Page 27 of Forbidden King (Magnolia Falls)

“That’s true. It came later for you,” Romeo said over his laughter. “Demi had shirts made for everyone to wear to the first game, so we’ll meet at the house beforehand on Saturday, and we’ll all head over together.”

“Looking forward to seeing our boy shine,” I said, and I meant it.

This was the shit that I lived for.

seven

Saylor

We all metat Romeo and Demi’s house before the game, and Demi passed out the jerseys that she’d made for us all to wear. It was Cutler’s first game playing for the Magnolia Falls Ducks, and we were all going to be there to support him.

“These are so cute,” I said, as Kingston came around the corner wearing the white and light blue jersey that readBeefcake Heart #3on the back.

He had on a pair of dark jeans, slung low on his hips, and his broad shoulders filled out the jersey like he was made for it. The buttons weren’t buttoned yet, and his golden-tanned abs were on full display. His gaze met mine as I was pulling the shirt on over my tank top, and he strode toward me.

“What’s up, Dandelion?” He kept his voice low so no one else could hear. The nickname had always been our secret. Something that just stayed between the two of us.

“Not much. Just excited about the game.” I sucked in a breath when he grabbed each side of my jersey and started buttoning the buttons for me.

I breathed him in. Mint and sandalwood flooded my senses.

We were so close that the back of my hand grazed his stomach, and I didn’t pull away as quickly as I should have.

He’d been working long hours at the bookstore, and I’d always go over at the end of my workday at Magnolia Beans to check on the progress.

I’d noticed he’d not been going out much at night lately. He said he was tired from the hours he’d been putting in.

“Me, too. Looking forward to seeing our boy shine out there today.” He finished buttoning my jersey but didn’t let go of my shirt. “This looks good on you.”

“Thank you,” I said, just as Ruby cleared her throat, and I turned to see my brother walk through the front door.

Kingston glanced over his shoulder before turning back to wink at me, and then he stepped away and started buttoning his jersey.

There was this strange pull between us.

Maybe it was our history.

Maybe it was an attraction.

Or what I feared was that this was just a one-sided pull.

Kingston saw me as a friend. Part of his family.

I needed to remember that.

“Let’s go, Ducks!” Hayes shouted, and Demi tossed him his jersey.

“Okay, let’s get going. I want to get the best seats,” Ruby said.

“Baby. It’s six-year-olds playing peewee ball. The stadium is not selling out. It’s wooden bleachers at the park, and if we show up on time, we’ll still get the best seats in the house.”

“I’m with Ruby,” I said. “We need to get there early. I promised Cutler I’d be in the front row.”

“Agreed. I’m not willing to risk it. Grab your water bottles and let’s go.” Demi high-fived me and Ruby. Peyton showed up just in time to grab her jersey as we made our way out the door.

We walked the short distance to the ballpark, and I slipped my hand into the pocket of my jersey and smiled when I felt the little flower that Kingston must have slipped in there.

I’d been trying to be slyer about doing the same to him. I’d gone to his office when he was at the bookstore last week and placed one on his desk. I’d slipped one on the dashboard of his truck yesterday when he’d been eating at the Golden Goose, and I happened to walk by and see his truck. Lucky for me, the man never locked his doors.

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