“Duly noted.”
“Ah, Val’s back with the pie. Just in time.”
Val was placing the pie on the small wooden table near the back door, but her eyes were on Hailey and me, then darted to Jace and Will, who were talking with their heads together.
We all wanted a slice of pie before the badminton game, and while everyone was eating, Val asked me to help her get some glasses.
“Did they give you the talk?” she asked breathlessly the second we were alone inside the house.
“Yeah.”
She was beside herself, and she was damn cute.
“Holy shit, I’m going to kick everyone’s ass.”
“There’s no need.”
“Was Jace part of it?”
“Yes.”
“And Will?”
“Obviously.”
“But Hailey wasn’t, right?”
I could tell she was hoping I’d say no, but I wouldn’t lie.
“She gave me some interesting insights into you, but warned me that if I broke your heart, then I don’t have to worry about your brothers. That she can do enough damage all on her own.”
She hung her head, eyes closed, like a sad puppy. “You have no idea how many points you’re getting for still hanging around.”
“I didn’t know you were keeping a tally.”
“I like my pro/con lists.”
“I see. Pros outweigh the cons?”
When she nodded, I added, “Maybe you should share that list with them.”
“Yeah, I.... Maybe not.” Her cheeks went pink.
“Why, what’s on that list?”
“Ummm... stuff they shouldn’t see?”
“I want details.”
She poked my arm. “You’re not getting them.”
“Oh, I am.”
She opened her mouth, to argue some more, no doubt, but I kissed her before she even had time to make a sound. She was glaring when I pulled back, which only made me want to push her against a wall and sink inside her.
“So?”
“Are you going to kiss me like this every time we don’t agree on something?”