I wrap the electric green bath towel around my waist and exit the brightly decorated bathroom. The sight of Julia’s queen size bed lacking its bright purple sheet sends an immediate smirk to my lips.
Her favorite thing to do in the morning is wrap the sheet around her whole body like a cocoon and cuddle on the couch. Over the past few weeks it’s become one of the things I love to see in the morning. That and of course a bobbing mess of curls between my thighs.
Strolling out into the large living room of her downtown apartment, I’m not surprised to see her on the pumpkin orange leather couch, glasses half way down her nose, slaving away behind her laptop.
And I thought I was obsessed with what I do…While I expected her to work, I can honestly say I never predicted I’d have to literally pry the computer out of her hands some nights. It’s slightly frustrating. I don’t want her to think I don’t support her or understand how important preparing for her proposal with Clara’s is, but at the same time I don’t wanna fucking date her voicemail. Neither of us has had any real experience dating in a long term capacity, which has led to many arguments and make up sessions. Doesn’t help we don’t exactly have anyone to turn to for advice…She has one female friend who herself is a serial dater, and I have three bros who could easily toss me a little direction that I can’t ask without raising up the red flag we’re not ready to raise. On the flight home from Doctenn, we agreed to keep seeing each other, but also to wait to tell Pax. We both seemed to believe there was no need in causing him to spiral into outrage when we didn’t even know if we’d make it past a couple more dates…
But we have.
And we are.
Anytime I’m in the city, this is where I am. Fuck my own apartment. I don’t even swing by there for clothes anymore. Whatever I’ve been traveling with or bought recently just ends up in Julia’s closet or stuffed in one of her drawers. I do my laundry here or more accurately, I do both our laundry. Hell, I’ve even bought some of my favorite cooking supplies to keep in her kitchen for our dinner dates. Somehow we went from one sexy as fuck weekend to practically living together. Part of me is desperate to know is that normal? Are we moving too fast? At this seemingly escalated rate are we headed for disaster? Are we behaving exactly like all my bros did when they fell in love, or are we just riding an extended sex high?
I hate not being able to talk to them…
But I hate the idea of not having Julia more.
“Morning, Sweet Cheeks.”
She finally looks up and beams brightly. “Morning, Wy.”
Man, I love that she calls me that.
“Care to explain why I sat down on a fucking fork this morning?”
My freshly washed face tries not to cringe.
“How many times are we gonna have this fight about silverware?”
“It’s not that big of deal…” I try to remain calm despite my distaste for her lectures. “Normal people leave dishes lying around their apartment all the time.”
“In the shower, Wyatt? Do they leave their half-eaten bowl of dried papaya chunks next to their hair conditioner, too, or is that just specifically you?”
I bite the side of my tongue unsure of how to proceed.
“Why the fuck are their bowls of fruit in our shower in the first place?!”
“Sometimes I eat in there!”
“Why?!” She whines. “That’s so weird.”
“It’s not that weird.”
“Psychology book weird.”
“Hey, you don’t hear me complaining about the fucked up places I find gum you decided to stop chewing.”
“That’s not…nearly as wild as reaching for the toothpaste in the morning only to find a spoon in its place. What do you do? Brush your teeth with a spoon full of sugar?!”
My arms brace themselves again my bare chest. “Really, Dennis the Menace? You wanna talk shit? Tell me how I managed to get gum caked on my freshly dry cleaned suit pants ten minutes before I needed to leave the apartment.”
Guilt begins to burn her cheeks.
I’ll admit my habit of leaving whatever I’m done eating wherever I’m done eating it is inconsiderate, but so is sticking gum on whatever surface is closest to you when you’re finished chewing it.
Is it normal to fight about this shit?
Fuck, I wish I could ask my bros.
“Sorry,” she sheepishly concedes. “I’ll work on it.”
“Anche a me.” I motion my head to the plate on the coffee table beside her computer. “Any chance you made me breakfast, too, or did the fork in the ass kill that consideration?”
Julia snickers. “Yes. I still made you a bagel.”
“With?”
