Avery’s POV

I sighed as I stared down my phone, willing a message from Brian to appear. I hadn’t heard from him all day, which was making me a little nervous. It wasn’t like Brian to leave early in the morning without so much as a goodbye and then not text me all day. I just hoped he was too busy with work and that he wasn’t trying to avoid me. Though with all Brian’s odd behavior over the past month, it was hard to tell what was really going on with him.

“Everything okay, Little Gnome?” Maya asked from the driver’s seat, pulling me from my thoughts.

I looked up from my phone to see Maya glancing me out of the corner of her eye. She had been carefully watching me all day with a smile that I didn’t quite understand. My guess was she either had one hell of a morning with Mr. Sanders or some really great plans for the evening. I just wished I remembered what it was like to have a blissful time with the man I loved instead of playing this never ending game of hide-and-seek.

I shrugged and set my phone on my lap. “I guess…” I muttered before nervously chewing my bottom lip and looking out the window.

If I were being honest, this whole month really sucked in terms of my personal life. BetweenMaya and I opening the boutique, Brian and the guys recording the album, and Brian’s odd disappearing act and phone calls, we had barely seen each other. I didn’t even know if Brian and I had spent more than an hour together each day when we weren’t sleeping. That is if Brian and I were on the same sleep cycle, which wasn’t the case for the past week. It just felt like there was always something standing between us and I didn’t know how much longer I could take it.

I loved Brain with ever fiber of my being and I desperately wanted to believe he was working long hours with the guys, but certain things just didn’t add up. Like, why would he go into the studio late at night while everyone else was already at home? Or spend all night texting on his phone, refusing to hold a real conversation with me? Maya said he was probably writing down ideas, but the text notification that kept going off told me otherwise. Not to mention that he wouldn’t make eye contact with me or stay in the same room for more than twenty minutes. I was starting to get the feeling that he didn’t want to be around me anymore, which really made heart ache.

Was he bored with me? Did he want to move on with someone new? Or worse…what if Synyster Gates decided to come out of hibernation?!

I shook my head and looked back down at my phone as I tried to push that terrifying thought away. There was no way Brian would see someone else. He was busy trying to finish up the album and I was reading way too much into his creative process. Maya is right. There is nothing going on. If there was, he wouldn’t be having a romantic evening with you tonight, I told myself, checking again for text messages.

Unfortunately the only thing on the home screen was a picture Maya had taken of Brian and I at Zack’s barbeque over a month ago. I was sitting on his lap kissing his cheek as he made a silly face. We looked so happy then, but right now it was almost painful to look at that picture. It was like it was taunting me about what we used to have. I just hoped things would go back to normal when the recording process was done.

“I don’t buy that for a second,” Maya chuckled, turning the corner toward the house that Brian and I shared. “Come on, Ave, I know something’s up. You’ve been checking your phone all day and have had a permanent frown since I picked you up this morning. Talk to me. What’s going on?” She asked, looking at me out of the corner of her eye. “Are you worried about Gates again?”

“Something just doesn’t feel right,” I sighed, playing with the hem of my shorts. “It’s like he’s pulling away from me. I mean, he left without even saying goodbye this morning, M. Not so much as a ‘see you later, babe’ or a peck on the cheek. It-it’s not normal for him…for us,” I finished, my voice shaking as I tried to push back the tears I had been fighting all day. “Something is going on…”

Maya rolled her eyes with a light laugh. “Don’t be silly, Ave. Brown eyes loves you more than he loves Synyster Gates, which is really something if you ask me. That guy has an ego bigger than the whole band put together…” she chuckled. “Besides Matt left early to go into the studio too.” Why did she always have an answer? I didn’t think I was being silly here. Brian was definitely avoiding me or hiding something and I couldn’t be the only one who noticed.

“But did he wake you up and tell you goodbye?” I rolled my eyes as a wicked smirk fell over Maya’s face, confirming my suspicions about her morning.

