Amy bobs her head in response, then closes her eyes. “Bad idea.”
A few minutes later, I’ve finished in the bathroom with my sister. With my bladder empty, I’ll be able to drink the water Kenneth ordered. I know I’ll appreciate that tomorrow. Right now? I’m still feeling beyond buzzed. In fact, I’m drunk enough to know I’ll be hurting tomorrow.
With Amy’s hand in mine, I attempt to walk a straight line back to Kenneth and not bump into anyone in the process. At least my future brother-in-law will take me home, because I know enough to realize I don’t want to take an Uber alone in my drunken state.
I plop back into the chair, Amy settles on Kenneth’s lap, and he slides a glass of water toward her.
“Drink this,” he says to me before turning to his fiancée and handing her the water, helping her drink it without spilling.
I down the water and wipe my wet mouth with the sleeve of my shirt. When I look up, it’s into familiar jade-green eyesstaring at me, a combination of concern and amusement visible in the depths. Along with a sexy-as-hell smile on his oh-so-kissable lips.
“Axel!” I jump up from my seat. Happy to see him, I throw my arms around his neck. “Why are you here?”
He pries me off him but keeps my hands clasped in his. “I realize drunk texting an ex is a thing, but you scared me. I thought you were on a date and something was wrong.” He frowns at me, releasing his grip.
I shake my head. “No date! I’m at a bachelorette party, and everyone was talking about babies. Babies made me drink. They also made me think of you.” Suddenly exhausted, I fall against him.
Strong arms wrap around me, and I know I no longer have to worry about anything. I close my eyes and sigh because I feel safe.
***
Axel
I sit inthe family room at Xander’s house, enjoying a Kingston get-together. I have no family other than my sister, and I’m grateful Dash’s family makes me part of theirs. Despite the good mood of the people around me, I can’t shake my bad mood since Tara turned me down for a date, and here it is, Saturday night, and I’m wondering if she’s with someone she has feelings for.
Melly, Dash’s mother, sits down beside me. I don’t remember much about my own mother, but Melly Kingston, in the short time I’ve known her, tries to fill that hole.
“You look sad and alone,” she says.
I shake my head. “I’m not alone. I have Bella for company.” I run my hand over the dog’s soft fur.
She eyes me the way only a mother could, indicating she isn’t buying what I’m selling. “I’m here to listen,” she offers.
I look down and remain silent, thinking about whether I want to get into my problem.
“It’s about a woman, isn’t it?” Melly asks.
I lift my head and meet her gaze. “Yeah. My high school girlfriend. We broke up after graduation because we were going in different directions. Now she’s here. In East Hampton. She’s Bella’s vet.” I grin at the dog who I used as a buffer.
“So you’ve reconnected?”
I nod. “We went on one date. I asked her out again for tonight, but she said she was busy.”
“I see. So you’re worried she’s out having fun with someone else,” Melly says.
“Yeah.” Among other things. “I don’t want her to fall into a relationship with someone else before I get the chance to win her back.” I flex my fingers, a habit I developed to keep my hands limber.
“Does she know you want to get back together?” Melly asks. “Or does she think you’re asking her on casual dates?”
“Umm…”
“Obviously you need to state your intentions. The woman’s not a mind reader,” Melly says, her wry smile making me laugh.
“I—” Before I can reply, my phone buzzes with a text message. I pull it out of my pocket and glance at the screen.
Tara:Where are you?
“Speak of the devil,” I say with a grin.
