I'd never thought of it that way before. I'd always been driven to succeed, wanting a better life for myself than my parents had, but I never realized how much I was neglecting my personal life in favor of work. That had all changed the moment Cole walked back into my life. Keeping my company running successfully was still important to me, but it was time to hand over some of the responsibility to Brian instead of obsessing over every tiny detail. With him, I knew my company was in good hands and it allowed me the freedom to take time for myself here and there.
I checked my reflection in the mirror, making sure that everything else was in place, then grabbed my keys and headed out the door. A few minutes later, I pulled into the parking lot of the church where Jayce and Evelynn were getting married. The big day had finally arrived, and I couldn't be happier for my best friend and the woman he planned on spending the rest of his life with.
Stepping inside the church, I took a second to shake the snow out of my hair and stamp my feet over the mat so I wouldn't leave wet tracks all over the floor. I hung up my coat and made my way down the narrow hallway where the children's nursery and Sunday school rooms were located. Thankfully, Evelynn had gone over all those details with us at the rehearsal the night before, so I didn't have to worry about getting lost.
When I reached the room where I knew Jayce would be getting ready, I knocked on the door once then opened it, poking my head inside. Everyone else was already there, including Cole, who looked up and smiled when he saw it was me. My pulse quickened at the sight of him in his black tuxedo, white shirt, and that damn bow tie that never failed to drive me wild. It took everything in me to not go straight over there and kiss the breath right out of him.
“Miles!” Jayce exclaimed, rushing over to me. I laughed as he swooped me into a big bear hug that threatened to crush me.
“Hey, there. Is someone a little bit excited?” I teased.
“Yes! And with good reason. I’m marrying the most incredible woman today.”
I smiled patiently at him then looked around the room. “Has he been like this the whole time?”
“Unfortunately, yes,” Chase deadpanned.
“It reminds me of college when the two of them first met. Everything out of his mouth was Evelynn this and Evelynn that,” Turner added, rolling his eyes playfully.
Phillip jumped in, placing one hand over his heart and the back of his other hand on his forehead as if he were swooning. “Oh, Evelynn’s so dreamy. Her hair’s so silky and when she farts, beautiful little butterflies fly out of her—”
“Okay. That’s enough. I’m not that bad, am I?” Jayce asked.
We took turns looking at one another then, at the same time, answered in a resounding, “Yes!”
All of us laughed as Jayce pouted and Turner laid a comforting hand on his shoulder. “It’s okay, buddy. You’re in love, and this is your wedding day. Today, you get to be as obnoxiously in love as you want to be.”
“Yeah, but if it happens after that…” Chase slid a finger across his neck as if it were a knife.
Jayce held his hands up in front of him in mock surrender. “Fine, I’ll be good. I’m just going to go use the bathroom really quick before the ceremony starts.”
We were all chuckling over our teasing as he left the room, but half a beat later, Turner cursed, “Shit! I bet he’s going to see Evelynn. Run!”
The other two guys sprang up from their chairs, apparently convinced of the same thing and after seeing the way my lovesick friend was behaving, I’d have to say it was a logical assumption. Turner, Chase, and Phillip raced out of the room quickly, leaving Cole and me to ourselves for the first time that day.
I hurried over to him, unsure how much time we’d have. “I missed you after you left my place last night. I’ve gotten far too used to having you in my bed all night.”
Cole smiled as he slid his hands up the front of my chest. “I missed you too. I hated leaving, but I didn’t have a choice. Jayce was coming over to my place for breakfast.”
“I know. I suppose I have to share you with others every once in a while,” I said grudgingly.
He tilted his head at me. “Did you forget something?”
I glanced down at my outfit and rolled my eyes as I remembered. “I swear, I tried, but these things must have been designed by the devil himself.”
Cole laughed as I pulled my bow tie out of my pocket and handed it to him. “Come here. I’ll help you.”
