Page 80 of The Sweet Spot

Understanding washes over his face, and he nods. “She seems like a sweetheart.”

“She is.” But I don’t feel like getting into it, so I redirect things. “What are you and Matt getting into tonight? You guys gonna go out?

“We’ll probably hang out here,” says Kellan. “Relax, grill out by the pool or something. Get some girls over here. Haven’t had the house to myself for a while, you know?”

Visions of all the wild parties Kellan and Dallas probably threw in high school flash through my mind. “I bet.”

A shrewd expression narrows his eyes. “See if Wren’s friend wants to come over.”

“Who, Saira?” I chuckle, shaking my head. “By herself?”

“She won’t be by herself—Matty’ll be here,” he jokes. “Nah, I’m calling a couple of other friends up, too. Saira can bring whoever she wants. It’ll be a party.”

“Want me to ask Wren?”

Kellan leers at me. “For what, permission?”

“For Saira’s number, jackass.”

“Tell her I can pick Saira up.” Kellan rubs his hands together, warming to the idea. “I’m definitely turning on the hot tub.”

My fingers fly across the screen. “Want me to tell her that, too?”

“Naw, bro, have some chill.”

Wren

Adjusting the top of my blue wrap dress, I swing open the door right as Luca’s about to knock. His eyes widen, and he laughs a little. I should probably at least pretend to not be this enthusiastic at his presence, but…oh, well. I’ve never been very good at playing games.

“Hi,” I say, drinking in the sight of him. In jeans, a black bomber jacket and a black t-shirt, he’s a whole meal.

One side of Luca’s mouth crooks up as his eyes travel slowly over me. “Hi.” He smiles a little, slowly pulling me into a hug. “How’s it going?”

“It’s going great.” I squeeze him tight, giving him a good sniff.

“Did you just smell me?” He huffs softly, running his hand lightly over my hair.

“Yep.” My cheeks warm, as much with affection as embarrassment. “You always smell good.”

His eyes dance as he slides his hands into his pockets. “I try.”

“You succeed.” Grabbing my purse and keys, I take one last look around before ushering him back out.

“You smell pretty good, yourself,” he murmurs, sliding his nose along my neck as we walk to the car.

I shiver, catching his hand. The next stop is my mother’s apartment. She’s riding with us tonight so Luca can get acquainted with her one-on-one before heading to Marvel. I feel good about this meetup; Mom’s been curious about Luca for quite some time.

She greets us with a megawatt smile at the door. “Luca, Luca. My daughter has been talking about you forages—I’m so glad to finally meet you!”

“Likewise, Ms. Angelos.” He chuckles, offering his hand. “Thanks for letting me tag along tonight.”

Scoffing, she bypasses the handshake and wraps him in a patchouli-scented hug. “Hope you don’t mind hugs, Luca,” she sings. “We’re big huggers around here.”

“It’s cool,” Luca mumbles into a cloud of her scarves. “I come from a family of huggers.”

“Can we come in, or do you just want to hang out here?” I tease, watching the commotion from outside.

“Shush, you,” Mom says, pulling us inside. “I’m ready to go; I just have to get my bag.”

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