Page 19 of Dreaming Without Heartache

“I’ll grab the kabobs and the boys.” Luke moves to stand in front of the grill, the lid raised. “Done?” I ask.

“Yes, ma’am.” Luke nods. “I moved them to the top so they wouldn’t overcook.”

“Thank you.” I smile as I move the food to the pan. Luke turns off the grill. “Take notes, Steven.” I turn to look at him. “Luke’s the best helper.”

Steven stands, a glass in one hand, and the other on his hip. “Guess you don’t get any of the sides I made then.”

Luke’s brows shoot up. “I’ll just go inside to check on Sam.” He pretends to tiptoe away.

“Don’t worry, Luke. Steven’s all bark and no bite.”

“Wanna bet?” Steven grabs me from behind, nearly making me drop the food, and playfully bites my neck. A laugh bursts out of me as I squirm. It’s my weak spot. Steven smirks, clearly pleased with himself.

“Is everything okay?” Sam rushes out of the house, a hand pressed to her chest. “Are you hurt?” Her eyes land on me.

“I was bitten by a savage.” I shove Steven.

“You scared the crap out of me,” Sam says.

“Vampires do exist,” Luke tells Sam. “I told you they were real.” He glances at Steven, and I can’t help but notice his focus.

“Better be careful.” Steven points at him. “I may turn you.”

I swear Luke’s face turns a deep shade of pink—most of it is hidden behind his beard.

“Let’s eat.” I motion for us to head inside. “And no more biting.” I point my tongs at Steven.

“You’re not my flavor anyway.” Steven purses his lips. Sam and Luke laugh.

After we fix our plates, we all head back out to the patio.

I made another round of drinks. It’s a nice night, the lanterns keeping most of the bugs away, and the fireplace adding to the ambiance. Steven sits to my left, Sam to my right, and Luke’s across the firepit.

“I’m glad you two came for dinner.” I tip my drink toward Luke, too aware of Sam watching me to look her way. I’ve caught her staring all night, and I feel it every time. I’m not positive, but it certainly seems like she’s interested. Or maybe she’s just friendly, and I’m hyperaware because she’s so damn beautiful. And that personality? It makes her damn near irresistible.

“Thanks for the invite.” Luke tips his drink toward me. “I needed this.”

I glance at Steven, his attention fixed on Luke. I hold back a smile. When I look Sam’s way, I catch her watching me again, and that pull hits low in my stomach. It’s been a while since I’ve felt that, and never without actually dating someone.

“We definitely have to do this more often.” Steven tilts his head my way. “My bestie is wonderful, but you two,” he says, gesturing between Luke and me, “have a nasty taste for whiskey. And this one,” he adds, reaching across me to touch Sam, who meets him halfway over my legs, “is my girl.”

“Hey!” I act upset for dramatic purposes. “Have I been moved to the second row?”

“Hell no,” Steven says. “You’re my soulmate.”

He knows just how to get me. I kiss my hand and send it out toward him. He does the same back.

“You two are the cutest,” Sam says, her eyes never leaving mine.

“I mean…” Steven gestures between himself and me. “Look at us.”

I laugh, knowing him all too well. He’s always saying we’re the best-looking gay friends he’s ever known. He’s my biggest cheerleader now that my sister’s gone. And when she was alive, he stood his ground, always in my corner. He did the same for Annie, too. Meeting Sam and Luke like this feels like perfect timing.

Chapter Eight

“Did you girls have a good time?” I ask them as they get in the car. I’m parked outside Judy’s house. It’s ten o’clock on the dot. When I texted her this morning, the wicked witch instructed me to be here at this time.

Maisie shrugs as she climbs into the back seat with Kara. She usually wants to sit up front with me, so I’m a little confused.