Page 35 of Awakened
“Any minute,” Sarah answered, covering her mouth and hiding the massive amount of pizza she had just shoveled into her gob.
“We still taking them to Handle Bar tonight?” Michael asked.He had been looking forward to seeing Brandon all week, and the fact that it was 80s night at the bar only sweetened the deal.
“Yes, honey. You will get toBreakfast Clubwith your Emilio.”
Michael threw his fist in the air while Zach hummed, “Don’t You (Forget About Me).”
As if on cue, there was a loud bang on the front door, and Brandon’s voice carried through the house. “Michael! Bro! Open the door!”
Michael jumped up from his chair and rushed to the front door. Rolling her eyes, Sarah picked up our dirty plates and took them to the sink. Zach and I laughed and followed the goofball to the living room. Michael and Brandon were hugging and giggling like total weirdos. Emily watched the scene in front of her, clearly confused by what the hell was happening.
“Em?”
At the sound of my voice, Emily turned and rushed me with her arms wide open. “Oh, I’ve missed you,” she said, crushing my ribs in a tight hug.
“I can’t breathe,” I choked out.
“Don’t care.” She nuzzled my chest, just like the cuddle bug she was.
I glanced over Emily’s shoulder at Seth standing by the door, holding their bags, and something in my chest cracked wide open.
My people are here.
When he jerked his chin, I pried Emily off me and ran to him. He dropped the bags, and they thudded against the floor as he scooped me off my feet. The scruff on his jaw brushed against my smooth cheek as I wrapped myself around his enormous frame, breathing him in and relaxing into his strong embrace.
He whispered, “I missed you too, Les.”
I pulled back. My brow knitted in mock confusion, I asked, “What makes you think I missed you?”
“Brat,” Seth muttered, his expression soft as he gazed at me.
“You love it.” I kissed him on the cheek and slid down hisbody until my feet were firmly on the floor. Too bad the rest of me was still floating.
It’s just harmless flirting. Don’t get carried away.
I took a step away and turned—the smile falling right off my face. Everyone and my brother were watching us. Sarah had joined the crowd at the door, and she and Emily bumped shoulders. Brandon and Zach were less than thrilled, while Michael, ever the nice guy, stepped forward with his hand out, ready to make a new friend.
“You must be Seth. Nice to meet you. I’m Michael—” He gestured behind him. “And that’s my roommate, Zach.”
Seth shook Michael’s hand and said, “Nice to meet you.” He let go and turned to Zach. “And you.” As they shook hands, they sized each other up. It. Was. Awkward. We all watched as the two powerful wolves decided how to proceed. Unfortunately, neither seemed willing to stop the handshake.
Tired of their display of testosterone bullshit, I pushed through their joined hands, grabbed Seth’s, and led him up the stairs. “Come on, guys. You can put your stuff upstairs. Emily, you’re in Sarah’s room. She’s going to sleep over at Michael’s. Brandon and Seth, you get to battle royale for the guest room.” I opened the door and let them go in first.
Emily stuck her tongue out and went into Sarah’s room.
“It’s fine, Les. Let Brand have the guest bed, and I’ll bunk with you.” Seth eyed me, and it took every ounce of control not to squirm at the idea of him in my bed.
There was no way in hell I was sharing with him. I wouldn’t survive another embarrassing misunderstanding. “Actually?—”
“It might be a little crowded,” Zach said. I hadn’t noticed him join us in the guest room doorway. He threw his arm over my shoulder and pulled me to his side. His smug little smile had my palm itching to become acquainted with his face.
Seth’s jaw tightened as his eyes darted between me and Zach, and then his face relaxed into a cocky smirk. “Brand, you can takethe bed. I won’t be needing it.” He pushed past Zach and out of the room.
Disappointment sent me crashing back to the ground. Of course, Seth planned on finding a warm bed for the night. Couldn’t he keep it in his pants for one weekend?
Stop it. It’s none of your business.
“Well, that wasn’t uncomfortable,” Brandon muttered as he opened his duffel bag on the bed.
