Very Twisted Things (Briarwood Academy 3)

I smirked good-naturedly. “Is this about watching that Star Wars marathon with you? Because I’m not a sci-fi fan. Although if you give me a neck rub like last night, I might give in.”

“No, this is serious.”

My body pinged with awareness. “Oh?”

He stared straight ahead, curiously not meeting my gaze. “Briarcrest Academy—my high school—is having a reunion, and I want you to go with me.”

“Like a date?” My voice was breathless.

He rubbed his jaw and thought about it. “Do you want it to be a date?”

My heart banged in my chest. It felt like high school all over again, which was terribly ironic. “Do you?”

“Do dates kiss each other?”

I nodded. And more.

“Alright, I’d kiss you,” he murmured.

“Oh.” What did that mean?

He flashed me a grin. “It’s still a few months away, but I’ve cleared my schedule so we can drive cross-country to Dallas. I’d like to spend some time with Leo and Nora when we’re there. We can stay with them—or not. It’s up to you. I can’t wait for you to meet my niece, Gabby.”

“Wait, you planned a driving trip because of my fear of flying? You want me to meet your family?”

He sent me a cocked eyebrow. “Duh.”

Sweetness swept over me. “Thank you,” I said simply. “Date or not, I’d love to go.”

He shrugged, but it felt like something big had just happened.

We arrived at the cabin a bit later. Situated on a small hill, the rugged structure was secluded and quaint with a fire pit and even a big wooden swing mounted between two sturdy oak trees.

When we walked inside, however, we discovered a small problem.

Mila pursed her lips. “This is all wrong. The picture on the brochure showed four beds, not two.”

I peeked my head in the first bedroom. Yep. One smallish bed. It was the same in the second bedroom.

Spider, who didn’t seem concerned—who in fact looked pleased—spoke up. “I’m not cuddling with Sebastian on that tiny bed.” He grinned at us broadly. “So which one of you birds is gonna keep me warm?”

Mila poked him in the arm. “Watch yourself, Clarence.”

He blanched, his eyes on me and then back to her. “Mila, fuck, no one, and I mean no one knows my real name. Easy there, my love.”

I chuckled. “Clarence? No wonder you kept that under wraps.”

He strutted around the small den. “Spider suits me better. That’s all. But you are now sworn to secrecy. You can’t tell anyone, V.”

“You called her my love,” I felt compelled to add since no one else seemed to notice.

“I did?” Spider asked, a quizzical look on his face.

“Yes,” we all said. Mila blushed.

“So.” He took out a cig and lit it up. His hand trembled.

“Ugh, take your smart mouth and that cancer stick outside.” Mila pushed at him until they were out the door.

Sebastian groaned as they left. “How much longer can I let them go on like this without saying anything?”

I sighed. It was obvious to everyone that they were into each other.

“Spider does seem calmer when she’s around.”

I tugged on his hand. “You can’t control people or emotions.”

He swept his tongue over his bottom lip as he gazed at me. “Tell me about it.”

An hour later, no one mentioned the sleeping arrangements again as we pulled out the grill and built a bonfire. Spider and Sebastian cooked the burgers and Mila and I made a salad. We drank cold beer with stars above us as brilliant as diamonds.

“This is the best thing I’ve done in a long time,” I told them softly, looking at each of them as I sat on our blanket and roasted a marshmallow in the diminishing fire.

Mila smiled as she snuggled with Spider. “I agree.”

I took a big breath. “Guys, there’s something I’d like to ask you tonight. All of you.”

“What?” Sebastian said, easing over to sit next to me on the blanket.

I clasped my hands together. “One of the reasons I moved here was an orphanage my parents had been interested in sponsoring. I grew up helping them, and I don’t want to stop just because they’re gone.”

“What a great way to honor your parents,” Mila said.

I nodded. “So, the orphanage is gearing up for a big benefit gala, and I’m helping with the planning. I—I wanted to ask if you’d be willing to come and support me and be the entertainment? Just play a couple of songs? I know your other band guys are in Dallas on hiatus—”

Sebastian had a funny expression on his face as he looked at me. “Wait a minute—what’s the name of this orphanage?”

“Lyons Place.”

Silence fell as Spider and Sebastian looked at each other and then back at me.

Mila straightened up at the guys’ odd expressions. “What’s going on? You guys look weird.”

“Spider and I volunteer there.”

I shook my head in bewilderment. “How is that even possible? That’s crazy. It’s one of several homes in LA. Did you know it was mine?”

Sebastian shook his head. “No. Just something about the place called to me. I saw the sign one day, and wanted to go in. We’ve been teaching guitar lessons there.”

I licked my lips. “What a weird coincidence.”