Why doesn’t he see how much I could love him?
Stupid tears start to fall, and I run harder, tossing the bouquet to the side. Unfortunately, I can’t see where I’m going and run into someone, tumbling us both to the ground.
It’s Holmes.
“Shit, Mav. Are you okay?” he asks, rubbing his chest. “I came over because I felt something in here. What’s wrong?”
Like he cares.
“I’m sure you’ll be happily that Booney said I was too young,” I say, unable to keep the hitch out of my voice.
He runs his palm over his shorn hair. “Ah, Mav. I’m glad he wasn’t skeevy with a minor, but…I know it hurts. I’m sorry.” He lifts a shoulder. “Maybe, in a few years…”
“Whatever. Leave me alone.”
“Sorry, can’t. Twin code.”
“Twin code is stupid.”
He stands and helps me up after him. “You would do the same for me.”
That part is true. We always take care of each other.
“Besides,” he continues, popping his brows. “Uncle Anders brought fixings for s’mores, and we’ve got to get to the fire pit before they run out.”
I sniff and rub at my eyes. “S’mores sound good.”
I think I’m gonna be sad about Booney for a long time, but s’mores are s’mores, y’know?
“Race ya?” he asks, jogging in place.
I put on a sad face and nod slowly.
Then push him aside and take off for the fire pit.
He curses and runs after me, catching up just as we reach everyone else.
Coming up on my side, he nudges my shoulder with his. “You okay?”
I stick out my chin, even though it trembles. “I will be.”
“Wildings forever?”
I nod, grateful for my brother.
But don’t tell him I said that.
“Wildlings forever.”
2
MAVERICK
SEVEN YEARS LATER
There was an impromptu slumber party at the condo last night, which was awesome until Oakley showed up this morning after a hookup.
Turns out the sounds coming from Oakley’s room weren’t from my cousin but from my married uncles, who are well into middle age—not that you can tell, what with their matching six packs. Add in Rami and Truett, his hot barber boyfriend, plus my own extracurricular fun, and we might need to sage the poor walls before we sell this place.
