Brandon’s eyebrows went up. “They were helping willingly?”
Nora smirked. “Well, not at first.”
Kaleb looked up from his paper. “She took our phones.”
“How?” I asked.
Nora just smiled like it was a secret she wasn’t willing to tell. I couldn’t help but laugh. Brandon took another approach. “Are you kidding me? You let Nora get the upper hand?”
“I think your men have gotten a little rusty,” Nora chirped, and I covered my mouth to stop myself from laughing harder.
“Alright, enough painting,” Brandon said, waving his hand. “I need you guys to help set up tents and get everyone situated.”
“Thank god,” the guys said in unison. They practically jumped out of their seats, and I watched in amazement. I sat down next to Nora. “Whatever voodoo you just pulled, I need to know.”
Brandon cleared his throat. “Nora, their phones.”
Nora sighed, pulling out the phones and sliding them toward the guys.
“Seriously, how do you do that?” I asked.
“I grabbed their ears like they were five and twisted.”
“I should never have shown you that move,” Kaleb said, looking embarrassed.
“Alright, that’s enough,” Brandon said, pushing at the guys. As quick as he was to leave, I could see a smirk pulling at his lips, finding this just as funny as I did.
Once everyone arrived, we got started on the activities we had planned. We had a team playing football while some people were using kayaks on the lake. We played trivia, where I hadn’t laughed so hard in my life.
We started the fire a little after eight. We had hot dogs and brats that people could cook with skewers. There was salad and fresh fruit, and vegetables. People baked cookies and brownies. Brandon and I spread out the s’mores we brought and relaxed into our seats.
The afternoon had gone smoothly. There were a few minor fights, mostly between people who were having a disagreement, but nothing serious. The kids who did join were all happily sitting with their parents.
The fire snapped, and Brandon pulled a blanket up, wrapping it around us. I leaned against him, soaking in the calmness. I stared at the group, knowing almost everyone’s names now.
“It’s nice,” I said softly.
I felt his hands hook my legs, pulling my legs over his. His hand was warm against my skin, his thumb rubbing circles over my thigh. He kissed my cheek and turned his attention back to the fire.
“Do you guys want a s’more?” Nora asked, waving her skewer at us.
“No, I can’t eat anymore.” I felt so full I thought I would vomit if I took another bite.
Brandon shook his head, and Kaleb waved his hand. “I will.”
Nora smirked. “Then make one yourself.”
I looked between the two, feeling there was something I was missing. I had noticed a few times that they teased each other, but Brandon pulled me closer before I could think too much about it.
“Shall we head home?” he whispered.
I frowned, “Are you tired?”
I felt his hand move up, and I quickly squirmed, grabbing his hand and stopping him. The corner of his lip curled up. “I’m not intending to sleep.”
I swallowed. Was it wrong to leave now so we could go home and have sex? We were the people running the event.
“You’re thinking really hard about this.”
