by Jacob Chance
“Besides, don’t think we haven’t noticed all the eye fucking going on between you and Elle.”
Kyle chuckles, nodding his head in agreement. He taps the extra ash from his cigar into the large glass ashtray in the middle of our table. “Don’t deny it, dude. I’ve seen it too and so has Janny.”
Josh shakes his head. “I hate couples. They must talk about everything. Even the most mundane shit.” He puffs on his cigar and blows out a few smoke rings. “There’s nothing going on with Elle and me. She hates me, dude.” His expression is morose. He points his cigar at Kyle. “If you can’t see that then you’re not as observant as I’ve always given you credit for.”
I laugh at what a dumb shit he’s being. “She doesn’t hate you, dude. Trust me.” I take a sip of Jameson the waitress placed in front of me. She moves around the table delivering drinks to Kyle and Josh. I wait until she’s done, before continuing, “Sometimes when you’re in the moment it’s hard to see a clear view of what’s really going on.”
Josh shakes his head. “Trust me, she barely tolerates me, and she only does because she and Janny are best friends. And how weird would it be if I messed around with her best friend?” Josh taps his cigar on the edge of the ashtray and then continues, “Isn’t there some girl code that prevents them from fucking each other’s exes? I think there’s an unspoken rule about that shit. I wouldn’t want to ruin their friendship.”
“I think I know the answer to this one,” Kyle adds with a smile. “Janny wouldn’t care if you guys hooked up or dated or whatever the hell you want to do. Jesus, just do whatever it takes to get you to stop sending her those sad, longing looks. You look like a homeless puppy waiting for a new owner.” Kyle bursts out laughing and I can’t help but join in.
“Fuck you guys.” Josh flashes us both the bird and takes a pull on his beer. “That’s rich coming from you Mr. Ducky.” He aims a look at Kyle.
“Jesus.” Kyle shakes his head, before continuing. “So, Janny told you about the duck too?”
“Yeah.” Josh nods his head.
“And me too,” I jump in. “Technically Kenna told me, but Janny told her. Either way we know all about your pathetic little duck text.” I smirk.
Kyle tips back the rest of his whiskey and leans back in his chair. “Let’s get back to talking about you, Josh. When are you going to man up and tell her how you feel?”
Josh places his empty bottle down. “Nothing good could come from going down that road.” He runs a hand over his hair. “She’d never look twice at me anyway. She only dates assholes.”
“And you’re point is?” I reply, raising my eyebrow. Kyle chuckles and flags the waitress down for another round of drinks.
***
Kenna returns to our room a few hours later. I’m lying on the bed, napping. I must be getting old. The combination of whiskey and cigars made me tired. I glance at my watch and note we need to be at the chapel in ninety minutes. Kenna’s going to love this place. Couples have been getting married at this location for over seventy years. The advertisements for this chapel say over one hundred thousand couples have exchanged vows there. Hopefully, that means good luck for us.
I sit up and place my feet on the carpet, while I rub my eyes. My gaze slides over to her and I lose my breath for a second. She’s so goddamn perfect. Looking at her hurts my chest. I rub in between my pecs to lessen the ache, but it doesn’t ease up. “You look amazing, Leoncita. You’re going to be the most beautiful bride there ever was.”
She smiles at me. “You’re so sweet to say that. I can’t wait to see what you think of my dress.”
“I’m sure I’ll love it, but not as much as I’ll love it off you. I’m going to take my shower now,” I tell her as I rise and walk into the bathroom. I peek my head back out. “Clean shaven or leave the stubble?” I already know what her answer will be.
She chews on her bottom lip as she studies me. “Leave it. I want to feel that scruff scratching me in all the right places later.”
I grin. “Don’t worry, you will and that’s not all you’ll feel.” I wink and close the door.
