Recognition dawns on her as she nods against my hand.
And even though I know it’s fake, the feel of her pressed this close to me goes straight to my dick, something I’m sure she can feel since my body is pressed tightly against hers.
The footsteps trail off, and before we get caught in here by someone like my dad, I gently move Dilynne to the side, peek through a crack in the door to make sure the coast is clear, and then lead her out of my father’s office and down the hallway to the front door.
Once we’re safely inside of my truck and off my parents’ property, I blow out the breath I didn’t realize I was holding.
“Elliot…”
I reach for her hand as I drive. “I’m okay.”
“Are you sure? I can drive if you need me to.”
“I appreciate the offer, but I’m sure.”
She nods, and then after a beat asks, “What did you see on your father’s desk?”
The image is still so prominent in my mind, but I wish I had thought to take a picture of it. “It was…my grandfather’s will.”
“Oh.”
“But it was different.”
“Wh—what do you mean?” she asks with a shakiness in her voice.
“It’s not the one I remember seeing at the reading. This one was longer.”
“Why would your grandfather have two wills?”
“I—I don’t know, Dilynne. But I’m wondering if it has something to do with my father and Tori scheming behind my back.”
Chapter 20
Elliot
Rules Were Made to be Broken
“I just don’t understand why us girls can’t play blackjack with you guys one night?” Vienna lifts her water bottle to her lips, taking a sip.
Laney rolls her eyes. “Trust me, Vienna. It’s a lost cause. Dilynne and I have been asking for years.”
Henley shrugs from where he’s standing on my left. “It’s a tradition with the boys. Letting you girls play would be…”
Elodie leans forward, raising her eyebrows, her arms crossed over her chest. “What would it be,honey? And I suggest you think long and hard about how you finish that thought, otherwise, you might be sleeping on the couch tonight.”
Dilynne holds her stomach as she laughs on my other side. “God, it will never get old watching you be pussy-whipped, big brother.”
Henley rubs the back of his neck. “Blackjack is part of the foundation of our friendship. It’s not that we don’t want you there, it’s just that it would go against tradition.”
Dilynne rolls her eyes. “Again, Elodie. I think they’re just scared to lose to us.”
Vienna nods in agreement. “Yup. I think that’s exactly what it is.”
“What’s everyone talking about?” Rhonan asks as he approaches where we’re gathered next to the popcorn cart at Hart Winery for movie night.
The winery’s packed for one of the many events their mom started before she passed. I’ve always tried to show up and support as much as possible, and tonight, it feels good to be fully present with my friends—well, except for the persistent reminder of how my feelings toward Dilynne are only getting stronger.
Dinner with my parents a few days ago was worse than I thought it was going to be. In fact, I haven’t spoken to my father since then. He came into the office yesterday morning after the weekend and pretended like everything was fine.