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A part of me wants to burst into laughter, but I won’t ruin my cousin’s big day. I pull out the ring box from the pocket of my tuxedo pants and hand it to him. Though he already has a ring, the crazy bastard went and had both of their rings engraved with the words ‘truth or dare’.
Apparently, it’s an inside thing between them.
I look back to Monique, who is sadly now watching the couple whose wedding it is, instead of me. Selfishly, I want her eyes back on me.
Until now, I’ve suppressed it, but this growing need I have to have her is becoming overwhelming.
I’m sure it has to do with seeing my cousin so fucking in love. I’m happy for him, without a doubt. He loves Riley, and despite their rocky start, she’s good for him. But it makes me regret how long it’s taken for me to claim the woman I love.
“Whoop!” our friends and family shout when Kyle dips Riley by the waist and grants her a kiss that neither one of them will forget.
Claps and laughter erupt around the room. I, again, search for Monique. She’s joining in on the excitement, clapping. All I want to do is scoop her up and do the same as my cousin.
In time.
In fact, tonight. I’ve already decided. That half kiss we shared at her place earlier this week wasn’t enough. I’m done wasting time.
She’s mine, and I intend to make that clear by the end of the night.
* * *
Monique
“I can’t believe how beautiful everything is,” I gush as Diego and I stand on the dock of the manmade lake behind Townsend Manor. The lake sparkles with floating lanterns, lighting up the evening sky. Each lantern is a different color because Kyle said his wife likes color.
Overhead, the night sky shines brilliantly with stars. It’s as if every star has come out tonight to shine specifically for Kyle and Riley’s reception.
“It’s amazing, isn’t it?” Diego says from beside me.
It’s just the two of us out here on the dock. Diego wraps his hand around mine, and I lean against his shoulder. Warmth and safety that I haven’t felt in a long time envelope me, and I close my eyes to soak it all in.
“You look handsome, by the way,” I say after a few beats of silence
“You think so?”
I laugh. “You look good in anything,” I tell him without thinking.
His arms tighten around my waist even as I turn to face him.
He peers down at me, holding me in a way that leaves no space between our bodies. I reach up and entwine my fingers with one of his locks. I’ve always loved the silky feel of his hair. And he never minds when I touch it.
“I’m surprised you still keep your hair this long.” It’s not ponytail length or anything but long enough to comfortably run my fingers through his mane. However, the sides and the back are kept closely shaved.
“Have you considered my offer again?”
The question confuses me. “What off …” I peter off as I remember what he’s referring to. “I can’t take your money, Diego.” I’ve come to my conclusion.
If I’m going to start this gallery, it’ll be on my own.
“You’re not taking it. I’m offering it,” he counters. “Besides, it’s already been earmarked for your gallery for years. There’s no other purpose for that money besides investing in your dream.”
My heart rate quickens. To know he’s been saving for years for my dream makes feelings I can’t put into words rush through me.
How the hell do you say no to something like that?
“You want to say yes but you’re being stubborn,” he says firmly.
“I’m not stubborn.”
