all in, you’re worried that we’re going to make you choose. You’re worried…”
“I’m worried about a lot of things.” I could admit that. “But this is just one thing we can all do something about. All of you say you don’t want to risk me. Is it so bad that I don’t want to risk you?”
“No, it’s not so bad,” he confessed. “I like that you care. I mean, clearly, I’m your favorite.”
“Clearly,” I said, tone dry and he grinned, and it was impossible not to smile back at him.
“You jest, but I know you.” He tapped his head, then pointed at me. “I get you.”
I laughed. “You’re terrible.”
“And you like me this way.”
Yes, yes I did.
“Also,” he continued, easing my feet from his lap as he stood and gathered up our breakfast dishes. “Mom has invited you over for dinner later this week. If we go out with Trina, I’ll ask her if we can do it next week.”
Dinner with Carly wasn’t a novelty, well, it wasn’t a standard anymore. I used to eat over there all the time when we were younger. But his mom wasn’t the only one insisting on inviting me over. I had invitations from Alicia and Sara, too. Jake and Ian both said I didn’t have to worry about it, but with everything going on, keeping the peace with their parents needed to stay higher on the list of things we needed to do.
The back door opening saved me from responding as Jake, Archie, and Ian all entered, sweaty, and breathing hard. In their tank tops and shorts, despite the chilly temperatures, they all looked really, really good.
“Now that’s a good look,” Jake said, then he dropped a kiss on my lips as he swung past on his way for the shower.
Archie followed him, then tucked my chin up with a wink before he gave me a kiss. “Don’t drool.” I swatted him, and he laughed.
Ian snorted and then planted a hand on the back of my chair and another on the table, before he delivered his version of a good morning kiss. Tongue sweeping in, he made a little satisfied hum before he lifted his head. “You taste like coffee and chocolate.”
“There are more donuts,” I told him.
He chuckled. “We’ll save those for you.” Then he gave me another kiss, one that had me gripping his neck for balance as he thoroughly explored my mouth and sent my pulse racing. “I can always just do taste tests right here.”
“Shower’s open,” Jake yelled.
“Damn,” Ian murmured. “Raincheck?”
I laughed and gave him a gentle shove, but he was already on the move. Settling back in the chair, I met Coop’s amused gaze and raised my brows at his smirk. “What?”
“Happy looks good on you.” His eyes darkened a notch.
“You’re picturing pinning me to the fridge right now, aren’t you?”
Grasping my left hand, he tugged me out of the chair, then spun me around to pin me against the fridge. “Nope,” he said, gentle as hell when he settled his hands on my hips. “I’m just going to do it.”
Then he closed his mouth over mine, and the vague notion of cramps faded as he teased, nipped, and sucked at my lips.
Yeah, happy felt good, too.
Chapter Six
Not All Days Are Good
Coop
Fortunately, Trina got herself grounded before the date became an issue. Unfortunately, she got grounded because Mom busted her for smoking again. That meant Dad got called, and he showed up to have a ‘talk’ with her. As usual, the ‘talk’ began and ended with him taking Trina’s side, and though he tried to soften the punishment, Mom wasn’t having any of it.
I spent the whole ‘lecture’ leaning against the wall next to the hallway, arms folded and ready to leave. Personally, I’d rather be over at Frankie’s or working or, hell, going running. Well, no I’d rather not be running, definitely rather be with Frankie.
“Two weeks,” Mom said. “Final answer.”
“Carly, we could make it one… It’s only her first real rebellion.”
I stared at Dad and barely swallowed back my scoff, but Mom didn’t even give it that much effort. “We can make it a month. Do you want to keep negotiating for her Thomas?”
Oh, she used the full name. Dad finally noticed the graffiti on the wall and shut the fuck up, much to Trina’s chagrin. She cast a hopeful look at me, but I shook my head. I told her the cigarettes were bad for her. Phase or not, it was a terrible habit. I’d