“Well, Ness did make me jerk off in front of you, so ….”
“True.”
“What I’m saying, D, is don’t settle for scraps when you deserve an entire banquet and more.”
I give him a smile. “Thanks. I needed to hear that.”
“Anytime, you know that, buddy. You don’t have to keep things to yourself. You are there for everyone else, let us repay the favor sometimes.” I nod. I get what he is saying. “Now, if you want to hook up with Chance, then go ahead, but don’t let that hook up stop you from exploring what else is out there. Who knows who could be at this wedding?”
53
DERRICK
After a swim and then a nap, I am dressed and ready to head to this luau. I don’t think I’ve ever been to a luau before, so this is exciting. I decide on the long walk up to the pavilion, watching the sunset over the ocean, and the peace and tranquility are easing my restless mind. Chance messaged me when he arrived and I told him I’d see him at dinner. I wasn’t ready to face him yet, still trying to compartmentalize what he is to me in my mind.
“Derrick!” Parker calls out. He’s seated with his brothers and two other people who have their backs toward me. Jackson’s eyes widen to something like panic as he sees me, which alerts the giant male and the tiny girl standing in front of him to turn around.
I still.
Of fuck.
It’s Charlie.
What the hell is he doing here?He’s friends with the family, obviously.But why didn’t Jackson tell me that he was going to be here?Does it matter? It’s not like you two were anything, plus he blocked you.That was true. Fuck him!
“Hey, Parker.” I smile, walking up and hugging him.
“I’m so happy to see you. Long time. Man, you have been everywhere at the moment, killing it with your looks,” he says excitedly.
“Thanks. I try. It’s always nice working with such willing canvases.”
“One of these days, we are going to have to work together.”
“Where’s my hug?” Hudson pouts, pulling me away from his younger brother.
“Have you been working out, Huddy?” I give him a hug and some bum squishes.
“There’s nothing else to do in the middle of the desert.” He smirks. The man is so hot, he’s like a real-life GI Joe if he were blond. The genes in the Connolly family are good, they are all extremely handsome men.
“Well, the desert looks good on you.” I smirk, sending a wink his way.
“You always have the kindest words for me, unlike these assholes.” Hudson glares at the group.
“I call it like I see it,” I say, ignoring Charlie and his lady friend.
“Hey, D, have you met Jackson’s buddy Charlie? I think you two would really hit it off, and this is his sister, Everly.” Hudson smirks, wiggling his eyebrows at me, which is very disconcerting. Jackson swallows hard, wondering how I’m going to play this.
I turn to Charlie and pretend that I’m meeting him for the first time. “Aloha!” I smile, holding my hand out to them, trying not to be awkward. Charlie looks at me as if I’m mad and doesn’t shake my hand, while Everly throws a concerned look at her brother and takes my outstretched hand.
“It is stunning here,” she answers, sounding panicked.
“Well, enjoy your night, team. I have things to do, I’ll see you around.” I turn on my heel and walk away as quickly as possible.
“What the fuck, Charlie?” I hear Jackson questioning his friend.
“I froze.” That's all I hear Charlie say as the words turn to mumbles.
I’m panicking as I walk into the pavilion, everyone is here except Isla and Finn. I walk over and grab a glass of champagne off the waiter’s tray and throw it back.
