The mulch we spread a few days ago still lingers in the air, and our new patio furniture couldn’t be more comfortable.
Matt and Leo are to my right, deep in business talk. To my left, Jensen’s bantering with Adam, Michael, and my dad, and Cooper’s laugh carries above the buzz of conversation.
I open my eyes and scan the group, squinting against the light. I chose this seat in the sun on purpose—I’m always cold. I live for the heat. Jensen’s hand rests on my thigh from his spot at the end of the oversized chaise, his attention on the guys.
Laughter bursts out of him, mixing with Michael’s, Adam’s, and my dad’s. Then his fingers squeeze my knee, his gaze finding mine.
“You remember that, Al?” Michael calls, his voice snapping my head toward him.
I bring a hand to my forehead, shading my eyes. “What?”
“Your Subway prank?”
He and Adam both laugh.
I nod as a grin spreads wide. “Sure do. That was classic. And then you both left Jenny and me to find our own ride home. Dicks.”
Jensen turns his head from them to me. “I’m gonna need the whole story.”
“Me as well,” my dad chimes in. “What would make my responsible teenage son leave my daughter stranded?” He shoots Michael a teasing glare.
“Oh, we’re dicks?” Michael points between himself and Adam. “What about you and Jenny? We had a deal.”
“It was such a good prank. You could have at least appreciated the cleverness of it.” I turn to Jensen, already smiling at the memory. “Jenny and I were fourteen and desperate for Subway. We begged Michael and Adam to drive us and promised we’d buy them a sandwich if they did.”
Adam scoffs, chuckling under his breath.
I narrow my eyes at him, my grin only growing. “I wasn’t about to spend my hard-earned money on them. So we rolled up socks, wrapped them in Subway paper, and stuffed them in a bag while they waited in the car. It was genius—until they decided to open them right then.”
They all crack up, and I shake my head. “Didn’t really think that one through. They kicked us out of the car and made us find our own way home. So we ate on the curb and walked. Took ninety minutes.”
“Why don’t I know about this evil side of you and Michael?” Jensen asks, still chuckling.
“Oh, Michael and Adam were assholes for about two years in high school.”
“Only because you were bratty and annoying as hell,” Michael fires back.
I scowl. “I was not bratty.”
My dad arches a brow at me.
“Fine,” I huff. “I was a little bratty. Butyoutry balancing hormones while crushing on your brother’s best friend”—my eyes flick to Adam—“only to find out he was dating your best friend’s older sister. That was torture.”
Adam bursts out laughing. “God. I could’ve shoved your face in a pile of mud and you’d still have liked me.”
I nod, lips pressed tight, fighting my grin. I turn to Jensen. “It’s true. I liked him a lot. I talked about him all the time.”
Jensen pats my knee. “Babe, this isn’t news. We all know you liked Adam.”
“Yeah, but she never talked about Adam that way she did you, Jensen,” Scarlett cuts in, grinning as she shakes her head. “God, when you two first started seeing each other? Borderline obsession.”
I roll my eyes, smothering a smile. “Okay, stop.” I glance at Jensen. “I wasn’t obsessed. I just… really liked you.”
He holds up a finger to me. “Shh, babe. I’m listening to Scarlett talk about how obsessed you were with me.” That Jensen smirk spreads wide, melting my insides as his hand squeezes my thigh. Honestly, how could I not be obsessed?
Scarlett laughs, curling into Adam, their hands laced together on his thigh. They’ve been seeing each other since poker night. At first it was just texting and late-night calls, then Adam flew out to New York a few months ago. The rest is history, and I hope it works out. I’ve never seen her happier.
I swat at Jensen’s finger, then turn to Scarlett. “And look how the tables have turned. Who would’ve thought you’d be datingmy childhood crush one day? And now I know things about Adam that are permanently scarred into my brain.” I flash them both a teasing grin.
