CHAPTER 19
T he engagement party was mere days away, and Beckett had never expected to be this stressed. Over the course of a few days, he and Evan basically turned into chicks. One minute they were watching baseball and talking about video games, the next they’re comparing color swatches for bowties, looking at floral arrangements, and deciding on the best playlist to set a mood. And per Evan, it couldn’t be just any mood. It needed to be the balance between sappy love songs and upbeat pop music—yet it had to be palatable to everyone attending the party. Sure thing, man, no problem...
When he wasn’t wearing his best man hat, Beckett spent all his free time with Mallory. They had spent the night at each other’s apartments a couple of times that week, and every time surpassed his wildest expectations.
During his first sleepover at Mallory’s place, she had warned him about her little body guard, also known as Fernando. The relationship between feline and human was not, in fact, the disaster Mallory anticipated. Within five minutes of arriving and kicking off his shoes, Fernando had jumped onto the couch and curled up on Beckett’s lap. After five more minutes of belly rubs, he was snoring so loudly they had to turn the TV up.
“I still can’t believe it,” Mallory said, her mouth hanging open in wonder. “It usually takes Fernando at least a month to warm up to someone. Even me!”
Beckett shrugged, a smile tugging his lips. “I guess I’m just a likeable guy.”
“Pfft, I don’t know about that.” She winked and curled into his side. By the time the opening credits scrolled on the documentary they were watching, both cat and girlfriend were comfortably surrounding him. It was hard to be lonely when he was cocooned like this. Beckett was in heaven.
A knock at the door jolted everyone to the moment, but it was just a delivery driver with food from the diner. “I’ll get it,” Beckett said, padding over to the door. Throwing the door open, he was greeted to the sight of Evan, bag in hand, eyebrow raised in question. “Lawless?”
Behind him, Beckett heard Mallory rolling off the couch and running to join him. Thankfully they weren’t caught in a compromising position, but he cursed himself for being careless. Why did they order from the diner?
“Foxy,” Evan said, pushing past him and into the living room. Mallory waved awkwardly at her brother.
“What are you doing here, Ev?”
Evan plopped the bag down on the coffee table and crossed his arms over his chest. “I don’t know, Mal. I’m wrapping up a to-go order and hear Helen give the driver the address.”
Beckett gulped, unsure how to intervene. “Then I’m thinking, why is Mal ordering all of my favorites to her place?” A huge grin cracked his handsome face as Evan beamed. He threw his arms wide before falling back onto the couch. “Then it occurred to me that CeCe told you she’s out of town tonight. You guys wanted to keep me company.”
Beckett’s entire body slumped with relief as his buddy settled into the spot previously occupied by their little trio. While he was relieved not to be caught, he was a little annoyed that his and Mallory’s evening was being interrupted. It was hard to snuggle up to a cult documentary—don’t judge his comfort viewing—and the woman he loved when his best friend was literally sitting between them.
Mallory groaned but covered it quickly. “I’ll get some plates,” she said to no one in particular as she stomped into the kitchen.
“I’ll grab drinks,” Beckett offered, hot on her heels.
Evan picked up the remote and kicked his feet out. “And I’ll find something good to watch on TV. Are you two trying to depress yourselves with this crap?”
Beckett grabbed a few cans of seltzers as Mallory pulled down a stack of plates. While she pulled out utensils, she muttered, “I will not stab my brother, I will not stab my brother...”
Glancing quickly into the living room, Beckett confirmed Evan was in his own world, messing with Fernando and finding something to watch that didn’t involve brainwashing and murder. He reached out and smoothed Mallory’s hair off her neck. Dipping down, he peppered the tender skin with kisses until she moaned. “You’re trying to get us caught?” Her question was husky and dripping with need.
He felt that sensation tight in his gut. Frankly, he wasn’t certain he could survive a whole night without touching Mallory. “I’m sorry,” he said, not really meaning it. His mouth continued its path up her neck and ended at her lips with a chaste kiss. “I can’t stay away from you.”
Mallory’s head dipped forward until their foreheads were touching. “I can’t stay away from you either.”
Their private tableau was interrupted by the sound of ripping paper and hissing. “Fernando!” Evan yelled as Mallory sprinted back into the living room.
Beckett was right behind her, stumbling when he found the mess the cat created. Strips of paper were strewn all over the living room floor; the sad remains of some of Mallory’s gossip magazines. Fernando hissed, his back arched, as Evan tried to pick him up. “Come here, fella,” Evan cooed, but the cat wasn’t interested in being cornered.
