A/N: I'm back! And so is Leo ;) I know a few of you have been curious about him and his recent activity, so some of that is brought to light here. Also, had a lot of fun writing the second half of this chapter and that's thanks to a conversation I had a while back with Tina0609! Shoutout to her for boosting the inspiration <3 Quick note, the friends created here are purely my imagination and not based off of anyone in Jamie's life. If he has close friends with similar names/traits that is pure coincidence. I hope you enjoy all of the details and I truly thank you for reading, voting, and commenting! Xo

***

"You look at that ring like I look at you."

His statement caught me off guard; I hadn't realized I was admiring it. I looked up to meet his gaze as he folded the shirt he held.

We were packing to head back to London for a couple of days. Jamie wanted to see his daughter one more time to tell her and his ex-wife about our engagement. I wasn't looking forward to either being involved in that conversation, or hearing about it if he decided to do it alone. He'd also mentioned something about meeting up with his mates before we left for New York, but I didn't know if I was included in those plans as well, so I simply agreed with whatever he wanted.

"It's not the diamond, it's the symbolism," I assured him.

He grinned. "I know, baby. Trust me, I understand. I love the way it feels on your hand."

A tingle ran over my skin. He was relentless in his romantic words, and I felt undeniably special and irreplaceable when he said them. His world seemed to revolve around me, and mine around him.

"Speaking of," I began, "I wanted to ask your permission."

"For what, darlin'?" He tossed the clothes he'd folded into the open suitcase at the end of the bed.

"Um..." I didn't know how to word it without hurting his feelings. "Would you understand if I didn't wear it for a while?"

He stopped zipping the bag closed and I knew I needed to explain myself. A slight wave of fear seemed to sweep across his face.

"I don't want my family to see it in the paper before I get to show them in person."

He half-smiled. "I can respect that."

"Plus, I'd like to savor this special moment between us a little longer before we share it with the whole world. We can release a statement after the holidays."

He nodded, finishing his task before he walked over to where I sat against the headboard. He took a seat beside my hip and twisted to rest his hand on the side of my face. His warmth washed over me like a blanket, causing my smile to appear naturally.

"I can't wait for everyone to know I'm the lucky fool who gets to spend the rest of his life with you," he whispered. "But I get that you're not ready."

I chuckled. "Babe, I'm the one who can't wait to tell every person I pass on the street that you'll be my husband. I can already hear the hearts of women everywhere breaking."

"Your heart is the only one I care about." He ran his thumb across my bottom lip and I closed my eyes at the sensation it caused.

"You're unfair in all the right ways."

His blue-grey stare was light and playful as he chuckled. "I could say the same, you know?"

I rolled my eyes. "Whatever, Romeo. I love you, and please know every second I spend without your ring on my finger will hurt me more than it will you. I'm yours regardless."

"Exhibit A," he said.

"What?" I wrinkled my nose.

"You, Juliet, are unfair."

"Outta here with the Shakespeare references, and put your lips on mine."

He laughed loudly before leaning in. I grabbed his shirt collar and pulled him to me. He gripped the sheets beside my torso as he readjusted himself to straddle me. I held his smooth face tightly, breathing in his aftershave as his tongue dipped into my mouth. His soft lips were urgent and I wanted to savor every caress they left against mine. Kissing him was one of my favorite pastimes and I couldn't believe I got to do it whenever I pleased. The thought caused a moan to escape my throat.

He slowly let go, taking my bottom lip with him as he broke our kiss. "Mmm, we have a plane to catch."

I ran my thumb over his clean-shaven chin with a sigh. He moved my hand to press a soft peck on the ring. I then watched him drag it off my finger and almost protested, even though it was my idea.

"So," he said, meeting my gaze, "does this mean I get to propose again when I put it back on?"

I giggled. "I might like that too much. Wouldn't want to spoil me, right?"

"Spoiling you is what I look forward to the most."

I groaned. "God, I love you."

He winked. "Never as much as I love you." The mattress moved beneath me as he went back to his seated position.

We had FaceTime called both of our parents the night before to tell them about us. His dad beamed of pride, which brought me immense joy, and his stepmom cried, complimenting Jamie on his ring choice. Which I wholeheartedly agreed with; he'd knocked it out of the ballpark.

