"Yeah, because I love being the center of attention."
He pinched my ass, then planted a quick kiss on my cheek. "Still sure about the date?"
Ready? Oh, yes. "I'd rather plan it fast than overthink every little detail, so the end of May is perfect. Plus, training camp starts the next month."
Tristan moved around me, grabbing his shoes by the front door. "Derrick said he'd be emailing us a few houses to look at today."
The idea of leaving kind of took my breath away. "Oh, okay." I finished off the coffee. "I faxed a few resumes yesterday, too." With Tristan's career secure, I had plenty of time to worry about mine. I ran my sweaty hands up and down my legs.
"Knock it off," Tristan said, interrupting my internal debate. "You'll get the job, probably several offers."
An ache shot up the nape of my neck. "Yeah, you're right." I faked a smile.
An hour later and Tristan and I pushed the shopping cart full of crap for the party all over the store.
As I turned down the toothpaste aisle, the band in my hair fell out. Thankfully no one was around to notice my craziness. Still, I hurried to wrap it back up into a bun.
On a mission, Tristan stalked toward me. His eyes darkened, and my pulse escalated. One hand wrapped around my neck and with the other around my waist, Tristan's lips owned mine.
The kiss ended as fast as it started. "What was that for?" I pressed a hand against my chest.
He smoothed his thumb across my bottom lip. "In a few weeks, you'll be my wife." His grin was contagious. "I'm pretty damn happy right now."
"You're funny." I glanced up and down the aisle. "Derrick was pretty clear about public display–"
Tristan pecked my lips once more. "Gonna have to deal with it, Spud. I can kiss you any time I want."
Tristan, the rule breaker, I swear.
A few rows over, Tristan grabbed a case of water and added it to the bottom of the shopping cart. I marked it off the list. "Great, we're done." He followed me to the checkout lane, grabbing a bag of toasted bagels on the way.
"Alyssa and Mom are gonna make me crazy." The creases of my fingers stung from squeezing the cart's handle. "We've been engaged for months anyway. Maybe we can cancel the party?" The more I thought about it, the more my insides twisted.
Tristan rested his forearms against the handle next to me. A beat later he said, "They wanted to throw us a party, but at the time, given the circumstances, I didn't think an engagement party was a good idea."
"Oh, I see." The devastation of losing our baby didn't feel as bad anymore, though the emptiness never entirely went away.
Tristan rubbed circles on my back. "We'll be moving soon. Let's enjoy everyone while we can."
We checked out, and as we headed outside, I said, "You're right. Let's have fun."
Tristan added the groceries in the back seat of the car. "Get used to the spotlight, Spud. Comes with being a trophy wife."
"You're an ass. I'm not a trophy wife."
At home, I finished cleaning, and afterward, Tristan and I hung decorations before the food and people arrived.
I'd just situated the fruit and veggie trays on the table when Tristan came in.
"Need any help?" He scratched the scruff along his jawline. God, the way he looked: wet, messy hair, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, shirt unbuttoned still, and low-hung jeans exposing the delicious v-line.
"Hey," I said, my voice low and full of promise.
"Spud." Tristan met me by the kitchen table, pressing his body against mine.
Tenderly, he cupped my face. "You," he said in a grave tone. "Can't look at me like that or the party is definitely off." He swept his thumb across my cheekbone. "On second thought, we probably have time for a quick go before people show up."
I glanced at the clock hanging on the wall. "People will be here any second." I dropped my eyes to his crotch, then back up. "Once they arrive, and as long as you promise to be quiet, I'm definitely down."
His chest vibrated with a growl. "Not helping, Spud. You keep talking dirty, and I'm locking the front door."
The doorbell rang, the front door opened, and a horde of people barreled in. "Great timing," Tristan grumbled.
"Sorry, honey, you know how your father is." Mrs. Daniels shook her head. Mr. Daniels scowled while Mom laughed behind them.
"You two look cozy," Mom commented, with humor in her tone.
Holding still, Tristan replied, "Very." Which earned him a pinch to the side.
"Nice," I said, glaring at him as flames scorched my neck.