Mallory strode between them and scooped up Fernando, holding him at arm’s length to avoid scratches. “We’ve been over this, big guy.” She chastised the cat as she stormed into her bedroom. Beckett followed her, opening the crate door as she put the cat in time out. “You get out when you can behave with company.”
“I’m sorry, Mal. I’ll help with the mess.” Beckett took her hand and pulled her to his chest for a far-too-quick embrace.
By the time they joined Evan again, the living room was tidied up. The only evidence that anything had happened was the smaller stack of magazines propped up by the sofa. Mallory sighed. “Why does Fernando always go for the new ones? Now I’ll never know who that new Netflix star is dating.”
Evan snorted. “Yeah, it’s a shame no one invented the internet.” He was rewarded for his quip with a flick to the forehead. “Ow,” he muttered as he followed Beckett and Mallory back to the kitchen for plates.
Beckett did the honors of unpacking the bag, discovering that Evan in fact threw in an extra sandwich for himself. He couldn’t help it, but Beckett bristled at this. It wasn’t that the trio didn’t hang out together often, but lately, it felt like Evan was inserting himself into every possible private moment with Mallory. Was he reading too much into this? Was it simply Evan’s excitement over having his best friend back in town?
Beckett registered the moment Mallory realized Evan brought food for himself. Their eyes locked over a box of tater tots, and she rolled her eyes. As if reading their minds, Evan asked, “Did I remember to throw in some of Max’s homemade ranch?”
Mallory retrieved three small ramekins of the heavenly sauce. “The short answer is yes, but that’s only if you’re planning on sharing.”
Evan snatched a ramekin and stalked out to the couch. By the time Beckett and Mallory joined him, they were stationed at the far corners of the sofa. The TV had a paused screen with a favorite martial arts movie. “Oh, hell yeah!” Beckett exclaimed as he eased back onto the cushion and popped a tater tot into his mouth.
“I haven’t seen this one in a while.” Mallory agreed, taking a bite from a delicious-looking hoagie. Beckett tried to hide his annoyance that they were supposed to be sharing sandwiches, but they couldn’t do that now. Sharing food was a couple thing, something intimate that crossed a line of regular friendship.
“Yeah, one of the streaming services picked up the whole series. I’ve been watching them with CeCe.”
They watched the movie in companionable silence until the ending credits. Mallory stood and collected the dishes, but Evan offered to do the cleanup. As he clattered in the kitchen, Beckett reached out and snatched her hand, bringing it to his lips to kiss her knuckles.
“He’s going to want to leave with you,” Mallory said, her expression unreadable.
Beckett’s shoulders slumped and he shook his head. “Maybe not? Or I could always come back?”
Mallory didn’t have a chance to answer as the man in question bounded back into the room. “I just realized how late it is. We should probably head out, Foxy.” Evan’s big hand clapped Beckett on the back, causing him to stagger. Turning to his sister, he added, “Thanks for hosting. It was like old times.”
“It was.” Mallory gave her brother a quick hug and turned to Beckett. If this would have been before, she’d punch his arm and send him on his way. But this time, she didn’t. Mallory strode forward and pulled Beckett in for a hug that crushed his ribs. “Thanks for coming over, Beckett,” she whispered in his ear, her nose bumping his glasses out of place.
“C’mon, Foxy,” Evan said, shoving his friend through the door. “Let’s give Mal and Fernando some peace.”
Beckett felt his feet move without his consent, bringing him all the way to his car. When he turned back to Mallory’s door, it was already closed, the front light turned off. If that wasn’t a message, he didn’t know what was.
Sighing, he yanked his door open and was about to turn on the car when Evan joined him. “Hey, quick question.”
Stiffening, Beckett prepared for a question about Mallory. Hey Foxy, why are you constantly hanging out with my sister? Hey man, any reason you’re man-handling my sister while I’m in the other room?
“What’s up?”
Evan shoved his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his sneakered heels. “Any progress with a date for the engagement party?”
Not this again. Beckett squeezed his eyes shut so they didn’t roll into the back of his skull. “No man, I told you. Mallory and I will go together. I haven’t caught up with the rest of the Lawson clan much, so it’ll be nice to mingle.”
Scratching his chin, Evan nodded, seemingly satisfied. “Good point.”
