Page 46 of The Merriest Christmas

"Think that's funny?Remind me again who's ranked higher this season."

The laughter cut out quick at that.

Dex's lips twitched."Nice, Arch.But we all know the Pirates are going to come out on top this year."

One of the guys at the table looked awestruck as he shook his head."I can't believe we're sitting here with Archer, Baylor, Chase, and Dex O-freaking-Brien.Everyone misses you guys at Southern U."

"But we're damn proud of you for making it big," Toby said."Gives us little guys something to shoot for."

Baylor threw Dex a grin."Sounds like June.My girl tells me she's proud of me all the time," he said.

"And what do you tell her?" Dex asked.

"The truth."Bay's eyes went soft as he talked about his girlfriend and my best friend."I could've never done it without June.And it wouldn't have meant anything anyway without her."

"Poor sap."

He lifted a brow."Ah yeah, kinda like you with Maisie."

Dex tilted his head."Are you calling me soft?"

"When it comes to her?Yeah."

My brother thought about it a moment then nodded."You have a point."

"The right person can change everything," Chase said."Once you've found your one, that's it.Game over."

Some of the guys at the table groaned, but Archer gave a nod.

"It was that way with Honor," he said."She turned my life upside down."

"Same with Charlie," Chase said.

"I loved it."

"Me too."

"Okay, enoughof that," Dex said then crossed his arm.He stared around the table intently."We have serious business to discuss."

Archer sat back and cracked his knuckles."Very serious," he agreed.

"I heard one of you has been flirting with our sister."

My cheeks went pink.My eyes, without my permission. went straight to Seaver.

He didn't look worried at all.

Amusement danced in his eyes.

I looked at Finn next, but he gave a slight shake of his head.He hadn't told anyone about finding Seaver and me this morning.That was a relief.

"So"—Baylor rubbed his hands together in anticipation—"you're Toby, right?"

"Yeah, that's me," Toby said.

I released a quiet sigh.

At least, they didn't know who was really flirting with me—or that I'd flirted back.

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