Page 270 of Dark Love

“You don’t want to flirt with Prue,” Gabe warns.

“Why not? She’s beautiful and bakes cookies that make my mouth sing.”

Hope bounces up in her chair, but Gabe answers first. “Because she has a boyfriend that’s bigger than most linebackers I know, and he’d enjoy taking you apart with his bare hands.”

“Is this true, beautiful?”

Kinda. Probably. “Vex is a nice guy… about most things.”

“She’s not one of them.” Gabe points to me.

Wait, Gabe flirted with me. “If you’re so afraid of Vex, then why did you flirt with me?”

He shrugs. “Because flirting is fun, but I’m a perpetual bachelor.”

“You sound like my friend Stella. She flirts with everyone, but her true love is her horses.”

“That’s one smart woman.” Gabe takes a bite of smoked brisket.

“I’d love to meet the guy that has Gabe shaking in his boots.” Oliver turns to search the area.

Vex should be here next to me, making friends. “He’s not here.”

“Why don’t you two come to our game next weekend? It’s an exhibition game with players of all different sports to raise money for charity. I have a box.”

Like I’m going to say no to an invitation from Oliver Schoolers to watch him play. “We’d love to come.” Even if I need to drag Vex kicking and screaming. I’m going to a Dragon’s game!!!!! As Oliver Schooler’s guest.

Max sits down next to Hope as the wall of men fades away. “What is everyone talking about?”

***

“Is this seat taken?” Temperance gestures to the spot across from me at the bistro table.

“No. Please sit down.”

“Are you having fun?”

Surprisingly. “Yes.” This party might never end. The sun set hours ago, but people keep filtering in and out, eating, and bringing piles of food and drink. The food Mom and I prepped ran out hours ago. Nothing could have prepared me for this many people or just how friendly they’d be.

“Your parents are lovely people.”

They really are.

“It was nice of them to want to get to know your friends and neighbors.”

More like meddle in my life. “My parents have always made a point of knowing who my friends are.”

“That’s smart. Your mother seems to think you’re friends with my son.”

Ahhh. And we come down to the reason behind this little chat. “Max is a very nice man. I’m honored to have him as a friend.” Wow, that sounded stuffy and awkward. Brilliant word choices from a wordsmith.

I should have hidden in Vex’s library.

“Max has always been a good boy.” She folds her hands and turns to stare at me.

Uh oh.

“But your mother seems to think there might be more between the two of you. My husband says otherwise. Do you have feelings for my son? I ask this because he’s had a very hard life, and he needs someone who’s going to love him and not play games with his heart.”

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