I leaned down, making it easier for him to reach and studied his features as his fingers made quick work of the complicated tie. His eyes sparkled like the brightest emeralds, and his long lashes swept over the smooth ivory skin of his cheeks each time he blinked.
“I like this,” I whispered.
He looked at me curiously as he finished tying the tie and folded the collar of my shirt down over it, making sure it lay smoothly. “What do you like?”
I shrugged, wrapping my arms around him and pulling him into an embrace. “You, us, quiet moments like these when it feels like we’re the only two people in the world.”
“Mmm. I like that too.” Cole hummed as I brushed my mouth over his. Tilting my head, I fused our mouths together, swallowing his sigh. A noise from the doorway had us both springing backward and I turned away from the door as it opened, praying my erection would go down before anyone noticed.
“Hey, where is everyone?” Jayce asked.
“Oh, um. They were afraid you were going to try and see Evelynn before it was time, and they went to stop you,” Cole answered.
Jayce chuckled. “I was in the restroom, just like I said I’d be. Knowing those three, they probably forgot all about their search once they got a look at the pretty bridesmaids. I think Phillip was already half in love with Courtney at the rehearsal last night. Anyway, I’m glad they’re gone because I was hoping to get a moment alone with the two of you.”
With my erection in check, I turned around to face my friend, concerned by the seriousness of his tone. “Is something wrong? Is there an issue with the wedding?”
“No, no. Nothing like that,” he assured me, waving the notion away with one hand. “I just had a couple of things I wanted to talk to you about before things get started today.”
“Okay, what’s up?” Cole asked.
“First of all, I want to thank both of you, not only for all the work you’ve done to help us get ready for today, but also for the roles you’ve played throughout my life.” Jayce turned to me, and I swallowed hard as I saw the emotions in his eyes. “You are my best friend and the one I know I can say anything to and you’ll understand. Thank you for always being someone I can rely on and trust.”
His gaze shifted to Cole next. “And you. You were my very first friend, my partner in crime, and the one person who’s always understood me better than I understand myself. Thank you for not giving up on me when I was a teenager with my head up my ass.” Cole snorted out a laugh but then grew serious as his brother continued. “But most of all, thank you for giving me a chance to make things right between us and for loving me despite my many flaws. I could not imagine a better brother or friend than the two of you…which brings me to the next thing I wanted to say.” Cole and I glanced at each other. It was obvious from his expression that he was as clueless as I was with where the conversation was headed.
“I know about the two of you. Or at least, I have my suspicions based off the long looks you two kept sharing over the last couple of weeks.” My jaw dropped with Jayce’s shocking announcement, and Cole let out an audible gasp. Jayce held up both hands to stop us from saying anything just yet, which was good because I wasn’t sure I could’ve found my voice right then if I’d tried.
“Before you say anything, I want you to know that I’m not trying to pry, and I certainly don’t need any of the intimate details, but I love you both, and I can’t think of any better person to be with my best friend or brother than well… my best friend and brother.” Jayce laughed softly, and I realized that in his own
roundabout way, he was giving us his blessing. He walked over and hugged each of us. As we slowly came out of our shock, we managed to hug him in return, and I heard Cole whisper a quiet, “Thank you,” in his brother’s ear.
Someone knocked on the door, and Phillip stuck his head in to tell us it was time for the wedding to start. Jayce turned and grinned at us, and we did the same in return. “Just one other thing, guys. Whatever happens, treat each other with kindness and respect, because if either of you hurts the other, I’d hate to have to kick your ass. Now, come on, I have a bride to kiss.”
The three of us laughed as we headed toward the door, but I grabbed Cole’s arm before he could go through it. “Are you okay?” I whispered. I knew he’d be thrilled that Jayce had been happy for us, but it also wasn’t how either of us had envisioned him finding out.
Cole sighed, reaching up to cup my jaw in his hand. “I’m shocked that he knew and touched by the things he said, but mostly I’m just happy, because now, I get to do this whenever and wherever I want.” He leaned up on his toes and kissed me, sweetly. “I love you, Miles Butler.”
