“Don’t even think about it. I am not acting all skanky and letting you have your way with me with the house full of people.”
He actually pouted. “But you were up for it before. We have time before the dancing; no one will even notice we’re gone.”
My clothes were going to burn right off my body if he kept looking at me like that. “Stop it, Tom,” I pleaded. “That was before I actuallymetyour friends and was practically in tears with that speech Marc gave before we ate.” I sighed, putting the plate on the table, as he looked at me intently. I didn’t even know where I was going with this. “I just don’t want to ruin tonight.”
He immediately got closer and put his arms around me. “That’s impossible.”
“You just say that because you want me to put out later.” He grinned and leaned in for a kiss. His tongue curling into mine making me want to shove the damn cake plate out of the way and beg him fuck me right here. When he pulled away, that dirty grinof his made an appearance. “I think that part of the evening has been secured.”
“Smug toppy bastard.” My attempt to sound put off failed miserably.
“You know you like it.” There it was again, that thing that Tom did where he made me feel that being exactly me, would never ever be anything other than perfect. And I was desperately addicted to it, to him.
The dancing part of the evening was getting on its way.
About an hour earlier, Priya announced it was time to make space for dancing, and people started moving furniture to clear the area. It was a trip to see all these grown ass people excitedly moving furniture so they could dance at a house party. At the moment, Sanjay who was the official DJ and took his role so seriously it was hysterical, was playing some soft merengue from the little booth he’d set up for himself by the bar.
Ayako and I were standing on the periphery of the designated dance area people watching and sipping wine when she leaned down to whisper in my ear, “Thanks for inviting me today, friend.”
I gave her some side-eye and teased her a little. “I didn’t send Henock after you. You can take full credit for that.”
She laughed and waved me off, but I could see a flush creeping across her cheeks. “That was just playing, and stop it, let me express my gratitude on this day of thanks, asshole. Today has been amazing and special. So,thank you.”
“Fine, you’re welcome.” I grumbled.
“You’re such an ass.” Her amusement at my crankiness was a sign that she was either tipsy or really having a good time. Whenher face went all soft, I braced for it. “It’s also been incredible to see you and Tom together. You look so happy with him, Milo, and the way he looks at you.” She actually clutched at her chest. She was so corny. “I’m so happy for you. No one deserves it more.”
Ayako’s words made me emotional again. No matter how much I griped, ithadbeen special to spend the day around the family Tom had made for himself since he’d come to the States. The life he’d built.
It was a life to be proud of.
Hewas a man to be proud of, and being a part of it made me feel so fortunate. Still I had to pivot this conversation or tears were going to happen. “Calm your tits, woman. We’ve barely been dating for six weeks; ain’t nobody getting married.”
She rolled her eyes at me and took another sip of her wine. “Whatever, but if I’m not a bridesmaid, there will be blood.”
I stuck my tongue out at her as I looked around, hoping Tom was not within earshot of this conversation. “You’re ridiculous.”
She was about to say something when Juanpa strolled up, holding a drink in his hand with a huge grin on his face. He’s shown up a half hour ago after sending like ten texts saying he needed an excuse to get out of his parents’ house.
He was tricked out in his BX best tonight. Huge studs on his ears, a black sweatshirt—which looked totally normal but probably cost three hundred dollars—and tight camo pants with brand new black Tims on his feet. All topped with the ever present fitted Yankees hat on his head.
Who cared we were inside and it was dark out?
“Yoooo, your man’s the GOAT.” He took a sip of whatever he was holding and smacked his lips like a total jackass. “They’re pouring Zacapa Centenario like it’s water at the bar.” He gave me a playful grin, leaned down to fake whisper by my head, “If you’re having second thoughts about what you got going on here,let me know, son. Because…I. Will.Hit. That.” He paused for emphasis in between each of the last four words.
Instead of answering, I just narrowed my eyes and stretched my hand to pinch him hard on the arm. He yelped and jumped back.
“Ow, damn. Why are you so aggressive, Camilo?”
I just rolled my eyes at him. So fucking extra. “Like anyone who has access to all this,” I said, running my hands over the front of my very well fitting sweater, “would fuck with your whiny ass, Juan Pablo.”
Juanpa just glared at us while he switched the glass to his other hand so he could keep drinkingandrub where I’d pinched him at the same time.
I could barely control my laughter, and Ayako was literally clutching her side behind J.
Suddenly I felt arms wrap around my waist from behind. Tom kissed my ear and I could feel the smile on his face, pressing against it.
He looked up at Juanpa and shook his head. “Sorry, man.” He tightened his arms, as he spoke. “I got all I need right here.”
