Until You (Until #1)

by Briar Prescott

BLAKE 10 years later

BROOOOOO

“You insist we sleep with the window open, so our bedroom turns into the North Pole.” “We’re in North Carolina, and it’s July,” I point out. “And then you have the audacity to sneak out of the bed and leave me freezing,” he continues like I haven’t even spoken.

“It’s just me here, so you’re allowed to admit you missed me,” I say.

“I feel like I should file a complaint. When you first forced me to like you, I wasn’t that worried. I figured the feelings would cool down eventually, I’d start hating the way you chew or breathe, and everythi...

Every time he does that, calls me love, my stomach jolts. Even now, all these years later. It’s the same jolt I got when I first saw him on that roof, all windswept hair and guarded looks disguised with jokes and flirting. He was impossible not to fall for.

“There was also the happy ending massage parlor role play.” “You had an allergic reaction to the oil I was using!” “It’s the thought that counts. Besides, I had a lot of fun at the ER listening to you try to explain to the nurse how my dick turned that color.”

“I’m not proposing,” Jude says loudly before he rubs his palm over his face. “See, I told you I’m terrible at it.” “Can I open it?” I ask. “Might as well,” Jude mutters. I flick the lid of the box open. Inside, there’s a ring. I glance up at Jude. “Are you a hundred percent sure you’re not proposing?” He winces and nods. “Then you have to explain the ring with a few more words.”

I don’t care about marriage. Like… at all. And, correct me if I’ve completely misunderstood you over the last ten years, but you don’t give a crap about getting married either.” “I mean, I’d do it if that was what you wanted,” I say. “Right. Well, I don’t.” “Then what’s with the ring?” “It’ll remind you of me when I’m not around?” he says, not looking that sure himself. “Uh-huh. Why do you think I need the reminder all of a sudden?” He chews on it for the longest time before he says, “It’ll also remind other assholes that you’re taken.”

“So this ring is just a really fancy way of pissing on me,” I conclude with a grin. “No,” he says indignantly. “It’s a nice present.” “You’re totally marking your territory.” “I’m appreciating you on your birthday.” “Want me to tattoo ‘Jude’s Property’ on my ass?” I ask. “This isn’t—” He tilts his head to the side. “Actually, would you?”

I just want to punch everyone who flirts with you in the face, and I’m afraid one day I’m actually going to do it. This ring will weed out the decent people who’ll honor the sanctity of our fake marriage, so if I do end up punching somebody, I won’t have to feel bad because they’re a shitty human being to begin with.”

“Yeah, go ahead. Buy me a ring if you want to. Brand me like cattle.” “You’re so romantic,” I say with a mock-exasperated sigh.

“I don’t want that. That’s their love. Their version. I want yours. I want you to love me just the way you love me. Just make it forever. That’s all I need.” His smile widens. “Done.”

Everything I never knew I wanted. Until Jude. And I get to have him. Forever.