My brain blows a fuse at that last bit. Shit, is that what I really want? I want all of them?
Luke’s cool gaze meets mine like he knows what I’m thinking. My cheeks heat and I look at the cake. I can sort through my feelings later in private.
We pass out slices, and everyone gets a piece. Kenz talks about our art class and how this year’s project is going to be hella hard. Caden helps my mom with the dishes, and we spend more awkward moments talking about school before it’s time for everyone to go home.
Kenz never got a chance to tell me about Tanner, but I also forgot to ask her about it. I walk the guys out to their cars, and Mom waves and says goodbye to everyone. When we get to their cars, Kenz waves as she drives off.
“Happy birthday.” Jack hugs me. It feels nice and safe and appropriate after tonight’s dinner.
The others murmur happy birthdays as they each give me a hug good night. Luke is the last, and his hug feels like he’s never hugged another person in his life.
“We’re going to have to work on your hug,” I say softly in his ear as he releases me.
“Trying to fix me, princess?” Luke yanks gently on my ponytail.
I shrug. “Who knows, maybe you’re human after all.”
“I wouldn’t go that far.” He releases my hair and gives me a nudge toward my house. “Go inside. We’ll make sure you get in before we leave.”
“I think I can make it across the lawn without getting kidnapped.” I shake my head but walk to the house anyway, waving at the door before going inside to face my mom.
CHAPTER 39
The Taunt
Harper
“They seem nice.” Mom sits at the island covering the last bit of cake with plastic wrap.
I snort-chuckle at anyone thinking the horsemen are nice. “I suppose they can be.”
“They gave you a ring? Like all of them? Together?”
I hold up the ring, admiring the glint of silver against the black. My insides tumble over each other. “It’s a nice ring.”
I wonder if it’s just another way to mark me as theirs. I’m just glad they don’t insist I put it on my left hand. That would be too weird.
“It’s a very expensive looking ring.” Mom shakes her head. “Maybe I don’t understand dating these days.”
“We’re not really dating. They didn’t even know it was my birthday until you told them. So they had to scramble to get a gift.”
“Well, for scrambling they did a really great job.” She shakes her head and then raises her eyebrows. “Do you want to explain what’s going on?”
“What do you mean?” I hedge, glancing down at the ring to avoid her knowing eyes.
“Four guys bought you a ring for your birthday. They’ve made it clear they want to insert themselves into your life. Is this a dating thing? Does everyone date in groups these days? I would expect a more equal ratio of guys to gals, but I’m not even sure what that means anymore.”
I sigh and sink onto the stool next to her at the island. “I don’t know either, Mom. This is all as new to me as it is to you.”
She puts her arms on the island and turns her face to look at me. “Are you dating them?”
I chuckle. I can’t help it. Dating them? They own me, but I can’t tell my mom that. “Dating might be too strong of a word. How about hanging out?”
Smiling, she shakes her head. “So is this a hang-out-one-on-one situation or all together?”
My cheeks heat like they’re on fire. “Mom!”
“What I mean—” Mom cuts herself off, flustered. “Will they be taking you out on actual dates or will you just be ‘hanging out’ in a group?”
