Page 45 of All the Promises We Break

“Really? Wow. That’s fucking cool of him. It’s not a normal reaction. I think I like him for you.” I laugh.

“We’ve been on a few dates. I’ve stayed at his place a few times. His job has him traveling a bit, so we mostly talk and text.”

“Mostly,” I giggle. “I know all about it mostly. I won’t ask for details you’re not ready to give, but I’m happy if you’re happy.”

“I’m happy but scared to death. Dylan, I think I really like him, but I’m not ready to share with everyone yet. When I am, you’ll be the first to know.”

“That means a lot to me. Seriously. Not being an only child is pretty great.”

“Having a sister for a best friend is pretty great.”

Elijah

Wes hands me a beer before he hurdles the back of the couch and plops next to me. “We’re going to have our hands full this game. Their first line is tough as hell.”

“Pops said if they make the next round of the playoffs, we’re going to fly out. You in?”

“Are you kidding? Will Dylan be pissed?”

“That’s not who she is. She’d probably ask to go, depending on the timing.”

“So, one week from tomorrow. You good, Eli?”

“I don’t have one single doubt about marrying Dylan. Not one.”

“I’m happy for you, man. Seriously.”

I turn the volume down on the action for a bit. “I have a favor to ask. Dylan and I have decided to spend the night before our wedding apart, but she’s still worried about leaving me alonesince the accident, especially at night. Would you be willing to have a chill bachelor party at my place? We’ll order pizza, have a few beers, and game until we’re sick of it or need to crash, whichever comes first.”

“Call it what it is, Sawyer, a sleepover,” Wes laughs.

“Fuck, fine.” I shove him. “Whatever. So will you? It’s been a long time since we had a whole night to talk and chill.”

“I’ll take one for the team.” He smirks as he takes a sip from his beer.

I laugh and watch him out of the corner of my eye. “So, million-dollar question, are you bringing anyone to the wedding?”

“Honestly, I’m still on the fence. You know how I feel about options.”

“I also know that you wouldn’t have even mentioned your Merlin if you weren’t wanting to exercise that option. Why don’t you ask her to come?”

Wes drags his thumb around the opening of his beer bottle. “I’ll consider it. I just don’t want her to feel uncomfortable in that situation. I’ll be running around and playing host. Leaving her alone would be a dick move. I like to make sure she’s confident and taken care of.”

I turn my head toward him in a bit of shock. “Do you want to repeat that for those who didn’t hear you in the back?”

“Fuck off. I treat women with respect. I’ve respected every single one, in one way or another. Merlin just deserves special consideration.”

“Magic, right?”

“More spells than I could even tell you about.” He pauses. “I won’t sleep with her.”

I nearly choke on the sip in my mouth. “You won’t… wow. I don’t think I’ve ever once heard you say that.”

“Maybe I don’t want to be known as the man-whore anymore. I know what’s said.”

“It’s not said by me. I would never judge you like that. Offer’s still on the table to hang with her.”

“We’re getting there, Eli. Time will hopefully fix everything.”

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