It would be so easy to pull her against me, right into my lap and change everything between us.
But that’s the thing, it would changeeverything.
“You ready to go inside?” I ask, breaking the tension between us.
Rae nods. “Is Easton coming?”
“No, he’s not in town,” I answer as we both get out of the car.
“Damn, that’s too bad. I was hoping to see my favorite Wheeler.”
“Oh your favorite, huh?” I raise my eyebrow as she leans against the roof of my car with a mischievous smile on her face.
“That’s what I said.”
I nod, and then start to chase after her. She giggles, running away from me. I catch her easily, wrapping my arms around her middle and lifting her up as she squeals. We’re both laughing, and I’m trying not to focus on how good it feels to have her body pressed against mine. Even if it doesn’t mean anything to her, I try to convince myself of the same. She playfully kicks her legs at me.
The front door swings open and my cousin Maya stands there, folding her arms over her chest. She’s the youngest out of all of us at twenty.
“Are you two done flirting and ready to join us?” she calls out, causing Rae to stop pretending to fight my hold. Somehow her relaxing into my arms is even better. That is until she registers what Maya said, and stiffens. I set her down, not wanting to make her uncomfortable and we walk toward the house.
I stick closely behind her, so I can hear when she quietly threatens, “Careful or I’ll make sure to embarrass you in front of my brother.”
Maya scoffs, “Too late for that.”
I raise an eyebrow, even though neither of them are looking at me. I feel a little clueless with whatever they’re talking about and make a mental note to ask Rae about it later.
Music is playing as we walk in, which is basically how Rae’shouse always has been. Either her mom playing something and practicing new songs, or a speaker is playing music of various styles at all times. I don’t think this house has ever known quiet.
Mine hardly knew quiet as well, but that was usually because my brother and I were competing in some way. Or my parents were trying to get us to calm down. Let’s be honest, everyone in my family has a loud household and it’s what we’re all used to.
Rae is pulled away from me by Maya, and I watch her giving hugs to everyone while I stand back with Steele. We hadn’t talked much at the concert because I didn’t really talk to anyone. My focus was purely on Rae.
“She did well tonight, huh?” I say, looking over at her, which is where he’s looking as well. Though I don’t think his eyes are on his sister.
“Yeah, she did,” he agrees, and I swear I see his eyes locked on Maya.Interesting. He speaks again, pulling his eyes away from where they were looking and I think maybe I was imagining things. “You ready for the season?”
“Yup, I have to win more cups than our dads did,” I declare, always vowing to beat their record of three wins.
“I’m sure your dad will love when you get to rub that in his face.”
I chuckle in agreement. “What about you? How’s your training going?
He nods “Good, I need it to actually snow so I can get some good time in.”
Steele is a snowboarder, and one of the best to ever exist. He seems like he could snowboard before he could even walk, at least that’s the story he likes to tell people even though it’s not true. It’s close enough and his talent shows. He’s competed in the Olympics twice, and has more sponsors than my NHL team.
“I bet. A little hard to snowboard without the snow,” I agree.
My name is called, and I recognize Rae’s angelic voice calling out for me. I catch her eyes across the room, and she gestures her head to encourage me over there.
“Better go before she throws a fit,” Steele jokes.
I chuckle, remembering how when we were kids she could be so impatient, especially when she wanted me to come play with her. Not her brothers, not Easton or Evie and Maya. Just me. It never bothered me because I was always the same. She’s been my favorite person for as long as I can remember.
When I reach Rae, she beams up at me. “I was just telling everyone that the Dragons have hired me on as a coach this season.”
“Yeah? What did you tell them your qualifications were?”
