“Oh, how did Lucanegotiatewith you?”
“It was hot. I’ll say that.”
I snickered. “He’s made it clear that he’s still messed up from that girl and that she fucked with his head and game, so he never wants to go down that path again. I want to respect that decision. He opened up a little about what happened, and I don’t want him to feel violated or used in any way.”
“He told you?” Her brows rose to her wild hairline. “Holy shit. Dude, he trusts the fuck out of you if he told you about her.”
“I don’t know her name, but yeah, I got the pieces. It makes me want to take care of him for a little longer.” I sighed and melted into the chair. “We were planning onhanging outat the lake.”
“Ah, that’s the flicker of annoyance I saw on your face. Didn’t love that.”
“I hated lying to you. It wasn’t intentional. We are just never alone or have time to talk for more than fun stuff.”
“Yeah, that’s on me.” Lo leaned over and pulled me into abear hug. “However this ends, you will always have me. We have matching tattoos, which far outweighs being a twin.”
“Not true, but I appreciate you so much. I’m sorry. I wish it was someone other than Dean.”
“I don’t.” She grinned. “Again, you’re both some of my favorite people. I think this makes perfect sense as long as you two are on the same page.”
Are we?No.I wanted more, and he told me it would never happen.
“I don’t want this to come between you guys. I’m not sure if you should pretend you don’t know or tell him we chatted. I’m torn myself.”
“I’m not going to say anything.” She stood and tossed her blazer on the chair. “I’m going to pack. Luca is heading over here tonight if that matters to you.”
“You know I love Luca. He can be here any time.”
“No, I meant… if you wanted to go see Dean. You could.” She winked. “I kinda like playing matchmaking super spies.”
“That’s… okay, enough of that Lo.” I laughed. The relief I felt was almost tangible. I never stopped to think that I had the best friend in the world who would support our happiness. She was badass. The best. Her blessing almost made my daydream become more vivid. “You’re a dork.”
“But I’myourdork.”
“Yes, forever.” I held up my tattoo. “Glad you can join us. This weekend is gonna be epic.”
“Sure is.”
We agreed that the girls and boys would drive separately. Lo, Ale, Vee, and I hopped into Ale’s Jeep with the doors off, and itwas glorious. The wind whipped my face on the hour drive to the lake house, and the entire ride was filled with karaoke and dance moves. My heart was so happy since Lo and I talked, and now a drive and lake house trip with my girls? This was the literal dream.
Dean: we’re checking three items off the list tonight, Mallinson.
Mack: I’ll ask out three dudes we find?
Dean: funny.
Dean: streaking, bonfire, and skinny dipping
Mack: could play strip poker in there too.
Dean: With others? No way.
Mack: It’s part of the adventure, you hooligan.
I silenced my phone as we arrived at the house. Callum’s family owned this huge ass place with six bedrooms. It was perfect. I wasn’t gonna question how or why, but Dean insisted he’d get his own room where I could sneak into it at night. If I roomed with one of the girls, and I snuck off…. They’d know it’d be with Callum, Oliver, or Dean.
“Holy shit.” Ale parked the jeep and stared at the massive wooden mansion. “This is amazing, Callum.”
“Thank you.” Callum walked out the front door, shirtless and wearing aviators. He held a bottle of rum, not a glass, as he took a swig. “Come on in, girlies.”
