a cartoon, Frosty.” Melody stuck her tongue out at Reed.
“Children,” Fraya chided.
Reed sighed. “Let’s just watch the movie, shall we?”
Fraya grabbed a black object from the table and jabbed it with her finger. Music and movement started up on the screen. I stared, transfixed at the bright colored drawings of humans speaking, leaping, and singing. The distraction was enough for me to relax into the sofa and enjoy being with my friends. It felt like old times. Even the bickering. Especially the bickering. This was my happy place. Right here. Right now.
Reed and Ronin behaved themselves until Elsa made it snow on screen. A snowball flew across the room and smacked Ronin in the face. Ronin retaliated. When Melody laughed, the twins grinned at her before leaning back to allow the movie to play out.
When Melody started singing along softly to the next song, Fraya flashed me a secretive smile and went back to munching popcorn.
“Hey, Melody, it’s your boyfriend,” Ronin announced when a big, muscular blond man appeared in a mountain scene.
“You’re crushing on a cartoon, cuz?” Fraya teased.
Melody huffed. “Don’t be dissing Kristoff.” She scooped popcorn off the table and crunched it up while watching the screen.
At the end of the show, Fraya yawned. Melody twisted around and grinned at me. “What did you think, Zelie? Did you love it?”
“I did,” I said, nodding. “That was a lot of fun.”
“And you don’t even have to wait to see Frozen II.” Melody jumped to her feet and hurried over to the screen. She bent down and switched out the reflective silver discs.
Fraya stretched her arms over her head and let out a lengthy yawn. Standing up, she offered me a lazy smile. “I’m calling it a night. See you in the morning.”
“Sleep well,” I said.
“Goodnight, Fraya.” Melody waved at her and started the next movie. She stretched out over the floor rug on her belly.
Ronin grabbed the blanket from the back of his chair, got up, and spread it over Melody’s back.
“Thanks, bro,” Melody said. She lifted her legs from the knees up and kicked them back and forth during the opening scene. A bit later, her legs were down, head resting against her hands, and her eyes closed.
Moonlight reflected on the ocean outside, casting a hypnotic glow over the gentle waves. I tried to keep my eyes on the screen. The waft of the ceiling fan caressed my cheeks. It would have felt good on my legs, but being practically alone with the twins made me think twice about uncovering.
Reed glanced down at his sister, then looked at Ronin. He cleared his throat. “Mind getting me a glass of water?”
Ronin looked away from the television, lips pursed. He gave me a quick look and nodded once at his brother before leaving the room.
My skin prickled, and sweat beaded behind my knees. “Ronin didn’t want to offer me water?” I tried to say in a joking voice.
Reed scooted over to the middle cushion and let his legs fall open until one knee pressed against my blanket. “That was code for Ronin to make himself scarce.” I could feel the color rising up my neck. Reed leaned closer and inhaled, his eyelashes fluttering slightly as he breathed me in. “You smell like coconuts.”
I had to force myself not to squirm beneath the blanket. “I got a massage.”
Reed smiled as he stared at my face. “I really like your hair.”
“Thanks.”
“Am I making you nervous?”
“Please.” I snorted and rolled my eyes.
Reed placed his hand on my blanket, right over my thigh. “Is this okay?” he asked, suddenly sounding not so self-assured. His eyes searched mine. For all his swagger, Reed Elmray was still a young buck seeking approval.
“Don’t you need to win a game of darts or something before you’re allowed to feel me up?”
“Feel you—” Reed’s mouth hung open. He snapped it closed. A flash of brilliance entered his eyes. It had to have come from the television screen, but the effect was bewitching.
“I’m joking,” I said.
“What my brother and I feel for you is no joke, Zelie,” Reed spoke in a low growl.
“I’m the older female you grew up around. I get it. I’m taboo. It’s exciting . . . for now.” My heart clenched as I spoke the words.
Reed removed his hand from my thigh and looked me over soberly. “Why is this taboo?”
“Because I’m older.”
“Is that the only reason? You’re not that old, Zelie, and my brother and I aren’t that young anymore.”
I chewed on my lower lip