He nudged his shoulder. “Same. But you’re doing good, you know that?”
My mouth twitched like it didn’t quite believe him. “I’m trying.”
“You’re doing it right,” he told me, his voice thick.
Theo’s mom raised her glass. “To new beginnings,” she said gently.
Richard raised his. “And chosen families.”
We all clinked glasses, the sound a quiet exhale of something hopeful.
The late afternoon sun shimmered over the pool when we stepped into the garden. Heat hung in the air, fragrant with grilled meat and citrus. Claire stood by the barbecue with askewer in one hand and a fire extinguisher within arm’s reach—just in case.
Thalia was already there, barefoot on the grass, clipboard in hand, her dark curls twisted into a chaotic bun that screamed:functional and fabulous. Her lips moved around a pen cap as she scanned whatever color-coded plan she’d constructed for the next season’s events at the country club.
“You’re actually taking this country club job seriously?” I teased, strolling over and snatching the pen from her mouth. “What happened to lazy Thalia, who drank tequila for breakfast and threatened to punch men in white polos?”
She threw a baby carrot at my face with impressive accuracy. “Don’t be a dick, Sin. This is my dream job. I get to boss rich people aroundanddrink margaritas on the job.”
“You were already doing that,” I deadpanned.
“Exactly,” she grinned, cocking her hip. “Now I get paid more and don’t have to sneak around or seduce the board president’s son for key access to the wine cellar.”
“That was a different country club,” I assured Theo, who snorted and swallowed down his beer. My eyes were drawn to the way his lips wrapped around the bottle, wishing it was my cock between them instead.
Claire handed her a cocktail garnished with an overly dramatic pineapple slice and umbrella. “To Thalia: manager of the new and improved Brookhaven Ridge Country Club. Long may she reign.”
“To Thalia!” we all echoed, raising our drinks—some real, some just fizzy water masquerading as sophistication.
Theo leaned into Thalia with that rare, tender softness he reserved only for those he trusted. “I meant what I said earlier. If you ever want to get away for a bit… if it gets to be too much…”
Thalia’s eyes dipped, her usual snark dialed down. “Thanks,” she said, her voice rougher than usual. “But I think I’ve spentmy whole life running. That place, this opportunity—it’s the first time I’ve felt like I could build something.”
Claire slid beside her, wrapped an arm around her waist, and kissed her nose. “You already are.”
The thing none of our friends knew yet was that Theo was the owner of the club. He’d toyed with the idea of selling it when he’d found out the deeds had been in his name, but after long discussions with his mom, he’d decided to keep it to be able to offer our friends a safe environment to work in.
He really did have a heart of gold and went the extra mile for those he let in. It just took me melting the walls of ice he’d surrounded himself with for it to become clear.
My throat tightened, emotion pushing against my ribs. “God, you’re all getting sentimental.”
“No,” Theo murmured, sliding his hand into mine. “You’re getting sentimental.”
I rolled my eyes. “That’s your fault. You infected me.”
“And I can get away with it,” he replied with a smug smile, “because you love me.”
His lips brushed mine—soft, insistent, and maddeningly perfect. My free hand sunk into his dark hair and I pulled him in closer until his body was flush with mine. I deepened the kiss like I didn’t need oxygen, just the taste of him in my mouth.
“Oh mygod,” Claire moaned. “There are two of them now!”
“Fuck off!” I grinned, releasing his face and glaring at her over Theo’s shoulder. “He’s mine and I think he’s perfect.”
Clutching her stomach, Thalia made a gagging sound. “I think I’m going to be sick.”
“Shit, are you okay?” I half-jumped forward, knocking Theo off balance.
“Yup,” she cackled. “But that… was…toomuch, Sin. Tone it the fuck down with your lovey-dovey crap. I want to eat, not choke on secondhand feelings.”