Tristan tipped my chin back, holding my gaze as if we didn't have an audience. Before I could complain, protest, or voice any sort of opinion, his tongue demand entrance, and his lips, soft and eager, washed any thought from my mind. When he ended the kiss, my head spun.
Throats cleared behind us. Alyssa's voice sailed above the noise. "People are in the room."
Swallowing the embarrassment, I grabbed the front of Tristan's shirt, making sure he wouldn't take off, and faced the mob of onlookers. "Yeah, we noticed."
Thank goodness for Bret. "Dude, you're not even dressed." He fist-bumped Tristan. "Nice."
The others laughed, and I turned my attention to the man still holding me hostage. "We'll talk about this later."
He smirked. "Can't wait."
"Enough already." Alyssa pushed at Tristan's shoulder. She shooed him with her hand when he didn't budge. "Go away, we've got wedding plans to discuss. And acknowledge your mom."
"Alyssa, dear, thank you for that." Tristan's mom tapped his upper arm.
"Mom." He frowned at the tiny woman. "Never agree with anything Amazon says." Tristan bent to kiss his mother's cheek. "Thanks for coming."
Bret opened the fridge. "Beer?"
"Cooler out back."
Bret sent a thumbs up.
"I'll see you ladies after a while." Tristan saluted us, following Bret to the back yard.
"Mrs. R, Elle set a date already."
"And why am I just hearing about this?" Mom glared, and I punched Alyssa in the boob.
"Asshole."
"Alyssa's not keeping important details from her mother."
I gasped, and Alyssa smiled. "Thanks, Mrs. R. Elle, you're an ass."
"From the bottom of my heart, thanks," I said, hand over my chest. "Tristan and I decided after the draft. Since he leaves for camp in June, we've set the date after graduation."
"How close after graduation?" Mom's mouth twitched.
"The week after. May twenty-first."
Alyssa whistled. "Cutting it close."
The doorbell rang. "Yeah, but we want a small wedding." I opened the door and froze. Tisha and Rixon were locked in a very serious embrace.
"You're so gonna die," Alyssa said over my shoulder.
The couple broke apart, and Rixon slung his arm over Tisha's shoulder. "We just got hitched."
"No fucking way?" Alyssa grabbed Tisha's arm, jerking her inside.
Rixon laughed, about to take a step inside when I pushed him out, shutting the front door behind me. "What the hell? Tell me you're joking?"
"Nope." He lifted his left hand, showing off a black band. Figured–the same color of his soul.
"I can't believe–" The rumble of heavy footsteps was the only warning before the door swung open. Bret's blotchy red face and narrowed eyes scared the shit out of me.
"I'm gonna mess you up." Bret's massive body clipped my shoulder. Tristan's arm gripped my middle, steadying me.
"I love your sister." Rixon jumped away from Bret's swinging fist.
"Tristan, do something," I pleaded. The elderly couple who lived next door came outside and sat in their rocking chairs.
Tristan jumped off the porch. "Bret, calm down, man."
The fury in Bret's gaze stopped Tristan where he stood. "Really? You're trying to save his ass?" He pointed at me. "After everything he's done to Elle, you're gonna side with him?"
"I'm not siding with anyone." Tristan stepped closer, hands in the air.
>
Tisha ran past us, helping Rixon off the ground. "Please, just let me explain."
Bret glued his attention to Tisha and Rixon. "What the hell is wrong with you?"
The vein in Rixon's forehead bulged as he got in Bret's face. Apparently, he wanted to die. "Don't speak to her like that. Ever." He moved Tisha behind him, spreading his arms out. "You wanna take a shot, go for it."
He did.
Rixon flew on his back.
We all moved. Tisha screamed, pushing at her brother's chest.
Tristan helped Rixon off the ground. "You're an idiot."
I tossed my hands in the air. "What the heck happened to dating?"
Red colored the ground when Rixon spat. "We've been dating." He wiped a smear of blood from his mouth.
We turned to Tisha and Bret. He hugged her while she cried into his chest. Alyssa whispered something to Tisha.
"Her parents are happy." His toothy smile, even after Bret rammed his fist into it, was the happiest I'd seen.
"No shit?" Tristan and I said together.
