“It’s a classic,” Kai argued.
“Where’s Dad?” I wondered because I didn’t feel like being a mediator and knew he’d suggestFast & Furious— a movie I enjoyed but couldn’t admit to enjoying on principle.
“Finishing up a meeting with some of the guys,” Silas said while flipping through our streaming app options
I frowned. “This late?”
“He’s behind on one-on-ones.” Kai grabbed the remote from Silas. Neither one of us protested because he was the only one who could figure out how to get our TV to stop showing the malfunctioning blue lines on the screen. Once those things were clear, it’d be back to the war.
“I’m going to get a snack.” I pushed off the couch.
On the way to the kitchen, I passed Dad’s home office door. It was partially open, with a group of guys taking up most of the seating. Dad said something that earned him a chuckle from them.
I continued down the hall. Once I crossed the kitchen’s threshold, I jumped, scared out of my wits by Dakota sitting on one of our stools. He’d been reading a book but looked up when he heard my gasp.
“Oh, hey, Emmy.” He folded the book over so his finger marked his place. The cover read,The Horse and His Boy.
“I didn’t realize any of you guys were back here.” I held onto my chest as I scanned the area for more potential ambushes. He appeared to be alone.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you,” he said. “I’m waiting for my turn with your dad.”
“No worries.” I waved my hand and started towards the refrigerator. “I’ve experienced far worse.”
He chuckled. “Well, I don’t know if that’s good or bad to hear.”
“Good,” I assured. “Texas Chainsaw Massacreseries prepared me for the worst. But you wouldn’t know about that now, would you?”
“Here to bash my choice of scary movies once more?” He wore an amused grin. Dakota closed his book completely, giving me his undivided attention. Suddenly, I felt a little self-conscious under his gaze.
It wasn’t like he hadn’t seen me in worse things. We’d spoken while I was wearing dinosaur pajamas for heaven’s sake. I felt more appropriate in my loose maxi dress, yet still, just as vulnerable.
“Not bash, jab a little,” I teased while trying to push my insecurities back into the pit they came from.
“You know, I have an inkling you’ve never given psychological horror a fair shot.”
“I’ve given them too many shots,” I promise while setting a kettle on the stove. “Do you like tea?”
“I do.” He nodded, and continued, “You sure about that? Because from what I’ve learned about you, you’re quick in making decisions.”
I tilted my head to the side, considering the observation. “Maybe… I have been known to bulldoze my way through.”
“You should give them another chance,” he suggested as he fiddled with the edge of his book. “They might surprise you.”
I studied him for a second. Why did he have to look so cute and sound so hopeful? They might surprise me? That is what he was doing every time we spoke. There was no way he knew that, and yet a part of me worried if he did from how adamant his voice sounded.
“That’s my favorite in the series.” I pointed to the book in his hand.
He glanced down at the cover. “I prefer the last one.”
My eyes narrowed. “No one prefersThe Last Battle.”
“Guess I’m no one.”
“You’re someone who’s a glutton for punishment.” I opened the cabinet for sugar. “Give me one good reason why the last book’s the best.”
“I like endings that seem like beginnings,” he mused while still looking down at the book.
“Hm.” I raised a brow, trying to make sense of the expression on his face.