Of course my mom was all happy tears, and my dad smiled wider than I'd ever seen, speechless as he let my mom ask the questions. They were both relieved Jamie had finally popped the question so they didn't have to worry about giving away his secret anymore. I honestly couldn't wait to see them at Christmas and show off the stunning diamond. I could already picture my mom and sister fawning over every shiny detail.

Which was why it meant a great deal to me that the press not snap a photo of it before my loved ones got to see it. I still wasn't fully prepared to live my life in the spotlight, and once they found out, we'd be hounded to no end about our plans and the timeline of our relationship. I took comfort in knowing at the end of the day I had Jamie to shield me from their storm.

My sister was working the night shift when we spoke with my parents, so I couldn't call her with the news. Jamie came up with the idea of taking a picture of my left hand intertwined with his and sending it to our siblings. I converted the image to black and white, the lens focusing in on the ring and blurring out the background. Emily sent back a hundred heart emojis in response and I promised to call her one day soon when she wasn't working or sleeping.

Which reminded me... "You never did say what your sisters thought of our photo announcement."

Jamie grinned. "They were over the moon excited. Jess sent me five messages in a row, in all caps, threatening my life if it was a joke."

We both laughed.

"I love her," I mumbled.

His smile met his eyes as they gleamed. "They all love you," he stated simply.

I looked down at our adjoined hands.

"I finally got something right," he whispered.

My stare met his again, smirking back. "You've never done anything wrong."

He let out a long breath. "Oh, I've made my fair share of mistakes, but that's all over now that you've said yes. My greatest accomplishment, aside from my daughter."

I shook my head, trying not to cry. "I would ask how I got so lucky, but I already know your response."

He tossed his head back in a fit of laughter and I smiled at my ability to lighten the mood.

"For as much time as we've spent in this bed, it's safe to say my luck has rubbed off on you."

I shoved his shoulder, that devilish grin encompassing his flawless face.

"We have a plane to catch," I reminded.

He nodded in agreement and stood abruptly before one of us acted on our desire. I followed suit, pulling on my raincoat and picking up my purse from the chair. I watched him retrieve the velvet box for my ring from the top zipper of his bag.

"Do you want the responsibility?" He offered it to me after he'd placed it securely back inside.

"You keep it," I said with a smile.

My phone beeped from inside my purse. Jamie went about his business as I picked it up to check the message. It came from an unknown number with a UK country code. Unlocking the screen, I opened the text.

Kelsey, this is Leo. Sorry to interrupt your last few hours of peace, but I have some news for you. Please don't tell Jamie about this message.

What the...? Every alarm in my head started sounding at the recent memory of Brad pretending to be an old high school friend. Look where that got me, almost dead. I was leery, and contemplated asking Jamie to confirm the number anyway. However, the only thing calming me was I knew Brad was locked up and the number was at least from the UK.

With hesitancy I replied. If this is really Leo, you are aware why I have my doubts trusting such a message. How do I know it's you?

His reply was swift. Can you find a private place to call from?

I looked over at Jamie who was entirely unaware of the awkward situation unfolding in the palm of my hand. He was putting away his laptop and humming to himself.

"Babe," I said to get his attention.

"Hmm?" He ceased his actions as he raised his eyebrows at me.

"I need to step out and make a quick call before we go."

His eyebrows furrowed in response.

"It's about the wedding. My mom just thought of an idea and I don't want you to hear." I winked at him as I cursed myself for lying to my future husband. Leo wasn't even my friend, driver, whatever. Jamie wouldn't be pleased to know we were keeping something from him. But I needed to hear what kind of news he could have.

He smiled. "Okay. Make it quick though, we really need to get going."

I scurried on my feet and out of our suite. Walking down the hallway to get away from earshot, I stepped into a room with vending machines. I went back to the message and hit the telephone icon at the top.

A moment after the call connected, he answered. "Kelsey." His British accent filled my ear and I knew instantly, just by my name that it was him.

I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. "Hi Leo."

"I won't waste your time as I'm sure you're getting ready to depart. Are you alone?"