“Goat cheese and chives.”
Crossing over to the couch, I drop down beside her and place a chaste kiss of gratitude on her cheek. “Appreciate it.”
She hums her happiness.
It’s a rarity I let anyone make me something to eat outside a restaurant. Why would I when I can do it myself and most likely better? But Julia likes to occasionally “take care” of me by cooking me breakfast or attempting to bake cookies for a surprise treat when I’ve been traveling, and she hasn’t. I appreciate the gesture, but we’ve come to the consensus I should handle all the heavy food related projects. She has a tendency to let everything become…extra crispy.
Too much of a gentleman to say the word burn.
After a bite of the bagel, I point to hers. “Strawberry kiwi?”
“Just strawberry.”
“At least it’s not plain.”
Julia rolls her eyes and turns her attention completely to me. “Hey, did you forget to lock the door when you came in last night?”
I shake my head and have another bite.
“You sure? I swear it was unlocked this morning.”
Quickly finishing the portion of food in my mouth, I state, “Not a chance in hell, Sweet Cheeks. I always lock the door behind me when I come in. Gotta keep my favorite treasure safe.”
She tries not to smile at the comment.
As much as she’s put the stalker problem in her past and moved forward she still unconsciously clings to habits I don’t even think she’s aware of. Like the door. Her mind plays tricks on her sometimes, convincing her a door that is obviously locked isn’t. There have been nights after she’d had a dream all too real for her that I’ve had to walk her to the door to show her it is locked and then around the apartment to prove I’m the only one there. Other times, she’ll insist we drive a considerable distance away from her office or apartment, take side streets and complicated routes to arrive back at our destination to reassure we weren’t followed. The behaviors aren’t crippling so much as occasionally inconvenient.
“You ready to go tux shopping?”
I groan and grab her glass of orange juice to steal a drink.
“That’s how I feel about dress shopping.”
“You’re going with Ryann to pick that out?”
“No. No. She’s already got her gown. I’m being forced to go bridal party shopping. You know, my bridesmaid’s dress. Hattie’s dress. Her mother’s dress. Mamma’s dress…” She lets out a heavy sigh and flops backwards. “Care to kill me now?”
A small chuckle is tacked onto my retort. “You’ll survive.”
“Easy for you to say. You’re not the one whose mother will be saying all damn day in English and Italian, how she can’t wait for it to happen to you. How she can’t wait for you to settle down and sposarsi someday…”
The comment has my curiosity brewing. “Do you wanna get married someday?”
Julia’s eyebrows spring upward.
Oh shit.
Is that not something you’re ever supposed to ask a chick? I thought it was fucked up to assume that’s what they all wanted and to not ask about it.
See.
This is exactly why I need a Master’s advice. Fuck, at this point in my relationship I’ll take a Sous Relationship Adviser. Pretty much anyone with more experience than me and a google search of common topics to steer clear of when trying to avoid pissing your girlfriend off.
“Honestly?” Her head falls slightly to one side. “I don’t know. I never really thought anyone would stick around long enough in my life to ask.”
Sadness seeps into my expression.
“I think I’d wanna elope.”
The response threatens the corner of my lip to twist upward. “Vegas?”
“Married by an Elvis impersonator.”
“Groom in a traditional tux, but he’s wearing kicks?”
“Exactly. And I’m wearing matching ones, probably in the opposite colors with a stylish yet classic gown…”
I can hardly stop my smile from growing brighter like this isn’t just a thought, but the future we’re only months away from. Oddly enough, a scenario that used to seem incomprehensible to me is now writing itself effortlessly. “We tell everyone the next day, and they can hop a flight to join us or just see us when we get home?”
“Right, but that night we’d have to rent out a luxury suite.”
“Top floor.”
“And fuck against the glass.”
Our chuckles are devious and take no time to tempt us into engaging in something more delicious than shared laughter. I encourage her to lay her head on the arm of the couch and crawl between her legs. With one swift pull, the sheet loosens, and I peel it open to admire a view that never fails to ignite a different type of appetite.
