“Oh.” I rubbed my lips together. “That sounds like a lot of fun.”
Dean winked. “Yeah, if you’re game, we’ll just do that.”
“The lake with Dean Romano and Callum? Hell yeah. You better go. Shit. Maybe Ale and I should stay back and go too?”
“You’re more than welcome. I mean, I’m inviting on behalf of Callum, but shit, we could make it an event.”
“Hm. Let me talk to my family about it. I love my sister, but this sounds more fun.” She smiled and nodded at Dean. “You’re alright, my man. Wasn’t sure about you at first, but you’re okay.”
“Wow, thanks for the weird compliment.” He snorted.
It was such a simple exchange, but this moment had me thinking fantasy things. A reality that wouldn’t happen. Deanfit inwith my girls. He fit into this side of my life, which was super important. If this was real, and we were together, it would be simple. He could hang with my girls.
“Anytime, Romano. Lo is still my favorite, but I’m loving these blue tips. What the hell happened?”
I couldn’t stop myself from laughing. Dean had followed through on his part of the list, and I dyed the tips of his hair blue. He looked ridiculous but still pulled it off.
“Ah, this look?” He ran a hand through his hair, the motion causing the tendons in his arms to tighten, andmmmhe had great forearms. “Mack hooked me up. She’s a rainbow, and I did blue.”
“It’s annoying that you still look good,” I said, giving him apointed look. “No one should be able to pull off blue tips that well.”
“It’s a gift.”
I rolled my eyes just as Lo came out. Our attention moved to her as she proudly held her arm in the air.
“I’m inked. Gabe was my first.” She turned to him. “Thank you, sweet man, for making my first time gentle.”
“Jesus, Lo,” Dean said, groaning.
She laughed and high-fived Gabe, who just grinned at us. “Look, I already told Mack Mallinson this, but our family is a huge soccer family. Could I get a photo with all you ladies once you’re done? To quote Lo Romano, if I’m your first, I’d love it documented.”
“Of course!” Ale said, giggling with Vee.
“Fucking dork,” Dean said under his breath. I elbowed him. “What?”
“Should’ve dyed your hair green after all,” I teased. “Your jealousy is showing.”
Something between a groan and a growl rumbled in his chest, and I leaned closer. “At least I know Icoulduse Gabe for one of the items on my list if you ditch me for three days again.”
“You wouldn’t dare. We made a deal, Mallinson.” His eyes flashed with warning. “It’s you and me, all summer.”
“Or what?”
“Then I’m gonna mark you as mine. Right here.” He ran a finger over my throat before narrowing his eyes. “Don’t tempt me, Mack, or I’ll make sure he and everyone knows you’re with me this summer.”
And what about when it ends?
Worry about that later.
My brain was at war, but I pushed the negativity away. This summer was about having fun in the moment. Dean was that:fun. It took a lot of effort, but I smiled and said, “I think I’d like being marked, Romano. Maybe that should be on my list.”
“Fuck, you’re gonna kill me.” He leaned his head back and laughed. “Just wait until the next time we’re alone, Mack. Just you wait.”
CHAPTER
EIGHTEEN
Dean