I smiled at his simple kindness. "You're not wasting my time, and yes. Why? What's so secretive that Jamie can't hear?"

"Well..." he began. "I met with his ex-wife."

"You what?" I didn't mean to sound accusatory, but my shock overran my sensibility.

"Not to worry, it was necessary."

"Jamie is going to kill me," I whispered.

"Love, with all due respect, you played no role in my decision to speak with her."

"Then why are you telling me?"

"Fair point. I suppose I was a little tired of her bloody nonsense getting in the way of your happiness. But I wanted you to know it's taken care of. The paparazzi will no longer be an issue. Or at least if they find you, it'll be on their own merit."

Now it made sense. "So your suspicion was right. She was setting us up."

"Afraid so, my dear. There were some other things I'd been wanting to cover, and I assure you that she will not be a burden for you any longer."

"I don't know what to say, Leo. I appreciate your concern, but now I'll have to face an angry fiancée when he finds out. Surely she won't keep it to herself that you cornered her in my defense."

"Fiancée?" he asked, ignoring the rest of my rant.

"My big mouth," I mumbled under my breath. "I ruined Jamie's opportunity to tell you."

I could hear his smile through the phone. "Now I'm even more glad to have overstepped my boundaries. Congratulations."

His comment made me laugh. "Thank you. I'm..." I looked down at my bare hand. "I'm the happiest I've ever been. I love him more than he knows."

"He said the same about you, lass."

My heart fluttered at his confession. "Look, I appreciate your loyalty and protection. I haven't known you long, but I'm grateful Jamie has you to cover for him."

"Ah, and I am glad that after all these years of knowing the lad, he found someone that is perfect for him."

"Okay, you're going to cue the waterworks."

He chuckled. "Nonsense. I mean it, and the loyalty is part of my duty. On or off the clock. But he doesn't always need to know how I keep him safe."

I understood his silent request. "Your secret is mine. Although if she beats down our door to tell him, we're both in trouble."

"We'll go down together then," he replied.

I shook my head in amusement. "See you soon."

Ending the call, I made my way back to the room. I was grateful we had someone like Leo protecting our relationship, but there was a sense of looming doom that she'd blow our cover and Jamie would rip him a new one. I crossed my fingers that Leo had handled her in a way that she wouldn't want to speak up.

"Ready?" he asked when I re-entered.

"I think so."

We made one last round of the room before grabbing our bags and heading out. Belfast had proven to be a beautiful city that now held the most beautiful memory of my life thus far. I was going to miss our sensual isolation, but it was back to reality, and the hustle and bustle of our normal lives.

***

Jamie tossed his phone on the bed. "The guys are meeting us in an hour at one of our favorite hangouts from back in the day."

I smiled over at him as he straightened the collar on his navy blue dress shirt before he rolled up the sleeves exactly how I liked. Per usual, he'd left the top couple of buttons undone and the shirt paired with dark jeans only made his blue eyes appear brighter.

"Thanks for letting me tag along," I said.

"I wouldn't miss an opportunity to show you off in front of those losers."

I laughed. "Sounds like you love them!"

He grinned. "We give each other a hard time. They'll be envious I ended up with a gorgeous woman."

"I'm flattered by the compliment, truly, but I'm sure their significant others are just as lovely."

He shrugged. "I'm not denying my bias."

The blush crept over my face. I was glad he was proud to flaunt me. "Are any of their ladies coming?"

"I think so, but it doesn't matter. You'll be the center of attention, so prepare yourself."

I didn't respond from my spot in front of the mirror. Instead I ran my fingers through my straightened hair before painting on a bold red lip stain. I'd decided to wear a gold top under my leather jacket and paired it with leggings and ankle boots, all in black. My gold earrings were the only other pop of color besides my lips.

"Don't you look like sex on legs?" He leaned against the doorframe of the bathroom.

"You like?" I asked, turning around and peering over my shoulder as his eyes fell down my backside.

"I do," he said. He walked up behind me, pulling my waist against him. "Tonight will be fun."

I swayed us back and forth, wrapping my arms around his over my stomach. "I'm excited to meet your mates."