Julia questions in a wicked tone, “Are you gonna have me for breakfast, Chef?”
Fuck, when she says Chef it’s like being praised by a Goddess.
I casually nod and reach over to steal a swipe of cream cheese off her bagel. She prepares to scold when the cold topping touches her nipple. Instead, she arches forward and lets loose a heady moan. My eyes oscillate between watching her eyelids fall and the way my index finger seems to just roll around the nub on its own volition. She continues to stir, chest rapidly rising and falling with each rub, and I spread the remainder of the cream on the other side. Once they’re both covered, I sneak another scoop onto my finger, trying not to salivate over the delightful plan I’m executing. At the same time I lower my mouth to the first nipple I covered, I press my finger against her tight back hole. She gasps and my teeth sink into her flesh. Whimpers of appreciation and approval instantly whirl around the apartment. It doesn’t take long for my finger to sync to the same swirling pattern being delivered by my tongue. I bounce my mouth back and forth between the taut peaks, distributing alterations of harsh biting and lightly sucking followed by soft nipping and strong, powerful licks. Her body quakes in desperation underneath my tongue, and every vibration is swallowed like a vitamin I have to have daily in order to survive. Only after I’m certain I’ve bathed her upper body free of the sweet spread do I relocate my efforts to the area my finger has delicately been caressing.
I’ve barely tasted the creation of cream cheese and her wetness before she’s begging, “Fuck me, Wy. Per favore.”
Anxious to oblige, especially when she uses my name, yet equally anxious to have a few more tastes, I let the plea fall on deaf ears. My tongue languorously laps at the flavors refusing to be rushed.
She shakes.
Yanks at my hair.
Complains about having to wait in English and Italian.
I slip the tip of my tongue just past the rim to make sure I lick away whatever might have shifted further than anticipated. More mewls are gifted, and I drag my mouth up her slit, sneaking a taste of the juices my dick can’t wait to be coated in.
Julia barely gives me a chance to drop my towel before digging her heels into my lower back to guide me inside.
The instant sensation of being engulfed by her tight, wet heat has me dropping my head to growl, “Mio Dio, Sweet Cheeks…”
I dive deeper, demanding to reach the hilt.
Demanding her to take all of me.
Her mouth finds mine at the same time her nails anchor themselves onto my biceps. Our tongues ravenously roll around one another, wrestling for control of the situation. I heave my dick harder with each press of my tongue, yet she lifts her hips up to meet the steady thrusting as if challenging me to take her harder.
Faster.
Rougher.
I clamp my teeth down onto her bottom lip and claim not only a scream, but her first orgasm. The sound of my name struggling to fall in repetition from her slightly imprisoned mouth swells my cock. Her pulsating muscles tense around it. Sensing the change, they proceed to drain from it what it drained from them. Another growl festers behind my gritted teeth. I allow my attention to slide down to where sweat is beginning to glisten across her tits like sprinkles in the sunlight, and Julia exploits the distraction. She tugs my neck to her and plunges her teeth right below my jaw line. My dick kicks inside threatening to come prematurely for the second time. I fight the devilish trick with frenzied thrusts, determined not to let her taste the orgasm from me I know her pussy is starving for. She scrapes her teeth along the side, following veins that are trying to rush oxygen to my brain. The more pressure she applies the more savage my strokes become. What started as a sweet, sinful treat has spiraled into an insatiable, primal feast I’m not sure we’ll survive.
Suddenly, Julia’s scorching mouth begins a sucking motion that swiftly matches the one in her pussy. From two ends, she ruthlessly drains me dry, filling each set of lips with liquid rewards. Sweat sweeps across her tongue while sweltering spurts spill out of my body.
It isn’t until my softening dick is completely submerged in our sexual accolades that I inch my mouth over to connect to hers, loving the way they fit perfectly together.
The kiss only lasts momentarily.
She pulls away, the wild smile I adore wedging itself back into place. “Good luck covering up that hickey…”
My jaw and head fall in defeat.
Fuck…
Today may actually be the day Pax kills me.
