“Let me see that,” Preston said, picking up my hand. “Holy shit! I mean, it’s gorgeous, but if this is just for the commitment, what are you going to give her for an engagement ring?” he joked.
“I have no idea, but I have some time to think about that. She’s eighteen; I just turned twenty-three. There’s no rush.”
The conversation changed to yesterday’s arrival at Preston’s house and we all joked about the cold reception. His parents were nice enough, but clearly they weren’t comfortable. Preston and Julian were taking it in stride; their expectations for his parents’ grace weren’t that high.
I was so happy to have met Julian—he was nice and funny and sincerely cared about Preston. And Preston was a new person; he had confidence and happiness bubbling out of him. Now I know Preston’s in good hands so far from home.
Preston and Julian stayed for about an hour, then had to be off, but we invited them to come over after our Thanksgiving dinner. My parents had also invited a number of friends to come over after dinner, and their list expanded to just about all of their friends in the DC area, plus our neighbors. So I invited all of my close friends over, too; tonight was turning into a small party.
As we finished up with dinner, the house was bustling with the hired staff getting the after-dinner party together, as the rest of us got ready for the party ourselves. King and I went up to my room to keep out of the way. He sat on the large armchair in the corner of my room, and I took the opportunity to crawl onto his lap and cuddle into him.
“Everyone questions why we’re rushing. Do you feel like things are moving too fast?” King asked.
“No,” I said, not expanding on my answer.
We sat in silence for a minute before his dissatisfaction with my response forced him to ask a follow on.
“It’s only been four months. That’s not very long. And you’re moving in…and you’re wearing my ring. That’s not too fast for you?”
“No, King. No. I’m only eighteen and I keep that in mind, but in all of my eighteen years, I’ve never felt more right than I do with you. I finally feel like every day I’m being who I really am for the first time in my life, and every day I learn more about myself, and every day I fall in love with you more than the day before. I’m not ready to bind myself legally to you, but so far I don't feel rushed at all. Things have happened just as they were supposed to. Actually, I feel pretty great about us.”
He didn't respond with words; he didn't have to. He kissed the top of my head and squeezed me tight. Then he turned me to face him and kissed me passionately. That’s all it took to ignite something in me, and I positioned myself so that my legs were straddling him. He wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me closer before grabbing a handful of my hair to tilt my head back and kiss my neck.
My fingers were lost in the waves of his thick hair and without meaning to—I was focusing on his kiss—I tugged. He stood, with my legs still wrapped around him, and walked to the bed, laying me down. But before he could join me on the bed, there was a knock at the door.
“Ava? Asli and Mark are here,” my mom said through the closed door. I yelled OK and giggled.
“And this is why you live with me now,” King joked.
A couple of hours later, all my friends had arrived and we were in the basement having a separate party from my parents. We had dance music playing—Dylan put on one of his infamous playlists—drinks were flowing, and we were all having a good time.
A half-hour into the party, I got a text from my mother warning me that Miko had arrived. I haven't seen him since the kiss cam incident, which didn’t go over well with King, so I didn't want King to be surprised by Miko showing up.
“So, just FYI. Miko’s here,” I told King.
“What the fuck is he doing here?” he asked.
“Look around—all of his friends are here. Remember, Tori’s still dating his best friend. I guess he heard we were all hanging out so he decided to come by. I don’t know, King. I didn't invite him,” I explained.
I saw King’s eyes leave mine to glare at something over my head; I guess Miko has made his way downstairs. I turned around to see him saying hello to Dylan and another friend Jude, and noticed that he didn't come alone. Not only is his friend Magnus with him, but a girl is holding his hand. I admit that caused a strange feeling of sadness move through me. It was a reminder that I’ve already been replaced.
Wait, what the hell is wrong with me? I replaced him before we were broken up and I do not want him back. I’m absolutely happy with King, so what are these weird feelings about? I watched him approach and tried to tamper down this…jealousy, is it?
“Hi Miko. It’s good to see you, I’m glad you came,” I said, smiling.
“Hello, Ava,” he said leaning toward me to kiss my cheek.
But he abruptly stopped just a couple of inches from my face. I noticed he looked down and I followed his gaze to see King’s enormous hand placed on Miko’s chest holding him away from me.
“That’s close enough,” King said in an intimidating voice.
“Really, King?” I snapped at him.
“Really,” he said still staring at Miko.
I sighed. I need to do something about his jealousy. At this point, I don’t have much of a position—his last knowledge of Miko is that he kissed me on the kiss cam. I can’t really blame him for being a jerk.
“I’ll be back,” I said to King, who finally moved his eyes back to me with a look of confusion. “I’m going to talk to my friend Miko without you bullying us.”
I smiled at King, knowing that we’ll fight about this later, but not in the mood to get into it in front of our friends. I walked away, pulling Miko’s arm with me.
I guided him back to the girl he was holding hands with, who was waiting for him at the bar. In case King was about to lose his shit over this, I hoped hanging with the new girlfriend would calm him down.
“Hi, I’m Ava,” I said to her putting out my hand for her to shake.
She smiled a genuine smile and shook my hand.
