Chapter 28
28
MALACHI
Four Months Later
As I stood with the Pacific Ocean behind me at Cypress Sea Cove in Malibu, the sea breeze blew against my face, doing nothing to cool me off under the late October sun. It was at least twenty degrees hotter than what I remembered Boston to be when I was growing up. While I missed Massachusetts, my heart was no longer there. He was standing next to me while we waited for Olivia to walk down the aisle.
After our show in Boston, we rescheduled the missed tour dates a few weeks later. Since then, Surrender had been back on track. Jasper continued as our chef on the road and once our final show was done in NYC, we went back to Boston, grabbed all of Jasper’s stuff and he moved in with me in LA.
I leaned over and whispered into his ear, “I can’t wait to get you out of that tux.”
“Behave.” He chuckled.
“I can’t help it. You look so hot all dressed up.”
“I feel the same way about you.” He winked.
A sudden, loud whirring sound interrupted our flirting, and I glanced up in annoyance. A helicopter circled above, and I had no doubt it was paparazzi or someone working for a news outlet. The media was desperate to get pictures of Jesse’s wedding, and their presence was always as bothersome as a swarm of buzzing flies. I shot a glare at the sky, wishing they’d just disappear. That they’d give our circle some peace at least this once.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Jesse groaned beside me.
I clapped him on the shoulder. “Just drown them out, man. Just drown them out.”
“Yeah, okay.” He snorted.
“Don’t forget you’re the reason we made it big,” I teased, reminding him he was the one to come up with the plan to try out for The Band Showdown .
“Where do you think we’d be if I hadn’t suggested TBS?”
I glanced at Jasper and smiled. “Don’t know, but hopefully we’d all be together one way or another.”
A moment later, Midnight Thunder started to play the melody to a song we wrote for Olivia to walk down the aisle to. Jesse had asked the band—and our friends who had opened for us on tour—to play at his wedding. They were the perfect choice to help celebrate the day.
Taking a quick peek at Jesse, I could see his eyes were locked on Olivia as she held onto her father’s arm and moved toward us. She looked radiant, her white gown flowing in the wind, her smile as bright as the setting sun. This was the moment Jesse had been dreaming about since we were in high school, and I couldn’t have been happier for him.
As we made our way to the reception area—after the paid photographer had taken a gazillion pictures—I walked over next to Silas while Jasper went to the open bar to get us a drink.
Not only was Silas not doing drugs anymore, but he was 100% sober, which meant no alcohol either. Having his sober companion with him all the time helped him a lot, and I had to hand it to him because he was doing amazing with his recovery. While we were finishing our tour, he was the first to wake up and do yoga while we all slept. He’d also had Jasper make him green smoothies every morning, and while I had never really noticed it before, there was now a little spark in his eyes that spoke volumes about his recovery.
“How are you holding up?” I asked my friend.
“Good. Just glad I could be here today to see them finally tie the knot.” He smiled at Cash as he walked up and handed Silas a cup of water.
“I’m glad you’re here too,” I gave Cash a head nod in greeting, then said to Silas, “It wouldn’t have been the same without you.”
Elliott joined us, his eyes fixed on Savannah as she talked with Rina across the lawn. We were waiting for the bride and groom to enter so we could eat and really get the party started.
“How’s it going with Savvy?” I asked, nodding toward Savannah.
He smiled wide, still not looking away from her. “Things are really good.”
“Happy for you, man.” I squeezed his shoulder.
“Thanks, bro.”
Jasper walked over and handed me a beer. I kissed his cheek before taking a quick sip.
“Tomorrow—” Jasper started to say but before he could, the lead singer for Midnight Thunder, Adam, started to welcome Mr. and Mrs. Bennett. We clapped and then took our seats at the head table.
I was counting down the minutes because I had something up my sleeve for after Jesse and Olivia rode off into the night.
After the meal and some dancing, it was time for the speeches. I stood up, holding my glass, and tapped it with a fork to get everyone’s attention. “Ladies and gentlemen, friends and family, and those who are just here for the free food and open bar, good evening! For those who don’t know me, I’m Malachi, the best man. And for those who do know me, well, I apologize in advance.”
A little bit of laughter rose up from the audience, and I went on. “It’s an absolute honor to stand here today as the best man for my best friend Jesse. But really, it’s just as much of an honor to be standing here for Olivia too. You see, we’ve all been friends since high school, and I’ve had the pleasure of watching these two evolve from awkward teens who spent countless hours texting back and forth when they weren’t together, to this incredible couple we see before us today who can’t keep their hands off of each other.
“They truly are perfect for each other, so let’s give a big thanks to Olivia’s parents for raising such a wonderful person, and to Jesse’s parents for raising … well, Jesse. Seriously, well done on both counts!”
I glanced at Jasper and winked, wanting to thank his parents for making him too, but I continued with my speech.
“Now, let me take you back to our high school days. Back then, Jesse, Silas, Elliott, and I were inseparable. We tackled exams together, shared countless laughs, played our music in Jesse’s garage, and got into our fair share of trouble. I remember the time Jesse thought it would be a great idea to sneak into the school after hours. Of course, he forgot about the security cameras. But that’s Jesse for you—always full of bright ideas, like the time he wanted us to try out for a reality show.”
