“Damn, Gina. This is an old friend of Bryx’s,” Darnell said, with one arm wrapped around my shoulders holding his beer, while the other pointed at Bryce.
The woman’s pursed lips turned into a smile as she glanced at Bryce.
“Welcome, I’m Gina, Darnell’s wife,” she said in a possessive manner, carefully removing his arm from around me and placing it around her.
Bryce and Kole cracked up laughing while Darnell shook his head.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Gina. I’m Peyton Taylor. I’ve known your husband and his family since high school.”
“I’m glad you could join us, Peyton. And you’re...” she prompted, looking between Bryce and me.
“My good friend,” Bryce said, stepping up and wrapping his arm around me.
I couldn’t fight back the blush of shame and embarrassment that crept up my face at his lame introduction. But I wouldn’t do anything to embarrass either of us.
“We’ve started hanging out again lately,” he said.
“Word? That’s you, Bryx?” a tall, dark-skinned baldhead man who joined us said.
“Uh, Will, Peyton’s a good friend of mine from way back,” Bryce said, dropping a kiss on my forehead before he looked at the man again. “PJ, this is Will. Remember, Carmen?”
“Yes, I do.”
“This is her husband,” Bryce introduced.
I shook the other man’s hand, who chuckled. “I knew shit was too good to be true. It was one thing when Bishop got off his solo shit and got involved in a relationship again. But if Bryx is off the market, the world must be coming to an end.”
“The hell is that supposed to mean?” Bryce asked.
“Just saying, man. I don’t think that’ll ever happen. And when some chick does pull your ass off the market, I’ll be the first in line to shake her hand,” Will said, making Darnell and Kole laugh, while Gina shook her head.
I looked up at Bryce. For the first time, his face turned slightly red, making his brown freckles stand out just a little bit more. He adjusted his wireless glasses on his face and changed the conversation.
“Aight, a’ight. That’s enough. Let me grab our bags and get settled inside,” he said, nodding his head towards the mini-mansion of a beach house. “Ma here yet?”
“She’s in the back with Aunt Carol and my mom by the water,” Kole said.
“Cool. All right, let’s get our bags and get inside before I take you out there,” Bryce said with a resigned sigh.
“What was all that about?” I asked when we’d placed my bags in the room I’d be spending the weekend in.
I was sharing a room with Gianna, and Bishop and Bryce would share a room.
“What?”
“Good friend? That’s what you’ve relegated this to?” I asked, pointing between us.
“We haven’t finished the discussion, PJ. Did you want me to introduce you as my girlfriend?”
I sighed, unsure of what to say.
“That’s what you wanted, wasn’t it?” he asked, taking my hands into his and pulling me against his hard body.
I couldn’t think when we were close like this, but I couldn’t move away either.
“Is that what you want, Bryce? It’s not just about me, but both of us.”
“I want to protect what we’ve got. And I want us to both be sure we’re on the same page before we just jump out there for the world to pick apart. But do I want you? Hell yeah. It’s what I wanted before I even knew I wanted it, PJ. I just had a hard time admitting it to myself and the rare times that I did; I struggled with rejection.”
Laughing, I said, “You worried about me rejecting you?”
“There was so much pressure on both of us about who we were supposed to be back then. About what was considered acceptable when it came to our feelings and a relationship. I think we both operated in a state of confusion and hung on to the only thing we had. Our friendship.”
I nodded, knowing it was that way for me, mixed with knowing that girls surrounded him.
“And now?”
“And now, I want you to allow us to explore this thing between us. See where it leads. I don’t want you running away.”
“But what about you? You live on the west coast, and I’m here on the east coast, Bryce. Long-distance relationships never work.”
“Says who?”
“Come on, Bryce. Let’s not fool ourselves. Yes, we have attraction between us, an old friendship, but is that enough to survive the physical distance between us?”
“Only time will tell, baby.”
“I sure hope you’re right,” I said, resting my head against his chest.