Rushing inside the tux shop, I’m not surprised to see a bunch of disapproving faces waiting around.
Pax practically barks. “You’re late.”
“I know! I know! I’m sorry breakfast ran late.”
Not a complete lie.
Holden shakes his head, yet Nate teases with a nod to my neck. “Ran late or came late.”
The urge to playfully retort flies off my tongue as quick as it flew on.
I can’t make those jokes about Julia with Pax staring at me. I just can’t. Doesn’t fucking matter if he has no idea it’s his sister I’m talking about, it feels wrong.
Disrespectful.
Out of line.
Almost exactly like sleeping with his sister behind his back.
“Can we just focus?” Pax questions. “I wanna try to wrap this shit up quickly, so I can swing by the office before dinner.”
We proceed one by one behind him to the reserved area for our fitting.
Slightly concerned I missed something, I question, “We’re having dinner tonight?”
“No,” he promptly answers. “Dinner with my family.”
“Now we’re not family?” Holden pretends to grump.
Pax shoots him an unamused glare, but Holden laughs it off.
“Parents?” Nate asks.
“And Julez.”
I try not to the let the information stir up a response.
Wasn’t aware she’d be having dinner with them tonight. Makes me wonder does she know?
An older gentleman interrupts the conversation to introduce himself and his assistant. He takes a moment to explain the process before asking Pax what type of details he wants not only in his own suit but ours. They engage in an exchange we’re all supposed to be focused on from our seats on the leather couch, yet I can’t help being distracted by the vibrating in my pocket.
I slip my phone out just enough to check the text.
J: Everyone here has seen WAY too much Say Yes To The Dress. Hattie included.
My lips press tightly together to suppress my snicker.
Holden catches wind of my actions and gives me a disapproving glare.
I quickly tuck the object out of sight and show him my empty hands.
He has every right to scold me. I gotta give Pax all my attention. He deserves it. This shit is about him and what will most likely be the happiest day of his life. I shouldn’t let my mind be wandering to what dress they’re forcing Julia into, or how she wore my favorite pair of bright red panties to match her lipstick.
My dick begins to rise over the thought, and I have to readjust in my seat to prevent it from being noticed.
Eventually, decisions are made and styles are pulled for us to try on. Our collective disdain for being shoved into this many pieces of clothing is hidden rather well. Pax is the only one of us who enjoys dressing like he’s going to Prom or a business meeting with a politician every day. He’s also the only one required to wear shit like this on a daily basis. Nate works from home and even when he goes into his company’s building, it’s casual. Holden also works from home until he’s basically dragged into the government office, which is the only time I see him toss on a tie. And me, well, yes, I attend functions and events that are black tie, but I always maintain a sense of self while doing it, courtesy of my kicks.
I love seeing mine in the closet next to Julia’s.
That shit is a sexy fucking sight.
All lined up at Pax’s side, we stare at our reflections, waiting for his approval.
An unforeseen grin begins to grow. “You assholes know, you’re all my best man, right?”
“Wouldn’t that be men?” Nate thoughtfully ponders.
“No.”
We avoid an argument by nodding our compliance.
“You’re all my best man because anything a normal person would trust a single person to do, I trust all of you to do. Sei la mia famiglia. You’re my brothers. You were there when I was convinced no one else was. You’ve stood by my side through the good shit, the bad shit, the bullshit, and now the best shit. You all have earned the right to stand beside me as I celebrate the opportunity to gain two incredible people into my life. Ryann and Hattie are now your family, too. I expect each of you to honor them like the fucking brothers that you are.”
Pax’s speech receives another round of nods.
Holden gives him a solid pat on the back. “We’re here for them, bro. And we’re happy they have you as much as we’re happy you have them.”
Nate shoves his hands into the gray pants pockets. “They’re family. Just like you.”
I offer him a smile, hiding the lingering guilt his speech instilled. “We’ll always be here for you. For them. We take care of and protect each other. It’s what brothers do.”
“Good.” His shoulders drop like a weight has been lifted. “Because I want this day to be perfect for Ryann and Hattie. Inteso?”