He chuckled in my ear.

"What?"

"Nothing, baby. Just cute the way you say 'mates' in your American accent."

I elbowed him gently, causing him to laugh harder. "Rude."

He pressed a quick kiss to my neck. "The sooner we head out, the sooner we can come back and I can rip this sexy little outfit off of you."

I whimpered, quickly closing my eyes. I turned in his arms and leaned in to kiss him, but he pulled back.

"Lipstick," he defended sweetly.

"Lip stain," I argued.

"Thank fuck."

I stumbled backward as his lips crashed into mine. He caught me in a tight grip, pressing me up against the sink as his mouth explored mine like it was brand new territory. I scratched at his exposed chest, wanting nothing more than to rip his own outfit off of him.

Alas, I pushed him from me, much to my own displeasure. "Let's go."

He sighed. "God, I'm a lucky bastard. Can't wait to watch these idiots drool over you."

I slapped his hands away from my behind. "You need to contain your own drooling, sir. It's very unbecoming."

His laugh reverberated through the bathroom. "I love you."

He intertwined our fingers and led us downstairs, grabbing his khaki jacket from the couch as we headed out into the brisk London night. I smiled when I saw Leo in the driveway.

"Leo!" I exclaimed. "I've missed you!"

He was taken aback when I ran up and hugged him. I heard Jamie snicker from behind us as we embraced.

"Welcome home, Kelsey," he said with a smirk. "I trust he was good to you in Belfast?"

Playing along, I looked back at Jamie. "Can I tell him our good news?"

"Oh, I suppose." He nodded.

"We're engaged!" I hoped it sounded convincing to Jamie, considering I'd already spilled the beans to Leo.

"Congratulations to you both. Best news I've heard in quite a while!"

"Thanks," I said with a knowing wink that my fiancée couldn't see. Leo's grin only widened in response as he opened the car door.

"Don't be running to the press with our little secret," I warned with my index finger. "We're not telling anyone until after Christmas."

He actually laughed, and it was a happy surprise.

"Your secret is mine," he mirrored my words.

"So," Jamie began, plopping down next to me and closing the door.

"I'm a shitty secret keeper," I joked.

"Promise he's the last person you tell? Or you could put the ring back on and let the world know you're mine."

I smiled over at him. "Do you promise you're not going to get drunk tonight and spill your guts to the boys?"

"Keep your lips on mine and I won't be able to."

I rolled my eyes. "Fiend."

"Only for you."

"Good answer."

He wrapped his arm around my shoulder and I leaned against his warm embrace as we rode to the bar. I was glad Leo was our chauffeur so I didn't have to worry about either of us being responsible or a repeat situation of Belfast. I was excited to lose my inhibitions with my fiancée and be the young adults that we were for once. We'd been dealt some serious situations throughout our short relationship and we were due for a fun night out, drama free.

I looked out the window as London passed us by, the red double decker buses, the ancient architecture, the bright lights flashing from billboards. I was going to love living here with him when he needed to come back. The lights faded as Leo turned onto a side street made of cobblestone. The car rocked over the bumps before coming to a stop between an alleyway.

"Hope you weren't expecting the Ritz," Jamie said.

"You seem to forget where I'm from."

He smiled. "I think you'll like it. It's a laid-back vibe."

He opened the door and reached for my hand to pull us out.

"Thanks Leo!" I said before stepping into the chilly evening air. I suddenly felt much closer to him after he'd taken it upon himself to calm a brewing storm in our absence.

"Have fun," he replied.

Jamie locked our fingers as we made our way inside the pub. I smiled when we entered, the smell of beer and popcorn filling my senses. The room was dim, but the bar was draped in white Christmas lights, and various neon signs advertising Guinness and Heineken added the typical ambiance of any bar I'd been in. There were two pool tables off to the side and a row of dartboards hanging near a jukebox that was playing Springsteen at a reasonable decibel. It looked like an average American bar with a British accent.

"What do you think? I know it's not much, but—"

I cut him off. "I like it a lot. Not intimidating."

He half-laughed and went to say something when someone yelled from the other side of the room.

"Jameson, my man!"

