Forever: A Seaside Novella (BOOK 3.5) by Rachel Van Dyken Read Free Book Online Page B

eyes. “He’s my hero. I can’t imagine my life without him, I can’t imagine breathing without having him next to me. Sure, he’s not perfect. I mean, he’s ridiculous most the time, but he’s caring and wonderful and loving, I just…” She sighed. “I just want him to be so in love with me, so infatuated that he has no reservations whatsoever, you know?”
    I laughed.
    Alyssa glared.
    “Sorry.” I kept laughing. “It’s just… we don’t live in a perfect world, Lyss, alright? The guy’s gonna freak out. I don’t care how much money he has, or how famous he is, he’s still going to worry about providing for you, and where you’re going to live, and kids, and everything else that goes with adulthood. He’s still going to panic. Trust me, money doesn’t equal security, just like fame doesn’t equal happiness.”
    “You’re right.” She exhaled. “I think all those chick flicks ruined me. I want that big gesture.”
    “Ah, you’ve clearly been spoiled, haven’t you?”
    “Nat.” Alyssa rolled her eyes. “Alec threw you a freaking concert and then walked you through your school and proposed in front of the entire town… Pretty sure my expectations are high.”
    I didn’t know what Demetri had planned but I did know he was competitive — no way was he going to let Alec outdo him on the proposal front. But maybe insecurity on Alyssa’s part was good — it made the end so much sweeter. “Just trust him, Lyss. Can you do that?”
    “I have no choice.” She shrugged. “He literally holds my heart in the palm of his hand.”
    “As it should be,” I whispered.
    “Love sucks.”
    “But it’s worth it.” I grabbed her hand. “So worth it.”
    She released my hand and stood. “Okay, I’m done ruining your special day. Let’s get you beautiful.”
    “You mean I’m not beautiful now?” I asked in a mocking voice as I straightened my AD2 t-shirt.
    “Uh, no. And P.S. I may have packed you a Justin Bieber night gown in order to piss Alec off on your wedding night.”
    “Poor man won’t sleep with the Biebs in the same room, you know that.” I laughed.
    “Jaymeson’s idea, blame him.”
    “Those British.”
    “Just that one.” Alyssa laughed. “Just that one.”

Chapter Fourteen
    Alec
    “I screwed up.” Demetri paced the room in front of me. “Holy hell, I think I’ve lost her. I couldn’t think! She was guessing too damn much and I just lost it!”
    “Wait, back up.” I straightened my bowtie in the mirror. “What exactly happened?”
    Demetri made wild motions behind me. “She was all ’I really love you, Demetri ,and I think it’s time for us to get married. You think this summer we can pick a date or something?’”
    “Okay,” I interrupted him. “First things first. Drop the whole high, girl-voice thing. I get that you’re talking about Alyssa, but right now you sound like a pre-pubescent eleven-year-old with a fever.”
    “Fair.” Demetri swore. “I panicked, man. I totally panicked.”
    “Wouldn’t be the first time.” Jaymeson said from the corner as he examined his nails.
    “Do you mind?” Demetri snapped.
    “Not at all.” Jaymeson grinned. “Continue.”
    “I told her I wasn’t ready!” Demetri yelled.
    “You what?” Jaymeson and I said in unison. He sounded amused, while I was angry as hell.
    “Why would you do that? You ass!” I smacked Demetri on the back of the head. “Is your goal to never have sex for the rest of your life?”
    Jaymeson snickered.
    “No comments from the whore gallery, please.” I pointed in Jaymeson’s direction and was rewarded with the finger.
    “I know!” Demetri sat down and put his head in his hands. “The ring was literally five feet away from her in my damn pocket! And I just—”
    “You’re an idiot.” Jaymeson interjected. “Why didn’t you just pop the question?”
    “Because we were in a damn hot tub! Next to germs and God knows what else! I’m not going to ask her to marry me next