by Max Monroe
And my track record doesn’t exactly point to hanging around and fighting.
“Okay, everyone!” Connie smiles toward the crowd. “Tonight’s king and queen are…” She opens the envelope in her hand, and that smile only grows. “Oh my gosh! This feels like senior prom all over again! Tonight’s king and queen are Kyle and Callie!”
Oy vey. Of freaking course, it is.
“Oh my goodness!” Callie exclaims from the floor, but she doesn’t waste time grabbing her high school sweetheart and now-husband by the arm and dragging him up onto the stage.
Though, while Callie bounces around with Connie and Carrie, Kyle looks…annoyed. Or maybe, bored? Honestly, I can’t be sure, but the firm line of his mouth doesn’t exactly give the appearance of happy.
“That dude looks miserable,” Luke whispers into my ear, a soft chuckle on his lips. “Frankly, he looks almost as miserable as you looked when I pulled into the parking lot.”
I snort at that.
Crowns are placed on Callie’s and Kyle’s heads, and the crowd below them offers hesitant applause. The queen waves and smiles, while the king just kind of stands there.
“Kyle, blink twice if you need us to save you from this painful cliché,” Luke teases into my ear, and I nearly spit out my punch, his words and the absurdity of this situation almost too much to bear.
“Now the king and queen will have their first dance,” Carrie proudly announces into the mic, and besides Callie and Kyle on the dance floor, it’s pretty much a mass exodus back to the tables.
Luke wraps his arm around the back of my chair and smirks down at me. “You know, I did manage to get my vote in.”
I tilt my head to the side. “Yeah?”
“Oh yeah.” He nods and presses a kiss to the corner of my mouth.
“And who did you vote for?”
“Well, like, Callie and Kyle, of course,” he replies, mimicking a Valley girl voice. “I mean, like, they just, like, totally had to win.”
“Shut up.” I giggle and roll my eyes, but Luke leans closer, getting all up in my personal space.
“I’m kidding.”
“I knew you didn’t vote, you lunatic.”
“Oh, I voted. Just not for Callie.” He smirks and presses a kiss to my forehead. “I voted for Ava Lucie. The girl of my fucking dreams.”
Goodness. Be still my heart.
Luke
“Uh, nice crown, man,” I say to the crowned king of the evening, otherwise known as Ava’s old archenemy’s husband. “I guess congrats are in order.”
We both stand at the bar, waiting for the bartender to take our drink orders.
And, yeah, I’m being a bit of a sarcastic dick right now, but I can’t help myself. I’ve heard too many old high school stories from Ava to want to play nice with people who tried to make her teenage years hell.
Though, to my surprise, his reaction is annoyed.
But not at me.
“My fucking wife, man.” Kyle shakes his head on a sigh. And then, without hesitation, he takes the gold crown off his head and sets it down on top of the bar. “I’ll be glad when this damn reunion is over.”
While I didn’t exactly see that coming, I can’t say I’m surprised.
I mean, the guy looked like he was being held captive against his will when he was on the stage and a woman in a pastel-pink dress was shoving that gold plastic crown on his head.
“You’re Ava Lucie’s boyfriend, right?” he asks, and I nod, holding out my hand to shake his.
“Luke London.”
“Kyle Baccus,” he officially introduces himself. “Nice to meet you, man.”
Once the bartender takes my drink order, I turn around with a fresh glass of rum and Coke for me and a punch for Ava and note that she has been commandeered into a conversation with Callie and her cronies.
Uh oh.
But before I step in as her white knight, I stay put and admire the view that is Ava Lucie all dressed up. Her legs look a mile long in shiny black stilettos, and the black dress she chose only accentuates her insanely sexy body.
Goddamn, that body of hers. It does things to me.
“You know.” Kyle’s voice fills my ears and pulls me from my Ava fantasies. “I was surprised Ava ended up coming tonight. Callie was too, to be honest.”
“Why’s that?” I question, unsure of where he’s trying to take this conversation.
“I don’t know.” Kyle shrugs and takes a drink from his beer. “This kind of stuff was never her thing back in high school.”
I just stare at him, completely at a loss for words. He’s acting like get-togethers like this weren’t Ava’s thing because she doesn’t like to socialize or something. Which is total bullshit.
Trust me, I should know. She’s dragged me to enough parties and social events over the years to comprehend that she loves to socialize, loves parties, loves people.
She just has an aversion to assholes. Like him and his superficial wife.
“She never went to any parties or anything back in the day. I mean, I guess she had some friends, but she never expanded her horizons in the social realm, if you know what I’m saying,” he adds, and that’s pretty much my breaking point.
I have zero use for this guy or this conversation.
“Did you ever think this kind of shit wasn’t her thing because your wife and her little groupies were downright assholes to her?” I toss out, and Kyle’s face morphs into utter shock. “Or that maybe you and your buds were total dicks to her?”
He just stares at me.