“Yeah, and look where that got us!” he yelled and everyone laughed.
“Despite the occasional mishap, one thing was always clear: Jesse is a loyal friend with a heart of gold. Silas and Elliott can also vouch for that. And then came Olivia. Although she didn’t join in on our high school shenanigans, it was clear from the moment she entered Jesse’s life that she was someone special.
“Watching them grow together over the years has been nothing short of inspiring. From the moment they started dating, everyone realized they were meant to be. Olivia, you’ve always brought out the best in Jesse, and Jesse, you’ve always made Olivia laugh like no one else can. Your love story is like a classic high school romance movie, but with a much better soundtrack and way fewer awkward prom photos.”
More laughter.
“May your life together be filled with joy, adventure, and all the happiness in the world. And may all your ups and downs be in the bedroom. To Olivia and Jesse, congratulations and cheers!”
Everyone raised their glasses, and we toasted to the couple. I took a seat and Jasper leaned over and said, “That was amazing.”
“Thanks, babe.” I kissed his lips quickly while Olivia’s sister started her maid of honor speech.
As the night drew to a close, the newlyweds bid us farewell, stepping into a vintage car adorned with a “Just Married” sign. We all waved them off and then I turned to Jasper and said, “I have a surprise for you.”
His eyes widened, but before he could ask more, a sleek black limo pulled up in front of us.
“What’s this?” he asked, eyes twinkling with surprise.
“Just a little something.” I opened the door, not waiting for the driver as planned, and waved goodbye to Silas, Elliot, and Savannah.
As we settled into the plush seats, the driver pulled away, and Jasper looked over at me. “So, where are we going?”
“You’ll see soon enough,” I replied, smiling mysteriously.
The limo navigated the winding roads of Malibu as Jasper looked out the window. I could almost hear his thoughts still wondering where we were going., I was tempted to tell him, but he would, in fact, know soon enough where our final destination would be.
“Are we heading to Santa Monica?” he guessed.
I shook my head, enjoying the suspense.
“Home?”
Home. I loved it when he talked like that, but we weren’t going home.
“Patience,” I teased, leaning in closer.
“I thought you couldn’t wait to get me out of this tux?” he provoked.
I verified that the partition was up between us and the driver, then turned on the radio from the control above our heads. “We have some time.”
“Oh, really?” He arched a brow.
“Do you think you can be quiet so the driver doesn’t hear?”
Jasper’s eyes flicked toward the front of the car and he lifted a shoulder. “Maybe.”
My dick was straining against my zipper at the thought of him struggling not to be loud as I fucked him in the moving vehicle. “Guess we’ll see.”
“Oh, yeah?”
“Fuck, yeah.” I winked and undid my belt.
He licked his bottom lip and got to work on his own pants. “Are you sure we have enough time?”
“At least an hour.” I freed my cock. “Come suck me.”
He slid off the seat and knelt in front of my parted legs. Without a word, he grabbed the base of my shaft and devoured me until I hit the back of his throat. Bobbing up and down, his tongue slid along the underside, coating my dick with saliva. With music playing in the background, I focused on the slurping of his lips as they sucked my crown before going back for more.
Even though we were no longer having to hide our relationship from anyone, the thought of being secretive in the back of the limo heightened the sensations, which were sending electric currents through my body with every lick and hum Jasper was doing, especially when he sucked my balls with his greedy mouth.
“You know,” I said, watching myself go into his mouth. “We don’t have lube.” He looked up at me, his blue eyes sparkling in the limo’s mood lighting, but didn’t stop blowing me. “Guess we’re just gonna have to use my cum.”
He groaned and sucked me harder, as though the idea spurred him on. It didn’t take long until I felt my balls tighten and I knew I was about to come.
“Babe,” I said, and he pulled off and looked up at me. “Take off your pants so you can be ready for me.”
Jasper nodded. While he sat on the limo’s floor and got rid of his trousers, I lifted my hips and pushed my slacks and boxers down to my ankles. Once he was done, he returned to giving me head, and I slipped my fingers into his hair as I guided him up and down my shaft.
“That’s it. Fuck, your mouth is so fucking perfect,” I panted.
He hummed his response, and the vibration sent a zing straight to my balls. I tugged on his hair, and he pulled back as I wrapped my hand around my cock and started jerking off. He watched my fist slide up and down, but I wasn’t watching what I was doing. Instead, I was looking at him, the man I wanted to spend forever with.
“I’m almost there,” I groaned.
He licked his lips as if he was hungry for my cum, and while he usually swallowed all of it, we needed it to ease my entry into him and make him come as my dick pounded into his prostate.
“Hurry,” he pleaded. Before he could reach out to help me, my hand stilled and I came with a groan, catching the creamy liquid in my palm.
Jasper got off his knees and straddled my hips without hesitation, then claimed my lips like he was starving to kiss me. We licked inside each other’s mouths as I reached around and coated his puckered rim with my jizz and then slipped two fingers inside. He hissed as I worked them in and out, each time gathering more of my spunk to coat his dark tunnel.
