Chapter Forty Two #2
I’m sweaty and panting when I try finding my way to some more of our friends—only to see Aaron at the bar with bridesmaid number two.
Aka wants my man. She’s touching his arm all flirty—leaning in and pushing her breasts toward him.
Aaron is looking around the room, no doubt looking for me to come and save him.
She is not giving up. So, I catch my breath and approach them.
I run my fingers up his arm, brushing her off, then over his shoulder to the back of his neck.
“Hey, baby—I’m sorry I took so long. The hotel had occupancy issues but no worries, we’re good to go.
” I’m grinning up at him all flirty and seductive—watching him smile right back as his arm slips around my waist. I turn to look at the woman next to us and jolt a bit.
“Oh, sorry. I didn’t see you there. I’m Bear—Aaron’s boyfriend. And you are…?”
If looks could kill, this woman would be murdering me this very second.
“I’m Jess. Kayla’s cousin.”
“That’s fun.” I say—making it clear it’s not. “Can I help you with something?” She rolls her eyes at me.
“No, thanks. I’ll be leaving. Bye A—”
“No need to say goodbye—he doesn’t give a fuck.” Jess gasps and turns on her heel, stomping away. Before I can turn back to him Aaron’s at my ear—biting my earlobe and licking at me.
“That was so hot, Benjamin.” He whispers against my skin—but it sounds more like a moan. I turn my head to look at him, to see the proud smile he’s wearing.
“She had her hands where they shouldn’t be.” Aaron wraps both arms around me, staring me in the eyes as his smile deepens.
“That’s right, baby. I’ll hold your dick for you while you beat her ass.” I burst out laughing, shaking my head at him.
“That is not how that saying goes.” He shrugs—kissing my cheeks—then my mouth.
Slowly, like he’s learning me all over again, poking harshly at the ball on my tongue—causing the bar to slide.
“Aaron.” I warn, leaning away from him. But he just follows me forward so I’m literally bending backwards to keep his mouth off of me while his arms stay locked around me.
“Speeches!” Someone yells and I release a breath—glaring at my hot—horny boyfriend who just keeps grinning.
The wedding party all sits at one big table facing all the guests and I watch as Jess realizes I’m in it as well—grinning at her as I sit.
Kayla’s sister gives a long tear-jerking speech that has me reaching for tissues.
I wish I had a sister growing up—they seem so close—so bonded.
Then, it’s Aaron’s turn. He stands with his cup and clears his throat.
“Well—I’m the big brother.” Laughter from the audience.
“Felix has always been my shadow. Wherever I went—he went. Whatever I did—he did. We never had a typical brother relationship; we always wanted the other around.” I can hear the emotion as it enters his voice as he turns to look at Fe.
“I’ve watched you grow, looking so much like me yet nothing alike at all.
You’re incredibly intelligent and I have spent most of my life right by your side.
I’m having a hard time giving you away. But—lucky for lovely Kayla—I adore her so I’m willing to try.
” More people laugh—but he’s serious. “Fe—you will always be my little brother. I’ll always want to shrink you and carry you around in my pocket—to be there for every choice—every event.
But you’re an adult now and you’ve got yourself the perfect bride.
Kayla—the Archer family loves you. We’ve loved you for years.
Thank you for completing the other half of my brother. I wish you both nothing but happiness.”
Felix is sobbing as he gets up to wrap himself around Aaron who is now also crying silently. Kayla is smiling up at the two of them with so much affection. I’m wiping my own tears as they embrace. When Aaron sits, I squeeze his thigh and he gives me a watery smile.
“You’re up.” He says and I take a deep breath before standing.
“Okay—hi everyone. I’m Bear, the best friend of 14 years.
Only—I basically lived with him the entire time and even in college we shared the same bed.
” There’s a bunch of gasping and laughing.
“No, no—it’s true. One simply could not be without the other.
” I grin at Felix as he stares up at me from his seat in the middle—eyes already watering again.
“We basically lived inside each other’s skin—we were each other’s start and end of every day.
I’ve never really had much family—and Felix—” I turn back to him.
“Fe—you were the closest I ever got. I’m so happy for you.
And I’m super excited to have a new shopping buddy.
Kayla—I just want to remind you I was given your number first.” I hold my hands up in defense and the crowd chuckles.
“I’ll let it slide Fe—you can have her.” He rolls his eyes.
“I’ll always be here for you both and I hope we always stay by each other’s sides—even if it’s no longer in the same bed. ”
Felix has me in his arms so quickly I drop the mic—which just provokes more laughter. He’s squeezing me so tight I might choke—his tears warming my neck.
“I love you so much, Bear. No matter what. Through anything.”
