Page 8 of Séance

“I am.” I can’t squash my smile at their question. I’ve been staying with her for ten days, and it’s like living in a foreign country where I don’t know the customs. I no longer have to creep through the house like a ghost, I’m not locked in at night or punished when I make too much noise, and I’m allowed to eat any time I want—no more being sent to bed without food or having meals withheld until I perform.

Even better, Nan treats me like I’m a real person.

She doesn’t pretend like I don’t exist. In fact, I’d swear she seeks me out, as if she’s interested in what I have to say.

It’s a novel experience.

Both of the twins smile at my answer, and I flush under their regard. Despite my resolve to keep my distance, I have to be blind not to notice they are stunning. The fact that they are twins makes their handsome appearance seem almost unreal.

And a little intimidating.

“Sorry that you got roped into helping unload the truck.” I grimace as I reach for the back of the truck, but the guys beat me to it, flipping the handles and raising the overhead door before I have a chance.

Two of the others jump up without prompting, their muscles flexing as they move with an ease I can’t help but admire. Thetwins catch me gawking, but instead of teasing me, they grin and jump in the back as well with a swagger to their stride, as if they know I’m watching.

Heat burns my cheeks at being caught, but I’m not embarrassed enough to look away.

“Where are you from?” One of the guys remains at my side, watching me and not the others as they begin moving the heavy furniture.

Instead of answering his question, I ask one of my own. “You’re all so kind to help me out, and I don’t even know your names. I’m Rue.”

His brown eyes brighten to amber behind his glasses, and his smile is slow to come, but damn, it’s killer. It transforms his entire face, the nerd look replaced by pure sexiness, and a single dimple peeks out from his left cheek that has my stomach fluttering. Maybe it’s because I’ve never been around people my age, but I find myself drawn to each of the guys.

“I’m Ellis,” the cutie replies, then he points to the others and calls out their names. “The twins are Jaceson and Jameson.”

The twins in question straighten when their names are called, both glance in my direction. The flamboyant flirt bows to me with a playful smile, his pale blue eyes warm with invitation. The more reserved twin tips his head solemnly, but he’s no less appealing. They are both built the same, their fringed haircuts nearly identical, but there is something about the way they look at me that makes them stand out.

The flirt looks at me like he wants to devour me, while the quiet one stares at me like he can see into my soul.

Both are remarkable in their own way.

“The bossy one is Hicks,” Ellis says with a smile, winking at me. “While his house is next door, you’ll often find all of us there.”

Hicks acknowledges me with a sharp nod and a grunt that could mean anything. He and the unnamed one hauls the heavy bedframe like it weighs nothing, and my eyes widen when the two of them move it on their own.

“That’s awfully heavy.” I wring my hands anxiously, worried they might hurt themselves. “Are you sure the two of you should be moving that on your own?”

Hicks rolls his eyes, the nameless one huffs, and the twins laugh. Jameson speaks before I can decipher their reactions. “We work out every day. They could each lift that on their own if it wasn’t so awkward in size.”

When Jaceson sees that I’m not convinced, he continues where his brother left off. “We know our limits. If we can’t handle something, we’ll ask for help.”

Slightly reassured, I give him a grateful nod.

“Last but not least, the big man is called Gunner.” He points to the guy who is broader and heavier than the rest of the guys, his body made of pure muscle. His presence is darker than the others, his hair isn’t as trimmed, and his blue eyes are harsher and more reserved.

Gunner nods in my direction, brief and to the point, though I notice him observing me from the corner of his eye when he doesn’t think I’m looking. They act like I’m the first girl they’ve ever seen, and their attention is a heady experience.

The twins each grab a piece of furniture and heft it toward the end of the trailer. The men work in concert with each other, not even exchanging words as Hicks and Gunner set down the large bed frame and jump from the trailer. By the time they turn, the twins are ready, lowering it into their arms.

From the smooth way they interact, they’ve obviously worked together many times in the past. I step aside as they heft the large item into the house. The twins move the next piecestoward the edge of the trailer, then leave it and head back to gather more items.

It’s not long before the whole truck is empty. Instead of carrying everything inside right away, they pile everything on the front lawn and send the moving truck on its way.

Not wanting to stand around while they work, I grab one of the end tables. I grunt under the weight but only make it a few feet before Ellis grabs it out of my hand without a word. Gunner passes me a small lamp instead. Every time I try to help, they always switch out the item for something lightweight, passing me a couple of pillows or a box of curtains instead.

Maybe I should be offended, but I find the interaction adorable. Their attention is addicting, and I like it more than I should. An hour later, everything is inside the house, and I’m mentally exhausted. We gather in my room, the men studying the space intently, each wearing various scowls.

While the men don’t communicate much with each other, the silence isn’t awkward. It’s like they’ve been around each other for so long that words aren’t necessary. They exchange glances, then look toward me. To my surprise, it’s Gunner who speaks. “If you can show me where you keep your tools, we can help you put the furniture together.”

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