Page 13 of A Little Complicated

Those pouty lips purse before she runs her tongue along her teeth and turns to Jaxon. “Unfortunately, Mav’s right. Archer said he wants to take me out tonight, but maybe tomorrow or something?”

My chest puffs out as a spur-of-the-moment idea hits me, and I voice it aloud. “There’s a party tomorrow.”

“We had a party last night,” Jaxon notes as if my hangover isn’t enough of a reminder already.

“And we’re having another one tomorrow,” I reply.

His eyes thin. “Captain’s rules…”

“Yeah, but you’re not captain anymore,” I remind him dryly. “Griffin is.”

Griffin is Jaxon’s little brother. And since Jaxon graduated, he’s also a shoo-in for the captain spot, and we both know it. Which means I don’t have to listen to Jax. Not any longer. And Griff? The guy might be demanding on occasion, but he’s a hell of a lot less controlling than Jax, so I’ll take it.

“A party sounds fun,” Ophelia quips, probably in an attempt to diffuse the situation like she always does.

Ever the people pleaser, Opie.

Why am I not surprised?

With a Cheshire grin, Reeves replies, “Yeah, they’re awesome. Just wait ‘til you come to one of the game nights or costume parties—”

“Costume parties?” she asks.

“Yeah.” Reeves laughs. “Sometimes we—”

“You’ll have to ask Arch,” I interrupt. “And since he isn’t here…” My shoulders lift. “Guess you’ll have to be patient until he’s around.”

“We won’t do a costume party tomorrow night, anyway,” Reeves says. “But since I won last week’s game, it’s my turn to pick what we play. I say we—”

“We’ll figure out logistics later,” I interrupt.

Ophelia’s gaze holds mine, and she tilts her head, studying me for a solid three seconds, then she looks at the ground. “And on that note, I should probably finish unpacking.” Her eyes find Jaxon’s again. “Good to see you, Jax.”

“You too.”

“Nice to meet you, Reeves,” she adds.

“Same.”

Her gaze cuts to mine. “Mav.”

“Opie,” I return.

Annoyance flashes in her caramel-colored eyes, and she turns on her heel and leaves.

3

OPHELIA

Archer

You have no idea how sorry I am I didn't get to see you this morning.

Me

Stop apologizing. Seriously. :)

Archer

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