I looked down at her boney finger, digging into my flesh, and smiled. The girl had balls and big ones at that. I loved Sophia for the simple fact that she’s Suzy’s friend, but she and I could’ve been friends if we had met first. She had the piss and vinegar that reminded me of my sister. She was fierce, loyal, and cared deeply.
“She’s crushed and I haven’t seen her since I put her to bed last night. She loves you, City, and you better get down on your knees and beg for her forgiveness. Do whatever it takes.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I nodded. She hadn’t told me anything I didn’t already know.
“Don’t be a smartass,” she said, slapping me on the shoulder. “You made her feel trashy and like shit. You need to make her feel like the princess she deserves to be treated as. You’ve always done that for her. Made her feel good about herself. I was always your cheerleader even when she wasn’t sure about you. So don’t fuck this shit up.”
“I got this.” Fuck, I really hoped I did.
“You better, but I want to tell you a few things first. The guy she was dancing with, she didn’t want to dance with him. Not at all, but your sister told her it would be her last dance as a single girl and she couldn’t turn him down. She said some bullshit about bachelorette etiquette. Your sister can be very persuasive.” She paused, tapping her lip with her finger.
“Fuck, she’s a pain in the ass.” I sighed, looking toward my sister passed out and dead to the world.
“Second, the smell on her last night was the weirdo stripper your sister hired. Suzy told her more than once that she did not want a stripper under any circumstances. The guy came in and did a quick dance, but Suzy was totally uncomfortable. As soon as he realized that, he broke contact and gave her a sweet kiss on the cheek when he was finished. She didn’t touch him at all and he didn’t do anything inappropriate.” She straightened her back, looking me straight in the eyes. “City, if you would’ve seen him you would’ve laughed. You’re like an Adonis compared to this man. You’re the only thing that has Suzy’s eyes and heart. Grovel, my friend, grovel.” She leaned over, kissing my cheek before she left me to enter the room.
I stood there, staring at the door and closed my eyes. I’d been a complete tool. How in the fuck did I even think Suzy would allow someone to touch her or that she’d been unfaithful? I knew Suzy inside and out, but I let my territorial bullshit get in the way. My heart ached at the thought that maybe I made our relationship fubar. Was it fucked up beyond repair? Had I crossed the line that she wouldn’t forgive? I’d listen to Sophia and beg for her forgiveness. Not as a sign of weakness, but because of the love I had for her. It was the only way I could fight for what I wanted most–Suzy.
I opened the door slowly, trying not to startle Suzy. Sunlight streamed through the sheer drapes along the wall behind her bed. The rays cascaded across the floor, framing the bed and my bride to be. I stood at the foot of the bed, staring at her. Her long blonde hair was fanned out across the pillow, making a halo and giving her an angelic look. My heart ached at the thought that I could possibly lose her. Maybe I fucked up so badly that she wouldn’t forgive me. Sometimes words are more painful than any physical harm inflicted by another person. Pain evaporates, but words last a lifetime, replaying in our memories and feeding on our insecurities.
Her soft snores and heavy breathing mingled with the sound of the waves crashing on the shore below. She clung to a pillow, holding it against her chest, her arms tightly wound around it.
Sitting on the bed, I tried to keep my movement to a minimum, not wanting to wake her just yet. She was mine and had been the only person I’d ever used that term with. No one else had a chance to capture my heart, but Suzy and all her sweetness bored into my heart like a cavity from too much sugar.
I kicked off my shoes, needing to touch her, to hold her in my arms. My body ached for her. I didn’t feel comfortable in my skin without contact from her. I can’t explain it and I’d never voice it in front of the guys. They already thought I was a pussy whipped asshole.
Grabbing the pillow, I pulled it from her arms, making sure she remained asleep. She didn’t move or twitch as her arms fell against her body. I threw the pillow on the floor, crawling under the covers next to her, and pulled her against my chest. Her breathing changed as she snuggled against me, burying her face against my shirt. I closed my eyes, enjoying the quiet moment and the feel of her in my arms. As soon as she realized I was here, there’d be hell to pay.