Misguided Trust (Misguided #2) Read online

  Sloan and I clinked our glasses together, drank down the entire contents of our glasses, and then headed out as the DJ’s voice announced us. We walked out holding our hands high to the sound of cheering and whooping, and a loud thunderous voice shouting, “It’s about damn time”. Pretty sure that one came from his best friend Ronnen. When I had started to wonder if Sloan had any friends outside of work, he was a bit hesitant to introduce me to Ronnen, but eventually he gave into my very persuasive ways. Once I met Ronnen and he explained that he was Alex’s cousin, I then fully understood as to why Sloan was hesitant to let me meet him.

  Despite his rugged appearance, his somewhat long and disheveled hair, and full body tattoos (literally they covered almost every piece of skin I had ever seen), he was seriously one of the sweetest guys I had ever met. It was daunting to walk into his bar and see this hard looking guy standing almost as tall as Sloan, but he instantly pulled me into a hug and from that day forward, we were like best friends. He told me all about Alex when I asked, and he was beyond supportive towards Sloan and me. I eventually came to find out that he was the one who convinced Sloan to go after me that dreadful night, and I was eternally grateful for that man.

  I caught a glimpse of Sloan and his heartbreaking smile, and I had to smile at just how happy he truly was. I know I had questioned the whole certainty of this union, but I was elated that he seemed just as happy as I was. I scanned the room, taking in the sight of so many supportive and loving people that we were lucky to have in our life. And then I locked eyes with his parents. His mom was crying, just as I thought she would be, and his father actually had a smile on his face where a frown usually sat.

  I was so thankful that Sloan had somewhat made amends with his father. It meant so much to me that he understood just how important it was to me to have family back in my life. And it truly was. His mother and father had taken me in as if I was their own, and I found solace in the fact that I seemed to matter to them just as much as they meant to me. We walked through the crowded room, making sure to say hello to everyone before finally taking our seats at the main table.

  Sloan pulled my chair out for me to sit, and I smiled up at him after placing a chaste kiss to his cheek. He took his seat next to me, and then leaned in close to whisper in my ear. “This is a lot of fucking people.”

  I couldn’t help but laugh at how nervous he sounded. This was the same man who didn’t give a damn what anybody thought, and had even tried to have sex with me on his desk, with the door wide open for all to see. But this made him nervous. I reached for his hand and gave it a tight squeeze, “I’ll protect you from all the people, babe.” We both had a good laugh, and then turned our attention back onto our guests just as the DJ’s voice began to echo throughout the synagogue again.

  “Ladies and gentleman, please join me in asking our newly married couple to come out on the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife.”

  Sloan stood and then reached for my hand to help me up. As we made our way out to the dance floor, I could feel a few of my own nerves starting to kick in. I knew how to dance, but I had never had to dance in front of so many people before, and it was definitely a nerve-wracking experience. Sloan gave me a twirl, and then pulled me tightly against his chest, placing a long overdue kiss to my impatient lips. My head instantly fell to his shoulder as Sade’s By Your Side began playing over the sound system.

  We had taken our time finding the most perfect song for us to have our first dance to. When I played him the song, he instantly fell in love with it. After the first few lines, he was proclaiming it was the one. I didn’t protest. The song completely encompassed all that I felt for this man from the minute he walked into my office. That was also the first night he had actually made love to me. Not that our previous encounters weren’t full of love, but we were both more of the “give it to me hard” type of people. But that night was different. He had taken his time, and something in me changed from that moment forward. I felt closer to him, in a way that was practically indescribable.

  I could feel Sloan’s warm breath across the sensitive skin on my neck and I couldn’t help but feel completely and utterly safe with this man holding me. His hands tightened around my waist, and my arms instantly tightened around his neck in response. I lifted my head to look into his eyes, and I literally fell further in love with him. His warm golden eyes sat there taking me in, and I swear I could see moisture flooding his eyes.

  Was he about to cry?

