Page 63 of Golden Rule

This time when our lips meet, we linger in the kiss long enough that we’ve earned a sigh from my brother that has me smiling. But I still don’t pull away. He can sit uncomfortably for a few more seconds.

“All right, you two, save something for later,” Scar says, singing a quiet, “Thank you,” as we separate.

“We’ve gotta test this shit out,” Dane says, still eyeing the cover of the game. “And I volunteer West’s mancave as the location.”

“I second that,” Sterling chimes in.

West laughs, already nodding in agreement. “We’ll demo it this weekend, then. Ricky, Hunter, bring your asses, too. And… I might even invite a few guys from the team.”

I arch a brow, surprised he’d even consider it, but I think it’s a great idea.

“Cool. Then, us girls can have a party of our own up here,” Joss says. “It’ll consist of takeout and sparkling cider.”

Dez raises her hand. “I’ll bring sushi to snack on before the food comes.”

“It’s a date,” Jules says.

I’m smiling from ear to ear, always excited about another opportunity to hang with the girls, but then my gaze slides toward Lexi when she sighs.

“Unfortunately, I can’t make this one. I’ve got labs pretty much all weekend, but I’ll catch you ladies next time.”

There’s this look on her face that’s hard to read.

“I’ll bring the sparkling cider,” Tiffany chimes in, and I can’t help but wonder if she onlynowdecided she’ll attend, hearing that Lexi won’t be available.

My guess is I’m not the only one thinking it as that look on Lexi’s face hardens. My gut says it’s time to create a diversion, so I stand from my seat, grabbing mine and West’s plates and glasses as a cover.

“I’m gonna get a jump on the dishes. Mind helping me, Lex?”

“Of course,” she says, standing to her feet the next second.

Her face lights up, and I’ve never seen someone more excited to do a chore. I can’t say for sure what she’s thinking, but one thing’s for sure.

She could definitely use an escape.

Chapter Nineteen

Blue

Lexi follows me from the patio, through the living room, and finally into the kitchen. The second we’re out of anyone’s line of sight, she sets down the dishes she carried inside, then takes a deep breath as she grips the edge of the counter.

“You okay?”

She doesn’t look up when she nods. “I will be. It’s just… being in the same space as those two just… gives me bad vibes. I’m good, though.”

I almost believe her.

Her gaze lifts toward me now, and I’m a little surprised to find sympathy behind her eyes. “What about you? I saw things get pretty tense between you and West for a sec.”

I’m a little embarrassed that she—or anyone—noticed that, but it is what it is.

“Yep, all good,” I say, and I actually mean it. Although, being honest, I’m still a little shocked that West didn’t get where I was coming from on the Hannah issue.

Water under the bridge, though.

Lately, there have been a few instances where the way West and I communicate feels foreign to me. Over the years, we’ve had very little strife in our marriage, but in recent months, it’s sometimes felt as though a thread of tension has woven itself into our relationship.

Lexi accepts my answer, then lowers her head and breathes deep.

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