“I am. That’s why I have to tread lightly this weekend. I just want to give us a fair shot,” he said.
CHAPTER 22 – BRYCE
SHIT WAS MOVING FAST. My declaration about Peyton being my good friend was uttered without thought. I knew I’d have to be careful how I behaved towards her in front of my family. But I didn’t regret bringing her, not even when my mother lifted an eyebrow when I reintroduced Peyton after so many years.
Not even when my mother feigned not recalling who Peyton was or making a snide comment under her breath of Peyton not being the woman, she would have chosen for me to bring home. Nor when she whispered to me that she wasn’t a fool, Peyton might be a friend, but she recognized ‘FWBs’ when she saw them.
Thankfully, Peyton didn’t hear her, but that was Mom. She was discreet about everything, even when she was throwing shade.
I couldn’t knock my mom too much, though. She was cordial and polite to Peyton and made her feel as welcome as the rest of us. Besides, her attention was focused on making sure that my brother’s wedding went off without a hitch. She was finally getting what she wanted. One of us married and, hopefully, on the way to making grandkids.
“How’re you feeling, lil bruh?” I asked Bishop as we walked away from the rest of the group that night.
My family had set up a bonfire on the beach, and my mother and aunts had prepared plenty of food, while my father and uncles supplied all the beer and liquor.
“Man, I’m anxious, and I can’t wait until tomorrow. Believe it or not, I’m so ready to say ‘I do’ to G. I’ve never been more ready for anything in my life. It’s like I was born to do this,” Bishop said, all hyped up.
“Man, chill with that corny shit,” I laughed.
“Aw no, your punk ass ain’t calling me corny,” Bishop responded.
My smile slipped from my face as I stared at him.
“Punk ass? Really?”
“Hell yeah. You can’t even admit how you’re feeling for that girl.”
“The hell you talking about?”
“Your good friend? Man, I know you’re hitting that ass.”
“So,” I said with a shrug.
“I warned you not to play with her, Bryce. You and I both know Peyton won’t recover like the rest of those chicks you play with.”
I stopped and took a swig of my beer. “I’m not playing with her.”
“What is it that you call yourselves doing?”
“Figuring shit out.”
He scoffed. “Yeah, you see where that got me.”
“Headed down the aisle. I’m not that far gone.”
“Talk to me again in another year and try running that same lame-ass story,” Bishop said.
“A’ight. We’ll see.”
“Let’s make a bet on it,” Bishop said.
“For real? You really want to lose your wealth on some silly shit?” I said, laughing.
“I’m not losing shit. When your punk ass gives in and walks down the aisle to say I do to Peyton, in...let’s see, a couple of years, I get naming rights to your firstborn.”
I spit out the beer I’d been sipping. “What!”
“You heard me.”
“Ain’t no way. I’m not losing that punk-ass bet.”
“Okay, we’ll see. Remember, your firstborn child’s name is Bishop.”
“Not that any of this shit is happening. But what if it’s a girl?”
“Her name will be...Bianca!” he said triumphantly
“Clown...you’ve got me fucked up. You’ll never be naming my kids, and I ain’t marrying that woman.”
“So, what you don’t think you can win the bet?”
“I know I can.”
“Then what’re you scared of?” he asked, shrugging his shoulders.
“I’m not scared of shit.”
“A’ight. Let’s up the ante then. I’ll give you one year, and I bet it’s a done deal.”
Laughing, I shook my head and extended my free hand. “It’s a bet.”
Bishop turned around and looked back. “I think we’d better head back before Ma sends the cavalry after us.”
“Yeah, she’s looking down this way,” I said, noticing my mother shielded her eyes from the sun looking down the beach in our direction. “Has she said anything to you about Peyton?”
Laughing, he said, “Hell yeah. She’s trying to figure out if you’re just fucking her or if you’re serious.”
“What’d you say?”
“I told her she needs to stay up out of that man’s business.”
“No, the hell you did not say that to our mother!” I said, laughing.
