I frowned in exaggerated disappointment. “Oh, come on. You two won’t even give me a pity vote of confidence?”
Lily looked a little guilty. Grace shook her head with a giggle. Ms. Louis’s cackle could be heard loud and clear. I rolled my eyes when the guys joined and handed the rope to Grace.
“Fine. Y’all are on,” I decided, joining the guys on the sidelines. “Two against two. Winner goes against me. Losers have to buy ice cream from Bobby’s for everyone.”
Bobby’s Homemade Ice Cream was the best in Riley Beach and possibly all of Florida. The cups were expensive, but every spoonful was as precious as gold. I could practically see everyone’s mouth water at the mention of it.
“Including us?” Ms. Louis called, referring to her newly formed posse.
“Including them. Two scoops for the turners, though, since they’re doing the heavy lifting.” I winked at the girls and they grinned back.
Nate nodded and stretched out his arms to get ready. “Oh, say less. I’ve been thinking about butterscotch all morning.”
Leo chuckled. “Yeah, Rocky Road would be good right about now.”
“Better win then.” I gestured for the girls to turn. Leo rested his gaze on me and it stayed there for a moment while Nate timed his entrance.
“Mind if I talk to you after dinner?” he asked low enough for only me to hear.
I raised a brow and whispered back, “You’re invited to dinner?”
“Yeah… is that okay?” He studied my face, looking for a reason to bail early.
“It’s fine,” I said quickly before anyone noticed us whispering. “Just jump in.”
He nodded and brushed past me, purposefully knocking his shoulder against mine before entering the ropes. I forced myself to ignore his excuse to touch me.
Everyone cheered while my brother and Leo faced off in the double dutch challenge. I crossed my arms, watching them both, and did my best to not let my eyes linger on Leo. He was wearing a shirt that showed off his arms today. The muscles flexed and relaxed anytime he reached out to mess with Nate. They both nudged at each other, trying to get one another off their game.
“Don’t cheat,” I warned and crouched down to watch their footwork. Both of them were fast. Leo was far more agile. Nate’s proneness to being flat-footed bit him in the butt far sooner than I would have expected. Once he missed one jump, he couldn’t recover and tangled up the ropes for both of them.
“Nate,” I decided and jerked my thumb over my shoulder like an umpire. “You’re out.”
“Best two out of three?” he begged, heaving for breath with an enormous smile on his face.
I shook my head. “Game over. Them’s the breaks.”
He sighed and teasingly rubbed the top of my head. “Fine. It’s up to you to bring honor to the Anderson household then.”
“Stop it.” I laughed, shoving his hand away.
“You got this, Kira,” Lily encouraged while her sister and the rest of the older women across the street cheered, “Go, Leo!”
Grace blushed when Leo gave her a smile, and I understood the sentiment. Perhaps I too would throw my babysitter under the bus in favor of a smile from him.
“You ready?” I asked, lining up next to him.
He was barely out of breath as motioned for the girls to resume turning. “Ladies first.”
I scoffed and watched the ropes, timing my entrance perfectly. Leo followed soon after. He turned to face me, reaching out for my arm.
“Foul!” I laughed as I pulled away.
“There are no fouls,” he protested.
“She’s right,” Nate said. “No touching.”
My brother’s voice sounded a lot less humorous than before. I couldn’t turn my head to confirm the change in mood. The ladies across the street kept chanting for Leo, and a few bike riders paused to witness our ridiculous showdown. The riders also cheered for Leo like the bunch of traitors they were. Whatever happened to street loyalty?