My heart danced around like it wanted to beat right out of my chest and I smiled. “I love you too, Cole Morris. With all of my heart.”
Epilogue
COLE
Six months later
“Okay, Mrs. Murphy, we’re all done. I’m seeing a lot of improvement so far. How has the pain been lately?”
“Oh, it’s much better than when I first came in. I was afraid my neck would never be the same after the car accident, but I tell all my friends that you’ve straightened me right up,” she praised. I chatted some more with the older woman as I walked her out to the front door. When she left, I turned to Janice and smiled.
“I know that look,” she said, arching a brow at me.
“What look is that?”
“The It’s Friday night and I can’t wait to get out of here because I have a hot man waiting for me at home look,” she explained.
I rolled my eyes at her assessment, not that she was at all wrong. That was exactly what I’d been thinking. Still, I wasn’t about to admit that to her. “Goodnight, Janice. Have a great weekend.”
“Not as good as some people,” she said in a sing-song voice. I waited until I was sure she wouldn’t see before I let my smile break free.
Things were good, better than good, actually; they were great between me and Miles. Shortly after the wedding, he’d gone with me to New York so I could pack up the rest of my things and bring them home. We’d spent the week there, and I’d shown him my favorite parts of the city, but we’d both been ready to come home after, agreeing that Vintage Ridge was more our style.
When Jayce’s lease had run out at the first of the year, I’d considered signing a new one and making it my own. But then Miles had asked me to move in with him instead, stating that we spent nearly every night together anyway, and it didn’t make sense for us to have two places. Not that I’d needed much convincing. I’d been prepared to say yes as soon as he’d asked me. It may have seemed like we were moving too fast to some people, but sometimes, you just knew. I knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I wanted to be with him.
About a month after we’d moved in together, Miles showed me a red-brick building near the center of town that had been sitting empty ever since the owner of the beauty shop, decided to retire and move to Florida with her husband. Miles had gotten the key from the landlord and took me inside, pointing everything out and assuring me that the building was structurally sound. When he’d finished and he had asked me if I could picture myself running a chiropractic office out of there, I’d jumped into his arms and rained kisses all over his face in answer.
With a large parking lot, a great location, and room to expand…should I choose to add more chiropractors or even a physical therapy area…the place was absolutely perfect. Within a few hours, I’d signed the lease. Miles was given permission by the landlord to make the necessary modifications to the building so that it would suit my needs and soon, I was running my own business and gaining an impressive list of clients.
Driving home quickly, I pulled into the parking lot and hurried inside, eager to start the weekend. As I let myself in, I was surprised to find the lights all off except a single light coming from the bedroom. I tossed my keys on the table and walked back through the hallway, pulling my bow tie free and unbuttoning the sleeves of my dress shirt as I went. Miles was lying on his stomach in the center of our bed in just a pair of sweats and a t-shirt, and I was immediately concerned that something had happened, or he was sick.
“Babe? You okay?” I asked softly, as I sank down beside him on the bed.
One beautiful blue eye opened to look at me. “Am I getting old?”
I couldn’t help the surprised laugh that shot out of me. “What the hell are you talking about? You’re not old.”
“I hurt my back today. It’s nothing serious,” he assured me as I shot to my feet, already working to carefully remove his shirt so I could assess the situation for myself. “Cole, I promise, it’s not that bad. I think I just tweaked a muscle, but it was stiff the rest of the day, and Brian kept calling me Gramps, even though he’s ancient compared to me.”
I ran my fingers over his spine, sighing with relief when I found it perfectly aligned. My fingers rubbed over him until I located a knot underneath his skin. “There it is,” I said as he moaned. “Hold on. I’ll be right back.”
I hurried to the bathroom and, within a few seconds, was back with a bottle of massage oil. “You’re in luck because your boyfriend just so happens to be an expert on backs and great with his hands.”
“Yeah, you are,” Miles growled, and the flirtatious tone of his voice further assured me that he was going to be just fine.