  I lifted my hands up, cupping his face, and pulling his lips to mine. I moved my lips against his inviting mouth. My eyes fluttered shut, causing the rest of the room to fall away. In that very moment, everything else ceased to exist except for him and I. I deepened our lip lock, and he was more than willing to accept what I was giving him. His hands came up to my face as well, and the urgency to have him inside of me again intensified. Before we could get too out of hand, I slowly pulled back, looking him in the eyes again.

  “I love you, Sloan. Forever and for always.”

  “I love you more, Aston, for always and for forever.

  The song slowly came to an end and everyone in the room stood and clapped for us. A bashful smile fell across my face, and Sloan began to laugh at my embarrassment. I playfully slapped him on the chest, and he picked me up in his arms, swinging me around. When he finally decided to put me down, we made our way back over to our table. I was famished and couldn’t wait to eat, and it would seem that Sloan felt the same way, as I suddenly heard his stomach growl from next to me.

  “Hungry?” I laughed.

  “Starving.” He replied with a lustful gaze.

  “I meant for food.”

  “Oh, that too.” He laughed.

  Four

  Sloan

  The rest of the night went off without a hitch. Everybody seemed to really enjoy themselves, and that was exactly what we had hoped for. There were definitely a few instances when I had to make sure certain people, mainly Shelby and the rest of the wine squad, didn’t drink too much, but other than that, I would say that our wedding was a great success. I was still finding it hard to believe that I was married, but I was hoping it would eventually settle in and not feel so foreign to me.

  “Hey baby, I’ll be right back.”

  I turned and walked towards Ronnen before Aston could even respond to me. I hadn’t spoken to him the entire evening, and there were a few things I needed to say to him before he left. I walked up next to him as he was chatting up Ariel, and slapped my hand down on his shoulder, “Hey man, can I talk to ya for a second. Sorry, Ariel.” I could tell they were hitting it off, and I kind of felt bad, but not really.

  “No worries, Mr. Holden.”

  “Ariel, how many times do I have to tell you, when we’re not at the office you can call me Sloan.”

  She blushed, “Sorry, Sloan.”

  “There ya go,” I smiled, “He’ll be back in just a minute.”

  “Aw come on, man. I was actually gettin’ somewhere with her.”

  “Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll get just as far in a few minutes.” I laughed. “I just wanted to talk to you for a minute. Look, I’m not sure if this whole thing was awkward for you or not, but I just wanted to say thank you for showing up. I know it meant a lot to Aston, and it means a lot to me.”

  “Sloan, I’m not sure when you’re going to realize it this, but I am truly happy for you and Aston. I love her just as much as I love you, man. It’s not awkward in the least bit. Like I’ve told you before, Alex would want this for you, and so do I. You’re the one who is stuck on it, not me.”

  I understood what he was saying, and deep down I think I knew that I was the only one who was worried about it, but I couldn’t help but wonder if I made the right decision. And then I caught sight of Aston talking with Shelby, and I knew without a doubt that it was. “Okay, cool. Again, thanks for coming. It wouldn’t have been the same without you.” I gave Ronnen a big hug, and then pulled back as he started laughing
.

  “You really couldn’t wait until after the reception?” He laughed louder.

  “What are you talking about?” I tried to hide my smile.

  “Man, I know you better than you know yourself. I’m just glad you found a girl just as willing to be adventurous as you.”

  “Me too.” I laughed. “Okay, you’re free to return to trying to sleep with my assistant. Just don’t screw her over. I need her.” I smiled and pointed in his direction as he started walking backwards, trying to ignore me.

  “Can’t hear ya, bro.”

  I was about to make my way back over to Aston’s side, but when I turned to head that way, I was cut off by who else…my dad. “Oh hey, Dad. How’s it going?” All I could do was hope that he didn’t want to talk about work right now, because I promised Aston that I wouldn’t speak of work tonight.

  “Hey son, I just wanted to come over and congratulate you. I never thought I’d see the day.” He smiled. “I’m truly happy for you, Sloan.”

  “Wow!” He actually sounded genuinely happy for me. “Thanks, sir.”

