Page 54 of You, Me, and Forever

She pulled back and looked up at me. “Sometimes I want your hands on me too.”

I didn’t see that coming. Pun intended.

“All you have to do is ask,” I said.

“Good to know.”

We were interrupted when the music stopped and Samuel came to get us. Our mother wanted the photographer to take a family photo.

We did this at every event.

We had years of photos of the four of us, dressed to the nines and looking like the perfect family.

It was all a facade. But my mother enjoyed it, so for her, I wouldn’t say no.

Some of the guests were leaving; others were indulging in their cocktails and eating dessert. I led Montana across the room, to an area where they’d set up a backdrop for photos. Her hand was in mine, and Samuel groaned as we got closer.

“I hate taking these bullshit photos,” he said.

“You and me both, but Mom likes them, so it’s the least we can do. She’s married to an asshole. Let her have the goddamn photos.”

Samuel and Montana both chuckled.

“Fine.”

“Where’s Gigi? I thought you were handling that situation.”

“Um ... did you want to give me a heads-up that she comes on a bit strong?” My brother glared at me.

“I thought that was kind of obvious. You’ve known her since we were teenagers.”

“Dude.” He turned to Montana. “And woman.”

“‘Dude and woman’?” I said over my laughter.

“Yeah. She’s not a dude, she’s a woman. Anyway, Gigi grabbed my package under the table. And it wasn’t gentle. It was—fucking terrifying. She also knows I’m in a very serious relationship. The woman has no boundaries.”

I shook my head with disbelief. “Jesus. The woman is out of control. What did you do?”

“I grabbed her wrist and stopped her. This is my parents’ anniversary party, for God’s sakes, not to mention that she’s obsessed with my brother, and I’m in love with my girlfriend, even if she’s not speaking to me at the moment.”

I was worried about Samuel and Brianna. She was good for him. She loved him to his core. But she wanted him to be around more, and he worked ridiculous hours. It wasn’t very conducive for the life of a family man. My father being the perfect example of that.

Montana used her hand to cover her mouth to quiet her laughter. “What did you tell her?”

“I called a car for her and told her to go home. I wasn’t looking to be a pawn in her sick, twisted game.”

“Speaking of sick and twisted, please turn around and take a look at this,” I said, keeping my voice low.

My father was deep in conversation with Wendy and Caleb, his other family that no one spoke of. He’d invited them to his anniversary party, because he was a twisted bastard. I didn’t expect to see Caleb here.

My mother was walking our way with her trainer beside her. “Boys, you remember Gino?”

“Yes, Mom. He’s been training you at our family home since we were in middle school. It’s safe to say that we remember him,” I said with a laugh as I shook his hand. “Gino, this is my date, Montana Kingsley.”

Gino shook her hand and said hello. He couldn’t be more opposite to my father. He was kind and gentle, and he genuinely seemed to care for my mother.

The photographer stepped toward us and asked if we were ready, and I didn’t miss the way his eyes traveled down Montana’s body. He made no attempt to hide his blatant perusal.

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