Page 49 of Hex Appeal

“Oh.”

“And the game ended.”

“They lost?”

“They lost.”

I nod. “Told you.”

He looks toward the women. His gaze catches on Jessie. Something dark passes over his face.

Then it's gone.

“I'll get a ride home,” I tell him.

“I figured.”

His eyes move to Serena. Then back to me.

He smiles. “Glad everything's okay.”

I know he isn't talking about the fire.

“Yeah.” Me too.

Much later, after everyone has gone and the fire is nothing but wet ash, Serena and I stand alone in the backyard.

My arms are wrapped around her.

Hers circle my waist.

“You scared the shit out of me tonight,” I tell her.

“I was standing around a legal fire with a bucket of water.”

“I know.”

“You blasted our ex-boyfriends with a fire extinguisher.”

“Technically, I blasted the symbolic remnants of your ex-boyfriends.”

She laughs against my chest.

I close my eyes. That sound. I'll never get tired of it.

Her laughter fades. “Welles?”

“Hmm?”

“What you said before.”

I know exactly what she means. I look down at her.

“I meant it.”

Her eyes search mine.

“I love you.” Saying it the second time is easier.