“Guessing from context that means, understood?” Nate cautiously inquires.
Pax gives him a single nod. “Sì.”
“Would it kill you to speak to us more in English?” Holden huffs. “Between you and Meena, I feel confused as shit more often than I can count. You two make me wanna create a translator app and just carry that shit around with me, so I can stop playing the ‘Guess What They Said from Context’ game.”
Pax laughs, and I join in.
“Oh and fuck you, Mr. International.” He gives me the finger. “You know how much I hate it when you and Meena start talking in Spanish without me, but then when you do it right in front of me it’s like I accidentally hit the Spanish button on the TV and can’t get it to change back.”
Laughter makes an additional appearance as I adjust the navy blue bowtie. “You know you could just learn to speak the language?”
“I can speak it!”
My head tilts sarcastically at him.
“Fuck you! I can!”
“Like an 8th grader trying to pass his final,” Nate joins in the poking.
“Which is still more than you,” Holden pushes back.
Nate scrunches his face, lacking a rebuttal.
I direct my attention to Pax. “Sono questi i colori del matrimonio?”
“Sì.” He frowns at his tie. “Ryann wants navy and gray, so we’re having navy and gray. I don’t really give a fuck about anything other than her saying yes at the alter and fucking the shit out of her in the honeymoon suite.”
“And on the honeymoon,” Nate casually adds.
“Be glad you get a honeymoon,” Holden grouses, undoing his tie. “I’m still pissed I haven’t been able to take Meena on ours.”
I toss my question at Pax. “Thinking about anywhere in particular?”
“Italy.” His smirk is instant. “Show her the culture. The beaches…”
“The food.” I bounce my brow, and the three of them roll their eyes.
“Always about food,” Nate sighs.
“Can we take this shit off now?” Holden interrupts.
Pax shakes his head. “Not yet. I wanna try on the other suit and see how we all look together in that one.”
He disappears behind the curtain, which is when Holden turns his attention to Nate. “When are you gonna finally asks Ains to marry you?”
He gives him a sheepish shrug. “Trying to wait until she graduates. I don’t want her to think I think our relationship is more important than her education.”
“Fair.”
Holden agrees with my comment. “Yeah. That makes fucking sense.”
Pax calls out from the changing room. “She got bit by the wedding bug yet?”
Nate immediately chuckles. “Oh yeah. First Meena and Holden, now you and Ryann. She’s been watching that damn dress show and prodding me with questions about what kind of wedding do I think we’ll have someday. I’d be royally fucked if Wyatt was anywhere near the concept of marriage. I honestly think that’d push her over the edge. Thankfully, he doesn’t even have that card in his deck.”
Absentmindedly, my fingers fly to massage the bruise on my neck.
Is it that farfetched?
Weren’t Julia and I just talking about our wedding a couple hours ago? Weren’t we planning where we’d go, what we’d wear, and how we’d break the news to everyone?
As much as I wish I could argue how wrong he is, I have to swallow it.
Holden tosses his joke my direction. “Wyatt probably won’t ever get married. Pretty sure as long as that many women are willing and able to lick his spoon, he’ll just enjoy his buffet of blow jobs.”
My fingers dig deeper into the muscles at the same time I force a smile onto my face.
Fuck buffets.
Fuck waiting lines to suck on me.
Fuck any woman that isn’t the only woman I give a shit about…
Pax exits the dressing room in a dark navy suit now instead of a black one. “You know I don’t think Julez likes the idea of settling down, either.”
The mention of her name unconsciously causes my eyes to widen.
“Which is fine for now. I want her to move home permanently first. Spend more time with us. Then she can get serious about dating. End up with a doctor or an accountant or a rocket scientist.”
I drop my hand unable to stop myself from being offended. “Those are really fucking specific, bro.”
“Those are the type of men worthy of her time. Men who can take care of her. Provide for her…”
Biting my tongue increases in difficulty. “What about just a guy who loves her? Shouldn’t that shit be enough?”