Bret, Tisha, and Alyssa met us on the other side of the lawn. Tisha's eyes lit when Bret stuck out his hand to Rixon. After a hesitation, Rixon took it as he glanced at his wife–which sounded totally bazaar.
"I'm not happy, but…" Bret squeezed Tisha's shoulders. "She said she's happy and loves you." Bret stepped up to Rixon. "If you hurt her, I will end you."
"Got it."
Tisha jumped into Rixon's arms, and he showered her with kisses.
"I'm gonna get sick," Bret groaned.
Tristan clasped a hand on his shoulder. "Get used to it, buddy."
"Give me a drink." He shrugged Tristan's hand off. "Something strong."
Alyssa laughed. "Let's get inside." She pointed to the window. "Looks like your mom and Tristan's want the scoop."
Life, it never failed to surprise me.
Tristan
The last final was over, and with no other plans, I headed to Elle's workplace. Pulling up a chair, I waited for her. My phone dinged, and I opened the email Derrick sent.
Tristan,
Here are the houses I found within your specifications. Look over these and get back to me ASAP. We can put in an offer and get you two moved in before you leave for camp.
Best,
Derrick.
I scrolled through the photos. Several were apartments which I didn't want. The last picture, a small three-bedroom, two-bath house outside the city limits captured my attention.
"Tristan, your order's up." Dawn, Elle's coworker, smiled from behind the counter.
"Thanks." The shop usually hosted a full house during finals week. Today a few students occupied tables in the back. "Slow day?"
Dawn nodded. "Yeah, most are headed out of town already."
"Gotcha."
"When do y'all go to New Orleans?"
"Next week." My eyes watered from the brain freeze.
"Helps if you press your tongue against the roof of your mouth."
The stabbing in my brain ebbed. "Thanks." The door dinged, and Elle rushed through. How she looked, pink cheeks from the outside heat, windblown hair, and bright smile, never got old.
"Hey, stranger." She kissed me.
"Derrick sent a few pictures."
She grinned, taking my phone. "The apartments are beautiful…"
"Check out the last one he sent."
Elle sucked in a breath and covered her mouth. "Tristan, I love it!" She handed the phone over.
"I'll tell him to put in an offer." I snaked my arm around her. "Did y'all find a dress?"
She shimmied out of my hold. "You're not getting anything out of me."
"Thanks for coming in, Elle." Dawn stood next to us, pushing her purse strap up.
"Sure. Not a problem."
"See ya." Dawn waved before leaving.
"Okay, I better get going so I can finish boxing up our stuff." I ran a hand through my hair. "The living room is almost completely packed."
"Wow." She nudged my stomach. "You've been busy."
"See, I can clean and stuff, too."
She rolled her eyes. "Never said you couldn't." Elle folded her arms, a sexy grin on her lips. "I just happen to like the way I do it better."
"Wanna know what–"
Elle held up her hand, laughing. "I better get behind the counter. Have fun tonight." A customer walked in, stopping me from asking what she'd meant.
After I left and about five minutes into the ride, Rixon sent a text: Thanks for the help with Bret. Bret is the man. I love him.
At the red light, I stared at the screen. What the…? Oh, I get it. I laughed as I sent: No problem. Congrats. I'm sure you and Bret will be happy together.
Bret called. "What the hell was up with that text?" Yup, I was right. Figured he'd sent the message. "Bachelor party is going down."
"I've got too much shit to do before the move."
Rixon shouted something in the background.
"You and Rixon are hanging out?"
"He won't go away."
"I've changed," Rixon hollered.
The light turned green. "I'm on my way home; I'll call you back."
"Sounds good."
Ten minutes later, while pulling up to the house, Derrick called. "The house is yours."
I shifted the car into park. "Wow. Really?"
He chuckled. "The couple who owned it decided they wanted to travel around the world."
"Nice."
"Yeah, you two lucked out."
"Thanks, for everything."
"No problem. I'll have the papers overnighted. You staying in shape?"
I laughed. "Yeah, I'm good. Finished finals today."
"Sounds great. All right, I'll shoot you a message sometime tomorrow. Congratulations."
The call ended and I headed inside to what I thought would be peace and quiet.
