She was definitely too good for someone like me. That one night with her was far more than I deserved from her, and it was all that I would ever get. I tainted whatever I touched, and I refused to allow her to continue down my path of destruction.
You had to be kidding me. It was as if every time I laid eyes on him, he somehow became even hotter.
I stared at him as he stood next to Blake in his black suit that fit his body like a second skin. His hair was brushed backward and out of his handsome face. There was only one thing that could make me pull my eyes away from him and that was the music queuing that my best friend was coming down the aisle.
My eyes caught a glimpse of Blake before I could direct my attention to Kat. His face said it all. His blue eyes were glued to where Kat was coming down the aisle and his right hand rested against his mouth. The emotions were pouring off of him.
I turned my attention to where he was focused, and I wasn't surprised by his reaction. She looked incredible. Her dark brown hair was pulled back in an up-do at the back of her neck. Her dress hugged all of her curves and was covered in a soft white lace. Her face was covered by her veil, but nothing could hide her beauty. It was impossible.
Gary looked as handsome as I had ever seen him walking her down the aisle. He was such a huge part of her life, and I knew he couldn't be prouder than to be the one to walk her down the aisle.
As they finally made their way to the altar, Gary's tears caused my own emotions to flow.
Kat smiled at Blake as Gary handed her over to him, and she looked so in love. The preacher began the ceremony, and Kat and Blake shared personal vows. I don't think there was a dry eye in the crowd. I was so happy for my best friend, but I also felt raw. I felt lonely.
After the ceremony, we were rushed around in a flurry of activities. Pictures, entrances, greeting guests, and holding Kat's dress while she peed. When the time for toasts finally came, it felt like it was the first time I actually got to take a breath.
Gabe was the first to give his toast, and all the women's eyes were glued to him. He looked so handsome. He cleared his throat to begin his toast, and I couldn't pull my eyes away.
"As most of you already know, my name is Gabe Lawson, and I am lucky enough to be the best man. Blake has been my best friend since as long as I can remember. There are very few good memories that I have that don't include Blake."
It may have been my imagination, but I could have sworn his eyes met mine in that moment.
"I am so happy that Blake found Kat. Although I'm not sure how he managed it, they are damn lucky to have each other. I once told Kat that I didn't know why she was so attracted to Blake because I am way hotter than he is." Everybody laughed except Blake. He glared at his best friend. "But somehow she seemed blind and went after him anyways. In all seriousness, I couldn't be happier for the two of you. Kat, you have found someone who will stand by you no matter what. He will hold you up when you can no longer stand on your own, and he will strive to make you happy every day. I have been blessed to call him my best friend for so long, and it makes me so happy that he has found you. Tell each other you love each other every night, never go to bed angry, and know that no matter what the two of you face, you will make it through as long as you have each other. To Blake and Kat."
Everyone raised their glass to toast the couple, but I sat still. Too shocked to raise my glass and take a sip. I had never witnessed Gabe talk like this before. I had never seen him so passionate.
The wedding coordinator waved me up and I walked toward Gabe to get the microphone. If my hands weren't already shaking from nerves due to the speech, seeing Gabe stare into my eyes as he handed me the microphone would have sealed the deal. Gabe walked past me and took a seat as the guests quieted down and waited for my speech.
"Hello, everyone. I'm Erica." I cleared my throat and tried to clear my nerves. "Mine and Kat's story started like so many others. She picked me up one dark night at a bar." The crowd laughed, and I let a little bit of tension leave my body. "I had never met anyone like her. She was spunky, vivacious, and simply incredible. We hit it off pretty quickly and have been best friends ever since. The thing about Kat is that she affects every life she has ever been a part of. Poor Blake, he never stood a chance." Blake raised his glass and everyone laughed again. "She friend zoned him for a while, but there was no way that the two of them could deny the incredible love that they share. The love that exists between them is something that many of us will never be lucky enough to experience." I don't know why but my eyes met Gabe's at that moment. "Love isn't easy, but it is the greatest adventure you will ever go on. Hold on to each other through everything. Laugh together. Cry together. Draw strength from the other when one of you feels weak. Never give up and never let go." I turned my attention back to Kat and Blake. "The two of you are meant for each other. Never forget that, and always cherish each other. To the newlyweds."
Everyone raised their glass with mine and toasted to Blake and Kat. I also raised my glass and drained its contents. I felt so emotional and the burn of the alcohol was a welcome distraction.
The reception continued flawlessly. Kat and Gary danced to her father daughter dance which caused about every person in the room to cry. I sat at my table and continued to drink.
"Why don't you slow down there?" Johnny said it jokingly, but I knew better. He was concerned about me.
"I'm good." I finished off the rest of my beer.
"Well how about a dance?"
"I thought you would never ask."
Gabe
I watched her get up from her seat and head to the dance floor with Johnny's hand on the small of her back leading the way. It pissed me off. One of my best friends was easily becoming my enemy.
I watched as they danced to the music. Erica's moves were more eccentric than usual which signaled how much she had to drink. She always came out of her shell a little bit more when she had a couple drinks.
Johnny pulled Erica against his chest, and she wrapped her arms around his shoulders as she laughed at something he said. That was all I could take. I slammed my beer back and left the reception in search of the bathroom. I couldn't sit there and watch them together. If I watched another minute of it, I would lose my shit.
I headed into the bathroom, took care of business, then braced myself to walk back into that reception. I had never dreaded being around my friends. It was a foreign feeling for me.
As I walked out of the door, I was almost knocked over by a blonde stumbling in her heels. A blonde that haunted my damn dreams.
I caught her by her bicep and helped her straighten. She didn't realize it was me at first.
"Oh. I'm so sorry. I just had a bit too much to drink." Her smiled dropped as soon as she saw it was me who was helping her.
"It's okay. I understand."
"You understand?" she practically shrieked. "You do not understand. You don't have a damn clue."
She was now so close to me that I could feel her soft curves against my hard chest. She pointed her perfectly manicured finger right at my chest.
"Come on, Erica. Let me help you get back to your table. You're drunk." I reached out for her hand, but she jerked it out of my grasp.
"You do not get to help me, and you sure as hell don't get to tell me what to do. You lost that right when you left me alone in my apartment after you fucked me out of your system."
I backed her up against the wall so quickly that she didn't have time to comprehend what was happening. I took in her scent.
I leaned into her and placed my mouth next to her ear. Her breathing was erratic and her soft breasts rose and fell against my chest.
"That is where you're wrong. I did not fuck you out of my system. I think about having your tight pussy wrapped around me every single day. It fucking haunts me." She whimpered, and I knew I shouldn't be saying these things to her but I couldn't stop. "I left that morning because you are too fucking good for me. You deserve better than what I can give you. I'm just a hollow fucking shell that you need to forget."
I pushed away from the wall and stared down at her lost blue eyes. I needed to get away from her before I lost every bit of self-control I had and kissed those fucking lips that were begging me to do just that. If I gave in again, I knew I wouldn't be able to walk away. It was too hard the first time.