“Oh, yeah he did…” Oh, please don’t go into detail. “You should see the things that man can do with his—” Too late…

“La la la la la….don’t want to hear it. Way to much information about the man I consider a big brother,” I sang, grimacing and putting my hands over my ears as Maya’s laugh echoed through the car. A deep blush creep over my face, which only made her laugh harder. She always got way too much enjoyment out of making me feel uncomfortable.

“What? Like you don’t want the same thing!” Okay, so maybe she was right, but I wouldn’t openly admit it.

God, it had been way too long since Brian and I had been intimate and I was really craving his touch. Just thinking of his hands running over my skin sent goose bumps down my arms. I closed my eyes, just picturing our perfect night together. Okay, so maybe I was more than a little excited about finally spending some time with him. I just hoped he didn’t cancel again. “I bet you’re thinking about Brown Eyes right now, aren’t you?”

I opened and closed my mouth a few times as my face turned as red as a tomato. Damn it, she caught me red handed. “See I told you!” she laughed as she pulled into the driveway next to my car. “But really, Ave, don’t think too much into it. He probably just didn’t want to wake you up. You can’t be upset with the guy for being considerate.”

I sighed and looked down at my phone. Maya was right, I was thinking way too much into this whole thing. “You’re right…and he’s probably busy at the studio which is why he hasn’t texted me either….”

“Exactly,” Maya said, setting her hand on top of mine. “He’s probably planning your romantic evening together as we speak, with all that gooey mushy stuff that makes me gag. I bet he even made reservations at Baci and we both know how much you like it there. So stop worrying and just get ready to have a fun night out with, Brown Eyes.” Maya gently squeezed my hand and I let out a sigh.

I was excited about finally spending time with Brian but the looming threat of his cancelation kept playing over and over again in my head. For the past two weeks, he had called off every date that we planned and each one hurt more than the last. Was this time going to be different? Was he finally going to show up?

“What if he cancels again?” I breathed, unable to push that little piece of doubt away. “I honestly can’t take another cancelation, M. If he called off on our date tonight, I might just crumble…”

“He’s not gonna call off your date,” Maya half-laughed, though I didn’t find any of this funny. “Just go get ready and stop worrying.”

“How do you know? What if-if—”

“Ave,” Maya sighed, giving me a patient look. “What did we just go over?” I bit down on my bottom as I looked away from her, only to hear another sigh. “Look I promised I wouldn’t tell you…but… Brian had me make you something special to wear tonight. I highly doubt he’s gonna cancel after he went through all the trouble of having me make that dress for you. If he does I will personally beat his ass for you…and we all know how much he liked that the last time.” She joked, referring to the one time she punched him in the face after he was being a dick.

“Really?” I asked, feeling a sudden wave of excitement flood through my veins. So it was really happening? Brian and I were finally going to spend some much needed alone time together without being interrupted? I felt my heart soar at the thought. Tonight was just what we needed to get back on track!

“Yes, really!” Maya laughed, rolling her eyes at me like she thought I had been overdramatic before. I leaned across the center console and pulled Maya into a hug. She was the best friend a girl could ask for.

“You are the best, M…” I breathed squeezing her tight. “What would I do without you holding my life together?”

“Honestly you’d would probably lose your little mind and destroy the world,” Maya teased, making me wrinkle my nose at her. She was right though. I would have ruined the best thing that ever happened to me if she hadn’t helped me to see things clearly. “Now get your hot little ass out of my car and get ready for your date with Gates. I’ve got a handsome man with dimples to see about some important business.” Maya wiggled her eyebrows playfully at me and it was my turn to roll my eyes.

“Thanks again, M and tell Matt I said hello,” I said excitedly as I climbed out of the car. “We should really have you two over for dinner again soon. Hell, all of the guys really! It’s been way too long since we’ve all partied together.”

“Aint that the truth,” Maya laughed, throwing me a wink. “Text me how your night goes! See you later, Ave.”

