Page 30 of The Way We Score

I’m quiet, unsure what to say. I think of him trying to find me, and affection warms my chest.

Exhaling a soft hum, I glance around the dim living room. “This reminds me of high school, when we’d get home late after away games, and I’d sleep on the couch.”

It’s his turn to be quiet, and I wonder if his mind has goneto the same place as mine. Back in those days, I’d start on the couch and end up in his bed.

My stomach tightens, and I move the blanket aside. “I’d better get home so I’m not completely dead at the wedding tomorrow.”

“I’ll walk you.” He hesitates. “If that’s okay?”

Another flush of warmth moves through my body at his gentle concern.

Tilting my head to the side, I smile. “It’s okay.”

6

Garrett

The moon is full tonight, and even at this hour, it casts a silver glow over the wide path. It’s a short walk to her mom’s cottage, but we’re taking it slow. We’re taking everything slow, considering how much water is under this bridge.

In the past, when we were teens, she’d hop on my back, and I’d hold her legs as we made this walk. Her arms would be around my shoulders, and her cheek would be right next to mine.

Sometimes she’d tilt her head to the side to tell me something, and her lips would brush my ear or my neck. Sometimes I’d turn my face and kiss her for it.

Soft lips, cherry lip gloss. I remember her sleeping over at our house, starting on the couch and ending in my bed, her body draped over mine, kissing those lips again and again.

Now, walking beside me, she’s like a beautiful vision. The moon tips her hair in shiny light, and I want to reach down and take her hand, thread our fingers.

The water washes against the sandy shore, and I look out at the bay. I think about the old sailors who’d been out to seaa long time seeing land for the first time. They’d fall to their knees and weep for joy.

In a way, that’s me. I’d pushed these feelings down so far, I didn’t realize how strong they were until she came into my sight again.

“Dylan showed us the video from tonight.” She grins up at me. “You guys were having a lot of fun.”

“Yeah,” I nod thinking about the party. “Logan’s a good sport.”

“Isn’t his dad some kind of billionaire, media mogul?”

“Yeah, but Logan’s not like that. He likes a good joke.”

“He’d better, considering the crew he’s marrying into.”

Exhaling a laugh, I remember Logan’s protest at getting a surprise lap dance. First he tried to fight it out of consideration for Dylan, but when the music started and he saw us prancing out, everything flipped.

Being with my brothers and Logan and Craig, seeing how comfortable and easy they all are, having fun and enjoying life, it made me wonder why I’m still so far away. Only a few years ago New York felt like where I belonged. Now I feel like an orphan in the big city.

“It looked like you girls had fun, too.” I glance over to where she’s sliding a long piece of copper-colored hair over her shoulder. “Allie said all the purple drink was gone.”

“Gah, that purple drink,” she groans. “It’s like straight alcohol!”

“I heard y’all got a little crazy.”

“Not too wild.” Her eyes dance up to mine, and they’re almost pure green, outlined in gold. We’re at her mom’s house, and she turns to me. “I think Dylan’ll be okay, and I’m planning to sleep in. You’d better get some rest, too. You’ve got a big day tomorrow.”

“I walk down an aisle.” I hold out my hands. “I don’t have to say anything. I’m not even in the spotlight.”

“You’re always in the spotlight.” A tease is in her tone.

She puts her hand on the ornate iron railing and takes a step up.

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