“Hello, Cole, it’s good to see you again.” Felix, or maybe it was Ford, held out his hand. When I shook it, he preened happily. No, that was definitely Ford. “You’re in town for the summer, right? We should get together.” Always such a flirt.
A blush crept up my neck. What was I supposed to say? I wasn’t interested? I was seeing someone? Thank you? Ford batted his lashes at me as I cleared my throat, but before I could answer, Maverick jumped in to save me.
“He’s seeing someone already, boo.” My uncle nudged my leg from under the table. “Besides, I thought you were chasing RJ Shepard.”
Ford shrugged. “RJ’s boring. He won’t even text me back. Besides, what’s wrong with keeping my options open?” He winked at me, and I grew warm again.
Jesus, I wasn’t used to guys so openly flirting with me. It wasn’t horrible, but Ford just wasn’t my type.
“I saw you last night.” Leo slid into the seat next to mine. “After the race, eating ice cream with Reed Kelly. You two looked awfully cute together.”
I stared into his big, blue eyes. “You were there.”
“Sure. I mean, Andy and I were both there. We were at the race, too, to watch Silas. You know he and I have a friendly rivalry. He’s good.” Leo leaned against Andy. “Are you and Reed dating?”
Ford sighed. “Why are all the good ones taken or straight? This is so unfair.” He hooked his arm through his brother’s. “Let’s go, Felix. We have to practice.” He winked at me again, then they left the room, their footsteps fading as they went into the basement.
“You should come see the band before you head back home,” Andy suggested. “It’s usually small restaurants with outdoor areas for us to play, but it’s fun. Getting us ready for the big time.”
Leo clapped his hands in excitement. “And you can bring Reed.”
“Ricky.” Andy shook his head. “Don’t push it. Not everyone is like us.”
“Well, everyone should be. You took one look at me and decided that I was it for you. I was the one you were going to spend the rest of your life with. I can’t blame you, hon. I’m a catch,” Leo teased.
Andy laughed. “You’re something, all right.”
The two of them left the room, and I glanced over at Maverick and Jackson. “I think I fucked it up with Reed.”
Maverick’s eyes widened in surprise. “What makes you think that?”
“I said we were friends last night, and he looked so...heartbroken. I just... He disappeared on me once before. What if he does it again? We’ve gotten to know one another alittle better now. Face to face. And even though it’s been just a few days, I already feel like... I feel like Reed is the one. Is that crazy? It’s crazy. I shouldn’t even be thinking like that. We’re too young.” I chewed nervously on my bottom lip, afraid to meet their eyes.
Maverick was up and out of his seat, rushing over to me. “You can fix it. Cole, you can go back to him and tell him you made a mistake. Tell him what you just told us. I’m sure Reed would understand. You can call him right now. Go over there. We’d totally understand.”
“I don’t—” I was scared and afraid of rejection after Bryant hurt me.
“Boo.” Maverick shook his head. “If you think that Reed is the one, then you can’t wait. You need to tell him.”
“Sweetheart, don’t overwhelm the boy. I know you want everyone to be like Andy and Leo, to find their soulmate when they’re still teenagers. But it doesn’t always work out like that. And that’s okay. But theywillwork it out. Whichever way that might be,” Jackson said softly.
I tried to ignore the sting in my nose and the burn in my eyes as Maverick hugged me. I liked that he was super affectionate. Most of the family was, and that was just Maverick’s way of showing he cared. According to Dean, he hadn’t always been that way. Not when Jax wasn’t in his life. I had been a little terrified of him when we’d first met, but I had nothing to worry about.
“Now.” Maverick squared his shoulders. “Why don’t we go outside and enjoy the fresh air. Tate and my mother are in the pool if you’re feeling it up to it. I’m sure one of the boys has some shorts you can borrow. I think we should eat outside tonight, Goose.” He grinned up at Jackson.
I smiled at both of them as I climbed to my feet and headed through the hallway to the back door. I slipped my phone from my pocket before I stepped outside and sent off a quick text.
Cole:I hope we’re still on for that party tomorrow night. I’m looking forward to meeting your friends.
I stared at my phone, willing Reed to text me back, and just when I thought he was going to ignore me, the bubbles appeared, followed by his answer.
Reed:I wasn’t sure you still wanted to do that. But yes, we are.
Cole:I just want to spend time with you, Reed. If that means I have to be around a bunch of strangers, then so be it. I’ll be at your place at seven o’clock.
Reed:It’s a date.
Yes, yes, it was.