Page 77 of Three Pucking Wedding Dates

“I don’t know,” I reply hesitantly, my gaze flickering over to Oakley who stands a few feet away, talking to Iris. “You know how these things go. One drink turns into five, and before you know it, we’re all making dumb decisions.”

“Lighten up, brother,” Reid says, clapping me on the back. “We deserve a night of fun after everything we’ve been through lately.” He looks over at Avery and Iris, who are already nodding enthusiastically in agreement.

“Let’s do it!” Iris exclaims, her excitement contagious as she bounces on her toes.

“See, Theo? Even Iris is on board!” Reid adds, pointing to our redheaded sister who grins and nods in agreement. “It’ll be just what we need to blow off some steam.”

I can’t help but feel a twinge of reluctance, knowing that alcohol often loosens tongues. Given that Oakley and I are on good terms again, and given that we’re sleeping together now, along with Reid and Gray…I have no desire to accidentally complicate things even more by telling her how I really feel about her. My feelings for her are too deep, too strong to put into words…when I’m sober, anyway.

“Fine,” I relent finally, straightening my posture. “But I’m not going to drink much. I want to keep a clear head.”

“Deal!” Reid agrees, wrapping an arm around my shoulder in camaraderie. “Trust me, tonight will be unforgettable!”

“Oakley, what do you say?” Reid asks, turning to face her. His eyes are full of mischief, but there’s something genuine in his smile that makes me wonder if he genuinely believes this night out will be good for all of us.

I watch Oakley carefully, noting how she crosses her arms and chews on her bottom lip in contemplation. I can see the hesitation in her eyes, but there’s also a spark there—a longing that can’t be denied.

“Alright,” she finally says with a sigh, her spicy and sassy nature shining through as she narrows her eyes playfully at Reid. “But you better not make me regret this.”

“Never!” Reid exclaims, grinning widely before ushering us all toward the door.

The scene changes as we arrive at the bar, the atmosphere pulsating with energy. Music blares from speakers, and the scent of sweat and spilled alcohol fills my nostrils. As we find a table, I hang back, keeping an eye on Oakley as she slips through the crowd.

My heart races at the sight of her, her long, wavy brown hair bouncing with each step, and her green eyes catching the dim light in a way that seems almost magical. I can’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy when I see her laughing with Avery and Iris, and I clench my fist, willing myself to look away.

“Here you go, Theo,” Gray says, handing me a glass of water. “I know it’s not your usual drink, but tonight’s about staying grounded, right?”

“Thanks,” I murmur, my gaze still fixed on Oakley. The water is cool against my lips, but it does little to quench the fire that’s ignited within me.

The bass of the music reverberates through my chest as I watch Oakley, Avery, and Iris make their way onto the dance floor. Their laughter weaves through the pulsating beats like a siren song, drawing me in despite my reluctance.

“Come on, Oakley!” Iris shouts, grabbing her friend’s hand and leading her to the center of the floor. Avery follows suit, wrapping her arm around Oakley’s waist and swaying to the rhythm.

“Alright, alright,” Oakley relents with a grin, her eyes sparkling. She allows herself to be pulled into their embrace, and soon the three of them are dancing in sync, their bodies moving fluidly to the beat. I admire the sight of them—Oakley’s wavy brown hair cascading down her back, her green eyes alight with mischiefand joy; Avery’s sleek blonde locks framing her delicate features; and Iris, her curly red tresses bouncing as she laughs and twirls.

“Feels good, doesn’t it?” Avery teases, grinding against Oakley playfully. The intimacy of their movements sends a jolt of jealousy coursing through me, and I clench my fist at my side, fighting the urge to intervene.

“Okay, okay,” Oakley giggles, pushing Avery away gently, her cheeks flushed. “Don’t get too carried away, blondie.”

“Can’t help it,” Avery retorts with a wink, and Iris joins in, sidling up to Oakley and swaying with her, their hips brushing against each other as they laugh and sing along to the music.

I sip my water, my gaze never leaving Oakley. She seems so carefree, so alive in this moment, and I can’t help but feel drawn to her, even from across the room. But I can’t bring myself to close the gap between us. Even though Gray doesn’t seem to mind sharing Oakley with me and Reid, for now, I don’t see how this whole situation could possibly end well for the four of us. I can’t stand the thought of losing my brothers. But, I can’t stand the thought of losing her either.

“Damn,” I mutter under my breath, watching as Oakley throws her head back and laughs, her body undulating to the rhythm. The sight of her, so full of life and passion, is magnetic, and I know that no amount of distance or denial will be enough to keep me from wanting her.

But as I stand here, alone on the fringes of the crowd, I can’t help but ask myself: Is it worth the risk? Is it worth tearing apart what little semblance of control I have left, just for the chance to hold her close?

Gray appears beside me, his gaze following mine to where Oakley dances with Avery and Iris. I can see the fondness in his eyes as he watches her, the same longing that gnaws at me from within. It’s a silent admission, an unspoken understanding between us, that we’re both drawn to her like moths to a flame.

“I’m sorry, Gray,” I say quietly, knowing full well that I’m treading on dangerous ground and that our brotherly bond could be threatened by this shared attraction. He glances at me, his warm brown eyes searching my face for a moment before he lets out a resigned sigh.

“Nothing to be sorry about, Theo,” he says, his voice gentle and reassuring. “It’s impossible not to love Oakley.”

My chest tightens at his words. Despite his outward calm, I know this situation strains him just as much as it does me. We share a brotherly connection, but these feelings for Oakley…they threaten to tear us apart.

“Still,” I murmur, my gaze drifting back to Oakley, who’s now laughing in delight as Iris whispers something into her ear. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

“Neither do I,” Gray replies, his eyes never leaving Oakley either. “But things have a way of working themselves out, right?”

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