And I’m not the only one who wants that, judging by the thirsty looks the women present send his way.
I’ve never liked a guy enough to be in a relationship with him. I’ve had casual partners, but no actual relationship where we go to dinners and meet each other’s friends because I never craved it, so I don’t know what exactly it entails. But what I didn’t think it entailed is the wave of jealous rage burning my chest when Isee all those looks. Does it mean I like him so much that I want to be in a relationship with him? In what capacity?
In any,my subconsciousness suggests sardonically, and I nearly roll my eyes at myself.
I’m a levelheaded person, and I deal with unwanted emotions with grace.I repeat the mantra so I won’t forget it.
“How’s your shoulder?” he asks while rolling back on his heels. One might say he looks a little uncomfortable.
“It’s fine.” I shrug to prove my point.
“Leila,” he sighs tiredly.
“It’s fine, Archie. Hurts a little, but it’s just a bruise.” I sigh in return, giving up on pretending. “I took some meds. I’ll be fine.”
“Okay, good” is all he says, and I expect him to walk away, but he stays, watching me.
“Oh, damn it,” Kenneth’s voice booms through the room when he enters from another door. “My head is pounding.” His eyes are bloodshot and barely open.
“I picked you up and went to bed later than you, so why doyoulook like shit?” I ask humorously.
“It’s the age, sis. It will get you too,” he replies with a laugh and comes to stand next to us. “Are you okay?” He wraps an arm around my shoulder and pulls me into him. I fall into his familiar, safe hug.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” I muffle.
“You didn’t get hurt, did you?” he asks quieter, but Alex hears it—fromthe otherside of the room—and his head turns so fast, I’m sure he gave himself whiplash.
“What are you talking about?” his loud voice booms throughout the room, drawing everyone’s attention to us. A few curious heads move between Ken and Alex, but Alex doesn’t notice them as he barrels toward us like an icebreaker through Antarctica. I’m almost positive he would have knocked down that little old lady over there if she hadn’t stepped to the side. Hestops in front of me, crosses his arms over his chest, and levels me with a heavy stare. “What is he talking about, Leila?”
“Be quiet! It’s your wedding.” I punch him in the arm. “Freya will be upset that you’re scaring guests.”
That seems to do the trick—always does—and he quiets instantly. “This talk is not done.” He points at me and starts backing away. “I’ll be back in a minute.”
“Sure!” I reply enthusiastically, and he pouts like a little baby while walking backward.
We all want to warn him that there’s a little accent table right behind him that he’s about to back into, but we don’t get a chance. He makes contact with it the second he turns around, knocking the beautiful vintage piece to the floor.
I groan. Kenneth groans. Everyone around groans. Only Archie looks confused and amused, not understanding what’s happening.
“On it!” Out of nowhere, Justin rushes over to us with a broom. He quickly starts wiping up the broken pieces of glass while talking to Alex in a baby voice, “That’s alright, Boo Bear.”
I feel Kenneth’s chest shake under my cheek as he laughs silently.
Alex gives him an unamused look, but Justin just keeps going. As usual. Gotta love the guy. If you don’t take him with a grain of humor, you’ll want to murder the dude after five minutes of meeting him. “Freya told me to take care of you today, and I’ll do just that, Boo Bear.” He places a gentle hand on Alex’s chest and bats his eyelashes at him. “Taking care of you.”
Alex’s cheeks turn bright red, one second away from murdering Justin. And I don’t think anyone will stop him if he tries.
I glance at Archie, who’s watching everything with a slight tilt of his head, a look of pure wonder on his face as if he had just stepped into some alternate reality.
A minute later, Aiden is there with a plastic bag to help Justin clean up. But Justin keeps going. “It’s gonna get better, Boo Bear. You just wait.”
His voice hitches, and I think he can barely refrain from laughing. Kenneth lets out a loud snort, bringing his fist to his mouth, trying to cover it with a cough.
Aiden jogs away with the bag in his hands, super-duper red cheeks, lips pressed tight, and suspiciously shaking shoulders. Justin follows him, coughing into his fist on the way. Everyone around us starts going about their business, getting the ceremony ready.
“What did I just see?” Archie blinks and looks around.
“Ah, this is nothing.” Kenneth dismissively waves his hand. “Alex tends to break lamps anywhere he goes, and we told Emma to get rid of them before he did. She didn’t listen.” He shrugs. “Her fault.”