An hour later, I found myself standing in front of the bathroom mirror anxiously twisting my hands in front of me. I could feel my heart pound against my ribs as I stared at my reflection, hoping that Brian liked what he saw. Though how could he not? Maya had really outdone herself with this breathtaking, backless, navy blue lace dress with a white underlay and side cutouts. The dress really brought out my eyes, which was exactly what Brian was looking for according to the note he left. I smiled, carefully reading it again:

Ave,
A beautiful dress to match the eyes I drown in everyday. I love you more than you will ever know and I cant wait to spend the evening with you. You are my everything and I promise to make up for all our lost time. Tonight is about you and me. I love you.
Love,
Brian

“Everything is going back to normal,” I sighed, holding the note to my chest, my heart soaring. It felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders and that all of my fears for the past couple of weeks were childish. I mean, how could I ever think that Brian was seeing someone behind my back? It was absurd, ridiculous even. Brian loved me and all of his odd behavior was just part of his creative process. God I was such an idiot for overreacting!

I shook my head and smiled down at the note just as a bark sounded at my feet.

“You’re right, Pinkly. Daddy is going to be here any minute,” I smiled, looking down at the little Maltese. She cocked her head to her side and barked excitedly. I guess she was just as anxious to see Brian as I was. “Yes, Daddy is taking me out for dinner!” I laughed, seeing her little tall wag with excitement. “How about we go meet him downstairs?”

Without another word, Pinkly darted down the stairs and I followed close behind her, my white heels clicking on the marble floor. With each step I took I could feel my heart thundering against my ribcage, the butterflies going crazy in my stomach. I was more than anxious about our date and I couldn’t wait for Brian to walk through the door.

“Where is he?” I asked the empty house, pacing the floor with raising anxiety. And as if on cue my phone started blaring Seize the Day, telling me that Brian was calling.

“Brian?” I answered excitedly without even saying hello. I honestly couldn’t wait to see the look on his face when he saw me in this dress. “Are you on your way? I’m all ready for you and our evening together.” I smiled as I looked at my reflection. Maya was right, tonight was going to be amazing and everything was going to fall back into place.

“No love… Listen, I-I” My breath hitched in my chest and I physically couldn’t take a breath. No, he wasn’t canceling on me again. He couldn’t! Not after all the trouble I’d gone through today, hell this whole damn month!

“Brian, what is going on?!” I asked, turning my back to the mirror and shaking my head. He was just going to be late, right? I was just overreacting. “I got the dress you let Maya make for me, it’s beautiful, breathtaking even. You will love it!” I explained, trying to push away the panic that was slowly rising in my chest.

“Avery, I’m not going to make it,” Brian said, his words stabbing me right in the heart. I instantly dropped to my knees as he gave me some useless explanation. I didn’t care. The only thing I wanted was to spend time with the man I loved, but apparently he had other plans. God, how could he do this to me again?!

“Ave did you hear me? I’m sorry… Zack must be there any second” Brian said as I swallowed the sob that threaten to breath the surface. I couldn’t breathe, feeling crushed from another lie.

“I’m sorry. I gotta go, love you, Ave.” How could he say all that and avoid me like he was? It didn’t make sense! My chest ached painfully in my chest as the line went dead, my ears ringing like crazy. I couldn’t bare this. It hurt too much to be continually lied to by the man I loved. I just felt so disposable…

“Avery? What’s wrong? Are you okay?”

I angrily whipped away my tears to see those familiar green eyes looking down at me with concern. Wait when did he get here? I didn’t even hear him come in or Pinkly’s usually visitor alert bark. “Come on, sweetheart, talk to me,” he said sweetly, his strong arms picking me up off the floor. “What’s wrong?”

“He-he…he canceled again,” I wailed, as Zack whipped tears away.

“Yeah…and he’s really sorry about that, but my tracks are done so he sent me to have dinner with you,” Zack explained but it didn’t make me feel any better. I just didn’t understand why he could redo the track tomorrow.

Zack sat me down on the couch and put his arm around me while I cried into his side. “I’m such an idiot…” I said, shaking my head. “Something is going on….and-and—”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Ave I just saw him at the studio,” Zack said, his green eyes meeting mine. He looked sincerer and I instantly felt silly for my break down, even though something just didn’t feel right.