“Or, maybe, Ava was just too good for you and your wife and all your asshole friends?” I shrug. “Personally, I think it’s the latter, but who knows,” I add and pat him on the back. “Maybe it’s a combination of all three. Anyway, enjoy your big night, Mr. Reunion King. I bet it feels really good to get that crown tonight. Certainly a huge accomplishment that in no way straddles the line of pathetic.” I clink my glass against his, take one last drink of my rum and Coke, and then set both of the glasses in my hands back on the bar and head straight for Ava.
Time to go rescue my girl.
She stands in the far corner of the room, the three female-high-school-clichés chatter around her, and I’m certain I’ve never seen her more bored in all my life.
As I get closer to their group, I overhear some of what is being said.
“Ava, it really would have been nice if you could’ve managed to follow through with the original dessert plan,” Callie says, stupid princess crown on her head and a passive-aggressive smile on her lips. “I mean, the cupcakes look okay, I guess, but I think everyone could agree they miss the mark a little for this event.”
Good God, this woman. In a world where there are so many things we should be focusing on, she’s consumed with fucking crowns, high school reunions, and cupcakes.
“Hey, sweetheart,” I interject into their conversation and step right into the circle, grabbing Ava by her hips and pulling her close to me.
My presence disrupts the little pow-wow, and I swear I hear Callie scoff behind me.
But who the fuck cares about that woman, right?
I mean, Ava is in my arms, and damn, with the way she’s looking up at me with those big blue eyes and amused smile, I am utterly entranced.
And, frankly, turned the fuck on.
Yeah, it’s high time to have some real fun.
“Ladies, if you’ll excuse us,” I say and don’t even bother to look at anyone but Ava. “But I need to steal the most beautiful woman in the room away for a minute to tell her something very important.”
“What are you doing?” Ava giggles as I gently lead her toward the exit doors.
“Like I said, I have something important to tell you.”
When I take a quick left and shove one of the private bathroom doors open and lock us both inside, she turns toward me with her hands on her hips.
“Luke? What the hell?” she asks, looking around the small room in confusion.
> But I don’t waste any time.
Between one breath and the next, I lift her up into my arms, wrap her legs around my waist and kiss the hell out of her.
“Fuck, I want you,” I whisper against her perfect, pliant mouth. “I just couldn’t take it anymore.”
She whimpers.
“You want to be bad with me?” I ask, pushing her back gently against the door and gripping her hips so that my arousal is pressed against her.
Ava giggles and smiles, and then she wraps her arms around my neck and kisses me, deep and fierce. “Let’s be bad,” she says and tugs on my bottom lip with her teeth.
Oh, thank fuck.
It doesn’t take long before my hard cock is out of my pants and her underwear are pushed to the side and I’m sliding inside her.
“Oh God,” she moans against my mouth. “This reunion is turning out to be way better than I thought it would be.”
My thoughts exactly.
December 28th
Luke
Fresh out of the shower, I toss on a pair of jeans and collared shirt, and when movement from the window catches my eye, I look up to find Ava’s dad on a ladder, tugging Christmas lights off the house.
Mind you, the sun has set, and darkness is beginning to consume the sky, but Guy Lucie is determined to get every single decoration down.
“Son of a bitch!” he shouts, his jolly holiday demeanor long gone. Ever since Christmas came and went, his mood has taken a clear nose dive. No more Santa suits, no more hot chocolate, no more presents and cookies, Ava’s dad has now hit the wall of post-holiday blues.
Poor guy.
On a quiet chuckle, I walk over to the window and slide it open. “Everything okay out here?”
He groans and meets my eyes, his body still perched on the ladder. “Gonna have to buy new lights next year because these sons of bitches are junk! Should’ve never bought lights at Big Lots!”
I bite my lip, fighting the urge to laugh. “You need some help?”
Guy shakes his head, and for the first time since Christmas Day night, a small smile lifts the corners of his lips. “Nah, son. I appreciate the offer, but I almost got it.”
I look past him, out into the yard, and disaster lays before my very eyes.
A snow-covered graveyard of deflated Santa Clauses and reindeer and snowmen is spread across the lawn.
“You sure?” I ask, even though I know I’ll have to head out soon for Zach’s bachelor party. Ava already left for Kate’s bachelorette party about two hours ago.
“It’ll be all right.” Guy shakes his head. “Think I’ll just call it a night and get it situated in the morning!” he calls up toward me as he starts to slowly descend the ladder.
I make a mental note to get up a little earlier tomorrow morning and try to fix the mess before my daily run. Surely, Mr. Christmas himself could use a little help getting through this very difficult time.
Once he reaches the bottom of the ladder safely, I shut the window and head back into the bathroom to brush my teeth, but I get sidetracked when my phone pings with a text notification.
Ava: The party hasn’t even started yet, and I’m pretty sure this is going to end in a shitshow.
I smirk.
Me: That wild?
Ava: More like, that much alcohol. We haven’t even finished dinner, and both of my sisters and two of Kate’s friends are already blitzed.
Me: And you?
Ava: I’ve been peer-pressured to join in on the shenanigans. Kate all but shoved two Jell-O shots down my throat on the damn party bus.
