“They’re not toddlers,” Tere says, and Livie narrows her eyes. She raises her hands in defeat. “Fine, your rules.”
“I’m keeping it fair. Am I clear?” Livie asks, and we nod. “First couple to go under loses, and the one leftstanding will be the champion of round one. We can keep playing if you want. Ready?”
“Ready!” Mateo and I shout.
Violeta and Jaime say, “Sí.”
“Dale!” Livie shouts, and Jaime and Mateo go at it. I keep my left hand behind my back and let Violeta come to me. She’s acting erratic, so staying calm will be my strength today.
Her hands fly to my shoulders, and she pushes. Or at least she tries to. She was right about one thing: I don’t think it’s fair. Not because I’m bigger than her, but because I’m stronger. If I remember correctly, Violeta hates lifting weights because she’s afraid it will make her look masculine or whatever that means. She’s too worried about looking and acting like Barbie that she can't see the biggest disadvantage she has is that I’m athletic and strong. Always have been, always will be.
I lock my hand on her shoulder, shoving her back slightly. I don’t apply too much pressure because I don’t want to hurt her, but she still flinches. Jaime and Mateo are going at it, but they’re both holding strong. I push Violeta a little harder, and she wobbles. She narrows her eyes and lets out a cry that could be a grunt or curse. Either way, I don’t let it deter me from the task at hand. I lean forward, holding on to Mateo with my feet under his arms. With one last push, she’s going backwards, and Mateo uses the momentum to also push his cousin down, both of them falling into the water.
“Woohoo!” I shout, lifting my arms in the air as Mateo spins us around. I lower my hands immediately and hold his head with a yelp. “Stop it!”
He chuckles and lowers me to the water. I slide off, and once we’re both back at the same level, he holds me in his arms and whispers, “I knew you could do it.”
I wink and turn to the group, who are all clapping. Except Violeta, obviously.
“Good game,” I say, extending my hand, which she takes but doesn’t say anything else.
I look at Mateo, and as soon as he’s done shaking Jaime’s hand, he’s back by my side, smiling like a little kid on his birthday. This is what makes it harder, knowing that he’s not only my favorite person and best friend, but also how much fun we have together. I can’t risk losing that by telling him how I feel and making things awkward. I shake my head and my feelings away, just like I always do, and smile at everyone.
“Who’s next?” I ask.
9
How Fond Are You of This Underwear?
SI SUPIERAS BY DADDY YANKEE & WISIN & YANDEL - BACHATA ROSA BY JUAN LUIS GUERRA & PERFECT TIMING BY HURTS
Mateo
“Daisy, we have to go,” I call from the other side of the bathroom door.
We slept in this morning, or at least she did. I couldn’t sleep past six, especially considering she was making the cutest sounds all night. I woke up with my face practically nuzzled in her neck. It startled me, so I got up and went for a run. Running so I don’t tell her exactly how I feel. Running so I don’t fuck things up or scare her.
But not even that could erase her telling me she thought I was going to kiss her. Was she disgusted at the thought, or was she excited at the possibility? Was she looking forward to it? For the first time in forever, I couldn’t read her. It seemed for a second like she wanted to, but maybe it wasmywant translating into what I thought was hers. We’re minutes away from being late to the rehearsal dinner, but she won’t come out.
“I know. I just don’t think I can go.” The door opensrevealing a stunning and absolutely breathtaking Daisy. She’s wearing a teal and turquoise dress, her hair bouncing in soft waves above her shoulders. The dress molds to her body perfectly, enhancing all her curves, and the giant slit on the side shows her leg almost all the way to her hip. I swallow hard and dare to meet her eyes. Her eyebrows are lifted, her head tilted to the side…and I’ve been busted.
“You look incredible, Daze,” I whisper, holding her gaze.
“This dress is a lot smaller than I thought. I’m usually good about trying shit on before I wear it, but I didn’t have time before the trip. When I bought it, it fit just fine, but now I look like I’m wrapped up bubble gum.”
“What?” I chuckle.
“Look! It’s like a teal wrapper, and I’m just a piece of chunky gum. I can’t go like this.” Her hands roam her body, as if I needed a reminder of how she looks. My dick definitely doesn’t need the reminder, that’s for sure. This is better than what she looks like in my dreams. The reality of Daisy is more than my mind can conjure in any wishing spell.
“You look not only stunning, but hot. Your dress is perfect, and the color suits you. If you’re uncomfortable, then don’t wear it, but…I think it looks amazing.”
She blushes and tosses a piece of her hair over to the side. “I’m not uncomfortable… but don’t I look ridiculous?”
“Ridiculously beautiful, if I dare say so.” She looks at me with skepticism in her eyes. “I mean it. That dress was made for you,” I echo, hoping to leave no doubt in her mind I’m for real.
“Okaaaay, let’s go then. We’re already late.” She passes by, flowers and something sweet hugging me as she walks toward the door.
I’m never going to be immune to the way she smells. The way she talks. The way she walks, laughs, sleeps. The way she simply exists. We walk in silence to the restaurant. She’s probably concerned about the millions of things she’s always concerned about, and I’m trying to muster the courage to tell her how much she means to me.
