Page 31 of Connected By Stars
“Hey, Soph. I was wondering what your plans were for tonight?”
“Bell’s got her date tonight, so I was just going to do takeout and a movie. I’ve got to be at school early tomorrow. It’s always crazy the first day back after a break. Why do you ask?”
“I just thought we could hang out together. I’m not really in the mood to go out, either. How about I grab some of the orange chicken you love so much, and I’ll join you for the movie in a bit.”
“You don’t want to go out? Are you coming down with something?” I can hear the teasing in her voice.
“Very funny. No, I’m not getting sick. What’s wrong with me just wanting to hang with my favorite sister?”
“I’m your only sister,” she laughs. “Usually, on Sunday, you are either with Noah’s family or picking up your latest flavor. I’m just surprised, that’s all.”
“Well, maybe I’m getting tired of the different flavors.” I’m only craving one flavor right now, and I need to see herbefore she goes. I know it’s probably wrong, but I want to be on her mind when she’s on her date.
“Wow. Maverick is finally growing up a bit. I feel like a proud parent.”
“Jesus. Do you want the damn orange chicken or not?”
“Yes, please. I would love some. Thank you,” she says, laughing. “I get to pick out the movie, though.”
I groan at the thought of watchingThe Notebookagain. She and Bell already made Noah, and I watch it with them one night. I’ve never seen girls cry so much. “Fine. You get to pick out the movie. I’m leaving work now, and I’ll be there soon.”
“Don’t forget the edamame and crab rangoons.”
“I won’t forget. The last time I forgot them, you and Bell laid into me and made me go back and get them.”
“It’s just common sense. You can’t have the orange chicken bowls without them.” I hear a muffled voice, “I’ll be right there!” Sophia gets back on the phone. “I’ve got to go help Bell with her dress. See you soon!”
Images of helping Bell with her dress the night of the bachelor party enter my mind. Next time, though, when the moment is right, I’ll be helping her out of it. Grinning, I pull out of my parking spot and head to the Asian restaurant down the street.
Luckily, the line isn’t long, and I’m able to get in and out with our food. I pull up to the girls’ apartment a short time later and walk in just as Bell enters the kitchen. My eyes meet hers, and we both stop in our tracks. I trail my eyes slowly down her body, taking in her blue sundress and high heels before following her long legs up to meet her eyes again. She must see the desire in my eyes because her hand goes to her chest, and I see it rise and fall. Her blue eyes hold mine, and it’s like getting sucked into the depths of the ocean.
She breaks eye contact with me to glance behind her. She’s probably checking to make sure Sophia is not behind her.Turning to face me again, she looks suspiciously at me. “Sophia said you were coming over tonight to spend the evening with her. What are you up to?” She narrows her eyes and studies me.
“I guess I like playing with fire, too,” I say softly. I step toward her, wanting so badly to touch her, but stop short when Sophia walks in. I clench my hand at my side and tear my gaze away, knowing I won’t be able to hide what I’m feeling from my sister.
“Oh good, you’re here. I’m starving.” Sophia grins and takes the food from me before unpacking it and setting it on the counter. “Bell, you need to get going, or you’ll be late. You look beautiful. Logan is going to shit himself.” Sophia laughs and gets us some plates.
Nodding, Bell grabs her purse and keys off the counter.
“He’s not picking you up? I thought that’s the way a date works.” I look at both the girls.
“If you don’t know the guy, you never let them see where you live on the first date. He could turn out to be a psycho. Plus, if he’s a bore, she can make up an excuse and leave anytime she wants to. It’s girl’s dating 101,” Sophia shrugs her shoulders.
That actually makes a lot of sense, and I’m relieved she won’t be in the car alone with him.
“Of course, if it goes really well, you just leave your car and pick it up in the morning.” She winks at Bell and grins.
“Stop putting ideas in her head. Like you said, she doesn’t know the guy. She shouldn’t even kiss him tonight. You never know, he could have that thing where you have permanent bad breath or like produces extra saliva and gets it all over her.”
I hear Bell giggle, and I grin at her.
“Oh, would you stop. You’re putting thoughts into her head, and she doesn’t need that. I’m sure his dental hygiene is just fine.” She turns to look at Bell. “Now go before you’relate. And don’t worry about me if he comes back here. I’ll be asleep and won’t hear a thing.”
I glare at my sister. If she only knew how close I am to throwing her best friend over my shoulder and taking her back to my place. To hell with Logan and anyone else finding out before the wedding.
“You give the worst best friend advice ever,” I mumble to Sophia. “Ignore your bff, she’s hungry and delusional.”
“You forgot the crab rangoons?” Sophia looks through the bag and frowns.