Thankfully, the challenge doesn’t trigger any sort of suspicion. “Takes more than love to make a relationship work, bro. Maybe you’ll learn that someday.”
My fists curl into balls at my sides, yet I clamp my jaw closed.
Now is not the time to tell him I already know that.
Or to tell him that his sister hates men like he described because she finds them boring.
Or to tell him that she’ll never marry a man like that because I’m the only fucking person in this entire world that will put a ring on her finger someday.
Not today…
But someday.
After the conversation we had on the couch, there’s no doubt in my mind that’s where we both see this shit headed.
And the thought actually makes me really fucking happy.
“How is Julez doing?” Holden slightly shifts the topic. “You were worried when she moved here she’d just keep herself buried in work.”
He strikes a pose, staring at his reflection. “She’s actually better. When she got back from that trip to Doctenn, there was something different about her. It was like something…changed.”
Warmth relaxes my harsh grip.
“She’s been meeting Meena at yoga. Had lunch with Ryann a couple times. Plus, we’ve been spending a little more time together, too. Just last week she came over to have a tea party with Hattie after school. She ended up staying for dinner, and then the two of us watched The Hellcats game with a glass of whiskey. The change has been piacevole. No question.”
I smile so widely I have to look away.
Julia’s been trying, not for Pax’s sake, but mine. She knows how anxious I am for her to patch things up because I know how much it hurts them both even if it’s hard for her to admit. They need that bond restored, and if I have to keep nudging to make it happen…to make sure my bro has his sister and my girlfriend has her big brother back then I will. I’d like to see Pax’s rocket scientist come up with an equation to fix this shit a better way than I have.
The conversation reverts back to his wedding attire, and I’m relieved. For another forty five minutes, we talk to the tailors, get measurements taken, and suits ordered. Afterwards, Pax heads to the office as planned while Holden is summoned to work against his will. With nothing else on the agenda for the day, Nate and I decide to swing by the pub Ainsley works at to enjoy a bite and a couple of beers.
We’re given a booth near the back at his request. He likes to watch her work without being a distraction and knows sitting anywhere near or around her section will throw her off her A game. Nate orders us a pitcher of beer but knows its best to leave the food decisions up to me.
Once our pitcher is delivered, Nate dismisses the waitress, jokingly announcing, “We’ll flag you over when we’re ready to order food. He’ll need at least an hour to dissect the menu.”
She girlishly giggles, and my eyes glance up to get a good look at her for the first time. The young, dainty blonde pushes a strand of hair behind her ear, and states, “Take all the time you need. I’m here all night.”
I give her a nod of gratitude and return to looking at the menu for something more exciting than the average bar food bullshit.
An unsure hum hops out of Nate, yet I purposely ignore it.
Nope.
Not looking to open up that line of questioning.
Adjusting the object on the table, I ask, “How’s work?”
“It’s good. It’s really good, actually.” My attention lifts just in time to see him have a sip of his beer. “They were just renewed for two more seasons, meaning I still have a job for at least two more years.”
I give him a wide smile. “Congrats, bro.”
“Thanks.”
“You think you’ll stick around that long? You don’t have any interest in…doing something more?”
He shakes his head. “It’s a great fit for now. It’s decent pay. Low stress. I get to work from home and am here to help Ains with her college classes when she needs me. Someday that might all change, but for now? Almost perfect.”
“The almost part being that you really don’t like the show?”
Nate doesn’t hesitate to nod. “That bullshit is like Twilight on steroids.”
Saved By The Fangz is not what I wanna watch on T.V. either. Guys who spend way too much time wet and shirtless while they fight monsters or demons or crooked ghosts…I don’t know. I’ve only seen a couple episodes, and that was only because I met some of the cast. Julia would rather watch adult cartoons like Rick and Morty or a cooking competition. Pretty sure the latter is just to watch me get riled up about their lack of creativity at times.
“What about you?”
The question lifts my eyebrows.
“What’s been going on with work? I swear it feels like you’re in the city now more than you usually are.”
Truth.
