Page 261 of Barinov

I’m not usually one for hot dogs. No matter how many wiener jokes my boyfriend threw my way during dinner. However, after a full day of water sports, sunburns, and beer… the ballpark food surprisingly hit the spot.

Bella is curled between Lex and me on an oversized outdoor sectional on the deck overlooking the lake. The last of the dinner plates have long since disappeared, replaced by beer bottles, half-finished cocktails, and whatever concoction Brett convinced Knox to drink.

The lake ripples beneath the moonlight while the citronella candles scattered around the deck flicker against the wood. Keeping just enough of the mosquitoes away for everyone to pretend they’re working.

Ellie hasn’t stopped twisting the diamond around her finger since dinner.

“I still can’t believe you’re my fiancé,” she says for at least the tenth time.

“Darlin’,” Caleb chuckles. “It’s been three hours.”

Brett groans dramatically from his chair. “Good lord, somebody save us.”

Ty reaches over and tosses a pretzel at his brother.

Brett takes another swig from his solo cup before looking around the deck. “Anyone wanna play Never Have I Ever?”

“Oh hell yes,” Haley says immediately.

I sit up straighter. “Oh, this is going to end badly.”

“That’s the point,” Knox says, chugging the rest of his drink.

“Buttercup.” Brett points toward Ellie. “Ladies first.”

“Never have I ever…” Ellie absentmindedly spins her ring again. “Flashed an entire football team.”

Bella groans. “Oh, come on.”

Haley sighs. “It’s Cal’s fault.”

“Semantics,” Ellie says with a wink. “Now drink, ladies.”

Bella and Haley both take a drink while the rest of us dissolve into laughter.

“My turn,” I say, glancing at my sister and trying to hide a chuckle. “Never have I ever dated brothers with my best friend.”

Bella freezes halfway through reaching for another chip.

Ellie chokes on her martini. “You asshole.”

Bella sighs dramatically before taking another drink. “Those dang prep-school twins.”

“Gotta love that violinist era, sweetheart,” I say.

Bella points at me. “I hate you.”

“No you don’t,” I chuckle, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

Marisol lifts her drink. “My turn.” She glances around the deck. “Never have I ever had to shave my face.”

Every guy groans and drinks.

Haley laughs. “That felt slightly sexist, Mar.”

“Work smarter.” Marisol shrugs. “Not harder.”

Lex rolls his eyes, taking over. “Never have I ever steer roped a Russian.”