We both turned toward the voice as Jamie's face lit up, obviously recognizing an old friend. I followed closely as he practically dragged me across the floor.

"Little St. Nick! How the hell are ya?" Jamie asked.

The two men embraced gleefully, slapping each other on the back like typical dudes who were excited to be reunited.

"Why hello there." He was looking at me.

I blushed, shy to meet his closest friends. I wanted to make a good impression and show them all that I was worthy to hang on the arm of their best bud.

"Nick, this is my..." he smiled with a pause, "girlfriend, Kelsey."

"Nice to meet you," I replied, extending my hand. Did Jamie almost slip and say fiancée?

He took it, pressing a gentle kiss to the back. "The pleasure is all mine."

Jamie removed my hand from his friend's and locked our fingers again. "Dirtbag."

Nick rolled his eyes. "How do you put up with him?" he asked me.

I chuckled. "It's a full-time job."

Jamie's gaze met mine as he playfully acted shocked.

Nick laughed. "I like her already. Have a seat guys."

I smiled proudly, hopping up on one of the stools. Jamie scooted his closer before joining.

"Where's the missus?" he asked.

"Not in the mood for my shenanigans," Nick answered.

Jamie shook his head. "When is she ever?"

"You're asking the wrong one. Oh well, her loss." He took a swig of his Heineken. "The others should be here soon. No clue if their ladies are coming. You might be the lone soldier, darlin'."

I shrugged. "I think I can handle it."

I felt Jamie wrap his arm around my waist, squeezing gently.

"She's a trooper," Nick told him.

He kissed my temple. "I think so."

Nick's phone beeped and he apologized as he pulled it from his pocket and began typing.

"What're you drinkin', beautiful?" Jamie asked.

"Heineken," Nick answered, not looking up from his device.

I laughed loudly.

"Not you, dickhead."

"A Guinness is fine," I told him.

His eyes widened. "Really?"

"Yes, really."

"Impressive." He winked before standing.

"Please don't corrupt her in my absence," he told Nick.

He set his phone down before raising both hands. "I wouldn't dare."

Jamie shook his head with a laugh, stepping away to the bar to retrieve our drinks.

"So, Jameson says you're from Ohio," he began his interrogation.

"I am, yes. Not very exciting." I shrugged.

"Never been, but heard there's a London and Dublin there."

I raised my eyebrows in surprise. "I can't believe you know that."

He grinned triumphantly at his own knowledge before taking a swig of beer.

"You love that crazy old bloke, eh?" he asked.

I nodded. "A whole lot."

"And you're not some gold-digging, fame seeker, right?"

I wrinkled my forehead, but before I could respond he laughed, calming my racing anxiety.

"I'm teasing, love. Word has gotten around about you, and it's been nothing but good."

"Wish I could say the same," I teased.

"Ouch! Got me there. We'll cheers to that if the geezer ever returns with those drinks." He jokingly checked his watch.

"I expected a lad like yourself to know that a perfect Guinness has to breathe for at least two minutes."

I felt Jamie approach from behind. "That's my girl."

He set my drink in front of me, but remained standing, draping one arm over my shoulder. I leaned back against him, relishing in the warmth radiating from his chest. He pressed a sweet kiss to my hair.

"She's good fun, mate. Keep her around."

"I plan to. Maybe even forever."

I choked on my sip of beer. We'd barely been there twenty minutes and he was ready to spill his guts.

"You okay, baby?" he asked in my ear.

Nick chuckled, but neither of us had the opportunity to speak as two voices interrupted our train of thought.

"Look who it is!" one exclaimed. We all turned at the noise. The man approaching was tall with Elvis black hair and piercing green eyes.

"Josephine!" Nick yelled back.

I giggled to myself at the nicknames they'd given each other.

Another guy stepped up beside me with a wide smile. He too was dashing with wavy surfer blonde hair and pale blue eyes.

"You must be Kelsey," he said, extending his hand.

I shook it with a smile. "In all her glory."

"This is Aaron," Jamie said from behind me.

"Pleasure to meet you," I mumbled.

"She's even prettier in person," he told Jamie.

"And all mine," he replied.

