Maybe Steal a Kiss or Two
Collins
“Heard you and Harley have taken things public.” Mav slaps a hand down on my shoulder as he passes by my locker, referring to the two dates we’ve gone on since entering our faux relationship.
“Where’d ya hear that?” I prod, knowing it was most definitely Kodi, his wife.
“Yeah, dude, why didn’t you tell us about you and Harley?” Conrad speaks up from beside me.
“We’ve been taking things slow. The whole situation with her ex kind of threw things off a little bit. We’ve been going at her pace.” I say, opting not to out her situation to the guys, it’s not their business unless she wants it to be.
“That’s fair, but why now?” Nik booms from across the locker room.
“I want to be able to love on my girl on our trip, especially at Christmas time. Sneaking around with everyone present was kind of going to be impossible.” I shrug it off, surely that’s a good enough excuse.
“Hmm… That makes sense.” Dom hums decidedly.
“Everyone’s still coming over for dinner tomorrow, right?” Mav asks, changing the subject.
A chorus of yeses resounds from around us.
“You’re hiding something,” Conrad says quietly as he’s tying his skates.
I don’t get to respond because Coach is hollering at us to get onto the ice for the morning skate.
Fuck. We’re going to have to be convincing tomorrow.
I attempted to convince Harley and Sin to let me pick them up for dinner, but Sin insisted she drive herself. She argued that it was a Friday night, so surely Harley would be coming to spend the weekend with me. I hadn’t even thought about that, but after a quick text exchange with Harls, she’s bringing her weekend bag, and we’ll have a lazy weekend. No pressure, no fancy clothes. Just us, Precious, and junk food.
I’m one of the first to arrive at Maverick’s, pulling up behind Nik’s motorcycle. I grab the s’mores dip from the passenger seat. I was charged with bringing it since it’s too warm for a fire this evening.
As I walk up to the front door of Kodi and Maverick’s suburban home, I pull my phone out to text Harley. Deciding that Sin is more than likely going to be reading over her shoulder, I lay it on thick.
Collins
Hey, Baby, you going to be here soon? I miss you.
I’m guessing that the use of baby has sent a very cute and very pink blush across her skin. I wish I could see it.
Harley
Be there in 5.
There’s a pause.
Harley
Miss you, too.
Collins
See you soon.
We don’t even knock to enter the Hart residence anymore, just open the door using the assigned key code and head inside. I kick my shoes off next to the others before heading down the hall toward the living area. A few things have changed in the home since Kodi and Maverick married. She’s updated the photos that line the entryway to include more of the friend group and her Mom. There are also more pops of color throughout the entire home, giving it a brighter feel.
I plop the dip onto the kitchen counter just before Bella barrels across the living room and into my barely waiting arms.
“Uncle Collins!” Bella’s shrill voice fills the space. The kid is so fast that I was just able to bend down and scoop her up.