I laughed as I quickly unbuttoned my shirt and slipped it off so I wouldn’t get any oil on it, followed by my pants, socks, and shoes. Dressed in only my boxer briefs, I climbed on the bed, careful not to jostle him too much, and straddled his hips. I poured the liquid into one hand and rubbed them both together to warm the oil.
“Okay, babe. Just relax and let me do all the work.” I rubbed my hands over his smooth skin, spreading the oil all around and letting its warmth seep into his muscles. Miles sighed and I felt him sink down into the mattress as the tension in his body began to ease.
“Oh, that feels good,” he moaned as my fingers pressed into his muscles, feeling the knot slowly loosen. After a few minutes, he shifted, and I leaned up while he rolled over onto his back. “God, look at you,” he said as his eyes devoured me in nothing but my underwear.
I gave him a sly grin as I ground my ass over his crotch. His cock jerked beneath me, and his hands automatically flew to my hips. “Oh my. What’s that?” I asked innocently.
“It’s another muscle that hurts. Maybe you should rub that one too,” he suggested, waggling his eyebrows at me.
I barked out a laugh at the cheesy line, but I was having fun, so I played along. “Of course, sir. Let me just get your pants off.”
Miles grinned as I pulled his pants down his legs and tossed them onto the floor. He was bare underneath, and my mouth watered at the sight of his gorgeous cock. “Maybe you should take your underwear off too. You know, just so you don’t get any oil on them.”
“Oh, very good thinking, sir.” I stood up on the bed and slid them off then sank back down, resting my ass on the tops of his legs.
He watched as I made a show of pouring the oil into my palm, then I reached for him, wrapping my fingers around his cock. His eyes rolled up in the back of his head as I began to stroke him with my slick fist. Soon, he was leaking everywhere and begging me to stop before he came.
I bent down, my face hovering over his and gasped as I began working the oil over my hole, stretching and preparing my body to accept his. Miles’ hands cupped the sides of my face and he pulled me down the rest of the way, nibbling and biting my lips until I opened for him and his tongue slid inside.
/> We’d decided to stop using condoms shortly after we’d moved in together and after we’d both been tested. I was thankful to have nothing between us as I leaned up and lined the head of his cock up with my entrance. Slowly, I began to sink down onto him, and just like that very first time, we both sighed in relief when he was in me all the way.
Miles reached up and took my hands, threading his fingers with mine as we began to rock together in a rhythm that had become as natural as breathing for us. Staring into his eyes, I marveled at how far we’d come in such a short period of time. This man was my heart and my soul, he was my birthday and Christmas and the Fourth of July all wrapped into one. I couldn’t imagine my life without him, and he’d proven, time and time again, that he felt the same way about me.
We made love, whispering words of devotion and trust to each other until we both saw stars. Afterword, we lay curled up in each other’s arms, my head resting on his chest as he ran his fingers through my hair. “I can’t imagine ever being happier than I am right now,” I told him.
“I don’t know. I am happy, but I think there’s something that would make me even happier,” Miles replied.
I leaned up on one arm, needing to see his face. “What’s that?”
He traced a finger down the side of my face, gazing at me almost reverently. “I love you, Cole. I love you more than I ever thought was possible to love another person, and it would make me even happier if you would agree to marry me. Please? I already asked your dad and Jayce, and they were fine with it and—”
I lunged at him, not needing to hear any more. I already knew what my answer would be. “Yes! Yes, I’ll marry you.”
The End
About the Author
I am married to my high school sweetheart who let’s face it, is a saint for putting up with me all these years. Together we have been blessed with the chance to raise two amazing human beings and so far, we haven’t screwed it up; I’ll let you know for sure later. I love watching movies, cooking, going to the beach and spending time with my family and best friends. I am an obsessive reader who is a complete sucker for a good love story but loves to feel a broad range of emotions throughout a book. I think real life is hard enough and so my books offer twists and turns, but always with a happy ending.
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