***
There’s an hour until our wedding. I stare at the face on my heirloom watch again. I can’t believe I’m marrying the girl of my dreams in sixty minutes. I never thought we’d make it to this point. I imagined she’d spend the rest of her life with some nameless, faceless, schmuck with the perfect pedigree for breeding. He would come from a long line of successful men and would need to produce a male heir to carry on the family legacy and keep the lineage going. He’d wear pink button down shirts with pressed pants and yellow polka dot ties, but not at the same time. That would be enough to give his personal stylist palpitations.
Thank God I saved her from such a dismal future. Who am I kidding? Without her I’m just a miserable mutt from Dorchester.
When Kenna comes out of the bathroom in her black dress and heels, I’m completely awestruck. She’s so fucking breathtaking. I’ve never seen another woman who can hold a candle to her and I never will. In my eyes, no other women exist. She’s all I see.
“Leoncita, you are a vision. Your dress is perfect for our wedding. I love that she chose black. I like to think it’s because it’s my favorite color.
My eyes roam over her and take in her bare arms and shoulders. The top wraps behind her neck and it will be fun to undo later. I can’t wait to peel it off her. There’s a slit in the side of her dress that’s teasing the fuck out of me. I keep seeing a flash of her thigh and then it’s gone.
I hold my hand out and wait for her to move in front of me and take it. I pull her in close and caress her cheek with the back of my fingers. “Are you ready to become Mrs. Santiago?”
She nods her head. “I’ve never been more ready for anything in my life.” I squeeze her hand. “Let’s get this show on the fucking road.”
Chapter Nine
Kenna
Laughter and conversation surround me inside the limousine Derek rented to drive us to the chapel we’re about to be married at. All our friends are here with us. The guys are wearing suits and Derek looks too handsome for words in the black tux he rented. Seeing him dressed to the nines was a nice surprise. He’s just full of them on this trip.
I can’t believe I’m about to become Kenna Santiago. How is this possible? God. It took us forever to get our heads out of our asses and admit our feelings to each other. It took me getting shot and almost dying for Derek to open up about being in love with me, but once he did, there was no holding back for either of us. Hearing the words, I’d only dreamed of leaving his lips, was surreal and better than I’d ever imagined they’d be.
When we come around the bend in the road, and I catch the first glance of our wedding venue, I immediately smile. It’s so adorably quaint and perfect for our wedding. The outside of the Little Church of the West Chapel looks like an old mining town church. It’s built of cedar and California redwood.
I turn to Derek next to me. “I love it.”
He smiles at me. “I knew you would.”
***
Kyle waits with me at the end of the aisle as the first notes of The Wedding March begin to play. He doesn’t offer any last-minute words of advice or ask me if I’m having any doubts. He hooks his arm for me to hold onto and smiles at me. “He’s waiting for you.” I nod my head, too choked up to say anything. “He’s always been waiting for you Kenny.” I press my lips together and try to keep the tears from falling. “Since the first time he saw you. I watched him - watching you, and I knew there would be no keeping you two apart.” He pats the hand resting on his arm. “Come on, Kenny, your future awaits.” Kyle winks at me and we start to slowly move forward. My eyes lock on Derek where he stands at the end of the aisle; a large and imposing figure in his tux, with a smile only for me on his lips. His eyes burn into mine with each step I take down the wide aisle that’s flanked by bench seating. The pews are situated at a forty-five-degree angle toward each outer wall of the chapel and our frie
nds are seated in the front rows. The way they’re placed gives an optical illusion of an arrow that draws your eyes to the front of the aisle.
When I reach Derek, he and Kyle exchange handshakes and share a quick hug. My brother takes my hand, placing it in my future husbands, and I can’t contain the huge smile that has my cheeks lifting. Kyle leans over and kisses me on the cheek. “I love you, Kenny.”
I nod my head overcome with emotion. “I love you.” I mouth the words; if I say them out loud I’ll break down in tears and we haven’t gotten to our vows yet. Kyle steps away from me, but instead of walking back down the aisle as expected he steps in front of us.
He grins. “Derek asked me if I would be willing to officiate your ceremony and I said of course. I even went online and became a licensed reverend.” I roll my eyes and giggle. Our friend’s laughter breaks through the quiet atmosphere. Kyle pulls out some note cards to read off.
