Heat floods my cheeks and when we break apart, Brady flashes Cooper his middle finger.
“Leave Brady alone,” Quinn says, chastising him. “He’s in the honeymoon period, and I think it’s sweet.”
Coop pulls a face. “We’re in the honeymoon period and you don’t see me trying to eat your face at a public gathering.”
Kennedy snort-laughs and champagne sprays from her mouth.
Reid just shakes his head and hands her a napkin, totally unfazed.
“Maybe you’re the one doing it wrong,” Sutton muses, planting her elbow on her crossed knees and resting her chin in her hand. “Exhibitionism is a highly underrated aphrodisiac.”
“I second that,” Parker says, raising his glass like he’s about to make a toast.
The banter goes on endlessly, and I can’t help but envy the easy camaraderie. Brady’s an only child, but in his teammates, he’s found a second family. One he chose for himself.
I’d kill to have what these guys share.
Even when they’re ripping on each other, it’s clear there’s love between them and I know they’d have each other’s backs, no questions asked.
What would that even be like?
Jenna’s my closest friend and even she doesn’t know all my secrets.
Because you won’t tell her.
It’s true. The only person stopping me from having what Brady has is me. I’ve never been good at letting people in, and yes, I know it’s a result of my upbringing, but I get enough judgment from the world. Why invite more from the people closest to me?
Brady doesn’t judge you.
True, but…
No. No buts. If I want the close relationships Brady has, I’m going to have to stop keeping everyone at arm’s length. I have to let them in, just like I’ve let Brady in, which has turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Yes, I was dealt a shit hand in the family department, and no, it won’t be easy to let my guard down, but I can make my own family, just like these guys have, starting with Jenna.
Maybe, someday, Molly and Gran will welcome me into their family, too.
“And then you’ve got Squatch over there,” Coop says, pointing to Brady, “creating a safe nesting environment for the baby bird population.”
“I don’t care what you say. I’m keeping the beard.” Brady grins and strokes it lovingly. “My mom says it makes me look distinguished.”
“Dude. She’s your mom. She has to say that.”
“Piper, please tell Farmer Joe over here that beards are so last season.”
He’s kidding, but it still sparks an ember of protectiveness in my chest.
“No way.” I hook my arm through Brady’s and lean into his warmth. “I like the beard and since I’m the one who has to kiss him, my opinion is the only one that matters.”
“Facts!” Quinn agrees, raising her glass and sending champagne sloshing into her boyfriend’s lap.
“That settles it.” Coop rolls his eyes, ignoring the champagne that’s just soaked the front of his pants. “It must be love.”
“Speaking of love.” Smith leans forward to rest his elbows on his knees. “Can we just talk about the fact that all you shady motherfuckers got wifed up this season? One minute y’all are single as hell and then,boom!Girlfriends everywhere.” He turns to the women. “No disrespect ladies.”
“None taken,” Kennedy and Quinn return in unison.
“For real, though. Who am I supposed to party with this semester?” Smith flops back on the bench, draping an arm over the back cushion. “Y’all are leaving me high and dry and you haven’t even graduated yet.”
