I help Harper down to her feet and capture her mouth again. She opens beneath me, holding nothing back, and I want every piece of her. There are so many firsts we can share as we go to college and enter the workforce.
We’ll do it all together. Her needy little whimper doesn’t escape me, but I still draw away and get the popcorn. With a sigh, she takes my hand, and we walk back to the living room. She touches Eli’s arm as she passes and gives him a smile.
When I set the popcorn on the table, Caden grabs a handful. Harper takes the ice pack from Nico’s knee and puts it back in the freezer. He gives her a sleepy smile. The pain meds must be kicking in.
I take my seat. When she returns, she curls up next to Jack and touches Caden’s hair again. Her attention goes to the screen, and I just breathe this in. This is how I always want to be. Just my guys and Harper together.
I love the games we play, but this right here... This is what family means. I’m beginning to understand more that this is what love is.
Harper
I don’t want this to end, so when the credits roll, I put on a show and snuggle against Jack. He’s asleep and so is Nico. I don’t mind as long as they’re here.
Pausing this moment and staying in it forever should be an option. But tonight will end. The guys will go home, and tomorrow we’ll go to Eli’s and probably work on stuff that, as my mother says, shouldn’t be our responsibility.
Eli stretches and he turns to capture my gaze. He loves me. It’s so surreal.
They care about me, but love? They can feel it, but to label it that... My heart is close to bursting. Was it just to placate my mom? To make her feel better that they claimed me?
The stairs creak, and I turn to see Mom coming down the stairs. Smiling at me, she walks to the couch.
She places the back of her hand on Nico’s forehead. “Did they give him pain meds at the hospital?”
I nod.
“Fresh ice pack?” She glances at his brace.
“A little while ago.” Eli blows out a breath.
“Good.” She takes in the empty boxes on the island. I haven’t gotten the energy to clean up yet.
“We’ll clean up before we leave.” Caden stretches and turns to look at my mom.
I don’t want them to leave, but we definitely don’t have space for all of them at my house. Not unless we want to slumber party it in the living room. I smile because that would be another first.
“I’m surprised to find any of you asleep.” She smiles as Jack snores softly.
“He’s been working a lot.” I rest my head against his chest. “He has help, but he doesn’t want to give out too much.”
Mom nods. “It’s late. You should probably wrap up before you all fall asleep in the living room.”
I sigh. She’s right, but I don’t want them to go. Falling asleep together seems natural.
Luke grabs the remote and turns off the TV. Mom flicks on the kitchen lights as she gets herself a water. Jack wakes up and stretches beneath me.
“What’d I miss?” He smirks, but it’s sloppy from sleep.
“The whole movie.” Caden stands and then helps me up. “It’s time to head home.”
“You staying at my place?” Jack’s attention is on Caden as he stands beside me, putting me between them almost like second nature.
“Yeah, my parents are there for Ava.” Caden brushes my hair behind my shoulder, and a little shiver ripples through me. His eyes darken and I want to lose myself in him.
“Lock up after they leave, Harper.”
My cheeks heat. I forgot she was down here.
“I will,” I call after my mom as she climbs the steps. Her door closes and Caden captures my mouth, lifting me against him so he doesn’t have to bend down as much. I wrap myself around him, glorying in the taste and feel of him.
