Page 43 of Three Pucking Wedding Dates

“Let’s just say, she’s got her ways,” Oakley replies cryptically, stepping back and offering me a small, knowing smile. “But don’t worry, she’s cool with it.”

“Really?” I can’t help but feel relieved, though I’m still reeling from the revelation.

“Gray, it’s really not a big deal,” Iris says with a dismissive wave of her hand. “Stuff like that happens sometimes. It was just a one-time thing, right?”

Her carefree tone does little to ease my nerves. I can’t help but glance over at Oakley. Her green eyes meet mine, and although her expression remains neutral, a subtle furrowing of her brow tells me she understands my unease. We both know that night was more than just a fleeting moment of passion, and has already been more than just a one-time thing. The connection between us—Reid included—feels too significant to be forgotten or ignored.

But her gaze also says that we’ll talk about it later.

“Right,” I murmur half-heartedly in response to Iris, hoping my voice doesn’t betray the whirlwind of emotions churning inside me.

As we stand there, my thoughts race back to the heat and intensity of having sex with Oakley. The way Oakley’s lips taste, how my hands feel on her body…

A sudden burst of energy enters our circle, and I look over to see Reid sauntering toward us with his trademark grin, Theo following after him.

“Hey, guys, I’ve got a great idea,” Reid announces, clapping his hands together in excitement. “What do you say we all head out for some bowling? It’s been ages since we last did it.”

His suggestion catches me off guard, but I can’t deny that spending an evening with Oakley sounds appealing. Before I can respond, though, my thoughts drift back to our last bowling outing, where Reid’s skills were anything but impressive.

“Are you sure about that?” I ask, raising an eyebrow in playful skepticism. “I seem to recall you being quite the gutter ball king last time.”

Reid scoffs at my teasing, his green eyes sparkling with challenge. “Please, that was just a fluke. You know I’m good at everything—especially making comebacks.”

“Is that so?” I chuckle, feeling the familiar warmth of brotherly banter wash over me.

“Absolutely,” Reid retorts, crossing his arms and pretending to be offended by my doubt. “But if you want to see for yourself, you’re more than welcome to join us. In fact, I insist on it.”

I can’t help but smile. “Alright, alright,” I concede, holding up my hands in mock surrender. “Bowling it is. But don’t say I didn’t warn you when you’re begging for mercy on the lanes.”

A flicker of excitement lights up Avery’s eyes at the mention of bowling. “That sounds like so much fun!” she exclaims, her gaze drifting to Theo. It doesn’t take a genius to see the crush she has on him; her body language speaks volumes as she leans in closer and bats her lashes. I bite my lip to keep from chuckling. Poor girl doesn’t stand a chance.

“Count me in,” she says, her smile bright and hopeful as she looks at Theo expectantly.

Theo, however, doesn’t seem thrilled by the idea. He crosses his arms over his chest and shakes his head. “I think I’ll pass.”

“Come on, Theo,” Reid chimes in, slinging an arm around our brooding brother’s shoulders. “You’ve been playing loner for the last few weeks. It’s time to get out and have some fun with the rest of us.”

Theo’s piercing blue eyes narrow dangerously as he shrugs off Reid’s arm. “I don’t need babysitting, Reid.”

“Who said anything about babysitting?” Reid teases, undeterred by Theo’s cold demeanor. “We just miss your charming presence, that’s all.”

I can tell Reid is pushing Theo’s buttons, but it’s all in good fun. At least, I hope so. I don’t feel like breaking up that fight.

Reid and Theo continue their back-and-forth banter. I can’t help but feel a twinge of concern for my brooding brother, wondering if this outing will do more harm than good.

“Alright, alright,” Theo finally concedes, his deep voice strained with frustration. “I’ll go if it’ll shut you up, Reid.”

Reid grins triumphantly, clapping Theo on the back. “That’s the spirit!”

“Can we get going then?” Oakley chimes in, her green eyes sparkling with impatience.

“Of course.” Reid raises his hands in mock surrender. “Theo, Iris, and Avery, you’ll fit in the back seat for Charlie to drive. Gray, Oakley, and myself will take my car.”

Theo shoots a dark look at Reid before heading toward Charlie’s car. I see Avery wasting no time in latching onto his arm, her infatuation with him painfully obvious. Poor girl—she has no idea what she’s getting herself into.

“Think that’s going to be a disaster?” Oakley asks, her gaze following Theo and the girls as they make their way toward the sleek black sedan waiting for them.

“Disaster? Hmm,” Reid muses, placing a hand on the small of Oakley’s back. “I think you should be more worried about what Gray and I are about to do to you.”

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