Page 40 of Taking a King

“I’m not so sure,” I whisper.

“Look, you don’t have to figure anything out right now. Just have fun with Garrett for now and see what happens. There’s no rule that says you have to map out every aspect of your relationship within the first month. Or even the first six months. Depending on how you’re adding this thing up.”

I feel my lips twitch up into a smile. “Shut up.”

“Seriously, though,” she says. “Are you guys counting your anniversary from your first kiss? Or your first date? The first time you sexted him? Which is it?”

I can’t help but laugh now. “We’re counting from the first time I asked for a dick pic, actually,” I say, making us both burst into laughter.

“The first time, huh?” she manages. “Just how many have you asked for?”

“I can’t reveal all my secrets,” I say. “Listen, I have to go. I’m almost home.”

“Okay, fine. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Tomorrow is Hannah’s bachelorette party as well as Finn’s bachelor party. Both groups are meeting up at Mack’s for a pre-celebration party before the ladies and the men separate for the evening. Quinn, Hope and I have come up with a great plan for Hannah’s party. I can’t wait for her to see what’s in store.

“See you then,” I say before ending the call.

Chapter Twenty

Claire

The next night, Garrett and I get ready together, both of us crammed in my too-small bathroom. It feels a little we’re living together. Come to think of it, he has practically been living with me since he got into town. It should feel strange to have him in my apartment, but it doesn’t. Instead, it feels right. Almost like he belongs here. That brings me around full circle to examining my feelings for him and I shut it down right away. I’m going to do what Quinn said and let things unfold naturally. There’s no need for me to label what I feel. Just as there’s no need for me to question our plans for the future. Worrying about it won’t change a thing. Besides, tonight is about cutting loose and having fun.

“Ready?” I say, walking into the living room where Garrett is sitting on the couch waiting for me.

He stands and lets his eyes travel slowly down my body to my feet and back up to my face.

“Damn,” he whispers, making me smile.

“What do you think?” I ask.

“I think we should stay in tonight,” he says, stalking toward me. His voice is low and sexy, making me shiver.

I hold up a hand to stop him. Instead of stopping, he takes my hand and plants a kiss on the palm. I suck in a breath, but I stay strong.

“Oh, no you don’t, I say, shaking my head. “It took me too long to get my hair just how I want it. I have to be there for Hannah so I can’t miss it and we’re already running late. Besides, you have to be there to help Ronan keep the twins in line.”

He gives me a pained expression. “Fine,” he says, leaning in to kiss my cheek. “But I want you to keep the heels on later,” he whispers, sending another delicious shiver down my spine.

“Deal.”

When we get to Mack’s, Finn is already there with the rest of my brothers and one of his friends from college who will act as a fourth groomsman in the wedding. Hannah, Hope, Quinn and Hope’s best friend Mya are there to make up the ladies’ party. I first met Mya when she came to visit Hope and meet Wyatt. She and Hannah had hit it off right away, so when Hannah had needed a fourth bridesmaid, Mya had been at the top of the list. She fits in well with our group of ladies. It helps that she’s already friends with Hope.

Mya and Hope have very different personalities, but it’s easy to see that they’re close. They’ve known one another since college, and they work together on a travel blog that’s brought them both a rather large internet following. I’ve read some of their work and it’s not hard to see why they’re so popular. I wouldn’t be surprised if one of them lands a TV show someday.

Quinn had the brilliant idea of renting a party bus for the night so we wouldn’t need a designated driver. This had been before she’d known that she wouldn’t be drinking for a while. Even after the baby news broke, it just made sense to keep the party bus. We’ll be going out in style tonight. I carry my drink over to where Mya is standing near the bar.

“How have you been?” I ask. “I haven’t seen you since the dress fitting.”

“Not bad,” she says. “I’ve just been working a lot. I’m updating some of my cooking videos for the blog. So far, they’ve just been on YouTube. I’m working on getting them all uploaded to the website. It’s tedious and boring. Plus, I’m sort of toying with putting together a book.”

“Wow,” I say. “That’s amazing. You’re definitely keeping busy.”

She nods and sips her drink. I think back to what I know about her. Last time we’d talked, she’d been dating a guy. They were getting sort of serious, if I recall correctly.

“What about Zach?” I ask. “How are things with him?

---