My heart pinches as I hold him back and begin shedding my own tears. Now, time to reminisce on our youth with one of our favorite childhood pastimes.
“Hey Fe—care to make a bet?” He pulls back suddenly, a grin breaking out over his face. “Whoever loses has to kiss the other’s shoe.” Felix laughs—loud and full.
“You’re on—what’s the bet?”
“The one who gets Aaron to say pretty first wins.”
“You have an advantage!” I laugh.
“Chicken?”
“Never—you’re on. You go first.”
The reception is back in full swing, and I make my way to Aaron—sitting myself right in his lap. He looks startled yet very happy.
“Hey there, kitten.” He grins up at me—wrapping his arms around my waist.
“Hi.” I bat my eyelashes, giving him a shy smile. “So—what did you think of my suit today?” Aaron runs his eyes over me again.
“It looks really, really good.” I chuckle, kissing his forehead.
“And what about me?” His eyes are boring into mine—so sincere—so honest.
“You? You’re beautiful. You’re always beautiful.” My heart starts to beat faster like a high schooler on their first date.
“Yeah? Thank you. I like yours too. You look very pretty.” Aaron shoves his head into my neck.
“Thank you, baby. You’re being so sweet and cute. Are you feeling all romantic from the wedding?” Truthfully—I’m feeling depressed from the wedding; thinking about all of the family I don’t have and the firsts I’ll never get. But he doesn’t need to know.
Unfortunately, I can’t lie to him—so I just hum.
“Am I?” Aaron peers up at me through thick black lashes.
“Are you what?”
“Pretty?” Aaron laughs—running a hand over my cheek and cupping it.
“You really want praise tonight, huh? Of course you are. You always are. Every moment of every day.” I lean down and kiss him—long and deep. Let my tongue taste every inch of his mouth. God he’s such a charmer—so fucking hot. “What’s that for?” He asks when we pull away, panting.
“Because I love you and because you’re hot.” Aaron’s eyes widen as he huffs out a small laugh.
“What is up with you, Benjamin?” I see Felix waving at me. My time’s up—his turn.
“Oh—I forgot Kayla needed help with her dress. I’ll be back.” I run away, disappearing into the crowd and circling back to where Felix is.
“Nothing?” He asks and I sigh—shaking my head. Felix cracks his knuckles and walks away, ever the dramatic. He’s gone for maybe two minutes before he waves me over.
“I win.”
“What?!” Aaron looks between the two of us with a furrowed brow.
“Aaron—I asked you to describe Benjamin in adjectives. What did you say?” He blushes, picking at the tablecloth as he answers.
“Beautiful—gorgeous—cute—sexy—pretty—”
“Fucking damnit!” Aaron startles at my outburst
“What the hell is happening?” Felix is cracking up.
“That has to be some form of cheating.” I demand—glaring down at my best friend where he sits.
“Nope. I didn’t tell him to say it—didn’t spell it for him, mouth it, nothing. Said it all on his own. He’s grown, Bear.” I groan, running a hand through my hair.
“I can’t believe being so pretty is biting me in the ass right now.”
“Benjamin—what’s happening?” Aaron demands.
“One sec, Bub. Come on, Bear—pay up.” Felix stands up and walks a couple of feet away from the table to give us some room and I groan again—throwing my hands up.
“This is so embarrassing!” Felix just laughs.
Making sure to pin his mean ass with a glare the entire time, I sink to my knees. Felix raises his foot and glare still intact—I rest it in my palm—lean in and kiss the top of his shoe, never looking away from his eyes. I’m wiping my mouth as I back away.
“It’s almost like I’m your go—”
“Nope. Get up Benjamin.” Uh oh. Aaron is angry. Real-time angry. Felix and I—who were already looking at each other—exchange the expressions of we’re so dead. “Benjamin.” I shoot up off the ground—dusting my knees off as Felix literally runs for his life.
“Right! It was just a fun dare—same as we used to do. Whoever got you to say pretty first wins and the loser has to kiss the winner’s shoe.
” I laugh nervously. “I definitely thought I’d win that one.
” Aaron’s leaning back in his plastic chair as I stand in front of his cold gaze—his fingers drumming rhythmically on the table.
“And you had to get on your knees and make eyes at him the entire time to kiss his shoe? Pretty sure he could have propped his foot on the table or even my knee.” I move to defend myself.
“Well that’s—” I pause, hand raised. But then I drop it and say— “Actually, that’s a valid point.”
“Mhm.” He hums.
“Oops?” I give an oopsie-daisy kind of shrug and give my best please don’t be mad smile. Aaron does not smile back at me.
“He was about to call himself your god.”