“You’re right. But dad did, and I seconded it.”
“I’m sure that didn’t sit too well with her.”
“Nah. She said that you and she had to have a little talk after I said, ‘I do.’ She said that she couldn’t do anything to jeopardize the exchanging of my vows, but that you would be handled.”
“Damn, thirty-three, billionaire status, erotic romance author living on the other side of the country and a grown assed man!”
“Grown assed!” Bishop replied.
“And still being ‘handled’ by my mother.”
“Handled like a motherfucker,” he said, chuckling.
I shot a glare in his direction.
“What’s her issue?”
“Part of it is that she thinks Peyton is too passive for you. That you’d walk all over her, and you need someone who knows how to handle your ass. But mostly, she thinks you’re playing again, and she’s ready to see you settle down. You know that you and I’ve always had this competition shit between us since we were little, trying to see who would accomplish the next goal first and who’d do it better. I think she feels like this is another one of those things.”
“Nah,” I said, shaking my head as we walked down the beach towards our family.
“You sure? Cuz seriously, Bryce, I’m wondering the same thing.”
“B, I’m still trying to sort this shit out in my head. I mean, in a moment of transparency...”
“Go ahead,” he said, nodding his head.
“I was hitting that ass, and then all of a sudden, the damned ‘L’ word popped in my head. Out of no-fucking-where!”
Bishop laughed. “Your ass got it bad then.”
“And if that wasn’t bad enough? I tried to fuck it out of my head.”
“How’d that work out for you?”
“It didn’t. I’m just scared, B.”
“You? Scared? Of what?”
“Settling down with her. Not being good enough and disappointing her. Peyton was always a good girl. Smart, compassionate, just a good person. And she sees something in me that I’m not. She always has.”
“Maybe she sees what you could be, and the truth of who you are. But B, you’ve always had to cultivate this personality for your female fan club back in the days and now...a different fan club. You’re not a bad guy. And hell yeah, you love sex and the female anatomy. Most of us do. But you can still have that reverence and be respectful of what you and PJ have.”
“I know. I’m just scared as hell that I’ll fuck that shit up.”
“Well, at the rate you’re going, you’ll fuck it up anyway. The only thing about it is that you’ll lose something you never had. And you’ll never know how good it could’ve been because you were scared to try,” Bishop said wisely.
“I know what you’re saying is right. I’m just not ready to go there yet. Besides, this is your weekend.”
He nodded at me, and we shut down all conversation as we approached the family.
My stomach dropped when I saw Peyton sitting beside Silver, rubbing her belly. My cousin Kole and his wife were expecting a little girl in four months.
“We’ve been waiting for you guys!” my mom announced as we approached.
“What’s the emergency?” Bishop asked, accepting another beer from Gianna.
I glanced briefly at Peyton, who was still sitting beside Silver and Gianna and my cousins Carmen and Lauryn. Her intense blue eyes were on me, questioning. I turned back to my mom, who sat beside my dad, looking expectantly at Karina, who sat on Zymir’s lap.
“So, what’s the good news?” Aunt Carol said.
“We’re adopting a baby,” Karina announced.
Zymir hugged her closer to him and kissed her neck.
A loud chorus of congratulations went up, and people exchanged hugs.
“Our babies can play together!” Silver said excitedly as she hugged Karina.
“I know. That’s the same thought that Zymir had when they announced that our little girl would be placed with us next month,” Karina said.
“Damn, man! You move fast!” Bishop said, slapping hands with Zymir and thumping his best friend’s back.
“Language!” my mother called out.
“So, how old is she?” “I didn’t know you guys were trying to adopt!” “What’s her name?”
The questions flew out all around.
“She’s two months old, and her name is Amira,” Karina said.
“Yeah, I convinced Karina to consider adopting the same night I got her to say, ‘I do,’” Zymir boasted.
“Must’ve been some good dick!” Carmen screeched.
“Carmen Vernon!” my mom shouted.
