Next chapter and sorry for the wait...hope you like it =)

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With the scene my mother had caused long forgotten everyone went back to having a good time. I never thought that wealthy people could have so much fun. All the parties I had ever gone to growing up were so stuffy and formal. Sure, the wedding and reception was a formal event but, it was so much more fun. I think Liam and Cole were to thank for that. They made sure everyone was having a good time. 

My feet were starting to ache from being on the dance floor for so long. After I had danced with Xavier again I was passed off to his father. From then on I wasn’t sure who I was dancing with. I think it was safe to say that I had danced with just about every male in attendance. They were all either old enough to be my father or grandfather. Xavier (I was sure) made it so I wouldn’t be dancing with anyone around his age or mine unless it was Liam or Cole. I even had a few dances with Maria.

After my latest dance I excused myself and walked over to the nearest chair. Plopping down I lifted the hem of my dress and bent forward to remove my heels. After tonight I wasn’t going to be wearing stilettos for a very long time. Or at least until I could get a nice long foot rub. 

“I’ll get that,” Xavier said sitting on the chair next to me and lifting me feet onto his lap.

“I’m not hopeless, I could’ve done that myself.” I said but making no move to stop him.

“So, about the honeymoon,” he said ignoring my comment. “It’s going to have to wait till at least spring break. Don’t need you missing school so close to graduation.”

“Sounds good to me,” I sighed as my feet were freed from those wretched things called shoes.

The things we women do to look good. 

“I don’t know how you all do it.” he chuckled

“Do what?” I asked

“Wear these things,” he replied holding up my shoes.

“They’re cute,” I shrugged 

“They’re cute? More like an accident waiting to happen.” he muttered

I laughed “Only when I’m trying to walk down some stairs in them, that’s when I have a problem.”

I stretched out my feet and wiggled my toes which were still on his lap. Boy did they feel so much better. I should’ve brought a pair of sneakers along to change into after our pictures. 

“You up for more dancing?” he asked 

“As long as I don’t have to put those things on again I can dance all night.” I said tossing my heels onto the chair I was just sitting on.

Grabbing Xavier’s hand I led him back to the dance floor. The music was upbeat and it looked like most of the guest were also dancing the night away. I saw from the corner of my eye, my dad spinning Maria around in circles. I smiled as I remembered how he used to do that with me when I was a little girl. Maybe now Maria would have a better childhood as long as my father see’s clearly and get’s rid of that witch he calls a wife. 

~Xavier’s POV~

After another dance with Mallory I excused myself. I watched as she danced with her friends and little sister. I was one lucky bastard to have her as a wife. I knew I had been falling for her ever since the kiss we shared in Bora Bora. It hadn’t really sunk in until I saw her walking down the aisle earlier this after noon though. 

I had been a nervous wreak all day up until that point. All I could think was regardless of the legal paper work Mallory would change her mind and decide not to show. I knew that the things I did during the time that Maria was in the hospital was messed up on my part. I just didn’t know what to do. All I know is, I most definitely will not be pulling that crap again.

I had been shocked speechless when I saw her. Per tradition I was not allowed to see the dress she had picked out. Liam and Cole had to remind me to shut my mouth when I seen her in it. It was perfect and perfect for her. I wouldn’t be able to describe the dress if anyone asked me to unless they asked me to describe it in one word. That word of course would be, perfect. Simple as that. 

I had never given much thought about settling down as I got older. Damn, I was having to much freaking fun living my life as a bachelor. Yeah, I damn near wanted to shoot myself when my parents told me about the arrangement but, thinking about it now, I wouldn’t change a damn thing. Our relationship was anything but normal but, I hoped that eventually Mallory would return the feeling I was developing for her. I wouldn’t confess anything to her until I knew for sure that she also felt the same. 

“How’s it feel?” Cole asked taking a seat next to me.

“Being married?” I asked

“Yup,” he nodded 

“I’d feel damn good if I had a wife like her.” Liam commented taking a seat on my other side.

“Surprisingly, it does feel good.” I smiled 

“I never thought I’d live to see the day where you would admit something like that.” Liam said shaking his head.

“Unlike him,” Cole began “I actually had faith in your ability to settle down.”

“Whatever,” Liam said rolling his eyes. “Anyway, so what’s the plan for the honeymoon?”

“Nothing right now, I told her that it would be better that we wait till at least spring break. She’s still in school and I’d rather her not miss school so close to graduation.” I replied 

“You know, I keep forgetting that she’s still in high school.” Liam said furrowing his eye brows.

“Don’t we all,” Cole said 

“Enough about me and my wife,” I said “What about you two? You’ve been spending an awful lot of time with Corrie and Elena.”

“Their fun,” Liam shrugged 

“Still trying to get in their pants?” I asked 

“That was only that one time,” Liam defended “They may be young but, their good company.”

“So you’re saying the two of you aren’t trying to get them to bed?” I questioned 

“Not after we found out that they were under age.” Cole said “Damn, you asking those questions are making me question my life style now. That’s not good so shut up.”

I laughed and patted his shoulder. “You never know, those two just might be what the two of you need.” I said 

“I’m not drunk enough for this conversation,” Liam muttered “I’m getting a drink.”

