“Queen? Hearts?” Paisley says.
“Oh, the evil queen?” Piper asks.
“Time!” Luke calls.
Carrie tosses her papers aside. “That counted. We got four.”
Luke stands to take his turn, rubbing his hands together like he’s prepping for surgery.
Piper leans closer, her shoulder pressing lightly into mine. I wonder if she’s about to tell me something, but she remains like that all throughout Luke’s turn. Which is not a good thing because of the way it distracts me. Her laughter rumbles through her body, and I feel it through her arm, making me miss the clues about Louis L’Amour—which is one I wrote down, so I should have guessed it immediately. Her scent intoxicates me, causing my thoughts to drift away from Luke and make Hudson snap in front of my face.
“Dude.” Luke shakes his head, sitting down. “What is up with you tonight?”
“Probably has a book in his head,” Paisley says. “He’s got that faraway look.”
I frown. “No, I don’t.”
Hudson throws his arm around the back of the couch. “You’re definitely distracted, man.”
The reason is obvious, but I’m glad none of them seem to pick up on it. “Come on, P. It’s your turn.”
Paisley pops up and takes the stage area, but I miss her entire turn because all I can think about is the woman beside me.
Which is pretty much how the rest of the night goes.
Evidently,we put way too many names in the bowl for the game, because it takes hours—or so it feels—to get through all three rounds and declare a winning team. The guys take it by two points. It’s so close, which is impressive, since the ladies have a near stranger on their side, but my distraction didn’t help. I have a feeling they’d sweep us after spending a little more time with Piper. Luke ditches us the moment the game ends to take a call in his office.
“Did you get everything you need?” Piper asks, shifting toward Paisley on the sofa. We’re all chatting now, snacking on Carrie’s baked Chex Mix and not wanting to drive back home.
“Yeah, but if I have clarifying questions, can I give you a call? I don’t think I’ll need to, but it’s nice to have the option.”
“Of course.” Piper pulls out her phone and opens it to the contacts to exchange numbers.
“We’d better go,” Hudson says, rubbing his eyes.
“Are you ready?” Paisley asks.
Piper hesitates the slightest bit, just enough to lend me the confidence I need. “I can give you a ride home,” I offer before I can chicken out. “It’s less out of my way, anyway.”
Paisley opens her mouth to argue, because it’s not really convenient at all, but I spear her with a look, and she closes it again.
Piper sits up, her wide green eyes trying to read my face. “Are you sure?”
“It’s not a problem.”
“Thanks.” Piper settles back in the seat again.
Hudson pulls Paisley up by the hand and doesn’t let it go, tucking her close. “Good night, guys.”
Carrie leans over. “It was really nice meeting you, Piper.”
“Same.” She gives my sister the sweetest smile.
Then Carrie follows the lovebirds outside. Since she’s Paisley’s roommate, that means everyone is gone except Luke, who’s still on the phone. I can hear the murmur of his voice through the door, but not what he’s saying.
We could leave now too, but Piper doesn’t move, so I milk this moment for everything it’s worth and stay right where I am. It’s cozy in Luke’s living room with the historic features and mid-century furniture. Everything is warm tones and a blasting heater, so I could really sit here all night.
“Your family kind of feels like something special.”
