Love Drunk (Love Me Duet 1)

“You’ve got it so bad, and so does he,” May says.

“I know, I’m a bit obsessed.”

“I can see it now, the way he looks at you. I can see why you two work. Even if it’s not right for me, I still get it.”

“Thanks. I went a bit crazy this week, I’ll fill you in more later, but I’m not sure Alec will be coming to the wedding. I hope so, but I don’t know. He doesn’t like Gunner. At all.”

“Alec is protective over you, he always has been.” I nod. “Are you excited, though? Soon you’ll be Mrs. Reid.” She chuckles. “Where are you going on your honeymoon?”

I shrug. “He told me he’s planning that part of it, so I’ve left him to it.”

“I bet it’s somewhere private, where it’s just the two of you. Exclusive.”

‘Maybe,” I add.

“For sure. He’s obsessed with you. He wants you all to himself. What better way than a honeymoon to have you. All the things he could do to you.” She wiggles her eyebrows as she pulls up at her house.

When we get out, there’s a lady standing at her door.

“Delivery for Mrs. Reid?” she says to both of us.

May laughs as I step forward. She hands me a box and smiles as she walks off.

“What’s in it?” she asks as she opens her door and we go inside.

I tear it open and find a very expensive bottle of champagne followed by the best Belgian chocolates and exotic ice cream.

“Oh boy, he is good.”

He is. He really is.

20

“You know I may not be Team Gunner, but I am team Ev, so no matter what you choose to do I have your back.” We’ve drunk too much and the sun is starting to rise. We both need sleep, soon. Especially if I intend to make it to my own wedding, sober. I reach my hand out on the bed and touch hers. We have been lying here planning on going to sleep for a good hour or two now, but then we started to talk and couldn’t seem to stop. Now here we lay, tired and talking shit.

“That’s okay, I don’t think I need anyone to be Team Gunner but me, right?”

“Right…” she answers as I turn on my side to face her and she does the same.

“Is it his looks? What else is it? Help me understand?” she asks truthfully.

“I can’t lie, his looks attracted me to him, but they’re not what make me stay. When I’m around him, it’s like almost nothing else matters but us. I’m drunk on him. I’m off the wagon with no help getting back on. Completely intoxicated by him.” I sigh, taking a deep breath. “He makes me feel things I haven’t felt before. Granted, most of the time it’s confusion and anger, but with that, it’s also a lust and love I can’t contain. I take him back after everything he’s ever done, and the worst part is, he only has to utter a few words and I’m back to being his.”

“That doesn’t sound all that healthy.”

Opening my eyes to look at May, I smile. “It’s probably not. But for now, I’m going to ride the wave and see where it takes me, because no one has had this effect on me before. No one makes my heart beat out of my chest like he can. It’s unfair really how much I’m willing to give him.”

“Just don’t sacrifice yourself in the process.”

“Maybe one day, I’ll be sober.” I smile.

It’s a rush because we slept in. I was meant to be at my parents’ house over an hour ago, and when I didn’t show up, my mother sent a security team to come get me. May sits next to me sipping her coffee as our hair and makeup are finished while we wait for everyone to stop running around fulfilling my mother’s orders. I wasn’t even allowed to choose the color theme, the only parts I had in any of it were the cake and the dress. I guess I didn’t have to worry about being a bridezilla, if I had nothing to do.

“It’s time, Everly. Where’s your dress?” I point to the closet where security placed it and she pulls it out. “I still can’t believe you’re wearing black. It’s not a funeral.”

“I like it,” I say with a smile while removing my dressing gown.

She holds the dress open for me to step into. I turn to look at May and see her dressed in the perfect long white dress. It’s not bridal material but it’s just as pretty. My tutu is large with the overlay of the black, and the black lace that runs down my arms is perfect. I couldn’t have picked a better dress for me.

“Oh my God.” My mother covers her mouth and tears leak from her eyes. She grips onto me and stares at me. “I didn’t want this life for you. Never. I had hoped for a boy because I never wanted my daughter not to have the choice of who she loves. But amazingly you did, despite it all, you picked the chosen one for you. So, I’m happy you got what you wanted.”