“But-but he’s avoiding me he-he doesn’t want to spend time with me,” I tried but Zack wasn’t hearing any of it. He had an answer for everything.

“Ave,” he said, taking my face between his palms. “You are reading way too much into this, love. We’ve got he record label breathing down our necks and we need to get the final cuts to them by the end of the week. He said he would join us as soon as he is done, okay?”

I opened and closed my mouth a few times before Zacky pulled me to my feet. Was he right? I didn’t know what to believe anymore. “Come on, beautiful, let’s go out and have a nice dinner.”

“I’m not really feeling it,” I admitted, whipping my teary eyes. “I think I’d rather just stay home and—”

“No can do,” Zack interrupted shaking his head and taking my hand. “I promised my best friend that I was taking his girl out for dinner and that is exactly what we’re gonna do.”

“But Zack, I just want to stay home.” Unfortunately I knew I was on the losing end of this conversation. Zack was going to make me go with him hell and high water and there was no getting out of this.

I crossed my arms as I stared out the window, feeling ridiculous in this dress. “Cant we just get take out and head home?” I begged as Zack pulled into the parking lot at Johnny’s. No…this was the last place I wanted to be. And beside, I wasn’t really feeling bar food, or any food for that matter.

“Why? Why did you have to take me to Johnny’s, when I tell you the entire time, I just wanna stay in bed. I don’t want to go out, and not in this! I mean, I thought… Zack, something is wrong” my voice shook as I followed after a very fast walking Zacky. Why wasn’t he listening to me? This wasn’t fucking fair and I was getting really sick of all my friends downsizing my concerns and suspicions. Something was going on and we all knew it. I just couldn’t believe that all were trying to lie to me for him.

“Just five minutes, and if you then want to go, I will bring you home. I promise, sweetie” Zack’ said as he opened the door and ushered me in.

To my surprise the bar was quiet and even more dimly lit than usual, not to mention the beautiful decorations that were hung all over the place. “What in the—” I gapped just a Brian stepped into view. He was wearing a suit and tie and looked damn sexy, but what was he doing here? And that’s when it hit me—this was all a set up!

My eyes instantly shot over to Zack who just winked at me and disappeared into the backroom. What was all this? I honestly didn’t know what to think about any of this. I was in shock.

“Hey love…” Brian said, gently taking my hand and leading me to a chair set up in front of a small stage. “I’m sorry I had to let you go through all this trouble, but I have got something that I need to show you.” So everyone was right, he had been busy and wanted to set up something special for us.

“You-you want to show me something?” I whispered in shock, still trying to process what was going on.

The next thing I knew, I had a glass of champagne in my hand and Brian was sitting on the stage with his guitar. “What is it, Brian?” I asked uncertainly. Did I miss something? What exactly were we doing here? Don’t get me wrong, I was ecstatic to spend time with Brian, I just didn’t understand why we were at a totally transformed version of Johnny’s.

“Okay, this is song I wrote for you, love. I realized too late what I had and had let go, so this is for you, with all my love.” Brian said, his words taking my breath away. Never before had anyone written a song for me and I was instantly touched, my love for Brian spilling out in tears. Though it was nothing compared to the feelings I felt while he sang to me.

As soon as Brian started strumming the beautiful melody on his guitar I was hooked. I felt every lyric and every note resonate through my body, sending shivers down my spine. The song was truly about us, how we fell in love, and even our bumpy road along the way. It was simple stunning and I couldn’t believe Brian wrote this song for me—for us. God I loved that man.

“Oh my god Brian… That was beautiful,” I whispered, whisking the tears off my cheeks.

“No, you are beautiful,” Brian said, placing his hand on my cheek before he continued. “Ave, there is something more that I need to tell you.” My eyes grew wide with his words as a wave of shock and panic washed over me. Oh, god what was coming now?

“Ave, I love you. You are the woman of my dreams… When we first met, you were different than any others women I met before. You were meant to be my biggest challenge. You were a challenge for me right from the start and you always will be my biggest challenge, because I want to make you happy forever. I want to be by your side forever and I want to be the best man that you can possibly have.” I opened and closed my mouth as he spoke. Was he doing what I think he was doing? My heart started thundering in my chest as he continued, waiting to see where this was headed.

