Page 21 of Vawn
“It’s good to see you again.” He hugged me then simply waved at my best friend.
Stars.When was he going to get himself together? I’d tried convincing the two of them to confess their feelings to each other for so long, but stopped when Genj left to be a space racer.
Genj rubbed the back of his neck, his cheeks flushed. “Did Enif go to the hotel with our fathers?”
“No.” Ret nudged him then pointed to where Ojo was still being photographed. “She’s a traitor, over there with her new favorite space racer.”
“Huh.” Genj furrowed his brows. “I thought Ojo told us once that he hated kids.”
I sucked in a quick breath. “Oh, I should go get Enif, then.” I mean, he’d never complained about having her around on Rennir. In fact, he volunteered to take her to play in the water. She’d had so much fun that week. But my brothers knew him better than I did.
“Stop.” Ret tugged me back then swatted Genj. “As much as the kid gets on my nerves—Ojo, not Enif—he’s changed since he met you. And he talks about you and Enif all the time. He doesn’t look bothered at all.”
“That’s what I meant.” Genj pouted and crossed his arms. “I was simply surprised at how good he is with her.”
“It’s because they both act like kids.” Ret nodded toward the two of them now making faces at each other.
“I don’t think Ojo is a kid.” Though I was glad he seemed to take to my daughter. “But then, I’ve seen him in situations you haven’t.”
“Oh, we’ve seen it. Trust me.” Ret wrinkled his face. “But not with you. And let’s keep it that way. I saw enough of your bare ass when you were a baby.”
I shook my head then looked over at my daughter. Was she really okay there with Ojo?
He glanced my direction and smiled then declared Enif as the funny-face-making winner. After thanking the photographer, he lifted my daughter up onto his shoulders then headed in our direction.
“Good to see you again, Utahn.” He one-arm hugged my friend, using the other to hold my daughter steady. Then he pressed a quick kiss to the corner of my mouth. “And you as well.”
I grinned, feeling my cheeks warm. I wanted more than that, but I knew our audience would complain.
“Did you see our finish?” Xac asked as they and Qé joined us.
“Yeah, it was amazing!” I rose to my toes in excitement. “You caught Laup off guard and broke all kinds of records with that finish.”
“But this showoff….” Utahn pointed to Ojo. “Scared us all when he decided to fly low.” He stepped forward and smacked him. “Don’t do that again.”
Ret laughed and fist-bumped Utahn. Then Genj glared at our older brother.
I sighed. My brother and best friend were going to drive me crazy this weekend. Why couldn’t one of them be brave and confess to the other?
Some other space racers came into the room then, to congratulate the team.
I took Enif from Ojokun. “I think we’re going to head to the hotel now.”
“Okay.” He kissed me again then slowly ran his thumb along my bottom lip, sending a rush of desire straight to my groin. “Are you still coming out tonight?”
My tongue suddenly numb from his simple touch, I nodded.
“Do you need me to pick you up?”
“No.” I shook my head. “Ret and Genj said they were going to stop by to see our dads, so Utahn and I will get a ride with them and I’ll meet you there.”
“Sounds good.” He cupped my elbow and smiled. “I’ll see you then.”
And he was gone. Off to talk to the other racers.
Utahn, Enif, and I headed toward the door. As we reached the hallway, another group of racers headed into the room. One of them stopped and clutched my best friend by the arms.
“Utahn! What are you doing here?”
