Page 14 of The Dating Pact

That meant he’d be here for Thanksgiving and then drive down to LA. The last time I visited the city was when I attended my engagement party. In hindsight, the signs that Lukas and I wouldn’t work out were already there. Everything centered around his career; my needs and opinions always came second. Sometimes, especially when lying alone in my bed at night, I wondered if there was something about me that made him cheat. Was I not accommodating enough because I didn’t like city life? Or not exciting enough because I preferred to stay home instead of going out. But relationships were supposed to be about give-and-take. Where had Lukas’s compromise been?

A hand rested on my back. Solid and warm, it tugged me out of the past and grounded me in the present.

“Ev?” Wyatt sounded quiet, almost cautious. “What happened? You disappeared for a moment.”

Ben looked up from unpacking a box and watched my response.

You didn’t need to be a mind reader to know what my brother was thinking. Was Everly okay, or was she about to fall apart again? “I’m fine. Just zoned out, thinking about the long list of things I need to get done before Halloween.”

Thankfully, my phone buzzed. I stepped away from both guys to check the message.

Unknown number:Hello. I’m Nelson. I’m a friend of Quinn’s

Unknown number:Are you available to grab coffee tomorrow around 4?

Me:Sure

Unknown number:Great. Meet you at Café Lily. I’ll be wearing a blue shirt

Me:See you then

Oh my gosh.Had that really happened? I stood there, staring down at the exchange, my hands trembling.

I have a date!

Wyatt’s eyebrows rose.

Oops. I slapped a hand to my mouth. I hadn’t meant to say that out loud. “It’s no big deal,” I added, even though it kind of was. I hadn’t been out with anyone since Lukas. “My friends and I made this dating pact.”

Wyatt shook his head. “This has Indie’s name written all over it. Let me guess. Did it involve a blood oath and weird rituals?”

I grinned. It was a well-known fact that Indie had a flair for the dramatic. “No blood was exchanged, but she did light some candles and ask for the help of several goddesses. We’re each taking turns to be set up by the others. I’m first.”

Ben emerged from the garage, carrying an extension cord that I hadn’t even realized I owned. “Where are you meeting this guy? You should probably tell someone in case you run into any trouble.”

I waved a dismissive hand. “Don’t worry. I can take care of myself. The girls will know where I am, and we’re meeting somewhere public.”

Wyatt tilted his head and studied me. “Your brother’s right. You need to be careful.”

It was bad enough that Ben and Aiden were constantly watching out for me. Now I had Wyatt on my case too? I rolled my eyes. “Great. Glad to know I have three brothers.”

A corner of Wyatt’s lips twitched upward. “I’m definitely not your brother. But I agree with Ben. You’re so small that someone could easily pick you up and carry you away.”

Before I knew what was happening, he wrapped his arms around my thighs and tossed me over his shoulder. “See?”

“Put me down,” I half shrieked, half laughed. “Ben, help me out.”

My traitorous brother just stood there, grinning. “Sorry, but I can’t. Didn’t you know that this guy’s dangerous? I heard he’s a killer.”

“I was kidding.” Wiggling in Wyatt’s hold, I pounded my fists against his back and tried to kick him. “Let go of me. Now. I mean it!”

He grabbed hold of my ankles and chuckled. “Alright, alright.” Carefully, Wyatt slid his hands along my thighs and hips as he lowered me to the ground, his touch leaving a trail of heat on my skin. I sucked in a sharp breath and pulled away.

Seriously, what was up with me today? Wyatt had always been a physical guy, quick to wrap his arms around me or tug my hair. I’d never minded his closeness before, but things felt… different now.

“Just trying to make a point, Ev.” Wyatt smirked. “Someone could pick you up and drag you away.”

I placed a hand on my hip. “You caught me by surprise. I can handle myself.”

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