“I was an idiot, I was wrong and I didn’t always behave like I should have. I think we both know what I am talking about but I’m not getting in any details, because I’m afraid someone will hear it who shouldn’t,” Brian chuckled and I just smiled lightly. We had been through a lot and I was just glad that we always came back together. He was right about one thing—we were meant to be together.

“With you I discovered sides on me I didn’t knew they even existed and you made me to the man I am. In the song I mentioned ‘some search never finding a way’, with you I found my way. ‘I found you, something told me to stay.’ I want to always stay beside you, Avery. I want to be the only man for you and you will always be the only woman for me. I want to have eternity with you. That is why I am asking you today, Ave—” Suddenly Brian was on the floor in front of my one his knee with a little black back open in front of my. Oh my god…he was proposing! My hand shot up in front of my mouth as I looked own at the stunning ring, tears building in my eyes.

“I am asking you if you want to marry me, love?” Brian asked as I drowned in those amazing brown eyes that I loved more than life itself.

I sucked in a breath as I looked between Brian and the ring. “Are you freaking kidding me?” I asked in shock, gapping at him. Brian’s face fell slightly at my words but I wasn’t done yet. “Of course I’ll marry you!” I screamed.

Without another thought, I dove into his arms and threw my arms around his neck and pressed my lips to his in the most amazing kiss. Brian hands held my face as we fell backwards on the floor, our lips and tongues dancing in the most magical and passionate kiss that I had ever experienced. It felt like ever nerve ending in my body had exploded and he was the only drug that I craved. My hands moved up to pull him closer and tangle my slender fingers in his hair, pressing myself closer to him. I couldn’t get enough of him.

“Really? You mean it? You want to be my wife?” Brian asked when we finally pulled apart. He pressed his forehead to mine, gazing into my eyes with all the love he felt for me. It was right then that I knew that I was making the right decision. We were destined to be together.

“Of course, I do, silly,” I smiled, shaking my head at him. “Haven’t you figured out that there is no me without you? We belong together, plain and simple.” I explained before Brian pulled me in for another deep felt kiss.

Matt’s POV

“You’re amazing. Do you know that?” I chucked, watching Maya anxiously peak through the backroom window. She was so damn cute as she bounced up and down, waiting for Gates to pop the question.

After watching Maya for the past few weeks, there was no doubt in my mind that she was excited about our best friends getting married. I just hoped that anxiousness would transition into the idea of her wanting to tie the knot, though I would have to wait for her openly admit it first. I didn’t want to move too quickly into the next step and scare her away. I learned the hard way two years ago that Maya was the kind of girl you had to ease into big changes.

“You’re pretty amazing yourself,” she teased, throwing a wink at me over her shoulder. She was practically glowing with excitement and I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Did she have any idea what kind of affect she had on me or how beautiful she was?

I chuckled light as I pulled her close, resting my hands on her curvaceous hips. Maya instantly closer her eyes and let out a small moan, feeling my need for her growing in my pants as I held her close. God she made me hot and that was just from putting my hands on her hips alone. Oh, she had some kind of magical power over me that was for damn sure.

I leaned down and bushed her hair over to one shoulder. “Oh, yeah? What are you thinking?” I practically growled. “Cause I’m thinking that I cant keep my hands off you in this dress.” Maya shivered under my touch and looked up at me with those beautiful brown eyes. She was so fucking gorgeous.

“You like, huh? Well you should see the one I made for Ave…Brian isn’t going to know what to do,” Maya explained, groaning slightly as I moved her hips with my hands.

“I think I’d like it better on the floor,” I whispered in her ear, thinking of all the ways I could sneak her away for a little while fun.

With all the proposal planning and set up, I hadn’t had my desired dose of Maya Brandon lately. It was fucking torture seeing her look so damn sexy when I couldn’t have my way with her. Would it really be so bad if we slipped into the bathroom for a few minutes? I didn’t think so, but I knew better than to ask Maya right now. My only hope was that I could persuade her later because I was about to burst from just looking at her.

