I know what it means. And the thing is, I don't mind. I don't want to sneak around anymore. I want to kiss her without checking over my shoulder first or hiding in a damn supply closet. I want to hold her hand in front of my brothers, take her somewhere and not care who sees us. Levi already knows which means Boone will find out eventually. I'm done keeping secrets. But Bri isn't. And that's the part that makes me pause.
I blow out a breath, running a hand through my hair. I need to talk to her. This isn’t some stupid miscommunication trope where we beat around the bush about our feelings. I need to tell her exactly what I’m thinking and lay it all out on the line.
“Bri, I don’t want to hide my feelings for you.”
“Seth…”
I swallow down the fear. She’s not ready. I need to give her space. I need to prove to her why she can trust me.
“What time is game night?”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah. If you’re there, I’m there.”
I hear her let out a soft sigh, and I swear I can feel her smile through the phone. Probably has heart eyes and thinks I’m her prince charming. I hope I don’t let her down.
“I was hoping you’d say that. It’s right now. Did you already get something for dinner?”
I glance down at the lasagna that’s cooling on the counter. Made from scratch. My mama’s homemade recipe. Plenty to feed the whole neighborhood, though the thought of sharing it makes me irrationally possessive because I made it for Bri not our friends.
“I made lasagna.”
Her breath catches. “Oh my God, Seth. That’s so sweet.” Her voice softens. “Let’s just stay in. We don’t have to go.”
“No. It’ll reheat fine.”
“That’s perfect. I bet we’ll be starving when we get back to your place tonight. Can’t wait to taste it.”
I smile. She knows that the night might start at Rhiannon’s house, but she’s coming back here tonight. That gives me the kind of reassurance I didn’t even know I needed.
“I’ll see you in a few minutes?”
“See you soon.”
I grab my wallet and keys, covering the lasagna with foil and tucking it away in the fridge. My stomach’s tight as I head out the door, already thinking about what’s coming later. I don’t want togo to this damn game night, but it’ll be worth it. Because after tonight me and Bri are having a conversation about what the hell we’re doing.
No more tiptoeing around the truth. No more searching for the floor before I jump. I’m putting it all out there.
And I can only hope she’s ready for what comes next.
Chapter 29 – Brianna
“Bri! I’m so glad you came!” Rhiannon Carpenter’s bright smile greets me the second I step through the front door of her home with Natasha.
I’ve only hung out with her a few times now, mostly girls’ nights with Natasha, Rhiannon’s sister Eden, her sister-in-law Aly, and Rosie Tremblay—but she’s always been welcoming and full of life. But tonight is my first game night with the group, and legend says these things get crazy.
“Come inside! Rosie made margaritas, Aly whipped up taquitos and cheese dip, and I made cupcakes.”
“Thanks for having me,” I say with a smile.
Rhiannon beams as I step into her house. It’s just as beautiful as I remember from the last time that I was here cozy, but stylish, a reflection of her bubbly personality. Her two toddlers, Piper and Abel, are chasing each other around the living room, their high-pitched giggles echoing through the space.
“Don’t worry, they’re going to sleep soon,” she says with a soft smile.
I smile at the kiddos as they run across the carpet and love how warm their home feels.
“Hey, Bri!” Rosie, Boone’s wife says, pulling me into a warm hug. “It’s good to see you here tonight. How’s everything going with the Mayhem?”
