Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 97079 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 485(@200wpm)___ 388(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97079 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 485(@200wpm)___ 388(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
“I still don’t understand what’s going on there,” Tristan mutters.
“I don’t think any of us do,” I reply. “Maybe they hooked up at your wedding in secret and that got the ball rolling?” We were all exceptionally preoccupied with other things.
“I mean…I guess it’s possible,” Rix muses.
We’ve had countless hypothetical conversations about this. None of them quite seem plausible. “How’s Flip handling this?”
Nate fingers an errant pink curl. “I mean, obviously he’s not the happiest about it—especially since Dred won’t tell him why she’s doing this—but he’s trying to be a good friend.”
“Do you think it would help if Flip knew all the things Connor did behind the scenes at your wedding?” I ask softly.
“Connor made it clear he didn’t want anyone to know he was directly involved,” Tristan replies. “And I want to honor that, because he saved us more than once.”
We leave the Dred and Connor situation alone and Tristan talks about how excited he is to test out Nate’s most recent prototype. Nate thinks this could be the one. It feels amazing to be able to spend time with my best friend and my boyfriend.
Rix and Tristan go over to see Flip after dinner, and Nate and I head back to my place.
“This season might be a tough one,” Nate says as we enter the apartment, toeing off our shoes at the door.
“It might.” I wrap my arms around his waist. “But we’ll all be here to support them, however they need us.”
“It’s a pretty incredible family we’ve inherited with this group of friends, isn’t it?” Nate lifts me onto the counter and steps between my legs.
“It really is.”
“I wonder how soon the wedding will be,” he muses.
“That’s a good question. It’s been all of a week, and the engagement party is already happening.”
He pulls down the zipper on my dress. “I wonder who will end up together at the next wedding?”
“I already have some ideas.” I wrap my arms and legs around him. “Take me to bed and make me yours.”
“Your wish is my command.”
EPILOGUE
NATE
One week later
“You look handsome.” Essie presses her palms to my chest and smiles up at me. She’s wearing a pale pink wrap dress and a hot pink wrap, accented with a silver purse and matching shoes. Her long, dark hair hangs over her shoulders in artful waves. Her makeup is subtle, but her dark eyes pop, and her lips are glossy and tempting, as usual.
“You’re beautiful.” I take her hand and kiss her knuckles.
“What’s that look?”
“What look?” I bite back a smile.
“You’re wearing your devious face.” Her eyes light up. “Like you have a secret you’re dying to tell.”
I lean in, brushing my lips across her cheek until I reach her ear. “I bought you something special for tonight.”
While Essie and Rix were getting their hair done this morning, I ran out to pick up a few last-minute items for Dred and Connor’s engagement party. And I made a stop at Essie’s favorite lingerie store, as well as the jeweler.
Last week my skate was put into production for a short run, and the Terror will be using them during practice. It’s pretty freaking unreal to be at this point so soon, and definitely something to celebrate.
Essie quirks an eyebrow. “What kind of something special?”
“It’s pretty, and lacy, and princessy,” I hint.
“Oh my gosh!” She claps. “Did you get me the sleep set I sent you a picture of last week?”
One of Essie’s favorite new pastimes is sending me pictures of princess-inspired lingerie, followed by detailed scenes we could act out while wearing it. Sex with Essie is always an adventure, and I’m more than happy to play out these fantasies with her.
“You’ll have to wait until we’re home to find out.”
“Can’t I have a little peek before we leave?”
Our phones buzz.
“Rix and Tristan are waiting for us.”
Essie’s bottom lip juts out.
I suck on it. “Don’t worry, sweetness. I’ll make up for it when I steal you away later tonight.”
She sighs. “Fine. I guess I can wait.” She grabs her purse, and I tuck Dred and Connor’s gift under my arm. We leave the apartment and head down to the lobby.
I smile as I discreetly pat the inside pocket of my suit jacket. Essie’s engagement ring is currently nestled against my heart. We’re still in the early days yet, but she’s it for me, and I want to be ready when the time is right. Which will probably be sooner than later.
All our friends are either getting engaged, planning weddings, or having babies. I want it all with Essie—the celebrations, walking down the aisle with her, a family. Essie’s heart is the most beautiful thing about her, and together, with the support of our families and friends, we’ll have a lifetime full of love.
We’re looking at getting an apartment together in Flip’s building so we’re not tripping over each other. It’s a two-bedroom, with a walk-in closet that will fit all her clothes. Plus, there’s a second, small bedroom that we can turn into an office.