Before he could stop himself, Beckett mumbled, “I thought so.”
Evan took a step back so Beckett could close the driver’s door. “See you in a couple of days. Thanks again for all your help, man.”
“Of course, anytime, Lawless.” Beckett pulled out and headed toward his apartment. It was the last place he wanted to go, but he didn’t have the energy for sneaking around. As soon as he got home, he texted Mallory.
I’m sorry about tonight. Want me to come back over later?
He didn’t have to wait long for her reply. Don’t worry about it. Fernando and I are having another ‘conversation’. ::skull emoji:: ::cat emoji::
Good luck. Can I swing by tomorrow after your shift?
::thumbs up emoji::
Well, that certainly wasn’t the conversation he wanted to have with Mallory tonight, but there he was. After changing into his sweatpants and making a mug of herbal tea, Beckett booted up his laptop and logged into World of Warcraft.
Within two minutes, his buddy DMed him.
WickedWarri0rBr0: Long time, no see. You have time for a quick raid?
Beckett couldn’t fight the smile on his lips. While online friendships weren’t as important as in-person ones, he couldn’t deny that having a network of gamers always put him in a good mood.
FoxyMage96: Yes, please. Tonight didn’t turn out as planned, and I need a distraction.
WickedWarri0rBr0: Lady trouble? ::skull emoji::
FoxyMage96: Is there any other kind? ::eye roll emoji::
WickedWarri0rBr0: We have a few minutes before we reach the dungeon. Want to talk about it?
He really did, and seeing as how his best friend couldn’t be part of this conversation, Beckett unloaded on poor WickedWarri0rBr0.
FoxyMage96: OK, but you asked for it.
WickedWarri0rBr0: I’m tougher than I look. ::winky face emoji
FoxyMage96: So you know Mallory?
WickedWarri0rBr0: AKA the love of your life? Yeah man, I’m familiar.
FoxyMage96: Well, we’re sort of...secretly dating.
WickedWarri0rBr0: I know we’re not on audio, but trust that I just snorted at this. What the hell is secret dating? She’s not married, is she?
FoxyMage96: God no, we’re both single. We’re also both insane for keeping this a secret from her brother – AKA my best friend.
WickedWarri0rBr0: You gotta come clean, bro. Nothing good can come from lying. Just ask my ex-wives. ::laughing while crying emoji::
FoxyMage96: Yeah, I know. I’m afraid I’ll lose them both if we come clean.
WickedWarri0rBr0: That’s a possibility, but you could also lose them both if you keep hiding. Someone is going to get hurt. Might as well try to be honest out of the gate.
FoxyMage96: When the hell did you get so wise?
WickedWarri0rBr0: About twenty raids ago when we brought down that other guild? ::winky face emoji::
Beckett spent the rest of his night lost in a fantasy world and pondering WickedWarri0rBr0’s advice. Granted the guy’s been married three times, but he seemed happy enough with his current wife. And he’d been listening to Beckett drone on about Mallory for what felt like an eternity. Hell, Beckett probably owed the guy a few hundred bucks for therapy services rendered.
Just as he turned off his computer, he heard a knock at the door. Glancing at the clock on the stove, he saw it was nearly midnight. After striding over to the peephole, he saw a familiar halo of hair. Beckett pulled open the door to find Mallory in her pajamas, her purse slung over her shoulder. “I couldn’t sleep,” she said in greeting, handing her bag off to him as she pushed inside.
“Me either.” He followed her to the bedroom and couldn’t hide his smile as she pulled back the sheets and dove inside. “I need to be up in six hours, but I needed a dose of Vitamin B.” She patted the mattress beside her and wiggled back. “I know we have a lot to discuss after tonight, but right now I just want to cuddle.”
Beckett yanked his T-shirt off over his head and catapulted beside her. “You’ve got it.” They immediately clicked into place, Beckett’s arm draped over her middle as she nestled into the pillow. “I’m glad you’re here,” he whispered, meaning every word. He’d been looking forward to their sleepover, and he didn’t realize how disappointed he was until she was back in his arms.
“Night, Beckett.” Mallory’s words were heavy with sleep, and she was snoring before he had a chance to close his eyes.
They would figure this out, he knew it in his bones. This felt too right not to savor and keep forever. Evan was a smart guy and a good friend. As soon as the engagement party was over, they’d come clean. No more secrets, no more hiding. Simple, right?
Then why did Beckett fall asleep with a knot in his stomach?