"The woman of the hour," the tall, dark, and handsome one said.

"Joe, Kelsey. Kelsey, Joe." Jamie introduced us.

He mirrored Nick's earlier gesture and raised my hand to his lips.

"Lovely to finally meet you. Heard great things."

I knew I was blushing, because I could feel my cheeks burning.

"You're in dangerous territory now, little lady," Nick said. "Looks like the ladies left you to fend for yourself."

I scoffed. "I'm not afraid of sharks."

They laughed in unison.

"I'll protect you, baby," Jamie said.

I turned my head to smile up at him and he caught me in a swift kiss.

Aaron cleared his throat. "If there's PDA, I'm going to need a few pints."

"I could use another round," Nick added.

"Get up and get it yourself," Aaron replied.

"Assholes, I tell ya," Nick said to me.

Jamie and I laughed as the three friends left us alone.

I spun around on my barstool to face him. He set his beer down, placing his hands on the table on either side of me, trapping me between his biceps. His gaze was playful, as I traced a line down the buttons of his shirt with my finger.

"They're hilarious," I said.

"You're amazing," he replied.

I playfully rolled my eyes at his incessant compliments.

"Don't roll your eyes at me, beautiful." He kissed my nose. "I'm so glad you're all meeting. I want them to be in our wedding if you like them enough."

I chuckled at his adorable request, and the fact that he was already thinking about our big day. "Babe, they're your friends and it's your wedding, too. I want them there if that's what'll make you happy."

"Want us where?" Joe asked as the three men approached.

Jamie looked over at him. "Don't flatter yourself, we weren't talking about you."

He gave Jamie the middle finger, causing us all to laugh.

Jamie's eyes met mine again. "I love you," he mouthed.

I kissed the corner of his lips before I swung back around to face the guys.

***

We drank ourselves silly for a better part of the night; the Guinness and shots flowed freely. Nick and I played a few rounds of darts against Joe and Aaron while Jamie observed, snapping what I could only assume were embarrassing pictures. He joked that he didn't want me to witness a beat down when his competitive nature got the best of him.

A man and woman came in to set up karaoke, and we spent the other half of our night laughing as drunken Brits butchered some of the greatest songs ever written. Jamie and I danced to Joe's rendition of Bon Jovi's "Living on a Prayer" while Aaron filmed us. If I wasn't laughing and enjoying the ridiculousness around me, I would've begged him to delete the blackmail. But part of me was grateful that Jamie's carefree, boyish laughter and dancing was caught on camera. I wanted to relish in how young he seemed all night, back in familiar territory.

However, the alcohol high had worn off and I was fading fast, ready to fall asleep on the softest surface I could find, which just so happened to be my fiancée. I laid my head on Jamie's shoulder as he stood between Joe and me at our table.

"You all right there, Kelso?" Nick asked.

I'd officially been inducted into the Nickname Hall of Fame. The thought made me smile, because I think it meant they liked me.

"This old lady can't hang," I mumbled, trying to focus my eyes.

"Love, it's almost 2AM," Aaron replied. "You've held your own and almost drank your old man under the table."

Jamie laughed. "Almost being the key word. I think we're going to call it a night." He gently caressed my arm and it only made me sleepier.

"It was nice meeting you lads," I said, stumbling as I stood up from the barstool. Jamie steadied me, causing me to giggle.

"You can come out with us anytime," Nick said.

Joe and Aaron agreed as I walked around the table and hugged them all. I waited while Jamie shared a few more rude comments with his best friends before he wrapped his arm around my waist to guide me to the car.

I was surprised Leo was waiting for us, because I didn't notice Jamie's call to let him know we were ready.

"Enjoy your night?" he asked as he opened the rear door.

"Maybe toooooo much," I slurred with a hiccup. I could faintly hear them both chuckle behind me. I was certain I looked like a hot mess, but I didn't care; I'd had the best night out with the man of my dreams and his hilarious mates.

Jamie let me hold onto his arm as I tried to gracefully get in the car, scooting into the opposite seat so he could join. I closed my eyes momentarily then heard the car door shut, startling me. My gaze was hazy as I found Jamie's amused expression in the darkness.

