Page 102 of Forbidden King (Magnolia Falls)

“Yeah.”

“I think you’re doing that.”

How was this kid only six fucking years old and this wise?

“I’m good, Beefcake. I promise. Now, let’s eat some fancy sandwiches and cupcakes.”

“Yes!” He fist-pumped enthusiastically.

When we stepped inside, Demi’s mom and grandmother started fawning all over us. My gaze immediately found Saylor’s, and on instinct, it trailed up her body. She was wearing the white sundress that I’d helped her slip into after we’d gone at it like porn stars this morning, because now that we’d crossed the line, we couldn’t seem to get enough.

I looked away because we’d made a deal not to tell anyone what was happening between us until I talked to Hayes. We may not have done everything right, but we could at least get this next part right.

One more day.

We could do this.

“Hey,” Demi and Saylor said at the same time, as they came over and gave us both a hug.

“Beefcake, did you wear orange just for me?” Demi asked, bending down to get to his eye level.

“You know it. It’s your special day. I wanted to wear your favorite color for you.”

“You look amazing. And the hat just brings it all together,” she said.

While they were busy chatting, I reached for Saylor’s hand to give it a squeeze, pulling the dandelion from my shirt pocket and placing it there. “How’s the party?”

“It’s been so nice. Who knew the magic of a mimosa fountain?” She chuckled as she pulled her hand away and held the flower to her nose. “We’re having a lot of fun.”

She mouthed the wordsthank you,before tucking the flower behind her ear when Peyton called her over to take some pictures.

I spent the next thirty minutes working the room with Cutler, who was clearly in his happy place as all the women showered him with attention.

When the party was over, everyone said their goodbyes, and we made our way outside.

“Where are you off to, Saylor?” Cutler asked as he reached for her hand.

“I’m going to go see Pearl at Magnolia Haven.” She held up a box that she told us was filled with pastries. Apparently, my grandmother wasn’t feeling up to an outing today, so she hadn’t been able to make it to the shower.

“Oh, man. I need to go see my grandma Pearl. Can we go, too, Uncle King?”

“Sure, buddy.” I turned my attention to Saylor, knowing she’d walked there, but trying to play it cool in front of Ruby and Demi and the group of women standing nearby. “You want to hop in and ride with us?”

“Yes. That would be great. Thank you.”

And just like that, I was spending the day with the people that I loved most.

* * *

We met at Romeo’s gym for our usual meeting. We were all expecting Hayes to be back this morning, but that hadn’t happened. They’d ended up needing him for another day, so my plan was completely fucked. I wanted to talk to him before the bachelor party. Before we were all together. But now it looked like he’d be coming late to the party tomorrow, and I’d have to talk to him the following day, because I sure as hell wasn’t going to do it with an audience.

“At least he’ll make it for the last half of the bachelor party,” Nash said, wiping his mouth with his napkin after he set his sandwich down.

“Yeah. They sure stretched this out. He’s given them weeks. And now he’s going to drive straight to your house. Right, King?” Romeo asked.

“Yep. But he’ll make it. We’ve got about twenty-five guys coming, and we’ve got two food trucks booked that’ll be serving burgers and tacos outside. And then Lionel has two bartenders that will come and bartend for us, so it’ll be a good time. I’ve got some poker tables rented, and I think it’s going to be exactly what you wanted it to be.”

Saylor and Ruby had helped me get this all organized for Romeo, as I’d offered to have it at my house. Romeo didn’t want to have it at a bar. He wanted it to be casual, and we’d make it a good time for sure.

---