Forever

“It’s like this,” Jaymeson interjected. “When she goes, ’baby I love you, I want you so much, I need you’ — that’s when you seal the deal.” He gave a smug grin and nodded.

“Yeah.” I licked my lips. “Pretty sure what Demetri was asking had nothing to do with one of your one-night stands.”

Demetri was staring at Jaymeson like he was some sort of alien from Star Trek. “Seriously, how are we related?”

Jaymeson shrugged. “Hey, I was only trying to help.”

“You talking about marriage?” I asked as I took a side street to downtown Seaside.

“No, I’m talking about puberty.” Demetri rolled his eyes as Jaymeson cackled behind us. “Yes, I’m talking about marriage.” He shifted in his seat and started fiddling with his hands.

“What did you do?” I asked. “You’re fidgety.”

“He’s high.”

“I’m not high!” Demetri yelled. “But I did do something on impulse—”

Jaymeson waved him off. “Happens to everyone. No worries. One time I—”

“—I bought a ring!” Demetri blurted.

I slammed on the brakes, causing the front of Jaymeson’s head to smash into the back of Demetri. Both of them cursed blue streaks for a good ten seconds.

“Sorry,” I mumbled. “You did what?”

“Ring.” Demetri rubbed the back of his head. “Great, now I’m going to look like I have a giant cyst on the back of my head.” He pulled down the mirror and tried to look at the spot but kept flipping off the mirror because Jaymeson’s face was getting in the way.

“Ring,” Jaymeson said slowly. “You mean like a wrestling ring? Or something you do when you’re phoning someone?”

“Ring.” Demetri scowled. “As in, I went and dropped six figures on a five-carat piece of work from Tiffany’s.”

I slammed on the brakes again. “Are you trying to outdo me? Tiffany’s? SIX figures?”

“Tiffany’s has badass rings.” This from Jaymeson.

The car fell silent. I finally spoke up. “And the slut in the backseat knows this how?”

Jaymeson looked away and whistled.

“Jaymeson?” Demetri urged.

“Oh look! The restaurant!” Jaymeson pointed. “Pull over! I gotta piss.”

“He knows things,” Demetri mumbled. “He only acts weird when he knows things…”

“The girls?” I guessed.

“They’ve been talking.” Demetri’s eyes narrowed as Jaymeson disappeared into the restaurant.

“And he’s been listening.”

“Loyalty.” Demetri nodded. “They have his loyalty.”

“Damn.”

Chapter Six

Nat

I felt him before I actually saw him. It had always been like that with Alec; like his presence was something my body was constantly searching for. Within seconds I felt warm hands on my shoulders. Slowly, I turned and bit down on my lip, taking a step back so he could examine my dress.

His eyes darkened as he exhaled. “Damn, baby, you look…” He shook his head. “How long do we have to stay?”

“Dinner and then after party, remember?” I arched my eyebrows. “Besides, I’m only doing this once. So I want it to be perfect.”

“Your wish is my command.” His blue eyes were hooded as he looked at my shoes and slowly raised his head to meet my gaze. “I can’t stop looking at you.” He twirled me around slowly, stopping as his hands ran down my back. Warm lips touched the base of the back of my neck before he turned me to face him again.

“Then close your eyes,” I teased.

“What I want…” He grasped my wrist and tugged me against his body. “…Is you. Right now.”

“You have me,” I whispered. “Tomorrow.”

“I may die tonight.” He smirked then kissed my lips softly. “I’ll never get enough, Nat, just know that. You’re my addiction — my craving, my everything — and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you. With our baby.”

Tears welled in my eyes as I kissed him back and just held him.

“Not married yet,” came Demetri’s smooth voice.

“She’s pregnant, you ass,” Jaymeson chimed in from behind Alec. “What worse things could he do?”

“The man has a point.” Demetri nodded. “Still, back off. If I’m not getting any, you’re not getting any.”

“One more day.” Alec grinned. “Then I get all I want, and where does that leave you?”

Jaymeson cackled and elbowed Demetri. “Aw, she still holding out until you give her a ring? Wait a second—” His eyes widened. “Did you just—”

“Justin Timerblake, as I live and breathe!” Demetri yelled loud enough for the paparazzi to hear. Cameras flashed in the direction he pointed, going crazy over the fact that JT would be at the rehearsal dinner.

“Good one.” Alec laughed.

“Yeah, well.” Demetri shrugged. “What can I say? I’m awesome.”

“Yes. Mr. Awesome. Way ta keep the tag on your shirt.” Alyssa came up behind him and tugged it off. “Armani? Nice.”

Alec’s hand came around my waist, resting right on the bare skin of my lower back. “How are you feeling?” His lips brushed my ear. My body shivered. Would his touch always do that to me? Make me want to throw myself at him and wrap my legs around his waist?