“I’m Shannon. It’s so nice to finally meet you. I hope we’re not crashing your party,” she said humbly.
“Not at all,” I smiled in a hopefully comforting way. “Any friend of Miko’s is a friend of mine. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
We chatted a bit about her coming in town to meet Miko’s family and friends, and I was surprised that we really got along well. I was actually giggling at a funny comment she made when King’s voice caught my attention.
“I apologize, Miko,” I heard King’s thunderous voice behind me. “I overreacted.”
“No apology needed,” Miko said with a smile; Shannon and I stopped talking.
“I’m just a little over protective of Ava these days.”
“Over protective? Why? Did something happen?” Miko asked, looking between King and I. Miko knew about what happened with Giorgio in LA. When we got home from that trip, it was the topic of conversation for a week or so amongst our friends.
Neither King nor I answered and the four of us started to feel uncomfortable. There was obviously something going on that was unsaid. Miko looked between King and me, waiting for an answer. King just stared at Miko.
“You could say that,” King said, breaking the silence. “Can we talk, just the two of us?”
“No, you can’t,” I said, giving King a stern look.
“Yes, we can,” Miko said to King and walked toward the door to the outside, not even looking to see if King was following.
“I’m not gonna touch him,” King whispered in my ear. I’m sure I looked worried.
King followed Miko outside while I answered Shannon’s questions about what was going on. I left out the detail of the kiss cam incident, having no idea if Miko told her. I just said that the tension was probably because King is a bit jealous and knows Miko and I dated, that he’s probably just clearing the air.
I have no idea what took place between Miko and King outside, but t
he two of them stayed there for about ten long minutes then returned to where they left us as Shannon and I were talking with Magnus.
“Ava,” I heard King say from behind me, and I felt his warm hand on my arm. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”
I looked at Shannon and smirked. “My turn,” I said. “I’ll be back.”
King took my hand in his and we walked out the back door so we could be alone to talk. He immediately shrugged off his jacket and held it up for me to put my arms into. I noticed a slight smell of marijuana still lingering in the air.
“Had a little moment?” I joked.
“Something like that.”
“But Miko doesn’t smoke weed.”
“Yes, he does. Maybe you don’t know him as well as you think you do.”
“Did you force him to try it?”
He chuckled. “No, he’s the one who offered.”
“Maybe I don’t know him anymore.”
“Look, it’s no big deal. I brought you out here because I want to apologize.”
He turned me around to face him and he started to explain.
“Princess, blocking Miko was instinct. I had to address that fucking kiss. I apologize for not reigning in my jealousy,” he said.
A few months ago, this scene would have played out very differently. I would have freaked out on him when he put his hand on Miko in the first place. He would have yelled back in defense, and we’d have fought for the next hour.
But not now. Now, we know each other so well and can manage each other’s moods for a calmer outcome. I know he’s not trying to be a jerk, and I know that he feels personally affronted by Miko due to that fake kiss. But he also knows that he can’t kick Miko’s ass and that he needs to act reasonably.
But Miko’s now seen as a friend, or should be as far as I was concerned. King knows how he acted is not OK and that he has to apologize as soon as he’s calmed down.
We’ve both agreed to never let bad feelings stick around, and to always work out our differences as quickly as possible. This is why I handled that situation with reason, not emotion; I trusted that he would make everything ok and I just had to give him time for his anger to calm down.
I smiled at him and put my hand on his cheek.
“It’s ok, baby. Thank you for apologizing, and I’m very aware of your need to discuss the kiss cam incident with Miko. We’ll work through your jealousy, eventually,” I said with a smile.
“It’s not just that; anyone touching you makes me think of their motives. It’s not only about jealousy; it’s also about protection. I constantly wonder when Giorgio’s going to rear his ugly head again. And how.”
“I understand. Just know that you don’t have to worry about Miko, or any of our friends,” I said. “And I thought we were past being concerned at all. I’m pretty confident that the whole Giorgio situation has been put on ice, since you agreed to fight him.”
“It being put on ice means it’s still there; this isn’t over yet. But let’s not worry about this now. Let’s go back inside before you freeze. Are we OK?” he asked smiling and pulling me into his chest for a strong hug. I love his hugs, they’re all encompassing.
“We’re OK.”
We went back inside and I returned to Miko and Shannon so I could chat with them more, doing my best to make them feel comfortable. Shannon was pretty, like Jude had claimed, and very smart. But what I liked the most about her was that she was sweet and direct.
“VEGAS!!!” I heard Dylan cheer from across the room. Of course King was talking to him—I guess the news is out that the fight in Vegas is happening. We hadn’t told anyone yet—King didn’t want to announce it until the contracts were signed—which happened yesterday—and we were positive it was happening. I rolled my eyes and shook my head and rolled my eyes.
“What was that about?” Miko asked.
“King’s fighting Giorgio. In Vegas. On New Year’s Eve,” I said, clearly not as excited as Dylan was. Miko and Magnus started guessing about the details. I returned my focus to Shannon.
