Page 131 of From Us, Forever

“Since I don’t get to have you tomorrow, you’re mine tonight, fiancée,” he promised before taking my mouth.

The following morning, after a night of complete and utter satisfaction that left me sore and brimming with love, Jay and I got dressed and were currently waiting for our friends to arrive.

I wore a simple dress and a cardigan, knowing I was going to be trying on dresses the whole day. My heart still couldn’t believe that I was engaged and was going to get married in less than forty-eight hours.

I kept looking at my ring every five seconds like it was going to disappear, but I couldn’t help it. It was so pretty and shiny,especially in the sunlight. This morning, I stood on our balcony for ages just so I could appreciate the sparkles.

“It’s not going anywhere,” Jay commented.

I looked up from my ring to watch him regard me with an amused look on his face, plopping a strawberry in his mouth.

And I blushed just looking at that fruit—I think I was always going to after thatnight.

I feigned nonchalance, sipping my coffee while I ignored him. We were seated in our suite’s living room—yes, our hotel room had its own living room decked with a bar and kitchen and two separate bedrooms, all with an expansive view of Elliot Bay, with its deep blue glittering waters.

As much as I loved the opulence, I don’t think I would ever get used to it.

“I know what you’re thinking,” he teased, smirking as he plopped another strawberry in his mouth before taking a long sip of his strawberry milk.

My cheeks pinked with heat as the lust rose in my chest. Even after an entire night of having this man, it wasn’t enough.

Just then, a heavy rumble rocked through the door.

Grateful for the distraction, I jumped to my feet. “I’ll go get it.”

“Wait,” he steeled, but I was already on my way, and before my hand could twist the knob, Jay pulled up in front of me and pushed me aside.

“You don’t know who it could be,” he chided and then proceeded to do the same thing I was about to do.

I rolled my eyes at his protective tendencies. But the thought fled from my brain when Katy, Lily, Sierra, and Gabe bargedin and squashed me in a hug, almost knocking the breath out of me.

“Congratulations,” they screamed so loudly in my ears that I could hear a faint ring.

“Thanks guys.” I laughed, stepping back.

“Show us.” An excited Lily gently lifted my left hand in hers.

“Oh my, it’s a Cartier light pink diamond—emerald cut. Definitely, seven carats or more,” Katy gushed, glancing over her shoulder at Jay. “You did good, Emmie.”

“Yes,” Lily agreed. “I would’ve gouged his eyes out if it was an ugly ring after making her wait for so long.”

I frowned. “I would’ve married him with an ugly ring.”

“We wouldn’t have let you,” Lily and Katy both said in unison, and Gabe nodded.

Sierra shook her head, draping an arm over my shoulder. “Men think they have all the power in a relationship, but actually, it’s the woman. You’re worth more than him.” Sierra was the newest addition to our little group; she was a lot younger than us but was a breath of fresh air. She was also a badass professional e-gamer training for a big tournament, which was why she couldn’t join us at the party last week.

My frown deepened. “What does that have to do with my ring?”

They all collectively sighed. “Fuck, we need to teach her a lot.”

“Don’t you dare corrupt my girl,” Jay hollered, pinning them with a glare.

Mikey sidestepped everyone and pulled me into a hug, congratulating me followed by Lan and Matty, and Raphy, who suggested that he still wasn’t giving up on me and knewin his heart that Jay would fuck up. He got a punch in his gut from his sister for that.

Then my girl, Strawberry, lunged for me, barking for my attention. “I missed you, baby,” I mumbled, cuddling her close to me while I curled my fingers around her soft fur. She waggled her tail, nuzzling her nose in my lap. “I love you so, so much.” I kissed her head.

Soon, we left the boys and boarded the car to get myself a wedding dress.

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