“We do what you said, losers have to drink, but the person who has the square…they get a kiss.”
I look at the guys. That’s a lot of kisses. I’m definitely game.
“Deal,” I say, grabbing the remote and taking my seat in the arm chair.
I start the episode and within two seconds, Holden announces, “Someone dies in the opening scene. I’ve got it!”
I press pause, and the rest of us scan our cards. I don’t have that one. Me, Adrian, and Smith take a drink. Holden stands up, saunters over, and pulls me out of the chair. His arms wrap around my waist and he bends over, mouth close to mine. He doesn’t rush, even though we’re playing this game, and I lick my lips in anticipation. When he finally kisses me, it’s gentle, with the tiniest bit of tongue. Warmth spreads through my body. We part, and I look over at the other guys. Smith swallows thickly, and Adrian has a mischievous smirk.
I sit back down and press play, my lips still tingling, thinking Crowley must be around the corner, because agreeing to play this game? It’s like making a deal with the devil.
31
Sierra
“Babe?”
I scrub the pot, round and round, with the sponge.
“Babe…Sierra.”
I look up and see Adrian leaning against the counter. How long had he been there?
“Yeah?”
“I think the pot is clean.” He shuts off the water, then takes the pot and sponge from me. I dry my hands on a towel. “What’s going on?”
“I guess I’m just nervous about Dexter coming to the house today.” I don’t mention how I’m sad that they’re moving out tomorrow. Their stuff is packed, and the house already has an empty feeling. I’m dreading staying here alone. “What if he doesn’t like the changes?”
“He could have come down here at any point and helped out.”
I frown. “I guess.”
“Anything else?”
Don’t go? Stay with me? Let’s run away together? There’s a sense of dread combined with the nervousness. Things the last week or so have been good. No, they’ve been amazing. Any issues that I thought may come up, jealousy, awkwardness…it hasn’t happened. We laugh, eat, sleep, and play happily. We screw with abandon. I had no idea it could be like this, but even in the glow, I have a very distinct feeling that once the guys move out, and I sell the house, we can’t keep this going. I’m not ready for it to end.
The reflection of a car coming down the road draws our attention to the window. I take a deep, settling breath. Adrian pulls me into a hug and whispers in my ear, “I think he’s going to be impressed.” He gives me a kiss of encouragement. “I’m going to take off. I know you want some privacy to do this alone.”
I nod, squeezing his hand as he heads for the back door. Smith and Holden are at work already. Adrian stuck around to help me tidy up, but he’s right; Dexter and I need to talk about this alone.
Adrian grabs his backpack and heads out the front door. I walk over to the front window and stop short when I realize all the guys are here. Dex gets out of the front seat and Jake from the passenger. Charlie and George climb out of the back. I didn’t expect them to all come.
I watch as my brother and one of my lovers meet in the driveway, shaking hands and making small talk. I try to imagine what they’re saying as they both glance up at the house, but I can’t tell. This is going to either go great or badly. I have no idea which.
Adrian leaves, getting in his truck, and I step outside, waiting for the boys on the porch. Dexter comes first, assessing the house as much as me.
“Hey, baby brother,” I say, stomach twisting.
“Hey, sis.” He smiles. “You look good.”
We hug, and as much as I believe in the saying tattooed on our arms, there’s also something about real family. It’s different. Especially when you’ve been through as much as me and Dex.
The other guys climb the stairs, Jake gives me a tight, wary smile. George pulls me into a hug. Charlie stops before me, pushing his glasses up his nose.
“Hey,” I say, heart threatening to break. They’re not boys anymore, but men. They’d done that without me. “Congratulations on the scholarship. I’m so proud of you. All of you.” I glance at Jake, his eyes shifting to the ground.
“You guys want to see the house?” I ask, hoping to cut the tension.