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I don’t have to turn to look over my shoulder to see that Roman is the one who asked the question. Instead, I stand tall and release my hold on my brother, making my way back to the opposite side of the kitchen island, reclaiming my stool next to Monroe. I take my time opening a box of pizza and pulling out a slice for each of us, placing them on a napkin before I allow myself to look up.
Roman’s eyes are locked on me. “Everything all right?” he asks. His eyes flash to Forrest, who’s eating another slice of pizza, and then back to me.
“Of course,” I say brightly. He doesn’t ask me to elaborate, and I don’t plan to. The last thing I need is to remind him that my brother thinks he still has to take care of me.
“Are you hungry?” Monroe asks him, breaking our staring contest. I quickly pick up my slice of pizza and take a bite as she continues, “Apparently, Forrest bought one for each of us and one for those who aren’t stuffed from the first.”
“Did I hear pizza?” Lachlan asks. He comes walking into the kitchen holding two six-packs of Smirnoff Raspberry. He sets them on the corner of the island, pulls one out, twists the cap, and hands it to me before he repeats the process of handing one to Monroe.
“Take it easy,” Forrest warns. He’s got the overprotective big brother look down to a science.
“You do realize we’ve been away at college, right?” Monroe challenges him.
“I don’t want to hear about it. You two are only allowed to drink when you’re with one of us.” He waves his hand around the room, and that’s when I realize that Legend and Maddox are also here.
“We’re big girls,” Monroe tells him. “Do you need me to show you?” She stands from her stool and saunters to where my brother stands on the other side of the kitchen island. She places her hand on his shoulder and lightly runs her fingers down his arm. I bite down on the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing.
“Monroe.” There’s warning in Forrest's tone, but that doesn’t stop my best friend.
“Forrest,” she purrs. Yes, she purrs and continues on with the slow trek of her hand sliding down his arm.
“He’s about to blow a gasket.” Legend laughs as he swoops in and snags Monroe around the waist, hoisting her up on his shoulders and running out of the kitchen. Their combined laughter leaves a trail behind them.
“She’s like a sister,” Forrest says, his eyes holding mine.
I lose my battle with my laughter as I hold my hands in the air defensively. “Hey, I don’t care who or what you do. Just know that if you hurt her, I’m gonna be pissed.”
Forrest’s gaze burns into mine. “You’d be good with me dating your best friend?” he asks. I can tell by the tone of his voice he’s completely surprised by my response.
“I mean, do you ever really ‘date?’” I ask, adding air quotations as I say the word date.
Forrest rolls his eyes. “You know what I mean, brat.”
I shrug. “You’re both consenting adults. What you decide to do or not do with one another isn’t my business. However, she’s my best friend and will continue to be, so if you decide to go there, just remember that she’s still going to be around when you’re done with her.”
“What makes you think I’d be done with her?”
“I don’t know for sure, but that’s how it’s going to be. She’s my best friend and will always be.” I can feel Roman’s eyes on me. Not just his, but Lachlan and Maddox are watching me too. Legend and Monroe are still in the other room, laughing at whatever antics they’re up to while I hold my brother’s stare.
“I don’t want Monroe,” he says, his voice soft. “She’s truly like a little sister to me. I don’t see her that way.”
I finally break his stare and move my eyes to the other guys. Maddox winks, Lachlan is grinning like he knows the secret to world hunger and doesn’t plan on telling a soul. And then there’s Roman. His green eyes are filled with something I can’t name. His look is serious and one of contemplation.
“That goes for all of you as well, and that one.” I nod toward Legend, who has his arm slung over Monroe’s shoulders as they enter the room. She has her arm around his waist, and they’re both smiling.
“What goes for me?” Legend asks.
“If any of you sleep with Monroe, you need to understand that she’s here to stay.”
“Ride or die.” Monroe holds her hand up for a high-five, and I lean in and slap my hand against hers.
“Oh, is that an option?” Legend tugs Monroe a little closer to his chest. “You want to go a couple of rounds, Roe?” he asks her.
“Meh,” she says, and the room erupts with laughter.
“Y’all better eat before this pizza gets cold.” With that, I grab another slice and place it on a napkin and hand it off to Monroe before grabbing another for myself.
The guys all gather around and dig in. There are five of them and two of us, all placed around the kitchen island. Somehow, Roman ends up beside me. His arm brushes mine every time he reaches for another slice or for his beer. My body is on high alert just being close to him, but the constant brush of his arm has me squirming in my seat.
