I stare at him, mouth agape, because he took note.I shake those thoughts from my head because it doesn’t matter.I glare at my chuckling friend before replying to Reid.“She’s holding a christening for her cat.I agree, if anyone needs Jesus, it’s that damn cat.He tried to kill me so many times.But she’s only messing with my head because she knows I think it’s absurd.”
His eyes widen as he stares at Freya with some kind of understanding.“I get it.”
Her eyes crinkle at the corners.“Get what?”
“Why you’re with Mark.You’re just as fucking crazy.”
She sniffs, lifting her chin.“I don’t care for your tone, tattooed boy.”She walks up to me and wraps her arms around me.“Call me if you need me.”
“Love you,” I reply softly, because this woman is my ride or die.She’s been my best friend for as long as I can remember.We’ve never fallen out or argued seriously.She’s an extension of me.I’ve not wanted to dwell on it too much, but I miss us living together.
“Love you too.Even if you refuse to be Godmother.”
I push her toward the door, laughing.“Go home before I tell Mark his favourite pair of trainers aren’t missing, and that your cat pissed in them.”
“You pinky promised,” she calls out.“I will tell your mum it was you who scratched the car and not her.”
“Heifer,” I yell.
I kick the door closed and sigh.Mercedes and Magnolia finish cleaning up the living room, which doesn’t take long since I stress-cleaned before we started the movie.
I don’t see Makayla anywhere, so I turn to the remaining two, hoping they hear my silent pleas, since Meghan decided to stay in her room tonight.“You two still going to stay and finish the movie?”
Mercedes shares a look with Magnolia before replying, “Actually, Mags wants to finish her applications for university.”
My shoulders drop.“Cool.Cool.”But I’m anything but cool.“You know where the blankets are, right, Reid?”
He rolls his eyes, getting to his feet.“Yeah, let’s pretend I’m not going to just sneak into your room afterwards, Sunshine.”
“No,” I immediately warn.“This isn’t going to happen.”
“I know the way,” he replies, smirking now.“You may as well bring up the bowl you assaulted me with so Hunter has water.He’s already been fed tonight.”
He makes his way upstairs and I spin toward my cousins.“You guys are traitors.”
Magnolia giggles behind her hand as I go to follow.“Don’t forget the bowl.”
I stick my finger up at them, stomp back down, and snatch up the bowl I hit Reid with.“I will remember this.I will.”
I’ve barely made it to the top of the stairs when I hear them both erupt with laughter.
Traitors.
I pause in my doorway when I see Reid lying down on his back, shirt off, the dog curled up next to him, his head in his lap.
And I’m jealous of a damn dog.
No, I’m not.
I slowly step inside, closing the door quietly behind me.“There are rules.No touching.No flirting.Nothing.And you stay on your side of the bed.”
He grins, flashing his teeth.“I have a side?”
I roll my eyes.“Yes, that side,” I state, pointing to the side furthest from the door.His eyes scan my attire and I shudder, goosebumps rising on my flesh.“Stop that.”
“Sorry,” he replies hoarsely.“Only just saw what you are wearing.”
I glance down and wish I had chosen something different than the silk shorts and camisole.And since I was with my girls, I didn’t see the need to keep my bra on.If anyone understands the need to get that fucker off, it’s them.
