Derek is more than happy to reciprocate and expertly slides his lips over mine, creating a wave of goose bumps to break out over my flesh. He turns us so I’m on the inside of the couch, our legs intertwined and his body bracketing me in.
He doesn’t move to take off any clothes even though my body feels like it’s on fire with each stroke of his tongue. He takes his time, kissing me until he’s thoroughly done so and I am well and truly ravished.
We do this for a while, until breathing becomes hard, and I’m sure hours have passed since we started, though I know, realistically, it was only minutes.
Pulling away with chaste kisses, Derek snuggles me into his chest and takes a deep breath, his breath skating over my skin as he whispers, “I love being here with you.”
It’s not long until sleep takes us both.
Chapter Twenty-One
“I knew she was the one when she fit in seamlessly with my friends without having to try. She got our weirdness right away.” - Enzo
DEREK
Friendsgiving is a long-standing tradition in our friend group. There are plenty of us who have big families to spend the actual day with, like Graham or Enzo, but we also like to spend a day together being thankful for each other.
Also, it’s a nice excuse to have a football game on the TV, comfy clothes on, delicious food, and loved ones around every corner.
Graham and his family came down especially for the day, and it’s great to see him. I admit, I’ve been obnoxious about my love for Graham in the past. But he is well andtruly a brother to me, and having him here, meeting Elizabeth as my girl and not as Quinn’s friend, is special.
“How’s everything going?” he asks, his normal subdued personality shining when both his and Elizabeth’s daughter play with his young son. I can’t believe we have another generation of “us” running around.
It’s probably too soon to think like that, knowing Elizabeth and I have only kissed so far—something I am dying to rectify—but I consider Rora my family, even if I’m not going to say it out loud just yet.
I take a serious note and look at my friend, who glances back at me. “For real? It’s been the best few months of my life.”
Graham nods and says, “I’ve noticed a change in you.”
I lift a brow. “A good change?”
“Yeah, man,” he says, looking over the partygoers again. Elizabeth is encased with women who folded her into our little group seamlessly, and it’s a sight I absolutely love to see, considering how much she means to me.
This is going to be her family too, if all works out the way I hope.
“You are always going to be the comedic relief of the group, Derek. That’s who you are, but I’ve seen a bit more.” He shimmies his head, as if weighing his words. “Maturity. I guess. Seriousness that you haven’t always possessed.”
“I’ve always had that, just not around you guys.”
“No, I know. You had it in the freaking desert. You had to at times,” he says, likely thinking back to shit that went wrong. I hate those memories. I never want to think about them again. Or to think of why I have VA benefits at all.
While I was proud to have served my country, I hated being in the military. It would have been great if I wanted an education or to stick in the military career-wise, but I was quick to find out that it was not going to be a long-term thing for me.
I give a brief nod, not wanting to dive into the reason my best friend has a slight limp when he walks. “I can be serious,” I start, thinking about the store, worrying about Rora and her nightmares, worrying about being with Elizabeth, or better, worrying about not being with her or enough for her. “I have plenty of things to be worried about. But sometimes I just want to relax and have fun. Every time I’ve poked fun at you, or the guys, I’ve always done it as a way to push you toward what I think is good for you.”
Glancing around the room and seeing almost every one of our friends paired up with their perfect woman, I nod. “I think I did a great job.”
Graham snorts and claps me on the shoulder. “You did, man. You’re a real-life matchmaker.”
“Please, please, no titles. Titles ruin the magic,” I joke back and smile when Rora lets out a hearty laugh at something Alex, Graham’s stepdaughter, says to her.
“But seriously, I love seeing this side of you and seeing you become someone’s partner. Real partner,” he clarifies, likely referring to some of my previous mistakes. “Someone who actually compliments you.”
“I’m a very lucky man,” I said proudly, staring at Birdie, who looks over at me and gives me a smile. I know I’m lucky, she’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. That’s why I’m working so hard to earn the position next to her.
“All right, everyone!” Nora announces, bringing out an expertly cooked turkey, with Enzo right on her heels with more dishes. “Dinner is ready!”
We all gather around the table, the little kids snagging spots beside each other and Quinn hoisting her little boy into a highchair for him when he’s trying to snag a big chair.
