Chapter Sixteen
Tera
"Holy hell, you're married," Shea giggles. "Let me see those rings."
I hold up my hand and the diamonds and sapphires sparkle in the light.
"Hrmpf. It's not fair. You get a hot rocker who's loaded and I get zip. Zilch. Zero. Nada."
"Aww," I murmur, pulling my best friend into a hug. "Your Prince—or Princess—Charming is right around the corner looking for you."
"I'll just take someone who'll fuck me," she teases.
I laugh. "Well, there are enough horny eighteen-year-old guys here—and girls—to make your wish come true."
She looks around. "There is quite a bounty of ass here."
"There totally is."
"But I don't want no clinger. I don't do clingers."
"By now, everyone knows. You've made it more than clear to a few guys—and girls," I remind her.
"Yeah." She pauses. "And even if they do cling, I'll overlook it during the sex. But afterward? Foot in ass as I kick 'em to the curb."
I laugh. "That's my bestie!"
"And don't you forget it!"
Shea flounces off in search of her good time and Jesse steps next to me, watching her work the crowd.
"How much has she had to drink?" he asks.
"Enough but not too much," I answer.
"Good. I'd hate to have to beat someone's ass at your wedding."
"Aww, such a good protector," I tease, pinching his cheek.
He doesn't crack a smile but rather he looks put out. "Don't let that get around."
"They wouldn't believe me even if I did."
He nods. "I'm happy for you. You finally hooked that stubborn son of a bitch."
"The way Xander's telling it,hehookedme."
"Let him keep thinking that. In ten years or so, we'll remind him of who caught who." One side of Jesse's mouth lifts slightly. The man rarely smiles. I understand why, but just once I'd like to see that full on smile that can bring even the strongest woman to her knees. One day, he's going to meet his match and I'm going to laugh my ass off because I know she's not going to put up with his shit. She's gonna be one special lady.
"We're gonna sing for a while. That okay?" he asks.
"Of course. You never have to ask."
He nods, pulls me into a hug, kisses the top of my head, then walks away. It brings tears to my eyes because that was Jesse Kingston's way of telling me he loves me.
"You all right?" Xander asks, as he wraps his arms around my waist from behind.
I nod. "Really happy."