Instead, I opened the door, bombarded with a room full of men while "Let's Get It On" played.
Shit.
"Party has commenced!" Bret pushed a tall glass of beer in my hand. "You're late, bitch. Drink."
Frothy liquid soaked my shirt, running down my chin as I chugged. "You guys suck," I said after swallowing.
"That's what Elle said," Bret said. The room broke into laughter.
Bret, a goddamn comedian, he wasn't.
My phone screen brightened, and I opened Elle's text. Have fun tonight! I'm staying at Alyssa and Bret's place. Love you! … future Mrs. Daniels <3
Elle
My phone had vibrated more than, well, my vibrator. Girls night is gonna be so awesome.
Gotta love Alyssa's enthusiasm. Can't wait!
That's all I get is a measly "Can't wait?!" You suck! You don't deserve an amazing friend like me who went out of her way to purchase tiny dicks for our straws. And the cake! It's going to be epic!!!
Mom's message interrupted my reply back to Alyssa. Don't be late tomorrow. Dress shopping!! I promise not to cry… much. Sorry Marcy and I won't be able to make it in for the fun tonight.
Realization hit, followed by a wave of dizziness. Tomorrow, Mom, Tristan's mom, and Alyssa were helping me shop for a wedding dress. Next week we'd graduate college, and the week after, Tristan and I would begin anew as husband and wife–the first day of the rest of our lives.
"Lady, are you okay?"
Lost in thought, I jumped. "What?" I refused to cry at work in front of strangers. "Oh, yes. Sorry." My voice shook.
"Ah, you have some mascara." She pointed her bright yellow nails at my face.
My cheeks heated. "Thanks." My fingers came back smeared with black when I wiped under my eyes. "What can I help you with?"
"Mocha frappe, grande."
"Anything else?"
Her deep blue hair fanned out as she shook her head.
"Okay, it'll be ready in just a sec."
My phone buzzed against the counter, but I ignored it. It dinged again. Not returning Alyssa's call would mean listening to her bitch all nigh
t. Sighing, I answered.
"What the hell is more important than answering my call?"
"For starters, I'm at work."
Alyssa huffed.
"Here you go." Phone between my ear and shoulder, I handed the mocha frappe to the customer.
"Thanks." The door dinged when she left, and thankfully, I had the shop to myself.
"Okay, I'm all yours. What's up now?" Spilled cinnamon, whipped cream splatters, and milk puddles cluttered my workspace. Alyssa talked while I cleaned up the mess.
"I'm worried about Tisha, not that I said so to Bret, but I am."
I tossed the towel over my shoulder and leaned my hip against the metal counter. "Why's that?"
"She's not coming tonight."
Tisha and Rixon's spur-of-the-moment nuptials still blew my mind. "She's a newly married woman." Tisha lived to please her parents. She never dated long due to her overbearing brother, and the spontaneity did bother me. Even still, I wished them the best.
"Should we intervene?"
"Listen, when the idea of spending every day without the other is torture, saying I do is easy. Besides, Rixon is out of the house for the entire night and she's been dying to liven up the place. You saw the pictures she sent us the other day." I cringed. "His walls are basically black and gray, which is so not our Tisha."
Alyssa grew silent.
I sighed. "Bret is dealing with the news well, so should you."
"Not sure, Elle. I just…" Alyssa sighed, which made me smile, proud of how much she'd grown. "Enough about them, we're celebrating you and Shrimp. Don't forget, we're meeting your mom and Tristan's at the bridal shop around noon tomorrow."
Excitement jumpstarted my pulse. "Mom texted me a little bit ago about that. Do we want to eat lunch first?"
"Have I taught you nothing about shopping?"
I rolled my eyes. "You always have a lot to say. I've learned to tune you out."
"Uh, huh. I'll remember that next time you come to me for advice. And we'll eat after." The doorbell rang in the background. "Okay, I gotta go. See you in a bit." Alyssa ended the call abruptly.
The dark shop smelled like bleach when I locked up for the night. Outside, street lamps highlighted my way to the car. My stomach growled, and I shot Alyssa a quick message. On my way! Pizza better be there!
Interception (Distraction #3) Page 18