Page 75 of Clueless Romeo

Isaac growls quietly, shooting him a glare. "Don't you say one more single word, you overgrown idiot."

I barely contain a snort, belatedly realizing I probably should have stood between the pair. Glancing at my best friend, I find Archer already looking at me, eyebrows furrowed as his gaze switches to Caleb then Isaac before returning to me.

I shrug. There's nothing to be done when Isaac and Caleb are within the same space. I offer him a reassuring smile that seems to relax him. Phoenix crooks his finger beneath Archer's chin, turning his head back, directing him to look up at him. The smile Phoenix casts my best friend warms my heart. Caleb and I may have handed over the protective reins once we trusted Phoenix, but I'd always look out for Arch.

The officiant clears his throat, and the music quiets. "Family and friends, thank you for joining us this evening as Phoenix Ryan and Archer West stand before us, ready to commit themselves to one another…"

The officiant continues speaking about love and vows, the meaning of marriage—the give and take, but his voice fades away as I glance back at Roman. He's staring at me, too, with the same intensity as when he's pinning me to the bed, or thrusting into my body, or beneath me as we lay claim and ownership of each other. I wonder what's going through his head.

Pay attention,he mouths, and chuckles when I scowl. Busted again.

I really do try to focus on my best friend's nuptials, but it's difficult when the words being spoken feel like they could belong to Roman and me. Isaac has planted a seed in my mind, and shoots are sprouting. But I have no idea where Roman stands on the idea of marriage because we've never talked about forever.

"You may kiss the groom." The officiant's words catch my attention, and I focus back on Archer and his new husband just as Phoenix takes Archer's mouth.

"Jesus, he's trying to eat the kid," Isaac whispers.

We all snicker. He isn't wrong. Much to Isaac's annoyance, the kiss isn'tdecentat all. I'm not sure why he expected anything different from those two.

Caleb chuckles. "Nothing like a little pre-wedding dick—" Isaac elbows him hard in his side, making Caleb hiss under his breath. "God damn it, Isaac."

"Watch your filthy mouth, boy," Isaac growls as if that'll deter my twin in the slightest.

Caleb snorts. "Oh, you havenoidea howfilthymy mouth is, old ma—"

Applause and cheers interrupt their…argument? I honestly can't tell anymore.

The newlyweds have finally come up for air and grin at each other as if it's just the two of them and they aren't surrounded by friends and family.

Whispered words are spoken between them, not meant for anyone else, so I wait until Archer breaks away from Phoenix. Damon heads over to Phoenix, and my best friend approaches us while beaming ear to ear. "Thank you, guys, for standing up with me."

"Like we'd be anywhere else?" I sling an arm over his shoulder, tugging him into my side. "Congratulations, Arch. I'm happy for both of you."

"Thank you." He turns to Caleb and then his uncle. "And you."

Isaac tears him from under my arm and pulls him into a smothering bear hug. "I'm happy for you, kiddo."

Phoenix clears his throat. "Mind if I steal my husband for a bit?"

Isaac sighs as he loosens his hold, and Archer eagerly slips free. My best friend might as well be high, with the lovesick expression on his face when Phoenix takes his hand.

Arch grants us a brief, "I'll catch up with you all later, okay?"

We would have answered if Phoenix hadn't impatiently began dragging Archer away. Instead, we all watch in amusement as they drift back into the shadows.

Caleb bursts into laughter, whooping at the newlyweds' backs, and Isaac immediately responds with a glare. "I can't deal with you anymore. Where's the alcohol?"

"Unfortunately, it's illegal here." I shrug.

He waves us off. "Then I'm taking a walk."

"Mind if I join you?" Damon asks.

Isaac nods. "As long as Caleb doesn't follow."

Caleb bumps my shoulder as the two take off toward a lighted pathway that circles a man-made pond. "He really does love me, you know."

"I actually think you may be right." For once. Sure, they bicker like cats and dogs, but they only seem to target each other. It's a love-hate situation.

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