Power Play (Nashville Assassins Next Generation 2)

Me: You are not wrong.

Boon: I know you, lovely.

I don’t know what it is about his little nickname for me, but it gets my heart every single time. He gives me all the feels, and I fall more and more for him with each text, each call, each touch, and absolutely each kiss. He drives me wild. Sends my heart into overdrive. I’m just waiting for him to tell me he loves me. I’m pretty sure he does. Last week when I asked, I felt like he was going to say so, but then my family ruined it, and now we’re in a weird game of chicken.

Who’s gonna say it first?

Unfortunately, we are both very proud people, and I think we’re both waiting for the other to admit it. Since I’m a scared bitch and unsure if I am on the right train of thought, I’ve decided to sit back and wait. Actions speak louder than words, and well, I’m doing everything to make him see I do love him. Except saying the three-word phrase I’ve been dreaming about saying to him for weeks. Nope—won’t put myself out there like that. And yep—I’m aware that makes me a coward. But I don’t have the best track record here. Guys don’t love me, and I don’t want to get ahead of myself.

Boon: I’m so jealous of the cronut.

But man if I don’t love him. So damn much.

Me: I’ll smuggle you one.

Boon: You are the light of my life.

I snort.

Me: Don’t need to suck up.

Boon: I was hoping you’d save me two.

Me: Pathetic.

Boon: Right? They told me I gotta lose the five pounds I’ve put on. It’s not muscle. Can you believe that?

Me: I truly don’t. You are all muscle—but maybe lay off the marshmallows.

He sends me the wide-eyed emoji.

Boon: But you said I look sexy when I eat them!

Me: Oh, baby, you do. You so do.

“Who has you grinning like that?”

My eyes look up to where my cousin Amelia is standing over me. “No one,” I say, putting my phone to sleep, but then Boon’s next text flashes.

She eyes me. “You lie,” she accuses, and then she looks to my mom and Shelli. “I didn’t know Posey was involved with someone.”

Mom and Shelli look over at us, each holding one of Amelia’s twins in her lap. Mom shrugs as she wipes Carter’s mouth. “She is. We don’t know who, though. She won’t tell us, but we’re on to her.”

Shelli grins, knowing damn well. But she hasn’t ratted me out yet. That’s probably why I’m here. I say it’s the cronuts, but it’s her. She hasn’t said anything, so I’m going along with the plans from the Wedding Book from Hell. “She won’t tell anyone. I think it’s cute. Look how in love she is,” Shelli teases.

I gawk at my sister as my mom’s gaze whips to me, which makes Carter scream out in excitement. “Right, Carter? In love? Posey is in love?” Shelli coos.

Shelli giggles as she bounces Hannah in her arms, kissing her head. I laugh nervously as I sit up. “It’s none of y’all’s business.”

These three women have been in my business my whole life, and they all look at me like I’m an asshole. I probably am.

“Whoo-wee, she’s in deep. Isn’t that sweet? Has this ever happened?” Amelia asks, walking over to kiss her son, who is now wailing.

“Nope, but I’m for it. Look at that grin,” Shelli teases, and I roll my eyes.

“Y’all don’t know anything.”

Mom scoffs. “I know a woman in love. Hello, I was ridiculous when it came to your dad. I was so in love, it hurt.”

Shit. Am I like that?

Amelia nods. “I’ll never forget the moment I knew I loved Chandler. He pulled the car over, and we danced on the side of the road. I looked into his eyes, with only the light from the headlights, and I was done for.”

Well, hell, I’m done for…

“I know I have been in love with Aiden since I was a kid, but when he told me he loved me, I think I fell for him all over again.”

I really crave that. I want to hear the words. I do. But what if I’m completely off and he doesn’t feel that for me? I know he’s making future plans and all that, but I remember him saying he fell in love with Julia very quickly. What if he is taking his time with me? I can’t blame him; I did the same. But then he rocked my world, and there was no stopping these feelings.

I walk over to where Shelli is standing, and I take Hannah, kissing her sweet little head. She looks exactly like Amelia, with bright-blue eyes. “How did you know they loved you?”

Again, all of them look at me with intrusive eyes. They are loving this entirely too much.