Chapter 11
eleven
Fern
The Tipsy Tavern is busy tonight, but I’m only here to pick up my to-go order and go back home. I want to make sure I’m ready for Wayan when he’s done having dinner with his brother.
“Here you go, Sug.” Our waitress from the other night walks up to me and hands me a wad of cash along with my to-go order. “I really thought the two of you would last longer than a couple of days.”
“Excuse me?” I have no clue what Shirley is talking about, but a shiver runs down my spine from the pity look she gives me.
“Over there, Sug. Your man is dancing with someone else. He met her here tonight, and they had dinner, now they’re dancing just like the two of you did the other night.”
I follow her gaze and see Wayan dancing with a petite blonde-haired woman—everything I’m not. “Like I said, he’s not my man. He can date whoever he wants.”
“Whatever you say, Sug.” She pats my shoulder, and I know I should leave, but I can’t stop staring at the man I’m falling in love with dancing with another woman.
Before I get a chance to pull myself away and leave, Wayan’s gaze lands on mine. A look of guilt crosses his handsome face.
I turn to leave, but not before handing Shirley back our bet money, “Please take it. I don’t want any reminders.” I glance back at Wayan and his date to find him walking toward me. I stuff the money in Shirley’s hand and run out the door.
“Fern!” He yells from behind me, and my traitorous body stops.
With what little dignity I have left, I reach into my purse, pull out the contract, and turn to face Wayan. “You’re on a date. So this contract is no longer valid.” I drop the takeout bag on the ground and proceed to tear up our friends' with benefits contract.
He reaches for me, taking each one of my shoulders in his large hands, “It’s over, right? Our contract, we are no longer bound to it.”
If he had slapped me in the face, it wouldn’t have hurt as much as his asking if we’re over. “Yes, it’s over.”
"Good," he says seconds before crashing his lips onto mine in a kiss filled with lust, longing, and desire—everything I always knew it would feel like.
The kiss lasts for what feels like an eternity as we hold each other tight.
Finally, he breaks it, leaving us both breathless.
“This date was a mistake, but when Aspen and my brother cornered me about it, I felt that I had to go through with it, when all I really wanted to do was spend tonight and the rest of my life with you. I love you, Fern.”
I choke back my tears, “But what about settling down with a wife and a family?” I never thought I wanted that life, but with the right guy, I might.
“I love you, Fern. I’m willing to take whatever you give me, whether it’s as a wife, or a girlfriend, or even going back to the damn friends with benefits, as long as I have you by my side.”
“I love you too, Wayan. And I’d be honored to be your wife and the mother of your children.” As the words leave my mouth, I know they are true. Wayan is the only one I want.