"Don't make fun of me," I garbled out. Where had my ability to use words gone?

He laughed heartily despite my request. "You're really adorable right now, even if you don't believe me."

"Then kiss my adorable lips." I felt myself tapping my puckered mouth and he continued to laugh.

"I won't take advantage of you. Isn't that one of your rules? No drunk kisses."

"That was a long, long, lonnng time ago," I said dramatically.

I leaned into him, giving my best attempt at a seductive kiss, but I subconsciously knew it was sloppy. I had no control over my tongue and although he loved me and let me assault him, I caught him quickly wipe his mouth when I pulled back.

"Here," he whispered, readjusting himself. He helped move my limbs to lay my legs across his lap as he tightly wrapped me in his arms. I took a deep breath of his soothing scent, nuzzling against his chest "Close your eyes."

"I looove youuu," I exaggerated and felt him snicker. I smiled to myself, so lucky to be his.

"I love you more, baby."

I vaguely remember him pressing a kiss to the top of my head before the spinning ceased and my heavy eyes closed.

***

"Kels," I heard someone say.

"Baby, c'mon," the voice spoke again, but this time it was accompanied by gentle caresses up and down my arm.

"Hmm?" I hummed, unable to move.

"We're home, baby. Let's go." It was Jamie. I tried to pry my eyes open, but they refused to cooperate.

"I can't," I whined.

I felt a rush of air as Leo's voice filled my head. "Need help?"

Jamie shifted my legs briefly then I heard the rattle of keys. "Can you unlock the front door please?"

"Certainly," Leo's voice replied.

"Baby," he whispered in my ear, kissing it quickly.

"Huh?"

"Do you think you can hold onto my neck for me?"

I lazily moved my arms up and around his shoulders.

"You're gonna have to grab tighter than that, darlin'."

I put all my effort into focusing on his request as I tightened my grip.

A moment later I was surprised when Jamie lifted me and stepped out into the breezy London night. Instinctively I held him closer to warm myself from the sudden temperature drop, even with my jacket on. I left quick pecks on his cheek as he carried me inside. My eyes briefly opened to see Leo standing at the door with a wide grin on his face. I gave him my best attempt at a smile in return.

"I'll lock the handle on my way out," he said quietly. "Keys are on the hook."

"Thanks, Leo," Jamie replied.

I hiccupped again. "Yeah, thanks."

I rested my head back down on Jamie's shoulder as he carried me up the stairs to his room. I didn't even budge when he slowly laid me down on the mattress.

"Kels," he whispered.

I forced myself to look at him, and when I did, he was hovering above me with that killer smile plastered from ear-to-ear.

"Hi, beautiful." I felt his lips touch mine all too briefly. "I need to undress you. Can you help?"

I nodded and he pulled me up to a sitting position so that we were nose-to-nose. I smiled as he shoved my leather jacket down my arms. He then lifted my shirt over my head before reaching behind me to unclasp my bra, tossing all three garments to the floor.

"Lay back," he instructed.

I fell ungracefully onto the comforter and we both laughed at my drunkenness.

"I'm sorry," I said.

"Don't be. I'm enjoying this." He winked as he lifted my hips for me. I held them there so he could remove my leggings.

"No panties? Naughty." He licked his lips and even in my wasted state I wanted him.

"Just for you."

He shook his head, and I knew he was dismissing my unspoken thought. "At least I still got to peel you out of this."

"How are you not drunk?" I asked as he stood and began undressing himself.

"Years of practice. Besides, I'd rather take care of you."

Was it all a dream? I was having a hard time distinguishing the difference between reality and fantasy. I scooped my pillow up under my head, adjusting to pull the covers over my frame.

A moment later his heat invaded my bare skin and I knew I wasn't dreaming. His lips pressed against my forehead as he draped his arm across my waist. I reached up and felt his already prickly beard growing beneath my fingers. Leaning in, I found his lips and tried my best to kiss him gently. He returned the gesture by guiding them softly with his own.

"I owe you," I mumbled, rapidly falling into the abyss.

"Tomorrow," he replied.

And if I wasn't too hungover, I planned to thank him more than once for treating me like a princess.

***

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