Gwyn
As we walk onto the dance floor, Gareth pulls me closer to him, wrapping one arm around my middle and holding my other hand in his. I hardly hear the music, but he moves us to what I assume is the beat, but really, if you asked me what song was playing, I wouldn’t be able to tell you. The only beat I hear is the one of my heart trying to make it out of my chest and the one between my legs.
You are not ready for half of the things I want to do to you. Those are the lyrics to go along with the beat my body is creating. I am not sure if he is pulling my leg or if he is really fantasizing about me, but either way, those words along with the two drinks I had that helped build up the courage it took to approach him, are enough to have my knees weak and my p***y soaked.
“You’re thinking about it, aren’t you?” His mouth is right next to my ear. I can feel the vibrations of his voice all the way down to my toes and I have to resist the urge to curl them. “Tell me, if I were to pull you into a dark corner right now and lift your dress, slip my fingers past your underwear. Would you be wet for me?” Holy f*****g s**t. I get it, I truly get why girls drop down and open wide for him after a few simple words.
“You won’t have to slip your fingers past my underwear.” I say and I feel his body lock up in surprise and that makes me brave. “I don’t have any on.” Gareth flatters a step, but quickly rights himself.
“You are playing with fire, Gwyneth. Are you ready to get burned?” He asks and I can’t help but laugh.
“I am already on fire, Gareth.” The words were barely out of my mouth before his lips slammed into mine. It feels like my entire world tilts on its axis and everything around us disappears. Nothing exists past his lips on mine and his arms pulling me tightly against him. My feet are barely touching the ground as I try to pull him closer to me. He nips at my bottom lip and I gasp at the sharp pain. Gareth uses my surprise to push his tongue past my lips and I moan, literally moan at the taste of scotch and mint on his tongue. My knees go weak and if it wasn’t for his arms tightening around me into nearly a painful grip, I would’ve been flat on my ass.
“What the f**k are you doing?” Luke, that is Luke talking. The man I have been in love with for as long as I can remember, yet I couldn’t care less that he is seeing me kiss another man. All I care about is the fact that Gareth is pulling away and all I want to do is follow, not ready for this to end. His hold relaxes on me but he doesn’t let go and I am thankful for that because I don’t think I will be able to stand on my own. My head feels like it is in a fog and I don’t want it to clear, I don't want to face reality. I put my head on Gareth’s chest, turning myself into his side to keep myself as small as possible. “You can have anyone in this room and you decide to seduce the one woman that you know is too good for you.” What the hell?
Gareth begins to reply, but I start talking before he can, turning to face my best friend. “Too good for him? What the hell is wrong with you? Gareth is a successful man that has every quality any full blooded woman would be looking for. If anything, he is too bloody good for me and you are being a full blown ass in front of your entire wedding party. What has gotten into you?” I ask him.
“What has gotten into me? You couldn’t stand being in the same room with each other for longer than five minutes before having some or other argument and now you are standing here, sucking ace in front of everyone?” He does have a point but to make a scene like this is a step too far.
“Look, I-“ I don’t get to finish because Gareth pulls on my arm, turning me to face him.
“Gwyneth, just stop. I don’t need you to stand up for me and neither of us need to explain ourselves. We had a bit too much to drink, so maybe we should just walk this off.” Too much to drink? Is he blaming this on the alcohol?
“Are you telling me you are drunk and you think that is the reason you kissed me?” I ask him, furious that I even thought for a second he was a decent guy.
“Are you telling me that you don’t think you are in my arms because I am the second best option when you couldn’t have Luke?” He asks and I suck in a breath. Just two seconds ago I was defending him, now I don’t know why I even bothered. He just spilled my deepest secret to Luke, one I had kept under wraps for years.
“What is he talking about, Gwyn?” Luke asks, looking stunned at what Gareth said. Abigale is standing behind Luke, a hand over her mouth. I look around the room, seeing everyone staring at me. Some with shock, some with pity and some with anger.
“Nothing, he is just drunk, clearly seeing as he even stooped as low as to kiss me and is trying to get the attention off himself and focused on me. I am sorry if I ruined your night by believing for a second that Gareth was a decent human being.” I tell him and then turn my back on everyone, holding my head high as I make my way out of the room, refusing to let them see how hurt I am. For a second time tonight I am in tears and I am done. I will no longer hope for a future with Luke, I will no longer even bother with Gareth and I will no longer be a doormat for people to walk over.
“Gwyn, wait!” I close my eyes, for a moment considering not stopping, but Luke has always had a hold on me and I promise myself that this will be the last time I will stop and wait for him. “Gwyn, what Gareth said in there, is it really true?” He asks when he catches up to me. I turn and face him, knowing that I need to tell him the truth while also knowing there is nothing to be done about it. If the ring on his finger doesn’t scream TOO LATE, then I don’t know what will.
“Yes Luke, what he said was true. At least the part about me being in love with you for years, not the part about using him because I couldn’t have you.” He looks shocked at my admission and for a moment we just stand there and look at each other.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” He asked, breaking the silence.
“Because I thought you knew, or at first I did and then I went to London and you started getting quieter by the day. I didn’t think much of it because I knew you would’ve told me if you had found someone and I was naïve enough to believe that you would be waiting for me. But then I came back and I found out you were with Abigail and I realized that you never knew how I felt and that you never felt the same and that is alright, but I need to move on now and find a way to cope with my new reality, so if you don’t mind letting me go, I would really appreciate it.” I tell him and then turn and walk away, not waiting for him to reply. He doesn’t follow me, either too shocked or just not interested and I honestly couldn’t tell you which one hurt more.