“How you and I sneak away for a few minutes after Gates pops the question…” I breathed in Maya’s ear as my dick throbbed painfully in my pants.

“That’s a very tempting offer, Big Guy.” Maya spun around in my arms and looked up at me with a smirk. “But you and I both know we cant. Once Ave says yes, it’s party time.”

“And what better way to celebrate then with you pressed against the bathroom door?” I countered only for Maya to shake her and press her lips to mine. God her kiss tasted so good. I wrapped my arms around her waist, pressing her hips into mine. I wanted here and I wanted her now.

“Can you two at least wait until after he pops the question?” Zack chuckled as he pushed past us into the crowed back room. He bumped into Maya and I, breaking our kiss.

“Zack’s here?” Maya asked, her eyes clouded with lust. “That means-that means Ave is here! Oh my god it’s happening!” Maya gushed after hearing Zack’s voice.

Within seconds, the back room fell silent as the sound of the guitar filled the bar. We all listened as Brian’s unique voice lofted through the air, filled with the emotion and love he felt for the little blonde. Who would have thought that Synyster Gates would be the first one to pop the question? Certainly not me, though I couldn’t imagine him with anyone besides Avery. They fit together perfectly and never before had I seen him look at anyone the way he looked at her. I honestly couldn’t be happier for my best friend.

“Oh my god…what a perfect song for them…” Maya breathed, holding her hands over her chest. She looked like she was on the verge of tears as put my arm around her, watching out the small circular window. Soon I hoped it would be me out there asking Maya for her hand.

“If you think that’s perfect, wait until you hear me sing it on the album,” I purred in her ear only for Maya to giggle and shake her head at me. She looked like a little kid the candy store as she watched the scene in front of us, and I couldn’t help but smile. I loved seeing her this happy. It was truly breathtaking.

“He’s down on his knee! He’s asking her! He’s asking her!” she squealed. And the next thing we saw was Avery dive into Gates’, their lips glued together. When they finally broke apart, he placed the ring on her finger and that was our cue to move from the back room and start the party.

“CONGRATULATIONS!” the room exploded with cheers as everyone in the backroom poured into the main bar area, though Brian and Avery were too busy heatedly making out to notice anything.

I put my arm around Maya as we watched Gates and Avery slowly pull apart. “Did you see her face? Oh I knew it would all work out perfectly!” Maya gushed next to me, watching Ave and Brian with soft smile. Damn, I just couldn’t get over how damn beautiful she was. I could drown in her dark eyes. “They are perfect together and look so happy!”

I followed Maya’s line of vision across the room to my best friend and I couldn’t help but smile. She was right. Gates had the biggest smile on his face I had ever seen. He looked like the happiest man in the world. I just hoped that we be me in a few short months.

“She said yes! We’re fucking getting married!” he yelled, taking Avery’s hand with the ring on it and holding it up in the air. Gates then pressed his lips to her and dipped her low as the crowd erupted with applause.

“Come on, let’s go congratulate them!” Maya said excitedly before she grabbed my arm and pulled me toward the happy couple. “M, we should give them a minute. They just got engaged,” I said with a smile, watching Brian press his forehead to Avery’s. Even from a distance, I could see him whispering in her ear and I knew he made the right decision.

“Don’t be ridiculous, Matt,” Maya laughed, pushing past Johnny and Zack who had reached Brian and Ave first. “We are not waiting in line to see our best friends!”

“Oh Ave!” Maya cried, tackling the little blonde into a rib-crushing hug. I laughed and quickly stepped forward to grab Maya’s waist before they toppled to the floor. It was so nice to see all of my friends so happy. We were really living the dream.

When I was sure they were stable, I turned to look at Brian. He was wearing the biggest smile known to man as he watched the girls walk away. I could see the love for that girl etched in his every feature and I’m sure the same look was reflected in my features as well. I just couldn’t get enough of that hot little tamale.

“Looks like your mood drastically changed,” I teased, elbowing him in the ribs. “Congratulations, man. I’m really happy for you,” I smiled, pulling him in for a hug before my other band mats.