“Me too, come on Xav,” Cole said

I stood and followed them over to the bar and we all took a seat on the stools. I sipped slowly at my glass of whiskey and looked back out to the dance floor. Mallory had her little sister in her arms and was spinning her around. Images of Mallory doing that with our own daughter flashed through my mind putting a smile on my face. I shook my head clearing my thoughts. That was not something I should be thinking about right now. 

I leaned my elbows on the bar and just watched her. Looking from my left to right I saw the Liam and Cole were doing the same thing except their attention were drawn to Corrie and Elena. I knew that once those girls turned 18 or graduated (which ever came first) all bets were off. I was starting to think that these two idiots had started developing some kinds of feelings for the girls but, I would wait till they told me themselves. I knew I wouldn’t be waiting too long from the looks on their faces. 

“What you gonna do when word get’s out that your married to a girl who’s still in high school?” Liam asked sipping his beer. 

“I don’t know.” I shrugged “Haven’t really though about it.”

“You know the press is gonna have a field day with it, right?” Cole added

“I don’t really give a shit what they have to say. I never did before so I’m not going to start now.” I said

“Ah, so true,” Cole nodded with a grin. “When you gonna tell Mallory how you feel?”

Cole’s question had me spitting out my drink. I looked at him incredulously. How the hell did he know?

“Don’t look at me like that,” Cole scoffed “I’m not blind and I sure as hell ain’t stupid.” 

“H-how did you know?” I whispered 

“It’s written all over your face,” Liam chuckled patting my back. “You look like a love sick fool every single time her name is mentioned, it’s kinda cute.”

I glared at Liam and he laughed. “I’m not saying anything until I know how she feels.” I said answering Cole’s question.

“Well, I guess you’re blind then.” Cole shrugged

“What?” I asked confused 

“If you can’t see that Mallory feels the same then you my friend, ARE BLIND.” Liam stated

“She doesn’t,” I said shaking my head “I haven’t given her a reason to feel that way about me.”

“I beg to differ,” Cole said pointing to the dance floor.

I followed his finger and my gaze locked with Mallory. When she saw me looking her cheek took on a pink tint. She smiled and sent me a small wave which I returned.

“She’s falling for you too.” Cole said and turned his back and asked for another drink.

It seems I have a lot to think about.

~Mallory~

“Look’s to me like someone’s smitten,” Corrie whispered into my ear.

“What are you talking about?” I asked confused

“She’s talking about Xavier,” Elena said

“Smitten?” I scoffed “Right,” I said dragging out the word.

These girls were delusional. Xavier wasn’t smitten with me, what a joke. 

“Take a look,” Corrie said nodding over her shoulder.

I looked up and he was looking at me with a small smile on his handsome face. I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t starting to feel something for him. I felt color rise to my cheeks and smiled back at him also sending him a little wave.

“He is falling head over heels.” Elena sing songed spinning Maria around.

“No he isn’t,” I said looking back at her.

“The two of you are so oblivious to each other’s feelings.” Corrie said 

“What feeling’s?” I asked “I don’t have any.”

“Yes you do,” Elena cooed

“No I don’t,” I said quickly

“Don’t try and lie to us, it’s written all over your face, his as well.” Corrie said rolling her eyes.

“Fine, fine, fine I have feelings for him.” I sighed 

“Are you going to tell him?” Corrie asked 

“No, not yet.” I said shaking my head “We just got married, I’m not ready to breech the feeling’s subject just yet.”

“In a normal relationship the couples would’ve already broached that subject, way before getting married.” Elena said

“Yes, well as you know the relationship between Xavier and I is far from normal.” I pointed out

“Whatever, that doesn’t matter,” Elena said “The fact of the matter is that the two of you have feelings for each other and you need to let each other know.”

“When are the two of you going to admit that you have feelings for Cole and Liam?” I countered 

“We do not!” they said at the same time.

“Like I’m going to believe that,” I scoffed “I’ll make you a deal when the two of you admit that you have feeling’s for them, then I’ll admit it to Xavier.”

“Admit what to me?” Xavier asked coming up to us.

“Nothing you need to worry about right now.” I replied 

“Should I be worried?” Xavier asked 

“Definitely not!” Corrie stated “Elena and I are going to take this little one back to your dad, the two of you can do whatever it is that you do.” 

I watched as my two best friends walked off with a very tired looking Maria. Sometime’s I think that they forget that she’s my sister and not theirs. But, I guess they are sort of like sister’s to Maria. They’ve been there since she was born and even before that. 

“So,” Xavier said taking my hand and spinning me around. “How has the rest of your night been so far?”

“A whole lot better then it was when my mother was here.” I replied 

“I want to draw you.” he said out of no where.

“You want to draw me.”

“Yeah,” he shrugged “I have all these other models that I use for my art but, I would really like to draw you.”

I bit my lip and looked up at him. “Okay,” I agreed “But, don’t even think that I am going to be stripping down for this drawing.” I warned 

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” he chuckled pulling me close as we danced to the slow song playing.

Resting my cheek against his chest I closed my eyes. Could the girl be right? Could Xavier really have feelings for me? Look’s like I have a lot to think about.