He fucked my fingers and even though I had come minutes before, I was hardening again as our dicks rubbed together between us.
“Your fingers feel so good,” he moaned against my lips. “But I need your cock inside of me.”
“Are you greedy for more of my cum?” I smirked.
“Always.”
“Then use me.”
I slipped my fingers out and held the base of my shaft, guiding my crown to his tight hole. As Jasper sank slowly down and my cock stretched him, I reached above our heads and turned the music louder.
“That’s it,” I urged, as his ass swallowed more of me. I fisted his dick, giving it a few pumps to relax him more. “Take your time.”
“I’m good,” he breathed and sank all the way down.
“Now ride me.”
And my man did just that, as the driver went around turns, over bumps, and got onto the 405. I jerked Jasper’s shaft and swallowed his cries of pleasure as we kissed and he got closer to coming.
“I’m gonna come,” he moaned.
I stilled his hips and leaned forward, laying him back on the sideways bench seat. Sliding out of him, I grabbed hold of his length and sucked him into my hot mouth.
“Oh, god,” he breathed.
Taking my fingers, I slid them into his ass while I bobbed up and down on his cock. Within seconds, his body twitched, and he shot his load down my throat. I swallowed it all. Once he was sucked dry, I rose slightly and entered him again with my throbbing dick.
It didn’t take long before I was groaning my release and shooting my hot cum into his perfect ass.
Laying on top of him, we caught our breath and then I grabbed a tissue and helped him clean up.
Once we had our pants on, we returned to the seat in the back of the limo and Jasper’s eyes lit up with realization. “We’re going to the airport?”
“Bingo!”
“And then where?”
“Do you want me to tell you now or do you want to wait until we check our bags?”
“Check our bags? You packed for us?”
I nodded. “Yeah. I had to in order to pull this surprise off.”
“Now I’m really intrigued.”
“You weren’t before?” I cocked a brow.
“Okay, I was.” He chuckled. “But, tell me now. Where are we going?”
I hesitated for a brief pause before responding, “Norway.”
Jasper blinked. “Norway?”
“Yeah.”
“What’s in Norway?”
I cracked a grin. “You’ll see.”
The chilly Norwegian air greeted us as we stepped out of Troms? Airport. It was nothing like California and for a split second, I wished we were back in LA. But that was only for a millisecond because I couldn’t wait to see Jasper’s face once he realized what I had planned.
The northern darkness was already settling in, with occasional glimpses of the moon illuminating patches of the landscape. A black car I had arranged waited for us just outside the terminal.
“Holy shit, we’re in Norway,” Jasper said as he slid into the car.
“I know. Just wait until you see our room.”
The drive to Lyngen North was a journey that took us through an eerie wilderness, far from the city lights. Jasper pressed against the window, mesmerized by the mysterious scenery passing by. I stole glances at him, overwhelmed by how lucky I was to have him with me and how after all these years we were together.
Our arctic hotel stood as a secluded sanctuary overlooking a silent fjord. It was perched atop a hill and glowed softly under the moonlight. Stepping out of the car, the staff welcomed us and led us to our glass igloo.
“This is incredible,” Jasper gushed.
“Yeah, the pictures online don’t do it justice.”
He looked up at the dark sky. “I can’t believe there’s a glass roof. It’s kinda like camping under the stars.”
“Exactly.” I smiled.
“Ah, I see what you’re doing.” He nodded his head slowly.
I furrowed my brow. “You do?”
“I mean, I wouldn’t have flown us to Norway just to go camping like we used to, but I have to admit this is pretty amazing.”
As if on cue, the aurora borealis began to paint the night sky in green and blue light.
“Malachi,” Jasper breathed, turning to face me. “Thank you for bringing me here. This is more than I ever dreamed of.”
I took his hand, squeezing it gently. “There’s something else,” I began, feeling my heart race. Dropping to one knee, I pulled a small box from my pocket that I’d put in there when I’d changed out of my tux at LAX.
He gasped. “Mal …”
I swallowed and opened the lid of the box to reveal a black carbon fiber ring with a band of shredded green meteorite in the center. When I was searching for rings, the design had reminded me of the Northern Lights. “The day of our first kiss, you got stung by a bee.”
“I remember.” He chuckled slightly.
“I was so fucking scared, but I didn’t want you to know. We played the questions game, and I asked you if you could visit any place in the entire world where would it be?—”
“I said I’ve always wanted to see the Northern Lights,” he answered as though he too was remembering.
“Right. You said it would be cool to see.”
“It is.” He looked up at the dancing lights through our glass roof.
“It is,” I agreed and continued. “And I couldn’t think of a better place than here to ask you if you’d marry me?”
“Yes.” He nodded enthusiastically. “Of course, I will.”
I slipped the ring onto his finger, the fit perfect as though it had always belonged there, and then got to my feet. Grabbing his face with both hands, I kissed him while the aurora borealis continued to light up the night sky with vibrant hues.
There were no paparazzi around to steal our moment. For once, we were just two people in love who no longer had to sneak around.