I hate being away from Julia longer than I have to. Most of the jobs I’ve been taking lately are pretty local for that reason. Again, can’t open up that can of worms just yet…even if a huge part of me wants to.
“Still traveling.” I drop my attention back to the menu. “Still consulting. Everything lately has just been more continental.”
Because I can fly out fuck early that morning and often return fuck late that night. Doesn’t matter if I’m crawling into bed with her early evening or middle of the night as long as I’m falling asleep beside her.
“I was in Oregon last weekend.”
“Doing what?”
“There was this little old bakery that a young woman just inherited from her grandmother. She wanted to add a little twist on some classics, so I spent the day doing what I do best.”
“Fucking her on top of a bag of flour?”
The joke gets a crooked grin and impish laugh. “No. Helping people unlock their creative side in the kitchen.”
“And then you banged on top of a bag of flour.”
My eyes shoot up and narrow at him. “I didn’t fuck her, bro.”
“Why not? Married? Because we both know-”
“Wasn’t interested.”
He smirks like the words are the ones he was desperately trying to pry out of me. “Does it have anything to do with the giant fucking hickey on your neck?”
My lips press firmly together.
“Did you even try to cover that shit up? It looks like special effects from the damn show I work for.”
Rather than argue with how evident the mark is, I jab back, “You really wanna come at me about fucking marks, bro? Need I hit rewind and remind you of when you and Ainsley first started dating?”
He adjusts uncomfortably in his seat. “So you are dating someone?”
Finding myself boxed in yet again, I brush off the question and summon the waitress over with a lift of a finger.
She quickly maneuvers around the tables to appear at my side. “You wanted me?”
No…reading too much into that phrasing.
“We’re ready to order a couple apps. Can we get the fried zucchini with a side of cayenne pepper?”
“I don’t think we have that.”
“You probably have the powder or the flakes. Either one is fine.”
She nods and scribbles it down.
“We’ll also take the chili cheese fries, but add bacon, green and white onions, jalapeños, diced tomatoes, a scoop of sour cream and a sprinkle of feta cheese.”
Nate shakes his head. “Do you just wanna go in the back and cook ‘em yourself?”
The waitress giggles, which is when I turn a cocky smile to her. “I would.”
“He has,” my best friend sighs.
I innocently shrug.
“Anything for dessert? Maybe a blondie?”
“Didn’t see those on the menu.”
“Wasn’t referring to the food.”
Okay, so I wasn’t reading too much into shit before.
My smile is polite. “I’m good. Thanks though.”
She tries to bat away her embarrassment, but a red tint stains her cheeks. “I’ll get this order in for you two.”
“Thanks…” Nate immediately says. As soon as she’s out of earshot, he digs, “Why’d you tell her no? She’s…your type.”
“I like more than blondes.”
“I meant because she was breathing.” We share a laugh, but Nate doesn’t let up. “First the hickey, now refusing a perfectly fine piece of pussy? It doesn’t take the great Sherlock Holmes-”
“Which version? Downey or Cumberbatch?”
“Both were great in their own rights.”
“But for the sake of this situation.”
“I’d have to say…” He pauses in contemplation before realizing my intention. “You’re avoiding the conversation!”
“Almost successfully,” I mutter and reach for the pitcher to pour myself a glass.
“You have a girlfriend.”
“Who has a girlfriend?” Ainsley’s voice squeaks unexpectedly over my shoulder.
“Cheese and rice, woman!” My hand tightens the grip on the glass that almost slipped from my clutches. “Little more warning next time.”
She gives my shoulder a small pat and crosses over to Nate’s side. He plants a chaste kiss on her lips, but it’s obvious he has to restrain himself from turning it into more.
It’s strange as fuck I now know exactly how that feels.
The two of them let their stares linger longingly at each other for a moment.
“Working?”
“On my first break.”
“How much time you got?”
“Fifteen, twenty minutes.”
“Shift changing?”
“Yeah.”
“Looks like we came at the perfect time then.”
Just when I lift my glass to have a sip, Ainsley repeats herself, “Who has a girlfriend?”
