Jules comes up with that snide smirk of hers she’s been sporting for the last few weeks.
“Where’s the L.A. lady whose tonsils you’ve been cock boxing?” She cranes her neck past me.
“Would you stop?” I wince, glancing back to make sure Jensen is nowhere in sight. “That’s disgusting. And does it really tick you off that bad to see me happy?”
Her shoulders sag as she tips her head toward me. A forlorn expression takes over as she sweeps the hair back on my forehead. “You’re my baby brother. All I want in the world is to see you happy.” She purses her bottom lip in a way that lets me know she’s sorry for me. “But this girl? I was there the night she hurt you.” Her finger touches over my cheek. “And I never want to let anyone hurt you like that again.” She blows me a quick kiss as she heads into the house.
It’s true. That night, all those years ago, it was Jules who came into my room and probed until I told her why I was lying on my bed with a tear-stained face. It was the hardest night of my life. I was looking for Poppy and found her by the old oak wrapped in Miles Frampton’s arms, doing his best to suck her mouth right off her face. It still guts me to think about it. I thought she couldn’t want anything with me. It had been too long, and she finally got what she wanted. Miles was a douchebag who eventually went on to impregnate the first girl he banged freshman year at university. Things didn’t exactly work out for Poppy and Miles, and as much as it makes me look like an asshole, I do admit it brings a satisfied smile to my face.
Kali comes up with a few girlfriends in tow and a few guys hanging around the periphery. I spot Cole right away and give him the stink eye. Nobody but nobody gets into my sister’s pants and lives to tell about it. I need to do my best to communicate that fact to him lest he make a move that both he and my upcoming felony record will live to regret.
Mack and her family spill in with a crowd full of guests, and my heart starts to race. I know Poppy is already on her way, and any moment now I expect to see her beautiful face, our last moments as a couple, asanythingas far as she’s concerned.
“Jaxy boy!” Mack dives over me with a hug. “You ready to rock this thing?” Her eyes grow twice their size. Mack has always had a touch of crazy about her, and I mean that in the nicest way. Of course, one can argue that Poppy has that very same thing, but I’ve come to adore all of her quirks, all of her little jagged edges that make her uniquely who she is.
“As ready as I’ll ever be.” No. I’m not ready. I’m not sure I can let Poppy go for good.
“Great. As soon as they cut the cake, you and Pops will put a stop to the festivities and let them in on the twist of a lifetime.” She shakes her head wistfully while looking at the house festooned in a blanket of white twinkle lights. “Do you realize that those two hired a Marilyn Monroe impersonator for my wedding reception? And as if that wasn’t bad enough, it turned out to be a stripper indrag. We had a dancing shlong in heels!” Her eyes squeeze shut a moment. “I’m telling you, Jaxson. You’re not just doing this for yourselves—you’re doing this for all of humanity.” She shakes her head as she passes me by. “And, oh the humanity!”
“Nice,” I mutter to myself as Conner and Larissa come up next.
“You’re on in five.” He shoots me with his finger. “You sure you’re up for your final performance?” I groan over at the house with its open mouth and cheery lit windows for eyes.
“I’m not sure I’ll ever be up for what’s going to happen tonight.”
“Oh, come on.” Larissa rolls her eyes. Her hair is piled on top of her head, and she’s as stunning as usual. I understand the appeal, but what she holds on the inside is nothing near what Poppy possesses. Nope. Larissa and I are never happening again. Once Poppy leaves, she might as well take my heart, my dick,andmy balls right along with her. I won’t be needing any of them. “It’s just a little breaking up.” She gives my cheek a quick pinch. “I’ll let you do a littlemakingup tonight, if it makes you feel better.” She gives a finger roll of a wave as she scuttles on inside.
“And there you go.” Conner doesn’t hide the fact he’s ticked.
“I’m sorry, man.”
“No, it’s okay. I knew it wasn’t going anywhere.”
Conner and I are like brothers, and I would never want to see him with a snake like that.
“You’ll find someone good, dude. You’re a good guy. You deserve someone who appreciates you for who you are.”
He groans at the thought. “I’m good with hanging out on my own for a while. But I want those things for you, too. Maybe when my sister heads back to L.A., you and I will head out on the prowl again. This time we’ll find the right girls. I know we will.” He gives my arm a light sock as he heads on in.
A mob of people drifts past me, ambling into the house as if exemplifying the fact there’s an open bar tonight.
I peer out at the crowd, at the valet parking, the endless parade of women clacking by in heels, and then I see her—a vision in white. The most beautiful girl on the planet heading this way with her arm threaded through her mother’s. Poppy Montgomery outshines an entire galaxy of stars.
She gives a sly smile, and her eyes light up like embers.
She’s perfect, and every last cell in my body demands to make her mine.
But that’s not what tonight is about. That may never be what we’re about. Right now, she’s my girlfriend, my shining light, my everything.
In other words—it’s show time.