“Dearly beloved we are gathered here today for the marriage of Derek Santiago to Kenna McKenzie. If anyone here knows of a reason these two shouldn’t be together, please don’t speak. We all suffered through seven years of them being miserable without each other. We don’t ever want to see that again.” He pauses for the laughter that follows. “I always knew you two would find a way to be together, even though I warned Derek off the first time he saw you.” I gasp and my eyes swing to Derek.
He nods his head. “He did, Leoncita. He threatened to cut out my tongue if I didn’t put it back in my mouth.” He leans forward to whisper in my ear. “You looked so sexy in your little cutoff shorts. You were the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. You still are and always will be.”
Kyle glances down at the cards, before starting. “True love can’t be denied and when it’s meant to be it will find a way. It might take seven years,” he smiles, “but it’s worth the wait. “Derek and Kenna have written their own vows to say.” He nods at Derek to begin.
He turns to me and takes my hands in his. “I’ll never forget the first time I saw you at that party. You were about to leave for college, and you were so excited about your future. I can remember every word of our first conversation like it was yesterday. I gazed into your golden eyes and you stole a piece of my heart right then and there. Each time we’ve been together over the years, you’ve stolen another piece and right now I’m giving you the rest. My heart hasn’t been mine for a long time. It belongs to you and it always will, Leoncita.” He cups my face with his palms and stares deep in my eyes. “You're the reason I wake up every day. You’re the reason for the permanent smile I wear on my face. I’ve dreamed of this happening for years now, but the reality is so much better. We’re going to spend the rest of our lives together, starting right now, amor de mi vida.”
Kyle gestures for me to begin.
I wet my lips; my mouth is suddenly dry. I stare up at Derek through the tears welling in my eyes. “I’ve been in love with you since I was eighteen years old. You were my older brother’s best friend. Untouchable and forbidden, I never dreamed you’d ever give me a passing thought.” I smile as I remember the first time I set eyes on him. “I tried to forget about you, but every time we were near each other I’d feel this incredible pull in your direction. I’d try to resist, but no matter what I’d always come back to you. Now I realize that was a sign that we’re meant to be, we were just too stubborn to see it for what it was. I’ve imagined becoming Mrs. Derek Santiago for seven years now. I can’t believe my dream is about to come true.”
“Do you have the rings?” Kyle asks Derek. He nods back at him and removes them both from his right, front pocket. He hands his platinum one to me and he holds on to my diamond band.
Derek takes my left hand in his and holds the band over the tip of my ring finger. “With this ring, I thee wed.” He slides it on the rest of the way. It’s a perfect fit and it sparkles brilliantly. I love the way it looks.
I take his hand in mine and begin to speak the words I need to say. “With this ring, I thee wed.” I push the band all the way down his large finger. The butterflies in my stomach flutter madly when I take in how it looks wrapped around his finger. It fits just right. We fit just right.
“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Derek Santiago. You may kiss your bride.”
Derek’s hand wraps around the back of my neck and the other one cups my cheek as our lips connect in our first kiss as a married couple. He’s officially mine. We take our time; our tongues sensually rub together while the background sounds of our friend’s loud whistling and clapping breaks through. Derek parts our lips and pauses, staring in my eyes. I get lost in his deep, dark eyes. “I love you, Mrs. Santiago.” He flashes a grin at me. I echo it back. I can’t stop smiling.
“I can’t wait to get you back to our room. I’m going to make love to you, my beautiful wife, all night long.”
Chapter Ten
Zack
I overheard Lana and Janny talking this morning in the hotel restaurant. I was sitting in a booth behind them and there were large potted plants making a thick screen of greenery between us. I sat with my back to them and pretended to read the paper. I had the brim of my NYU cap pulled down low over my brow and I wore my glasses instead of my contacts. Lana’s never seen me in them before. The frames are thick and black and I like that they’re easy to find when I place them down someplace they don’t belong. At that moment, while listening to the girls, I liked them for providing me with a disguise.
