Chapter 29 #2
I slip my hand into his, and he pulls me onto the floor, guiding me into his arms. The music is soft and slow, and there’s a comfortable silence between us as we move together.
Ben’s touch is gentle, his movements fluid and careful, as if he’s afraid of pushing too far.
It’s soothing how he holds me, like I’m something precious he doesn’t want to break.
He doesn’t say much, just looks into my eyes with that deep, thoughtful gaze of his, and it’s enough.
I lean into him slightly, feeling the warmth of his body against mine, letting myself relax into the moment. It’s peaceful, and for the first time tonight, I feel the tension start to leave my shoulders. With Ben, there’s no rush, no urgency—just quiet understanding.
“About what I said earlier…” Ben begins.
“I really don’t want to talk about it,” I say.
After a few songs, Tanner steps up, flashing his usual playful grin. “Alright, Benny, don’t hog her all to yourself. My turn.”
Ben laughs softly, his hands slipping away from mine as Tanner sweeps me up in one fluid motion.
With Tanner, everything feels lighter, more playful.
He spins me around the dance floor with ease, making me laugh as he dips me dramatically.
There’s a spark of energy in his movements, a brightness that makes me forget all my worries for a moment.
Tanner is effortless—smooth, confident, and always making me feel like I’m the only person in the room.
“You look stunning tonight,” Tanner says with a wink, his tone teasing, but there’s a softness behind his words. “I’ve been waiting all night to steal a dance with you.”
I can’t help but smile at his charm, feeling a flutter of warmth in my chest. “Well, you didn’t have to wait too long.”
He laughs, twirling me once more before we settle into a slower rhythm, his hands firm around my waist. “I know I’m your favorite.”
I raise an eyebrow, trying not to laugh. “Is that so?”
“Oh, absolutely,” he says, his voice light but there’s something deeper underneath it. “You smile more when you’re with me. And I’m betting I can make you laugh more too.”
I grin. It’s true. It’s so easy with him.
“I’m sorry for acting like an idiot the other day,” Tanner says. “I wasn’t expecting to find you with them.”
“It’s okay,” I say, patting his shoulder.
“I think I got a little carried away because of how pissed off I was,” he continues. “I can’t help it, you have that effect on me.”
I trace the outline of his jacket. Chloe’s arrival ruined things, but Tanner had almost told me he loved me. But did he really mean it?
“I didn’t want things to be like that, you know?”
“It’s okay,” I say.
“I’m a patient guy, contrary to what my friends might think of me. I want to give you all the time in the world. But I think somebody else is getting a little impatient,” Tanner says, softly nuzzling my neck.
I don’t have to turn around to know who it is.
Axel steps forward, his broad shoulders squared, and for a moment, he doesn’t say anything. Instead, he holds out his hand—no flourish, no words—just a simple invitation.
The way Axel holds me is different. His grip is firm but gentle, his hand resting low on my back, grounding me.
“You seem tense,” he finally says, his voice low and gravelly, almost like a rumble in his chest. His blue eyes lock onto mine, searching, seeing through whatever facade I might try to put up.
I swallow hard, feeling the weight of his gaze. “I guess I am,” I admit, not wanting to pretend. Not with Axel. There’s no room for that with him.
“Jace’s ultimatum still bothering you?” he asks.
I sigh but he seems to get my answer.
His fingers press gently into my back, pulling me a fraction closer. “You don’t have to be. Don’t worry about it. I can say the same for the others as well.”
I nod.
“We want you, but I know my men—they’re my best friends. Say the word, and we’ll step back and let you have your pick.”
I bite my lip. But that’s not what I want at all…
“You always seem so sure of yourself,” I tell him, my eyes drifting down to where his hand rests on my waist. “How do you do that?”
He chuckles, the sound low and rich. “I’m not always sure, Emily. I just act like I am. But when it comes to you…” He pauses, and the silence stretches for a moment before he adds, “When it comes to you, I’m certain. I have feelings for you, deeper than I thought.”
I swallow hard. All four of them have confessed their love for me.
“Axel…”
“Emily?” says a voice behind me. Instinctively, I turn towards it. Jace is waiting just a few steps away, gazing at me. There’s no trace of jealousy on his face, just acceptance.
“Guess you missed me already, huh?” I say.
“You have no idea,” he says. Axel steps away as Jace takes his place.
“Chloe?” I ask.
“Long gone,” he says.
“You and Hailey planned it, didn’t you?”
He nods. “We wanted to make sure she really understood that she wasn’t welcome here, but without tipping her off. No way in hell was I going to let her attend the wedding after what she did to you.”
I’m almost on the verge of tears.
“I’m sorry I pushed you before,” Jace says.
I don’t reply.
“You don’t have to make any decisions tonight,” he says softly. “If you’re not ready.”
But I am ready. As we sway together, I realize that this isn’t about waiting anymore.
It’s about facing the truth. I care about all of them—Ben with his quiet steadiness, Tanner with his playful energy, Axel with his intensity, and Jace with his history and comfort.
But I can’t keep going like this, caught between them, unsure of where my heart really lies.
“I think I already know,” I say quietly, meeting his eyes. “It’s time.”
Jace looks at me, something unreadable passing across his face, but he nods.
As the music comes to an end, I take a deep breath. My heart is racing, but I feel a strange sense of calm settling over me.
I turn to the others—Ben, Tanner, Axel—each of them watching me with their own emotions hidden behind careful expressions. They’re waiting for me, and I owe them the truth.
“Come upstairs to my room,” I say. “All of you.”