Summer studies me with appreciation. “Good. He really is a great guy, and once he gets something he wants, then he tends to never let it go.” Her eyes are tense when they meet mine, but they still keep that light inside me burning.
The sound of the door opening breaks our conversation.
“Is my sister being a pain in the ass?”
She gawks at him. “Shall we replay the last year and your sound advice?” Summer pats his shoulder in passing. “I’m repaying in full.”
We both watch her leave, and if I’m honest, I envy their family dynamic. Keats turns to me with his hands in his pockets. “Everything alright?”
“More than.” I peer down to the snack plate. “This is literally the slowest creation of veggies, cheese, crackers, and hummus. I’ve made you all starve while we wait for the burgers.”
Keats chuckles and waits for me as I circle around the island and stop in front of him. He brings his lips to mine to steal a kiss. “You’re forgiven. Just wanted to check that youare still alive and Summer hasn’t shared any embarrassing stories about my high school hockey days.”
I flash my eyes at him. “I shall never say.”
I walk away, but I can’t help noticing that he dawdles behind to observe me, and one quick view over my shoulder informs me that he’s pleased that I’m here.
Every minute lately keeps tightening that knot between us.
And there are no complaints.
19
KEATS
Damn. Family-and-friends BBQ now has a new meaning.
I was able to tear my eyes away after seeing a few seconds of Esme chatting with the women while playing catch with my nephew which entails a gentle toss while he stands next to her. Then there is the fact that my sister keeps winking at me in approval which is now exhausting.
But still, it all just feels comfortable.
“Yeah, a Colorado wedding next summer,” Liam informs us while he scoops up the last burger on the grill with the spatula.
“Destination wedding here we come,” Oliver says.
“Just let us know the date to see if I can pencil you into my calendar,” I add.
The guys chuckle. “Grouchy workaholic, here we come,” Liam notes.
Oliver nudges my shoulder. “Nah, he’s toned it down a bit since he has a woman living with him.”
“What’s the deal with that, by the way? Esme just moveson out when her house is repaired? That’s like taking a step back in your relationship,” Liam makes his thoughts known.
“Well, it is her home. It’s not like it’s just going to be an empty house once it’s fixed,” I note, and it kind of stings that it’s the logistics, because I’m beginning to feel that she belongs somewhere else.
Oliver looks at me strangely. “I heard her mention that it will take at least three months to be fixed. That’s quite a timeframe to live together. Surely, you get attached and stuff.”
I shrug. “Haven’t really thought that far. We’re just, you know, going with it. Day by day.”
The guys look between one another then focus their attention on me. “Hmm, okay.” Oliver speaks on their behalf with the most unconvinced tone.
“What else am I supposed to say?”
“I mean, I guess nothing,” Liam admits.
Oliver just continues to have his cheeky smirk. “When you start to see past day by day, then it’s your sign, buddy.”
I gawk at him for a hot second. “Oh really?” I deadpan, and that causes his demeanor to recoil.
