“She always does, don’t you, poppet?”
I take the small glass of wine from my mom, lifting it in my dad's direction.
He grins back at me, his chest puffing out with pride.
“Thanks for being here tonight, sweetie. I know it’s not cool being with your parents on a Saturday night, but this is important to me.”
I kiss his cheek, waving him off.
“It’s okay, Dad. I’ve got to study tomorrow anyway.”
“That’s my girl.”
I did have to study; that wasn’t a lie.
But it is the weekend—and my brother pooped my party last night, meaning I’m facing another week at school before I get a chance to relax again.
I sip my wine, gazing out of the French doors that overlook our pretty garden, and smile contentedly.
I love my life.
I turn to see Kai watching me from the doorway, the look on his face telling me I’m in for a cautionary talk.
Here we go.
“Sierra, don’t even think about Declan Hale,” Kai warns, crossing his arms to enforce the point.
Is he serious?
Declan is six foot and gorgeous, all floppy brown hair and a jawline to die for. He went to a different school than us, and for some reason, this means my brother hates him.
“Kai, hemightbe a nice guy,” I argue, sipping my wine. My lips leave a stain on the glass, and I make a mental note to drink from the same spot next time.
Kai stares heavenward as Crane strolls in, wearing one of my brother’s shirts. It’s the same colour as his eyes, and I can’t help but check him out.
“Listen to Kai, Sierra. The guy is adick.”
Crane studies me over his beer, and I return his gaze, eyeing the way his fingers wrap around the beer bottle he’s holding.
I love guys with nice hands, especially the thick veins and soft skin. Crane’s are no exception.
“Whatever. It may have escaped your attention, but this is going to be aboringdinner, and I for one intend to enjoy it.”
Crane turns away, shaking his head in disbelief.
Here he goes again with that disapproving attitude.
Fuck him, I don’t owe him anything.
Kai scowls at me when the doorbell rings, folding his arms across his chest as Crane leans against the doorway.
I take a minute to check him out, and my heart flutters like it usually does around hot guys, but then Crane stiffens, and I know Declan has arrived.
I hear my parents greeting the Hales at the door, and I wink at Kai, nudging him in the ribs.
“I dare you to call him Stales.”
Kai chuckles, shaking his head with amusement. “If you want entertainment, you can watch me knock Declan out.”