Carmen ducked behind Will, who laughed at her. “Uh-uh, don’t be trying to use me for shelter. Because when Aunt Elaine throws her shoe, I’m not getting hit,” he said, moving Carmen back in front of him.
“But baby, you said in the good and bad.”
“Yeah, but I didn’t agree to get beat down,” Will teased.
They engaged in a lover’s quarrel and tussle while everyone else pelted Zymir and Karina with questions.
I stood back, watching everyone and, for the first time in forever, felt as if I were missing out. Will and Carmen were tussling, Karina sat comfortably on Zymir’s lap, Kole was rubbing Silver’s belly, Gina and Darnell were playing with their son, DJ, and Bishop and Gianna were swaying softly to the jazz music playing from someone’s phone.
Even my parents and Aunt Carol and Uncle Henry were all cuddled up. My eyes sought out Peyton’s once more. I could tell that she was taking in the same scene I was as our eyes met. Although the sun was setting, I could still see the deep blush of her face.
Peyton turned her gaze away from mine and stared at her phone for a moment. She turned away from my curious gaze, answered the phone, and walked away.
Shoving my hand deep into the pockets of my linen shorts, I pushed out a breath through my nose. What the hell had I gotten myself into?
Looking back at Peyton again, a stroke of jealousy licked at my emotions. I took several long strides, closing the distance between us. By the time I reached her, she was ending her call.
“I know, and you can. I’m just out of town right now. I’ll be back soon, and I’ll call you when I get back. You can come over then. Sure...sure. Okay,” she said with a sigh before clicking off her phone.
“You good?” I asked.
Peyton spun around quickly and stared at me with wide, frantic eyes. I hadn’t thought much about what was going on, but her response concerned me.
“PJ?” I repeated when she didn’t answer.
Her eyebrows dipped down, and her eyes narrowed. “Uh, yeah? I’m good.”
<
br /> “Let’s take a walk,” I said, nodding ahead in the direction we were already going.
“What’s on your mind?” she asked after we’d been walking for a bit.
“I just want to know what you’re feeling. How’re things going for you this weekend so far?”
“Pretty good, I guess. Excited for your growing family and the wedding tomorrow. I caught a glimpse of the dress that Silver designed for Gianna, and I know she’s going to be beautiful in it.”
“Yeah? That’s cool. I’m surprised she opted for a private ceremony. Especially knowing how much she loves being in the media’s eye.”
“Not so much, really. At least not like she was before. Now that she’s got her yoga studio, I’ve noticed she’s toned down a lot! And that’s saying a whole lot for my friend.”
“Who’s coming to the ceremony tomorrow?” I asked, turning around and walking backward as I faced her.
“Well, obviously, both of your families will be here. Yours, hers, and then her best friend Aaliyah, Seda, Mel, and Dior. That’s about it,” Peyton said.
“Except that she’s got like five hundred people in her family.”
Laughing, Peyton said, “She does not! Only about three hundred and all of them aren’t coming.”
“Oh, yeah, I forgot only two-twenty-five,” I said teasingly.
Peyton hit my shoulder. “You play too much, you know.”
I stopped our progress.
“But I wasn’t playing about what I said earlier. You mean a lot to me, PJ. And I want to try to see where this thing between us is going. I want you,” I said, dragging my finger down her nose and touching her lips.
“As long as we keep it secret, though, right?”
“Baby, I told you...that’s just to give us a shot, PJ. I’m in the public eye now, and it’s just not ideal. Not yet, anyway. I mean, if I’d had it my way, Ryan Warren would still be a private celebrity, and you and I could be very public as Bryce and Peyton.”
Peyton nodded her head and looked up at the sky. The sun had gone down. When she looked back at me, I could see the tears shimmering in her eyes.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, reaching for her hands.
She took a step back, wiping her tears away. “I just want to love you, Bryce. Is that so bad?”
Undeniable: A Friends To Lovers Romance (Love Desired Book 4) Page 15