Just by paying attention to their conversation I could hear all the details of when they would be leaving for the wedding. They mentioned not knowing where the ceremony was taking place. I knew I’d have to be ready to follow them. I need to keep an eye on my precious girl.
I can’t wait until she walks down the aisle toward me when we have our own wedding.
***
I’m seated in a private area of the lobby when they all meet up by the elevators. I have my disguise in place once again. To keep Lana from noticing my shaggy hair, I’ve slicked it back. The gel I used makes it look darker than it is and once again, my black glasses are on. Aside from Lana noticing me, Kyle and Janny are the only two who could possibly see me and ruin all my plans. I’m hoping the longer, slicked back style and abundance of facial hair will kill any chance of that happening. If any of them were to recognize me, it would ruin all my plans. I haven’t begun to pursue a relationship with Lana yet. I’ve been taking my time and earning her trust. We’ve spent quite a bit of time together over the past four weeks, but I’m taking things slow with her. She’s too important to rush and chance ruining what we’re building before we even start a relationship.
Once we get home, I’m going to turn on the charm and take things up a notch. It’s time to give her a gentle nudge and show her how great we’re going to be together.
***
The limo pulls up in front of a chapel. “Drive past and around the back,” I tell the cab driver who’s been following their car on my command. “Pull up in front of that door all the way down.” I say, pointing at the back entrance. “Wait here for me,” I instruct as I exit the back of the car.
I walk confidently up the sidewalk, adjusting the knot on my gray tie along the way. This damn thing feels like a noose around my neck. Ties are one thing I don’t miss from my past life as an ad executive. I never could get used to wearing one, even when I had to every day for years.
The door opens easily, and, thankfully, no alarms go off as I enter. I walk down the long hallway reading the plaques on each door as I do. I pull on the handle of the one labeled stairs and it soundlessly opens. I tread carefully as I move up the flight of mud brown carpeted stairs, not sure what I’ll find when I reach the top landing.
Damn. There’s another door to pull open and there’s no window on it. I lean my ear against the wood and listen for any sounds on the other side, but there’s nothing to be heard. Placing one hand on the wall to brace myself, I use the other one to crack the door open a tiny amount. I tip
my head to the side, lining one eyeball up with the thin opening. I can’t see much, but what I do see is enough to clue me in that this door leads to another hallway with doors lining both sides of it.
I open the door and step into the empty space. I’m assuming if the chapel is on the first floor that I need to stick to the doors on the right side of the hallway. The rooms on the other side should look at that back side of the building. The first door is labeled Pastor Jackson and I pass on by in case the man of the cloth is in there.
I walk slowly and lightly. I’m no stranger to knowing how to be silent. I think about the countless times I’ve gone in Lana’s apartment unnoticed, some of them when she’s been home sleeping. Watching her while she peacefully slumbers is one of my favorite things to do. There’s always something angelic about her, but when her features are completely relaxed she’s sheer perfection.
It’s difficult for me to contain my happiness that my plan to get to know her is working out so well. We’ve been spending more time together and getting comfortable with each other. We spent Christmas afternoon watching a marathon of The Walking Dead, on her couch. She pulled my arm around her shoulders and snuggled into my side. When she smiled up at me my chest became tight, and I swear my heart skipped a few beats as I gazed down at her.
“I hope you don’t mind cuddling. I’m cold and too lazy to go get a blanket,” she said and then giggled. Her sweet little laugh chimed like all the angel’s in Heaven must. She’s my own personal angel on earth. She’s the only heaven I’ll ever know.
I shook my head, every coherent thought flying out of my mind as I got a close look into her magical eyes. In the bright afternoon light shining through her living room windows, I could make out the silvery blue flecks in her green irises. I’ve never noticed them before and seeing them in that moment made me eager for what other secrets I’d discover about her. Does she have a sexy little mole on her inner thigh? Will she like it when I mark her ass until it’s red with my hand or will she prefer the sting of my belt? Will fear flash in her eyes when she learns the depth of how dark my sexual preferences run?