I raise my head and meet his gaze. “Oh?”
“I couldn’t lie to her anymore, and she threatened a sit-in at my house until I told her what was going on.”
I snort. “Okay, well, I guess our next lunch over there might be a little more awkward.”
“It shouldn’t be awkward.”
“No? You know your mom has no filter. She’s probably gonna ask all kinds of questions.”
“Shit,” he murmurs. “I’ll talk to her first.”
“I’m cool. I won’t tell her about all the filthy things you do with that mouth.”
“Oh, I’m the filthy one?”
I smirk and wink at him. “We have dinner at Elijah’s tonight. Don’t forget.”
“Oh, and Jordy wants to get together soon. He lost it when he saw all the Tweets about us and was pissed he wasn’t invited to the show.”
“Okay, looks like we’ll be busy for a while.” I chew another bite of food and swallow down some water before I say, “And Royce and London’s wedding is coming up. You’re gonna be my date, right?”
Ali makes a face. “Is that really a question?”
“Nope,” I say with a grin. “You’re stuck with me now.”
I smile wide, hoping the heat in my cheeks isn’t too obvious. Being stuck with Ali is all I’ve ever wanted.
We decide to stay in the hotel until we’re ready to go to Elijah’s. Since I’ve already talked to all my brothers, they know to expect the paparazzi around the house, so I’m making sure we get there a little late so everyone’s already inside.
Ali and I waste time by lounging on the couch and talking about how we’re gonna decorate the house and arguing the importance of having a bowling alley and theater room.
“It’s not the White House,” he says with a laugh.
“But how often are we gonna be able to go to a movie theater or bowling alley?” I say.
“Okay, I understand a movie theater, but a bowling alley? We’ve never gone bowling before.”
“But now we’ll be able to every day if we want, because it will be in our house!”
Ali laughs and shakes his head. “What about an indoor pool instead?”
“Ooh,” I squeeze his hip. “Can we skinny dip?”
“Of course.”
“Then yes.”
Ali looks at his watch before standing up. “We should head out.”
“Yeah. You ready for this?” I ask, getting to my feet.
“To be out in public with you? To hold your hand in front of people? I’ve been ready,” he says, yanking me into him with a tug on my belt loop. “Are you ready?”
I cup his cheek and look deeply into his eyes. “You’re my best friend, my boyfriend, and my future husband. My past, present, and future. I’m sorry I wasn’t ready sooner, but I’m absolutely ready now. It’s time to show the world what amazing taste I have.”
I kiss his lips, and when I pull back, he stares at me like he’s never seen me before.
“I love you.”
“Why did you say it like you just realized it?” I tease.
“Because every day you make me fall in love with you again.”
My heart swells and when I look at his handsome face, I hate that I ever let time and distance get between us.
There aren’t words for this moment. I’m afraid if I open my mouth to speak, my emotions will get the best of me. I don’t know how or why I was lucky enough to have Ali give me another chance, because he’s definitely the better man between us. He deserves the world and more, and I’ll do everything I can to give it to him.
I wrap one arm around his waist and cradle his head with my other hand and kiss him deeply. When we ease away from each other, I whisper, “You’re too good for me.”
He shakes his head. “Stop saying that. You’ve always been everything to me.”
“God.” I drop my head back before meeting his gaze again. “Do you know I love you?”
He grins. “I do.”
“Do you know all the things I want to do to you right now?” I ask, dropping my hands to his ass.
Ali laughs. “I have an idea, but we have to go, so get your mind out of the gutter.”
He pulls me along, heading for the door.
“Fine, but it’s going back the minute we return.”
“Deal.”
51
Alejandro
Present Day
“Merrick, Merrick. Over here. How long have you two been dating?”
“Let us get a picture.”
“Merrick, do you worry you’re going to lose fans over this?”
“Have you always been gay?”
“What’s your boyfriend’s name? Is he worth risking your career?”
The questions yelled at us as soon as we step out of the hotel are a bit overwhelming. The paparazzi yell over each other and flashes go off, blinding us as we make our way to the parking lot.
“Do you love each other?”
Click.
“Are you quitting the band?”
Click.
“Alejandro. That’s your name, right? How long have you known each other?”
Click. Click. Click.
“Will there be wedding bells in the future?”
“Hey, come on, man. Give us a picture.”
“What’s up with all the girls you were seen with?”
“Give him a kiss.”
Click. Click. Click. Fucking Click.
I don’t know how people deal with this shit. I feel my anger and frustration rising as they follow us to the car.
Merrick squeezes my hand and gives me a little smile and wink. When we get to his SUV, he unlocks it and I rush to get inside, but he lingers outside after opening the door.
“Look, you’ll know everything you want to know soon enough, but if I answer a few, will you let us get out of here without any issues? I don’t wanna worry about running anyone over just trying to get out of the parking lot because your flashes are so fucking bright.”
They all murmur a response, still recording. Still taking pictures.
“Yes, he’s my boyfriend. We’ve known each other a long time. He’s definitely worth it, and no, I’m not quitting the band. Have a good night, guys.”
More questions are shouted at Merrick as they continue to take their pictures. He sighs when he gets in and starts