“Thanks guys, I really couldn’t have done this without you. You are the best fucking friends a guy could ask for,” Gates said, putting his arm around my shoulder.

“Well, we couldn’t exactly let you mess this up,” Zack added only to receive the middle finger. “She’s part of the family and it was only a matter of time until you figured it out.”

“Fuck you, Vee! I’ve been planning this shit for months! Just ask Shads!”

“So you left us out? I see how we stand now!” Zack said, pretending to be offended. Though with him, you could never be too sure what was acting and what was really. He would get over it either way. “But…you make Blondie happy so I guess we can let it slide this once.”

“Thanks for you approval of my wife,” Gates said with an eye roll before the reality of his own words sunk in. “Fucking hell we’re getting married!” he yelled happily again as the crowd erupted with cheers again.

“You better relax before you scare her away,” I said, looking after the girls with a thoughtful expression on my face. How would Maya respond if I asked her to marry me tomorrow? Would she really run away or would she embrace it? I didn’t know but knew she was going to be my wife one day soon.

Gates chuckled and flipped me off, but I just put my arm around his shoulders. “What do you think they’re scheming?” I asked, my forehead wrinkling as I watched them.

He looked back over at Maya, seeing her and Avery laughing and hugging. “What makes you think they are planning something? Look’s like they are catching up to me.”

“Look at the way Maya is glancing at us and then back to Ave and her forehead wrinkles when she is planning something,” I said and Brian looked at me with a knowing smirk. “Watch she’s going to bite her lip and then look this way again,” Gates threw back his head with a laugh when she did it seconds later. “They are definitely planning shit.”

“You’ve got it bad don’t you?” I looked over at him with a frown of confusion.

“What do you mean?” I asked, moving towards the drink table before mixing up some drinks.

“You want to propose to Maya just as badly as I wanted to propose to Ave. Admit it,” he said and I rolled my eyes. Of course he was right but I wasn’t about to do it right now. I had to be certain that it was perfect timing because I didn’t want to mess it up. “I would have shared the thunder with you, you know?”

“Bullshit, you are anal about everything being fucking perfect,” I chuckled, shaking my head. “Besides, I’ve got my own plan.”

“Your own plan for what?” I looked to my left to see Avery standing next to me with the biggest smile on her face. Maya was right she looked breathtakingly beautiful in that dress.

“My own plan for how to end the evening,” I lied and thankfully Avery bought it. I quickly pulled her into a hug before Brian stole her away from me.

“Hey, get your meat paws off my wife,” he laughed and I held up my hands and dramatically backed away. The only problem was that he was already to busy with the future Mrs. Haner to notice. Fuck, well take away my thunder.

I shook my head and moved around the crowded bar, looking for the girl of my dreams. Where had she run off to? Jimmy better not have taken her away on some fucking adventure. I would kill him.

“There you are!” A very familiar voice sounded. I turned around to see the most beautiful creature standing behind me. I quickly pulled her into my arms and placed a hungry kiss on her lips. “Are you done gossiping?” Maya teased when we broke apart.

“We weren’t gossiping,” I argued, looking down at her with a smirk. Maya wrinkled her nose at me and I couldn’t help but smile.

“Well then what were you boys talking about?” Nosy today, wasn’t she?

“Nothing major,” I smirk only to receive Maya’s knowing raised brow. “Just guy stuff.”

“Right, like I believe that,” Maya teased, putting her arms around my neck. “You had your scheming face on. Care to share the details of the next Matthew Sanders plan?”

I threw my head back with a laugh and pecked her lips. “The only thing I’ll say is that you better get ready, because you Miss Brandon will one day be Mrs. Sanders. Mark my words.”

Notes

So there it is, the last chapter! Tell us what you think!

Thank you so much for being loyal readers! Keep an eye out for the third and final installment of the Riptide story: Rapture. We will post a link to the new story when we get it up and running!

In the meantime, check out Stuck With You by Mei and Kimmie or our other story Darkness Surrounding. There may even be another story in the works from the three of us together... ;)