Page 28 of Séance

A quick glance at his brown eyes shows the questions he has for me, but he doesn’t ask, and I’m grateful.

I’m not ready to share my past yet.

Maybe not ever.

The rest of the guys begin hauling in the dishes. Jaceson heads toward the sink and fills it with water, squirting soapinto it. I watch intently, blinking at all the suds from such a small amount of soap. Catching my fascination, he casts me a measured look, then he silently passes me a white towel. “I wash, you dry.”

I immediately nod and unfold the cloth, grateful for the simple task. We work in companionable silence until the dishes are nearly done.

“You were very kind to Gunner,” Jaceson says out of the blue, startling me so badly that I almost drop the plate I’m drying.

Refusing to look at him, I focus on my task. “I said nothing but the truth.”

“Maybe.” He shrugs, then rinses off another dish before passing it over, and our fingers brush. “It was still kind. Not many people would go out of their way for people like us without expecting anything in return.”

My nose scrunches as I look up at him. “Kindness is easy. What would I want in return?”

He lifts a sudsy hand, then boops me on the nose. “That, right there, is what makes you special. You honestly don’t know.”

My eyes cross as I look down at my nose, then I use my shoulder to brush away the suds. I’m still confused, but Jaceson doesn’t elaborate further.

As much as he might look and act like his brother, they are complete opposites in personality. I like that he doesn’t need to fill the silence. It’s comforting and allows my mind to reset after such an exciting day.

By the time we’re done, Jaceson is so close that we’re practically touching. He smells of sunshine and outdoors, and I find myself leaning closer, seeking more. When he drains the water, he grabs my towel, then drapes it over the edge of the sink to dry.

Before I can escape, he holds his hand out for me. I glance at the exit, but the urge to flee is gone. I take his offer, and he pulls me along as we head back outside.

We arrive just in time to see Jameson soak Hicks with a water gun aimed at his back. Hicks stills, and I cover my mouth to keep from gasping. He looks ready to commit murder. When he turns slowly, Jameson just smiles and dances away.

They take off running. The others join them, plucking up guns from the table we just ate from. Jaceson slips a plastic gun into my hand, the thing nearly longer than my arm. I instinctively grab it, wrapping my fingers around the plastic, but he must see my confusion.

He turns it sideways and points to the trigger. “Just point and shoot.”

He waits patiently until I slip my finger over the trigger and give it a try. Water sprays from the end in a long stream, and I can’t help but grin. He winks, then tilts his head to the side of the patio in invitation, and I nod eagerly.

Instead of abandoning me, Jaceson remains by my side, silently stalking the rest. Every time his brother tries to shoot me, he stands in front of me and takes the shot meant for me. When Gunner sees me being targeted, he bellows and charges Jameson.

It’s not long before the others join the fun.

“No fair! You’re ganging up on me,” Jameson yells, then he casts me a pleading look. “Save me!”

I tilt my head to the side, then glance down at the soaked edge of my skirt before slowly shaking my head. “I’m sorry, but infractions must be punished.”

I lift my gun and shoot him square in the chest.

He sputters for a second in outrage, then he clutches his chest dramatically. “I concede!” He holds up his hands. “I surrender. I’m now your prisoner.”

He saunters toward me, water dripping off him, his shoes squelching with every step. I narrow my eyes suspiciously at his innocent look. When he’s standing a foot away, he grabs the tip of my gun and pushes it lower.

I allow it.

Then he shakes himself like a dog, scattering water everywhere and soaking me in an instant. I try to jerk the gun away, but he holds fast. I release the gun, then step back, swiping at my face. The rest of the guys were smart enough to keep their distance, and I narrow my eyes on them.

“You knew!” I glare at each of them in betrayal. The guys instantly sober, and I send a pleading look toward Gunner and Ellis. “I demand that you avenge my honor.”

Big grins split their faces. Ellis immediately turns and shoots Jameson right in the face. While distracted, Gunner drops his gun and charges. He hits Jameson low, picking him up by the waist. Jameson bellows, attempting to squirm free, and Gunner slows as he struggles to contain him. Hicks and Jaceson join them, using their combined weight to push Gunner, and my eyes widen in horror when all four of them disappear as they plunge into the pool.

Ellis and I hurry after them, only slowing when their laughter reaches me. Ellis nudges me along until we’re at the edge of the patio. As the guys splash and mock fight in the water, I lean against Ellis in contentment, unable to stop a smile from spreading across my face.

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