I reach over and place my hand on Charlie’s racing leg. He keeps his gaze on his window but slows the bouncing of his leg. We talked about him coming with us last night after we got home. I might have been edging him for thirty minutes before I asked if he’d come with, withholding his orgasm until he said yes. Once he finally came and we were both covered in cum, he looked me in the eye and made me promise to never leave his side. It wasn’t a hard promise to make because I already had no intention of letting him out of my sight.
I pull up to the valet and hand my keys to the guy before helping Charlie on his unsteady legs. Wrapping my arm around his waist, he leans into me as we follow behind Ryder and Matt with Asher on Charlie’s other side.
The ballroom is decked out in gold and red with soft lighting. There’s a massive tree in the corner covered in gold tinsel with red ornaments. A DJ is set up in the opposite corner with one of the two bars off to the right. The tables are covered in white linen with gold plating, each with a poinsettia bouquet in the center. There’s a huge dance floor in the middle of the room that’s currently being used as a meet-and-greet area. Along with myteammates and their plus ones, the coaching staff and medical team are here as well. There are easily a hundred people here.
The five of us make our way to a table furthest from the front of the room.
“I need a drink. Anyone else want something,” Ryder asks.
Ash walks over to him indicating that he’ll go with him.
“I’ll take a rum and Coke,” Matt says as he scans the room.
I squeeze Charlie’s waist as I ask what he wants.
“Umm, anything stronger than beer please.”
“I got you,” Ryder winks before looking at me.
“Any zero soda or an Arnold Palmer.”
“I know you’re the DD but we just got here. You should have at least one drink. We’ll be here for at least three hours.”
I’m already shaking my head before he’s finished. “I’m good. You know I don’t drink that much anyway.”
Ryder shrugs. “Alright, but these rich fucks have the top-shelf stuff. Just saying.” He walks off with Asher next to him.
I take a seat and pull Charlie down to sit next to me. His hand is sweaty, and his head is on a swivel as he looks at everyone who passes our table.
“Look at me, baby.”
He turns his head towards me, but his eyes still track the people walking by.
I flip his hand palm up and slowly drag my fingers up and down his. He closes his eyes for a few beats and slows his breathing. Opening them, he looks at me with a small grin.
“Thanks.”
“Always, beautiful.”
“I’ve always wanted to come to these Christmas parties. Not for the people but to experience the beauty.” He looks around calmly this time as he talks. “Benji always talks about how much he looks forward to it and whatever girl he’s dating at the time always expresses how beautiful and elegant it is. They aren’twrong. I can see why my father picked this place out of all the other hotels he owns in the area.” He pauses and bites his lip as he looks at me. “If it wasn’t attached to my father’s name, it’d be a beautiful place for a wedding.”
My cheeks bunch as I grin at him. “Are you saying you’re open to getting married one day?” I’m teasing him. This is one of the nicest places I’ve ever been to, so I know what he means.
His neck starts to flush, and I watch as it slowly creeps up to his cheeks. “I-I um...I’d like to. It’d be nice knowing someone loves me unconditionally.” His eyes go big. “Not that you have conditions for loving me. I know you love me the way I am. I-I didn’t mean it like that. I’d marry you if you asked…” He slaps his hands over his mouth and then covers his face. “Why am I like this,” he moans.
I chuckle as I wrap my arms around him. “You’re perfect,” I say into the top of his head.
“He ok?”
I look up and see Ryder and Asher with matching concerned looks
“Yeah, he’s fine.”
Charlie sits up and grabs his drink. He takes a tentative sip at first but then takes a long pull.
“This is good! What is it?” He takes another sip before Ryder answers.
“It’s a Long Island Iced Tea. I figured you needed the amount of booze in there. I also know how much you like sweet flavors so I figured this was a good mix.” Ryder lifts his glass of what I know to be an Old Fashioned.