  “Well, it looks like we’re going to take off soon. Congratulations again. I hope you both have a fantastic time in Bora Bora.” He held his hand out and I shook it without hesitation.

  At least it was a step in the right direction!

  “Thanks. We’ll see you guys for Thanksgiving, yeah?” Given that it was almost Halloween, I figured I should ask.

  “Absolutely. You guys are coming to Arizona, correct? At least that’s what your mother said.”

  “Yeah, we’re coming out there. Well, then I guess we will see you then.”

  “Okay, son.”

  And without another word, he turned and disappeared. It was the longest conversation that we had had since we decided to put all of our differences aside, and make our “relationship” work, and I use the term relationship very loosely. Let’s face it, there was no way that my father and I were ever going to have an amazingly great relationship, not even if Aston was to ask God himself, and I was okay with it.

  I started making my way over to my wife, and this time, I actually made it all the way over to her without being stopped by anybody else. She was now speaking to my mother; so it was a win win for me. Now I didn’t have to go searching for my mom to say goodbye. “Well here are my two favorite ladies.” I wrapped my arms around my mother’s shoulders, pulling her into my side. “Hey, Dad says you guys are leaving soon.”

  “Of course he did.” She rolled her eyes, and I could tell she was extremely annoyed by him.

  “Aw, I can’t believe you guys are leaving already, but we’ll be coming out to Arizona to spend Thanksgiving with you all, so it’s okay.” I loved how positive Aston was.

  “Absolutely, dear. Well, I guess I’ll say my goodbyes now.” My mom turned into me, wrapping her arms tightly around my waist, and I could tell she was starting to tear up. “I’m just going to miss you so much. Why did you two have to move?”

  I wrapped my arms around her tight, “I know, Mom. I’m sorry. But I do believe it was your husband who wanted me to move out here.” I joked. “But I love you so much, and we will see you guys in just a few short weeks.”

  “Oh, okay.” She whined as she released her arms from around me, and pulled Aston into a deep hug. “Please take care of my son, and have an amazing time in Bora Bora.”

  “MOM!” I shouted. “It was supposed to be a surprise.”

  “Oh my god, we’re going to Bora Bora?” Aston was practically jumping up and down in front of me, just waiting for my confirmation.

  “Yes.” I shook my head in annoyance.

  Aston ran straight into my arms, wrapping hers tightly around my neck, “Oh my god, Sloan. I can’t believe it. I’m so excited. I’ve never been outside of the United States, except for that one spring break in Mexico.” She laughed.

  “Oh really now?” I glared in Aston’s direction. “I’m not sure how I feel about that.” I growled.

  My mom slapped me across the back of my head. “Don’t you dare give her shit about something like that. I’m sure the amount of women you’ve bedded is far worse than anything she has done.”

  I glared at my mother willing her to shut her mouth before she caused our first marital fight. “Jesus, Mom. I think it’s time for you to go.”

  “You’re right, it is. All right you two. I hope you have a fantastic honeymoon. Enjoy yourselves, and we will see you both in a few weeks. Love you both.”

  “We love you too.” Aston and I both said in unison. I reached for her hand as I laughed at how in sync we had become, but she quickly yanked hers away.

  Great! Ensue fight #1!

  “Text me when you guys get in tomorrow. I want to know you made it home okay.” I shouted at my mom as she walked away.

  “Will do, son. Talk soon.”

  As soon as my mother and father walked out of the venue, I turned to Aston to try and salvage the rest of our night, but she was already headed in the direction of Shelby. Go figure. It was becoming quite clear that I was definitely in the doghouse tonight.

  Best.Wedding.Ever. Not!

  Five

  Aston

  I wasn’t exactly sure what to say to Sloan in that moment. Of course I knew about his playboy ways before I even got together with him, but it still didn’t make it any easier hearing about them, especially from his mother. Deep down I knew I couldn’t hold any of that against him, but I just couldn’t be around him right then. I needed to rant and rave about it for a minute to my best friend, and not be judged for it.

