Page 7 of Meant for Stone (Meant For)

“Since when does our family dish out invitations?” he says.

“It’s Stone,” Uncle Matthew shares, “and before you think it’s for you, it’s not.”

“Stone,” I tell the driver, who tells security. He nods his head and presses a button to have the black gate open.

“Have I mentioned I’m not a fan of Hollywood?” I say to Christopher.

“If you’re going to marry Ryleigh, get used to it,” he jokes, getting out of the car as soon as we stop.

“Let’s not go that far.” I side-eye him. “I have to get her to date me first, don’t you think?” I get out of the car, expecting the same commotion as every family event we’ve attended, but instead, it’s calm. “Are we at the right address?” I ask, looking around and not seeing one person I know here.

“I was thinking the same thing,” Christopher replies as we walk in the front door. The spiral staircase hits you right away, along with the chandelier. The banister has what seems like a million flowers around it.

Two servers hold silver trays with glasses of champagne. “Sir,” the one on my side offers, but I hold my hand up at him. I might have a beer here and there during the season, but I stay pretty clean. “Thank you.”

“It’s bad luck not to drink champagne at a wedding.” I look to the side, seeing my mother standing with the woman of my dreams. She smirks at me before she sips the champagne from the glass in her hand.

“Is that really a fact?” Christopher asks, kissing my mother on her cheek, then turning to Ryleigh. My hands fist at my sides as I wait to see what he’s going to do. He smirks at me, and I know he’s going to lean in and kiss her, but instead, he just nods. “Congratulations on the big day.”

“I would say thank you,” she replies, “but it has nothing to do with me and everything to do with Romeo and my dad.” You can see her eyes light up with pride as she says it. “I’m just happy she said yes or else this would have been an awkward reception.”

“In our family,” I say, kissing my mother’s cheek, “once you live with a man, you’ve already said yes.” I turn to her, and unlike Christopher, I reach out and put my hand on her waist. I can see her eyes go big as I lean down and kiss her cheek. The almost silent gasp makes me smile even more. I’ve got to keep her on her toes. “It would just take a bit of convincing.” I move my hand from her waist, sliding it softly down to her ass, wanting to cup one of her cheeks in my hand.

“Or,” Christopher adds, trying not to laugh, “he’d just drag her there.”

“Would you two stop it?” My mother shakes her head. “You’re scaring Ryleigh.”

“Something tells me that she doesn’t scare easy,” Christopher mumbles. “Now, I’m off to find my parents and then the groom so I can, you know, give him the big talk.”

“What big talk?” my mother asks him.

“The ‘don’t fuck with my sister or I’ll break your face,’” Christopher deadpans, “and I’ll bring Uncle Max with me since he’s a monster.”

“Good luck with that,” I tell him as he walks away.

“I’m going to find your father,” my mother says as if she knows I want to be alone with Ryleigh. “Just to make sure he doesn’t want in on that big talk.” She puts her hand on my arm. “You take care of Ryleigh.”

“Oh, I will,” I assure her as she walks away, then I turn back to the woman of my dreams. “I’ll try at least,” I mumble. She tilts her head to the side, and I see that she’s tipsy. “You look gorgeous, by the way.” My hand reaches out for her hip, seeing the lace ruffles up close.

“Thank you,” she says, trying not to look at me. She looks off to the side as she finishes her glass of champagne.

“I’ve been thinking about you,” I tell her honestly, and her eyebrows shoot up. “In fact, I can’t get you off my mind.”

“The last time I saw you was six months ago.” She holds the top of the empty champagne glass by her fingertips, letting it swing back and forth. “A lot can change in six months.”

“So you’ve been thinking about me also, then?” I put my hands in my pockets before I drag her to one of the bedrooms upstairs and mess her up.

“All day, every day,” she states, “and twice on Sunday. I’ve sat in my office and doodled your name and hearts ever since.”

I can’t help but laugh at her joke. “So you’ve thought about going out with me?”

“Yes, I’ve thought of nothing else to be honest and…” She nods her head. “I’ve decided that it’s going to happen when donkeys help pigs fly.”

“So soon, then?” I ignore what she just said, taking one hand out of my pocket and putting it on the side of her neck, my thumb rubbing the vein where I can feel her heart beating.

“Oh, yeah, so soon.” Her eyes stare into mine as she licks her lips, and it would take nothing to bend my head and slip my tongue into her mouth.

But it’s not the time and place. Today is about Gabriella. But one thing I know, I’m not waiting another six months. “Okay, good. I’ll call you,” I say as I bend and kiss the corner of her lips before walking away.

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