“I just want to get this out in the open,” Shannon said. “I’ve had a crush on Miko since I met him last year, but we were no more than study partners until you two were over. It’s important to me that you know that.”
“Thank you, Shannon. That’s all in the past now, but I do appreciate you telling me. It makes us hanging out a little more comfortable,” I said and we both giggled.
“I wish I could say the same,” Miko said, looking across the room at King.
I noted his discontent and I knew I couldn't say anything to make him feel better. Miko’s right to hold a little grudge; unlike him and Shannon, there was something going on with King and me before Miko and I broke up. But I can't take all the blame; he checked out of our relationship, too.
And our current situation was difficult. Miko kissed me; King has a right to be pissed about that. I couldn’t bring that up because Shannon was here and I’m pretty sure she doesn’t know about it. That made me wonder…if it was so innocent, why didn’t he tell her?
“Uh, yeah, so can I get you a drink?” I asked trying to change the conversation.
And it worked; the subject changed, as did our moods. That was the end of any bad feelings between us and the rest of the night went without drama. That is, until Dylan and Tori got into a huge fight; her and I spent almost an hour upstairs in my bedroom until she calmed down and Dylan came to my room to make up with her. But in the end, King and I went home with nothing but good times to remember.
~~~~
I woke up the next morning slowly, reveling in the comfort of our bed. King was still sleeping—I could hear his deep and steady breathing next to me. The room was pitch black, as usual. The blackout shades combined with him turning the room temperature to a frosty sixty-seven degrees at night makes me sleep like a baby. And unless we wake up to change it, the room heats to a balmy seventy-two around nine in the morning.
I stayed in bed and thought about last night. I love my friends and family, but King and I have created this world with so much love and happiness minus the drama that others bring into it. I would be perfectly happy if he and I had a secluded island where we could live in peace, just the two of us. With occasional trips back home to visit and shop, of course.
I stretched, feeling amazingly well rested and good. As soon as I moved, King started to wake too.
“Good morning, baby,” I whispered.
He grunted in response. That means he’s not fully ready to get up yet, so I took it as my cue to quietly get out of bed and grab my robe from the hanger in the closet, then gave him a light kiss on his forehead before leaving the room.
Mary welcomed me to the kitchen area with a freshly made French press coffee, so I sat at the breakfast bar and read through email on my MacBook, slowly waking up with my coffee. That’s when I spotted the first announcement about King’s fight on New Year’s Eve.
Preston, who’s signed up to get newsletters from a mixed martial arts site, forwarded the one-page write-up to me. And boy, did my blood boil.
First, the picture of King and Giorgio facing each other was pretty hot, I had to admit. I stared at King’s beauty for a minute before reading the text beneath it—the same text that made me sick to my stomach.
The article highlighted each fighter’s statistics and career milestones—excluding the underground fighting that Giorgio partakes in—and then covered, in great detail, the reason for the feud between them.
Smack in the middle of the text was a picture of Layla, Giorgio’s girlfriend that King slept with before their first fight. The article suggested that it’s Giorgio’s jealousy that was forcing him to fight King again, and that King may still have a thing for Layla.
Of course the article exaggerated, claiming that King stole her from Giorgio when it was really a one-night stand. And of course it talked about the devastation Giorgio felt when King took his girl, then went on to beat him in their second fight.
It was rid
iculous—I was already dating King when that second fight happened—but seeing King’s name associated to another girl made me extremely jealous. What sickened me about the whole thing was that she’s gorgeous, and so sexy. It was impossible for me to not think of him wanting her.
I slammed the lid of my laptop shut, and took a sip of the ice water that Mary put on the counter for me. At that moment I knew it was going to be a rough month until this was as all over.
“Everything ok?” I heard Claudia ask as she walked into the kitchen.
“No,” I complained. “Have you seen the girl who started this rivalry with your brother and Giorgio? She’s drop-dead gorgeous.”
Claudia scoffed.
“She’s a skank, and you’re the love of his life. Don’t let her bother you.”
“I know, but damn. I’ve never seen anyone he’s dated before. Now all I have in my mind are visions of them together.”
“First of all, they didn’t date, they slept together. And second, I remember how King felt when he saw you and Miko together. It isn’t fun, is it?”
“No, but it’s different. King and I barely knew each other then, and he knows Miko. Ugh, never mind. I’m being a baby, I know.”
“Yes, you are,” Claudia joked.
“What are you being a baby about?” King asked as he walked up behind me and slowly put his arm around my waist before kissing me on the back of my head.
“You never told me that Layla’s gorgeous,” I whined.
“I didn't think I had to,” he said smiling. “What? You didn’t think I banged any hot girls before you?”
“No. But…I dunno. I guess I didn't expect that,” I said motioning to the still closed computer.
“What’s that?” He asked reaching for the lid of my MacBook and opening it with one hand. The other he kept tight around my waste in a one-armed hug.
When the screen lit up, the article reappeared with Layla’s picture front and center.
“Oh,” he said sounding surprised, but looking at her a half second longer than I would have liked.
“See! You can't take your eyes off of her! Ew, this is all so gross,” I said turning and stepping off the stool to walk away.
Guys Like You Page 7
