The Road That Leads to Us (Us 1)

He screamed—and I mean screamed like a five-year-old girl—and

dropped the bag of Cheetos he’d been eating. His hand was covered in orange cheese powder and now his feet as well since he’d dropped the bag.

“Who are you?” He asked.

“I asked you first.” I stuck my chin up haughtily in the air.

Dean stepped forward, grabbing my wrist and angling his body in front of mine.

The guy in the pantry straightened his shoulder and took three steps so he was now standing in front of us. He had wild curly blond hair that was rather long and warm brown eyes. Scruff coated his chin and cheeks and it too was covered in the cheese powder.

“I’m Oliver Malcolm McGruff.” He stuck his hand out for me to shake it. “But I prefer Ollie.”

“I’m Willow.” I stared at his hand and pointed. “Uh…”

“Oh, right. How rude of me.” He shook his head and rubbed his hand over his white shirt leaving behind an orange handprint. He extended his hand once more and I took it this time, figuring I shouldn’t be so rude.

“I’m Liam’s cousin,” I started, “do you live here?”

He shook his head so hard he reminded me of a Golden Retriever shaking its body after it had a bath.

“Nah, he’s my friend. He’s out surfing.” He pointed towards the windows so I safely assumed that meant he was down on this beach. “We were supposed to go to Mo’s to get something to eat, but he probably forgot…again.” Ollie shrugged, completely unaffected.

“That explains the Cheetos.”

He grinned and nodded. “Exactly. I’ve got to eat.” He turned his head, studying me. “Does Liam know you’re coming? He never mentioned visitors…or that his cousin was so hot.”

Dean stiffened beside me and glowered at Ollie.

“Whoa, dude.” Ollie held up his hands in a placating gesture. “I have a girlfriend and she’s the love of my life, just making an observation here.”

Dean relaxed, but only a little bit.

Behind us a set of doors slid open and Dean and I turned to see Liam step inside.

His head was bowed so he didn’t notice us at first. His dark hair was wet, looking nearly black, and his wetsuit was undone on top hanging around his hips. My eyes roamed over him, trying to see if there were any major differences since the last time I saw him. His lean frame had filled out more, but overall he was the same old Liam that was more like a big brother than a cousin to me.

He ran his long fingers through the wet strands of his hair and finally looked up.

His eyes were a startling icy blue, like his mom’s, and they reflected shock back at me when he finally noticed us standing there.

His lips parted in surprise. “Willow? Dean?”

I rushed around the large center island in the kitchen and into his arms. He caught me easily and I hugged him with every ounce of strength I possessed.

I’d known I’d missed him, but I didn’t realize how much until that very moment.

Liam set me down and turned to hug Dean.

“Did you guys fly in?” He asked, mystified. He reached up, continuously having to push back the longer strands of his hair.

Dean shook his head, his hand settling on my waist. “No, we drove. Road trip.”

“Mhmm,” Liam’s eyes fell to where Dean touched me, “I see.” Looking up at me, he put on a stern expression. “Does your dad know about this?”

I rolled my eyes. Now was not the time for Liam to act like this.

“Yes,” I answered honestly, but he looked at me doubtfully.