He digs his phone from his pocket, and we exchange numbers. The smile doesn’t leave his face as we finish the dishes, and mine is ever present until he heads home.
“So…?” Kayla raises her brow as she sits at the counter.
“Girl, you’re not subtleat all. You planned that.” I laugh, shaking my head.
“Someone had to! It worked, didn’t it? He asked you out?”
“Sure, for almost two months from now…”
“Hey, a win is a win.” She shrugs. “Rushing is overrated anyway.”
“Well, I’m calling it a night. You two don’t stay up too late.” Chase stands from the couch, stretching and stifling a yawn.
“Wait, Chase”—I ignore Kayla’s eyeroll—“we need to run something by you.”
“No,” Kayla says through gritted teeth, staring right at me. “We don’t. It’s nothing.”
“Kay, it’s a good idea.”
Chase cocks his head and walks toward us. “Well, now I’m intrigued… What’s up?”
I explain the plan for Thanksgiving, including Hunter flying in.
Chase shrugs and wraps his arms around his bride-to-be. “Sounds good to me…”
“Expensive is what it sounds like.” Kayla turns to him.
“Baby,it’s fine.” He nuzzles into her neck. “You know Dad and Kendall would give you the world if you’d let them. This is a good idea.” He looks at me and nods. “I’ll get it all set up on Monday and send out details.” After another yawn, he kisses Kayla’s cheek, says goodnight, and disappears into their bedroom.
She rolls her eyes again, puffing out an annoyed huff at losing the battle of the lodge. But my mind is filled with the hope that I’ll be as lucky as she is one day. She’s acquired the ultimate prize and found someone willing to give her the world without any hesitation.Must be nice.
CHAPTER TWELVE
HUNTER
Mom has been here all week, and I’ve managed to avoid seeing her. That streak ends in approximately thirty minutes, all because my baby sister got herself a date to the Winter Formal. My only saving grace right now is Ashlie, who offered to do Artie’s hair for the dance. I agreed to a quick dinner at Dad’s. That’s all I’m willing to give.
“You look so cute!” Ashlie squeals, and Artemis beams back at her. The tiniest smile teases my lips as I watch their interaction from the bathroom doorway. They’ve been in front of the double basin vanity for hours, makeup and hair supplies strewn across the beige travertine marble. With some products from her magic hair box, Ashlie has morphed Artie’s tight curls into large ringlets that flow down her back. Wearing makeup and a sparkly, floor-length lavender gown, my baby sister has transformed into a fifteen-year-old princess. “Now sit still so I can finish your eyes.”
“Can I look yet?”
“No, Artie. The sculptor decides when the masterpiece is ready.”
“He’s gonna be here soon...” Artie whines, kicking her feet in the air as they dangle off one of the kitchen stools. “Are you almost done?”
“If he’s the guy for you, he won’t mind waiting. You’re worth it, girl,” Ashlie replies, pushing on her shoulders to stop her from moving.
The sisterly nature of their relationship has always been like this. Ashlie came along at a time when Artemis needed a role model who looked like her. She showed Artemis it was okay to be herself. There are still those teenage moments of insecurity, but Ashlie continues to build up Artie’s confidence. It’s something I will always adore about Ash.
The doorbell rings, and I snort at the matching panic in their eyes. “That’s my cue.” I smirk.
“Hunter, if you embarrass me, I swear?—”
“Huh?” I tease as I walk down the hallway. “Can’t hear you. Gotta go answer that!”
By the time I make it down the curved staircase, Dad is standing by the Tudor panel door next to a trembling football player. The poor kid is shaking all the petals off the corsage in his hand. He straightens his pale purple suit, and the light gleams over what looks like an entire tub of gel in his brown hair. Meanwhile, Dad peppers him with questions about where they’re going for dinner and how the football team is playing this year.
“Hunter!” The back door slams, and I hear him before I see him. By the time I catch a glimpse of the strawberry blond hair, my younger half brother, Theron, already has his arms wrapped around my waist.
