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“You did?” His eyebrows raise, but he grins as I nod. He leans in and kisses me. It grows heated like it always does, and I let out a small whimper.
We’re interrupted by someone clearing their throat and we turn to find Luke, Mark, and Dylan. I step away from Charlie, feeling guilty even though I shouldn't. Luke left me. I have every right to kiss Charlie. But why does it feel wrong on some level? I brush it off and stay under Charlie’s arm.
“Henry said we should come talk to you about our duties,” Mark says. Luke’s face is like stone. Dylan looks pissed, but that’s his general disposition.
“Right. Sure,” Charlie says to them before he turns to me. “Why don’t you go get cleaned up and I’ll catch up with you later?”
I press my lips to his for a quick kiss, then head towards the door. Luke stares at me as I approach, but I turn away before he burns me with its intensity. A wave of calm settles over me and I turn back and grin at Charlie before I disappear around the corner. I let out a long breath once I’m out of sight and head towards Garrett and the rest of the group waiting on the porch. Jordy and Skye sit on the rocking bench sipping coffee. Vera leans against the railing with her own cup.
Jackson stands and crosses his arms. “You’re not fooling us, Sparrow.”
I frown. “What are you talking about?”
“He’s talking about the fact that you’re not in love with that guy,” Brando says.
Garrett laughs without humor and backs up when I glare at them both. “Listen, fellas. I’ll only say this once. My relationship with Charlie is none of your damn business. You’re guests here, and if you want to stay that way, then shut your mouths about things you don’t understand.”
They share a glance before facing me again. “You’re going to stand there and expect us to accept your bullshit?” Jackson says.
I step into their space. “I expect you to respect my choice. Have none of you learned that’s all I ever wanted?”
They both deflate and drop their arms.
“Drop the attitude or leave. I love you both, but this is my life. My decision.”
Jackson sighs and nods. “Alright. You win darlin’.” He and Brando pull me in for a group hug.
“That’s right. Don’t fuck with my best friend, assholes,” Vera says, and everyone laughs.
A while later, as we’re shoveling pancakes in our faces, Luke catches my eye. The stoniness and edge from earlier have disappeared, and he smiles at me like he always used to. Like I’m the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen. My lips quirk up before I can stop them, and I blush as I return to my pancakes. This is going to be harder than I thought.