Me: Poor Ava. Getting bullied by the bride to drink.
Ava: Very funny.
Me: Be safe, okay?
Ava: I will.
I almost slide my phone back into my pocket, but something urges me to send another text.
Me: P.S. I miss you already.
Her response comes in quick and makes me chuckle.
Ava: I miss you too. Have fun at Zach’s bachelor party, but not too much fun, okay? Don’t fall in love with a stripper or something.
Me: That would be impossible.
Ava: And why’s that?
She’s reaching here, and I’m more than willing to lend a hand.
Me: Because I’m already in love with someone else.
Ava: Yeah?
Me: Yeah.
Ava: Me too.
Those words urge a smile to my lips.
Over the past several weeks, so much has changed between us.
No longer just friends, Ava and I have become way more than that.
And even though we haven’t officially discussed what we are or where we go from here, I’ve never felt happier.
Me: I think I’m going to tell her soon…
Ava: Ditto.
Me: What’s the girl’s name that you’re in love with?
Ava: Shut up. You know what I mean. But I’m not saying it through a freaking text message. ;)
Me: I do, and I agree. See you after the parties?
Ava: I can’t wait.
Same, Ace. Same.
With the biggest fucking smile that’s ever consumed my face, I slide my phone back into my pocket and proceed to finish getting ready for a night of bachelor debauchery.
In about thirty minutes, a stretch limo filled with Zach and Landon and a bunch of the groom’s friends will arrive at the Lucie house.
But I only manage to get my teeth brushed before my phone vibrates against my hip.
Hope blooms and I check the screen, but when I see it’s not Ava, my lungs deflate a little.
Trevor: I just had an interesting conversation with Billy.
With a growing tightness in my chest, I shoot him a quick response, silently praying that this conversation isn’t headed where I fear it’s headed.
Me: ?
Trevor: He says that December 20th was your last day. Like, for good.
Ah, fuck. I guess Billy didn’t wait for my official go-ahead to tell the team about my permanent leave.
Trevor: Something you maybe need to tell me, man?
I stare down at the screen of my phone, trying to figure out the best way to handle this situation, but Trev doesn’t give me any time. He changes tactics, and my phone begins to ring with Incoming Call Trevor flashing on the screen.
Double fuck.
My finger hovers over the decline button, almost tapping it, but the rational side of my brain reminds me this isn’t something I can just avoid. Nor would it be fair to do that.
He deserves an explanation.
By the fourth ring, I hit accept on the call.
“Hey, man. What’s up?” I greet, but it might as well be the catalyst to a full-on rampage.
“What. The. Fuck. Is. Going. On?” Trev responds, his voice sharp in my ear. “You have some serious explaining to do, dude.”
Shit. I sigh and run a hand through my hair.
“Luke, what the fuck?” he persists. “I’m torn between being really pissed at you for not telling me and assuming that I should probably be really happy for you because there’s only one reason you’d take a permanent leave from the company.”
God, I feel like such an asshole.
“Trev, I’m really sorry,” I eventually respond, my voice dripping with guilt. “I should’ve told you. I know I should’ve told you—”
“So, it’s true?” he cuts me off. “You got in? NASA chose you, and you’re going to Houston?”
“It’s true.”
“Goddamn,” he mutters. “When did you find out?”
“Honestly?” I question more to myself than him. “Way too long ago not to have told anyone yet.”
“Wait…you haven’t told anyone?”
“Besides telling Billy when I put in my permanent leave? No.”
“Not even Ava?”
Especially not Ava. “Nope.”
“What the fuck, Luke?” he nearly shouts.
“I know. Trust me, I know,” I agree on a sigh. “I’ve tried to tell her a mi
llion times, but every time, I just can’t get the words out. I just can’t tell her.”
The line becomes so silent that I start to think the call has ended.
“Trev?” I pull the phone away from my ear briefly to glance at the screen. “You still there?”
“You finally realized it, didn’t you?” he asks, his voice quiet.
I don’t even have to ask him what he’s talking about because I know.
I finally realized that I’m in love with Ava.
“Yeah, man. I did.”
“Well, it’s about fucking time,” he retorts through an exasperated laugh. “I mean, it’s only taken you over a decade to face the fact that you’ve been pining over Ava Lucie since college.”
I have no response to that, but he has more to say.
“That’s why you can’t tell her, isn’t it?” he questions. “Because you don’t want to leave her.”
Bingo. His words are the dart, and my chest is the bull’s-eye.
“Everything is so fucked up.”
“You need to tell her,” he says, and his voice is gentle with sympathy. “She deserves to know the truth.”
“I know. I’m going to.”
“Shit, man, I hate to cut this call short, but I gotta get off here. Barry and I have to get ready for a late-nighter to Miami,” he updates. “I’m going to see you before you leave for Houston, right?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, good. And, Luke?”
“Yeah?”
“Congrats, man. I’m still pissed at you for slow-rolling that news, but mostly, I’m just super fucking happy for you. And good luck with Ava. I hope she takes the news easy.”
Yeah, you and me both.