Page 207 of Hooking Up
Someone else whispers.
My heart thuds against my chest. Did I drop too many hints? Is this way too obvious? Effort is more important than surprise. What matters is that we care enough about Walker to plan this. What—
The light flicks on.
Walker blinks hard—that light really is bright.
"Surprise." Someone yells it. Then everyone is yelling it. I'm yelling it.
The door swings shut behind him.
He looks around slowly. "Fuck, can't believe I didn't see that coming." His eyes lock with mine. "The blinds are never down in June."
I mouthdo you like it?
His lips curl into a smile. His eyes light up with something dirty and devious. AnI'd like you naked in my bed a hell of a lot better.
"Dean, you're so good at planning shit." Dean mimes offense. "I'm so fucking lucky you're my friend."
Leighton laughs. "No one has ever said that."
He looks to her with faux offense. "That hurts, Leigh. That cuts me deep."
"Uh-huh." She taps her heeled sandals together—she's sitting on the counter.
Dean is leaning against it, next to her. Ryan is on her other side, with his usual glum look. Well, he looks a bit less glum than usual. I'm pretty sure this is happy by Ryan standards.
"Thanks." Walker smiles. "You're the best." Walker offers a high five.
Dean takes it, pulls him into a hug, pats him on the back. It's not one of those guy hugs where they seem afraid to get too close.
They're comfortable. Like brothers.
Walker steps back. Looks to me.
I motion to the room.Go ahead.
He nods and moves on to thanking/accepting Happy Birthday's from everyone else. Brendon and Kaylee are here. As is Emma and a male date. Or maybe a friend. It's not clear from the way they're standing. He's cute, but he seems a little uptight for her.
There are another half a dozen people I don't know—plus Sandy and John. Dean really went all out. Heisa good friend. A great friend even.
Dean nudges Leighton with his shoulder. "You want a drink?"
"You have anything good?"
"You think I'd skimp for Walker's birthday?" He folds his arms. "I only have good shit."
"Should I measure your love by how much you spent on booze?" She looks to Ryan. "What if he loves Walker more?"
Ryan shrugs. "Never doubted that."
"Really?" She tilts her head to one side. "You're okay with your brother loving his BFF more than he loves you?"
Again, Ryan shrugs.
She shoots me a look.You buying this?
Dean laughs. "He's just playing hard to get." He reaches out and musses Ryan's hair. Despite being the younger brother, he's about two inches taller than Ryan.
