Love Drunk (Love Me Duet 1)

I place my hands on his chest and push him back. He takes one step and that’s it.

“You fuck me the way you like anyway.”

He shakes his head. “No, I don’t. I fuck you the way you like.” He takes a deep breath then leans in close. “Soon, you will see how it’s done my way.” He pulls away again and leaves me there in the doorway, pondering his words. I continue to stand there even when I hear the front door close, knowing he’s left.

My mother’s in the car when I finally manage to get cleaned up and out the door, and when I open the car door, she’s smiling at me. “You’ve moved in already?” she asks looking up at the place. Closing the door and sitting next to her, I nod. I can’t tell her I didn’t actually get a choice in this. That he did it. “Well, that’s good. You would have had to move in soon anyway.”

I shrug.

We start driving and soon we stop again. May’s standing outside and gets in as well.

“Hey,” I say, shocked.

“You didn’t think I was going to let you pick a dress without me, did you?” She squeezes my hand and my mother offers a small smile.

“Tell me more about Gunner, Everly. Is he nice? Good to you?”

I feel May’s eyes turn to me as well.

“I thought you’d already know about him?” I ask.

“I do, but not what kind of person he is. I know of his family, that’s all.”

“What of his family?” I ask Mother. Gunner doesn’t tell me much, and my father won’t tell me anything.

“He comes from old values like ours. A contract was signed on your father’s side of the family many years ago, before you were born, that his first daughter was to marry the heir to the Reid name when you come of age.”

May gasps next to me and Mother smiles.

“It was a huge relief when you brought him home, and I could tell you already loved him. Especially in the century we live in, where the choice of someone to love is a given right. I didn’t have a choice when I was chosen for your father. My father locked me away in our family home until the day came, so my contact with other men was only the men of our family. And back then, you never went against your father’s word or will. Luckily, my father wanted someone young and with a strong name.”

“I know the stories, Mother. But I want you to know that my children will choose who they marry. No contracts. No old traditions.”

She nods. “Your contract was the last. Your father was afraid that wouldn’t even hold, but Gunner made sure it did.”

“What do you mean, Gunner did?”

“You don’t remember him?” she asks me.

What? No. I shake my head.

“When you were younger, Alec and Gunner were the best of friends. You used to follow them everywhere.

“No, that isn’t him?” I shake my head. I remember Gunner from when I was five, that was the last memory I have of him. Myself, Alec and Gunner always used to ride bikes and play in my treehouse.

“Yes. Not long after you turned five, his family died.”

“How did they die?”

Her hand covers mine. “That isn’t my place to say. You should ask your future husband that, my dear.” She taps my hand as the car comes to a stop. “I’m excited for you to pick a dress.”

“Where’s the wedding taking place?” I ask my mother as May climbs out.

“Our house, of course, my dear. Everything will be ready, you simply need to pick the dress.”

“What if it’s too soon,” I whisper to her.

“You love him, do you not?”

I nod, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that I think what I’m doing is right.

“That’s all I prayed for. If this life is to be forced on you, I’m glad you’ve gotten to marry someone you love.” She opens her door and climbs out. I follow her, and we walk into the store.

A woman comes over with a tray full of champagne and offers us one then turns to me.

“Mr. Reid asked that you dress in all white for the big day. So, if you will follow me.”

I give her a puzzled look and turn up my lip and nose.

She turns back, smiling, not even noticing me staring at her. “And he said no budget. Most brides die to hear that. You must be extremely lucky.” She smiles placing the tray on a side table as she brings out a rack of dresses.

I turn to May. “What color do you want to wear?” I ask her, but my mother pipes up straight away with, “The wedding is themed light pink and rose gold, dear.”

“White then,” I say smiling to May, whose eyes twinkle.

“Oh no, you can’t both wear white.”