Chapter Six

Nat

I felt him before I actually saw him. It had always been like that with Alec; like his presence was something my body was constantly searching for. Within seconds I felt warm hands on my shoulders.

His eyes darkened as he exhaled. “Damn, baby, you look…” He shook his head. “How long do we have to stay?”

“Dinner and then after party, remember?” I arched my eyebrows. “Besides, I'm only doing this once. So I want it to be perfect.”

“Your wish is my command.” His blue eyes were hooded as he looked at my shoes and slowly raised his head to meet my gaze.

“I can't stop looking at you.” He twirled me around slowly, stopping as his hands ran down my back. Warm lips touched the base of the back of my neck before he turned me to face him again.

“Then close your eyes,” I teased.

“What I want…” He grasped my wrist and tugged me against his body. ”…Is you. Right now.”

“You have me,” I whispered. “Tomorrow.”

“I may die tonight.” He smirked then kissed my lips softly. “I'll never get enough, Nat, just know that.

“You're my addiction — my craving, my everything — and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you. With our baby.”

Tears welled in my eyes as I kissed him back and just held him.

“Not married yet,” came Demetri's smooth voice.

“She's pregnant, you ass,” Jaymeson chimed in from behind Alec. “What worse things could he do?”

“The man has a point.” Demetri nodded. “Still, back off. If I'm not getting any, you're not getting any.”

“One more day.” Alec grinned. “Then I get all I want, and where does that leave you?”

Jaymeson cackled and elbowed Demetri. “Aw, she still holding out until you give her a ring? Wait a second—” His eyes widened. “Did you just—”

“Justin Timberlake, as I live and breathe!” Demetri yelled loud enough for the paparazzi to hear.

“Good one.” Alec laughed.

“Yeah, well.” Demetri shrugged. “What can I say? I'm awesome.”

“Yes. Mr. Awesome. Way ta keep the tag on your shirt.” Alyssa came up behind him and tugged it off. “Armani? Nice.”

Alec's hand came around my waist, resting right on the bare skin of my lower back. “How are you feeling?” His lips brushed my ear. My body shivered. Would his touch always do that to me?

“I'm good.” I smiled. “Promise. I don't feel sick at all, though I am a bit anxious.”

“Did you girls have fun at the spa?”

I bit back a smile and gave him a firm nod. “This afternoon was just what I needed.” There. At least I wasn't lying.

Seeming satisfied, his grip tightened on my waist as he led me to the large table reserved for close friends and family.

The wedding party consisted of Demetri, Jaymeson, Alyssa, and one of Alyssa's cousins, Priscilla. She was a little bit younger than all of us, just turned eighteen, but drop-dead gorgeous.

My friend Alesha was supposed to be the other bridesmaid, but her fiancé, Evan, had been planning a destination wedding literally the same weekend.

I couldn't change my date because the tours wouldn't allow it, and they couldn't get their deposit back on the destination wedding, which sucked. I would have loved to be there for them and vice versa.

I was thankful that Alyssa thought of Priscilla.

She'd hung out with me and the guys a few times, but I wasn't entirely sure how well things would go over with Jaymeson — we'd warned him not to flirt with her.

“Hey.” Priscilla gave me a quick hug and kissed Alyssa on the cheek. “You gals excited for tomorrow?”

Actually, I was excited for tonight. Hopefully Priscilla wouldn't freak out.

“Sure thing!” Alyssa gave me a knowing look and mouthed, Stop worrying!

“If everyone could take their seats.” My mom stood and clanked on her wine glass. “I'd like to thank everyone for being here. We're kind of informal, so eat, drink, be merry, and enjoy yourselves!

“Oh, and wedding party…” She pointed to Jaymeson mainly because he was the only one known to be late all the freaking time. “Pictures are at noon.”

“Noon?” Jaymeson repeated.

“Right,” Alec chimed in. “So don't go staying up all night and sleeping in.”

“Wouldn't dream of it.” Jaymeson's British accent was thick as he crossed his arms over his chest. With a wink he lifted his glass in the air to Mrs. Murray and took a long sip. Her eyes narrowed.

Mom loved Jaymeson the way that people love their puppies.

And Jaymeson, bless his heart, barked a lot.

“Cheers!” Demetri raised his water, the rest of us clinked glasses and started eating. I was too nervous to eat, so I pushed some food around my plate and managed to choke down some potatoes.

In a few hours Alec would know exactly what I'd been up to for the past month — and it sure as hell wasn't knitting.