They pile the makeup products into a small bag—everything they used, plus extras. The top gets folded carefully.
“Thank you,” I manage. “Really. This—” My throat tightens. “This means a lot.”
“We love you already,” Eden says simply. “You’re good for him. And he’s clearly gone for you.”
“I don’t know if?—”
“We do,” Jessica says. “Trust us. That man is wrecked.”
Jessica zips the makeup bag closed. “Okay, operation glow-up complete.”
“Almost complete,” Erin says, exchanging a look with Sophie that I immediately mistrust. “There’s one more thing we need to cover.”
“Oh no,” I say. “What thing?”
Sophie tilts her head. “You said last night was your first kiss, right?”
I nod, heat climbing my throat. “Right.”
Erin crosses her arms. “Then we’re assuming you’ve never, you know…gone further.”
My jaw drops. “Oh God. Are we doing the sex talk?”
“What?” she says, unfazed. “Someone has to do it.”
Jessica grins. “Consider this the Defenders’ Girlfriend Survival Seminar.”
Sophie sits beside me, voice gentle. “We’re not trying to embarrass you, Wren. We just want you to know that if things ever go further—with Kieran or anyone—you get to decide what happens and when.”
Eden nods. “If you don’t like something, say so. You don’t owe anyone silence.”
“And if you do like something,” Jessica adds, “say that too. Guys are not mind readers. They’re basically golden retrievers with protein powder.”
Laughter ripples around the room.
Sophie smiles. “You can stop or change your mind anytime. Even mid-kiss, mid-anything. If he’s the right guy, he’ll listen.”
“Protection,” Erin says firmly. “Every time. No exceptions.”
“If he can remember line changes and away game schedules,” Jessica says, “he can remember condoms.”
“Good ones,” Sophie adds. “Not the emergency-drawer mystery pack Jessica and Finn used.”
Jessica groans. “One time.”
“One time was plenty,” Erin says dryly. “Twins.” She holds a straight face, then breaks when Jessica swats her.
Eden’s tone softens. “Just remember, it’s about you. You’re allowed to want things. You’re allowed to change your mind. That’s not mixed signals. That’s being safe.”
The knot inside me loosens. “Okay,” I say quietly. “Got it.”
Erin squeezes my hand. “Good. Because Kieran might be my brother, but he’s still a guy. Even good ones need reminders. And if he ever crosses a line, you call me.”
“She means that,” Jessica says cheerfully.
“I really do,” Erin adds.
Laughter breaks the moment.
