Those little boys are already best buds. Rhett will grab hold of Axel around the neck and give him a big kiss on the cheek. It’s so cute.
Another generation of friends in the making.
“You seem really happy,” Jocelyn says to me at one point, coming to sit beside me after we’ve all cleared the table and Beck’s parents forced us outside so they could clean the kitchen. “With Beck.”
“With everything,” I admit, smiling at her. “It’s been a good senior year so far.”
“Are you in love with him?” Jos asks, her brows shooting up.
I offer a shy nod, ducking my head. I don’t know why I’m embarrassed to admit this to my big sister, but I am. It still feels so fresh and new between Beck and I.
“He’s really sweet to you. And he watches you everywhere you go.” When I glance up at her, I find my sister smiling at me. “Pretty sure he’s obsessed with you.”
We both laugh. It’s actually something Beck said to me a few nights ago, after a particularly hot and heavy make out sesh in his 4Runner.
“You still like it here in Seattle?” I really do want her opinion. Washington is an option for college, and it would be great to live closer to my sister. We’ve grown distant, which I think is normal. She’s busy raising a family while I’m in school, but I want us to get closer.
I think she does too.
“I love it. I don’t mind the weather. It’s beautiful here, and when Diego isn’t playing, we spend a lot of time outdoors. We both worry he’ll get traded though.” She shakes her head. “But that’s okay. Wherever Diego and our children are, is where I want to be. We can make a home anywhere.”
“That’s actually the sweetest thing ever,” I admit, and Jos smiles.
“Wait until you find it someday. Your forever person. Maybe you already have.”
My smile is small, my thoughts filled with Beck.
Yeah.
I think I’ve found him.
By the time the cake is brought out, I’m tired. Ava added candles to the three-tiered cake that are more like fireworks, and they give off sparks everywhere as everyone sings Happy Birthday to us. We eat cake and open presents, and I find myself leaning back in the stuffed chair I’m sitting in, closing my eyes as people chat around me.
“Hey, Sleepyhead. Don’t pass out on me now,” Beck whispers to me.
I crack my eyes open to find him kneeling beside my chair, his direct gaze warming me up. “I’m so tired.”
“Guess you should nap then. I have plans later.” He leans in closer, his mouth brushing against my ear as he whispers, “I’m gonna sneak into your room.”
Oh.
When he pulls away, that sly smile on his face, I can’t help but laugh.
“You’re bad,” I tease him.
“You like it.” He kisses me.
Anticipation fills me. If it all comes together, I know what’s going to happen tonight.
And I can’t wait.
Jos and Diego leave first, their kids in tow.
“You sure you don’t want to stay the night with us?” Jos asks me as they’re about to walk out the front door.
“I’m so tired. I hope you don’t mind if I stay here instead.” I offer her a sleepy smile, which is real, but let’s face facts. I’m not leaving this house. Not after what Beck told me.
“We can talk more at the game tomorrow,” I add.
“Sounds good.” She hugs me. Gigi does too.
And then they’re off.
Ash and Autumn are staying at a hotel. So are Jake and Hannah. They all leave together, Jake promising he’s going to destroy the Seahawks tomorrow out on the field.
“Bring it, Callahan!” Eli shouts at him as they’re leaving. “We’re going to kick your asses!”
“Yeah! Kick their asses, Daddy!” Kenzie crows, which makes Eli crack up.
Ava, not so much.
It’s pure chaos leading right up to bedtime, but soon enough, I’m tucked away in one of the guest rooms, running my hands over the soft comforter before I pull it back and snuggle in. I already took a shower and I’m warm and sleepy, clad in my favorite sleep shorts and tank top. The pillow is so fluffy and comfortable, I can’t resist closing my eyes for just a second.
“Adds.” Gentle fingers grip my shoulder, shaking me. “Adds, are you awake?”
My eyes flutter open to find my shirtless boyfriend sitting next to me on the bed. I immediately push up onto my elbows, looking around. “What time is it?”
“Just past eleven.” He smiles. “You fell asleep.”
“I was so tired.” I collapse on the mattress, glancing over at him. “Chasing all those little kids wore me out.”
“We did a lot today.” He leans over, delivering a chaste kiss to my lips before he pulls away slightly. “Are you too tired?”
“For what?”
“You know.”
I do know.
“No. I’m not too tired.” I smile at him.
He grins back.
“Did you lock the door?” I ask.
He nods.
“Do your parents know where you’re at?”
“Uh, no.” He makes a face. “Want me to text them? Let them know what’s up?”
I giggle. “Of course not. I just—you don’t think we’re going to get caught, do you?”
“My sister’s house has wings, Adds. My parents are on the other side of the house. The complete other side. You really think they’re going to catch us?” He stands and I quickly take in what he’s wearing as he walks around the bed. Black basketball shorts slung so low there’s no way he’s wearing underwear beneath them.
My body catches fire at the realization, my gaze snagging on his flat stomach as he pulls back the covers, so he can slide into bed with me. “They’re probably already asleep,” he reassures me as he tugs the comforter back over the two of us.
Excitement bubbles up inside of me, with a healthy dose of apprehension as well. I’m not too scared about having sex, especially with Beck. But I really don’t want us to get caught.
Talk about embarrassing.
“This mattress is hella comfortable. I think my sister gave you the better guest room,” he grouses as he grabs hold of me and pulls me in close.
I love how physical he is, and how easy it is for him to pick me up, drag me around, whatever. I’m not a delicate little girl. I’m tall and I’ve got some muscle on me. But Beck makes me feel downright dainty.
I sneak a leg around his, rubbing my toes against his calf as he starts nuzzling my neck, his lips pressing into my skin. “I am the guest, so I guess I deserve it. Besides, you’re just her baby brother.”
“Hmm, do I feel like a baby right now?” He rolls me over, so I’m on my back and he’s hovering over me.
And I can already feel that he’s hard.
“Not quite,” I tease him, sucking in a breath when his mouth finds mine. His kiss is insistent, hungry and I open to him, our tongues dancing, his hand already slipping beneath my tank. His fingers graze the underside of one breast, sending shivers…
Everywhere.
“Fuck, you smell so good,” he whispers as he drops little kisses along my jaw. Down my neck. On my ear, biting the lobe. I suck in a soft breath, a sigh leaving me when he slips farther down, his mouth mapping my collarbones, my chest, along the neckline of my tank.