How do I feel more satisfied from a sexual encounter where I wasn’t even touched, than I have with any other experience?
Boston smiles just enough for me to notice and my heart sputters back to life. That’s a good sign. He isn’t completely full of regret if he still smiles when I bat my eyes at him.
So, of course, that’s the moment my brother approaches the table with his big grin and his sparkling eyes.
Boston’s smile sinks to the pits of hell.
He keeps his eyes to himself from that point onward. As we all take our shots. As we all sing, and chat, and drink. As we somehow avoid each other like a choreographed dance.
He doesn’t look at me for the rest of the night.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
boston
I’m fucked.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
ariana
He arrivesat the day-after party later than everyone else. I’m not going to pretend that I didn’t notice. When we left this morning, Carter told me that Boston had said to go ahead without him. That was a kick to the teeth, but I’m trying to maintain my confidence despite now needing dentures.
The party is in the Sweeten household’s backyard. The Sweetens are treating the wedding party to brunch before the rest of their friends and family arrive for a barbecue in the afternoon. I got to tag along because I’m Carter’s little sister and Boston’s plus one.Nothis wedding date.
At long last, Boston strolls through the backgate, completely alone, claiming that his hangover made it hard for him to get out of bed today. The guys laugh and poke fun at him for being a lightweight, and he just rolls his eyes and waves them off.
I stare at him inconspicuously through my sunglasses, downing my mimosa.
Liar.
He bends down to give two of the dogs, the ones who aren’t in Penny’s lap, belly scratches, never once looking my way.
I’m right here. In pink.
I reach for the bottle of champagne on the table and refill my glass. I skip the orange juice this time. Who needs it?
“Easy,” Arden murmurs. “Pour me one before you drink the whole bottle.”
Boston pulls out a chair next to Callum, about eight seats away from me. I’m not counting or anything, but it’s as far as he can possibly get from me unless he physically leaves the yard. He smiles at all the faces surrounding him, smacking his hand into my brother’s across the table, and then he looks my way. Hefinallylooks my way.
There’s a pause in time, I think. Our eyes burn into each other. I bring my drink to my mouth and Boston’s throat bobs as I swallow. My mind goes quiet, even as my heart is screaming at me to say hello.
Unfortunately, it’s at that very moment that Callum turns his head to speak to Carter, and Boston tears his eyes from me to gawk at the side of his Captain’s face.
“What the fuck happened to you?” Boston practically growls.
Callum goes rigid in his seat.
Everyone turns toward them, apparently missing something during the twenty whole minutes that Callum Saltzman has been here. I’m the smart one, so I look at his boyfriend instead. Wyatt is seated on the other side of him, glaring ahead at nothing. He doesn’t look like his usual self. Not even close.
How have we missed this difference all morning?
He looks like he’s about to explode.
That issonot a good sign.
“What?” Carter asks, glancing between Boston and Callum, confusion sweeping over his face.