“Wyatt.”
“What!?” she croaks.
“I…didn’t say that.”
Nate doesn’t hesitate to counter. “So you don’t have a girlfriend?”
Under my breath, I mutter, “Didn’t say that, either.”
“Ohmygod!” Ainsley claps her hands together. “We have to meet her!”
My eyes widen in trepidation.
“Come on,” she tries to encourage. “Don’t you want us to get to know her?”
I don’t answer.
Would I like them to get to know Julia, my girlfriend? Absolutely. Do I think they’ll ever be able to see past her being Julez, Pax’s baby sister? Not likely.
Nate’s expression grows concerned. “Are you worried she won’t like us or some shit?”
“Didn’t say that…”
“Are you worried we won’t like her?” Ainsley interrogates.
“Didn’t say that, either.”
“You’re not saying a helluva lot, bro, which is bizarre within itself.”
Uneasiness settles at the bottom of my stomach.
“Why don’t we do a double date?” Ainsley sweetly suggests. “Bring her over to our place, and we’ll do dinner and a movie or something. Something in. Something just the four us rather than trying to initiate her to the entire group at one time.”
The idea sparks interest as intended.
“Look, I remember what it was like meeting the three of you,” she continues. “It was a little nerve wracking and almost intimidating. You’re basically this random stranger brought into this tribe, and you hope they don’t crucify you for coming into their territory, regardless if you were invited.”
Nate’s worry whirls up to her. “Is that really how you felt?”
“Yeah.” Her soft reply seems to shatter him. “But it wasn’t your fault. It wasn’t anything they said or did. It’s just how it was. You’re all so close and have this literal once in a life time type of brotherhood that anyone from the outside is going to be uncomfortable trying to squeeze into. While you’re all open to the women one another brings to the group, you’re all still very guarded and protective of each other. Like I said. It can be a little intimidating. Meena lucked out because she knew all of you from college, but Ryann and I…well, we both had to face the council with nothing more than hope they’d either like us right away or learn to.”
“Kid…”
“Relax, Teach.” She winks at him. “I’m a big girl. I survived. I just think if we ease Wyatt’s girlfriend in with maybe meeting a fraction of the group as opposed to everyone at once, especially now that your group has literally doubled in size, it may be less stressful.”
Truthfully, I hadn’t even considered any of the shit she just said. My mind has been so focused on them not being able to see past her being Pax’s sister that I didn’t stop to acknowledge there might be other issues with introducing her to them. What if they don’t like her? What if she doesn’t like them? What if she never feels like more than an outsider?
I don’t think I can put her through that.
Not with knowing she was an actual outsider for so long.
“Wyatt,” Ainsley’s warm voice stops my mind from racing. “Please just think about it, okay? If you really like this girl, your bros will support you just like you supported them.”
Nate turns his attention back to me and clears his throat. “She’s right.”
Fuck, I hope so…
“Give me some time to think it over and run it by her, alright?”
A girlish squeal seeps free.
I lightly chuckle and have another sip of my beer. “Don’t get too excited.”
Thankfully, Nate shifts his attention back to Ainsley. She begins telling him about her day, and I take the time to sneak a peek at my phone.
J: All I want is you, some gelato, and an episode of WWC.
Me: Me2. I’ll stop by the store and grab us some.
J: Dinner with the fam tonight. You may wanna grab more wine while you’re there.
Me: I’ll get your fav.
J: xo
Me: ox
Once I slide my phone back in my pocket, I give the couple in front of me a kind smile.
Maybe a double date isn’t such a shitty idea. Maybe it’ll give me someone to fucking talk to when I need it, and maybe it’ll give Julia the opportunity to step further into the “girlfriend role”. Sure, we go out for dates and all that shit, but what woman doesn’t wanna be welcomed by her boyfriend’s friends, especially when she knows how close they all are. Who knows…maybe if I can get Nate to see how much I really do care about Julia, he’ll be able to help me break it to Pax and Holden or at the very least convince Pax to take it easy on my hands when he whoops the shit out of me. After all those are my money makers…