Page 6 of Lock 'em Down

James smacks him on the back in thanks.

Chris is a good guy like that. He’s been with Casey since high school, but he’s always been a solid wingman. He and Casey have one of those relationships we all aspire to have—one where they’re each other’s biggest supporters. One where they are truly best friends, probably because they grew up together.

“Okay, hang on a second,” Chris says as we near the entrance to the steakhouse we’re dining at. “I need a photo for Casey.”

“Aw, she sounds awesome,” Izzy says, huddling in between her friends.

“She’s the best,” Ray admits, meaning it.

We take a group shot and Chris sends it to Casey.

He smirks and flashes me the screen so I can read their text thread.

Chris: (Photo)

Chris: Dinner plans have changed. Look at Ray.

Casey: OMG! He’s got his arm around her…

Casey: This is very forward for him.

I snort. Ray is one of the most direct, least subtle men I know, especially when it comes to a woman he’s trying to impress.

Casey: I spy Leif with his arm around that hot brunette.

Chris: Cami—she’s moving to Knoxville next week.

Casey: Staaaaahp! Need all the details. Enjoy dinner and have fun with your crew. Love you.

Chris: I love you, Case. Call you later.

A ball wedges itself in my throat as Chris tucks his phone back into his pocket and grips my shoulder. He’s been in love with Casey for years and I couldn’t be happier that they’re tying the knot. But over the past year, my brothers Kingston, Jakob, and Jensen have all met and settled down with their soul mates.

It’s starting to feel like I’m being left behind and, if I aspire to have what Chris and my brothers share with their women, I may be behind forever.

Man, we used to bust Chris’s balls for being so damn into Casey. And now… I shake my head. It’s the type of trust, the same level of respect, I’ve witnessed between my parents my entire life.

It’s the kind of shit I never thought I’d care about and with each passing year, I want it more. Not necessarily the steps—the marriage and the house, the dog and the flower beds—but the person. The one I can count on and confide in. Be honest with. Spend an entire lazy Sunday wrapped up in her world and not feel claustrophobic at the end of it.

We enter the steakhouse and follow the hostess to our table.

I slide into the chair beside Cami’s and catch her eye. She looks hesitant, almost…worried. Dipping my head toward her, I ask, “What is it?”

“Are you sure this is okay?” Her eyes dart around the table, settling an extra beat on Chris. “We don’t want to crash his night or ruin your plans or anything.”

I smirk and shake my head, palming the back of her chair. Even with a couple inches between my fingertips and her back, I can feel the heat of her body. Unable to stop myself, I brush my fingertips over the silky strands of her hair as I lean closer. “Nah, it’s fine. Chris and Casey have been together forever. He didn’t even want a bachelor party, but Casey insisted he do something fun. She called Hudson and me and demanded we take him somewhere.” I chuckle. “Not that we wouldn’t have planned a trip anyway. But he’s cool to just have dinner, toss back a few drinks, and hang out.” As I say the words, I realize the truth behind them.

For Chris and Hudson, this weekend is a chill time. For me, Ray, and James, it’s an opportunity to drink too much and hook up with random women.

I glance at Chris, nodding along with whatever Hudson is saying. They’re perfectly content to step back as their friends try to connect with these beautiful women we just met. They’re in the same world that King, Jake, and Jensen are. Will I ever get to that place? Will I ever find a woman I want to be rooted next to?

“You sure?” Cami asks, turning her neck to face me fully. Her mouth purses like a rosebud and she has a tiny freckle above her top lip, on the right side.

“Absolutely,” I promise.

She bites her bottom lip and a slight blush works over her cheeks. As the wine is poured and dinner is ordered, that blush deepens.

She speaks more freely. I laugh more often.

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