxiety, and just the millions of ways we all fuck up every day. It’s not an easy or simple thing to agree to do for another person.
The bride and groom have already left, and the last of the guests are clinging to the final hour of the magical night.
“This has got to be the coolest wedding I’ve ever been to,” I say as London and I sway to the music. We’re one of only a few other couples dancing. Most have given up and are sitting at tables, talking and covering yawns.
“It really was.” She’s had a dreamy smile on her face all night.
“And you look gorgeous, sweetheart.”
“You mentioned that.”
“And I’m gonna keep mentioning it.”
She looks up at me, smiling, then rests her head on my chest.
“Where’s your dream location for a wedding?” I ask. I’ve been to destination weddings, church weddings, backyard receptions, and everything in between. Hendrick and Jane did a Fiji wedding with just family and a few friends, and that was pretty awesome too. I don’t know what I picture for my own. I always thought of weddings as just another party until London. Now I understand why there’s all the fuss. A wedding should say something about the kind of life you want to have with another person. Or maybe I’m just getting sappy in my old age.
“I’m not sure.” She tilts her head up, but keeps it leaned against me. “Small. Not a lot of frills. I don’t care about place cards and flowers and all that.”