  “Hey girl, I need you to come with me for a minute.” I pulled Shelby’s arm as I spoke, and she unwillingly followed me.

  “Jesus, Aston. What is your issue?”

  I stopped as we reached the altar where Sloan and I had just vowed to be together forever through thick and thin, and I hung my head in aggravation. Mainly aggravation with myself for being so damn petty, especially on our wedding day. “I don’t know. I was just saying goodbye to Sloan’s mom with him, and I mentioned that I have never been outside of the United States except for that one spring break in Mexico, and his mom made a comment that had me acting all snotty. I’m being ridiculous. Never mind.”

  “No, not never mind. What did she say?”

  “Nothing really, she just made a comment about how she’s sure the amount of women that he’s bedded is far worse than anything I could’ve ever done. I mean, I knew how he was when I started dating him, but I just hate hearing about it. You know?”

  “Of course. Nobody wants to hear that, especially on their wedding day, and just because you knew how he was before you guys started dating, doesn’t mean it hurts any less hearing about it. I’m so sorry, love.”

  I pulled Shelby into a deep hug, “Thank you so much.”

  “For what?”

  “For being the best friend a girl could ask for, and for being here with me on my special day.” I pulled back and looked right at her, “You’re my only family, Shelby, and I couldn’t ask for a better one.”

  “I love you, whore. You know that.” She laughed.

  “I love you too, slut.”

  I was about to ask Shelby where Braden was, but she held her hand up to her mouth as her eyes went wide. “I think I’m going to be sick.”

  “That’s what you get for drinking your weight in alcohol.” I laughed.

  “That’s the thing, I didn’t. I’ve only had one glass of wine, and the little bit of champagne we had earlier. Oh shit!”

  She covered her mouth and started hightailing it towards the restrooms, and I was right behind her. I wasn’t sure what was going on with her, but I was more than willing to hold her hair back for her like a good girlfriend. She flung open the restroom door and rushed into the first stall she could get to. My hands were right behind her, pulling every last strand of hair I could grab back and out of her face.

  “Honey, are you sure you didn’t drink more than that?” I was genuinely concerned about her,
mainly because I had never seen her this sick before.

  She sat back on her heels as she wiped her mouth with some toilet paper. “I’m sure. I made sure not to drink too much. Maybe dinner didn’t agree with me. I did have the fish, maybe it was undercooked a bit.”

  I nodded my head in agreement. “Yeah, maybe. Other than today, have you felt okay?”

  “Yeah, I mean, I had a little bug like last month, but it went away after two days. Well until today, I guess.”

  And then it dawned on me, “Shelby?”

  “Yeah?”

  “When was your last period?”

  Shelby looked at me, confusion written all over her face. “But I’m on the pill. But it was about, um…a couple of months ago, I think. But it’s normal to miss your period when you’re on birth control.”

  “Have you been on antibiotics for anything in the last little bit?”

  “Um, yeah. When I had that sinus infection a couple months back, but what does that have to do with anything?”

  “Did you and Braden have unprotected sex at all during that time?”

  “I think so. Why? You’re not saying what I think you’re saying…are you?”

  I could hear the fear in her voice, and I hated to be the one to make it worse, “I think you might be pregnant, hun. When you’re on the pill and you take antibiotics, they make the pill ineffective. I mean, not all of the time, but the statistics show that it’s pretty high up there. I’m willing to put money on it. Oh my god, Shelby. You’re pregnant!” I squealed in delight.

  “Oh my god, I’m pregnant!”

  We both stood up and started jumping around like a bunch of lunatics, hugging each other as we jumped with our arms flailing about. “Oh my god, I’m so happy for you. Wait!” I stopped jumping, “is this a good thing? Please say it’s a good thing.”

  “Of course it is. Well for me it is. Since we got married we’ve talked about starting a family, we just hadn’t decided when I would go off of my birth control.”

  “Oh honey, I can’t believe it. This just made my day that much better. Can we go tell him? Oh wait, you probably want to tell him when you guys are alone, huh?”