Touch by Touch (Riggins Brothers #4) - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,37

to tell you, Rory? While Mom and Lena were in full swing wedding planning? Or how about when Mom and Dad gave me a hug hello? It was nothing. We were here all cooped up alone. It happens. It’s done.”

“That look he gave you, the one you returned, that wasn’t nothing.”

“It is if I say.” I’m aware I sound like a toddler, but she’s backed me into a corner, and we both know it.

“You can tell me,” she urges.

“I just did. A few kisses, that’s it. It’s done.”

“Aspen.” Her tone is softer, and I can’t handle that. I don’t know what we are. We didn’t talk about it, and I know that’s my fault. I’m not sure what it meant, if anything, and I’m giving him an easy out.

“Aurora. This is your weekend. You’re getting married in a few days to the love of your life. Let’s focus on that.”

She studies me for far too long, and I’m worried I’m going to have to think of another way to leave this alone. “For now. After the wedding, we’re talking about this.”

“You’ll be on your honeymoon. Talking to me will be the last of your priorities.” I start to sing the lyrics of “I Just Had Sex,” and we both fall into a fit of laughter. “Come on, future Mrs. Riggins. Let’s go back downstairs and see what else we can do.”

Arm in arm, we do just that. I don’t know how I’m going to manage to avoid Conrad for the next few days, but if I’m anything, I’m resourceful. I’ll make it happen one way or another. We are not letting this, whatever this might be, ruin our siblings’ wedding.

I don’t know how, but I’ve managed to avoid Conrad the entire day. Until now. My dad and Stanley ran into town and brought back pizza. Everyone grabbed a chair around the table, and wouldn’t you know it, the spot closest to me is open. I focus on the pepperoni and cheese on my plate and pretend I don’t notice Conrad is not sitting at the table. I thought I might get lucky, but when I see him come around the corner with his plate of pizza in one hand and a bottle of beer in the other, I know my time is up.

I pretend to ignore him as he takes his seat next to me. It’s not until his hand finds its way to my thigh under the table, and I feel his hot breath next to my ear, that I realize I’m kidding myself thinking I could pretend he’s not sitting next to me.

“Missed you today,” he whispers in my ear. His hand falls away as he begins to eat.

As for me, well, I strike up a conversation with Lena, who is on the other side of me. We talk about the memories of her boys growing up here in the cabin, and I love that my sister and her children are going to be able to have similar memories.

“Aspen?” I feel a hand on my shoulder. It’s with that simple touch that I know it’s Conrad before I even turn to look. “What do you say?”

“Sorry. I missed what you were saying.”

“We’re going to go night sledding. You’re going with us,” Aurora tells me.

“Who is we?”

“Me and Grant and you and Conrad. Sawyer can’t go because she’s pregnant, and Royce won’t leave her. Owen and Layla want to get Carter down for the night, and Marshall”—she looks over at her future brother-in-law—“is just a wimp.”

“Hey!” Marshall tosses a napkin at her. “I’m not a wimp. I’m just not in the mood to freeze my balls off.”

“Marshall Riggins!” Lena scolds him, and the entire table erupts in laughter. “I swear you’d think you boys were raised in a barn.”

“What? It’s the truth. It’s too cold out there.”

“Getting soft in your old age?” Grant teases him.

“Not soft. Smart.” Marshall grins. “Aren’t you worried about being banged up for your wedding night?” he asks.

“Wedding day,” Grant corrects him.

“Nope. The wedding night, you know when the extracurriculars take place.” Marshall wags his eyebrows.

“Marshall!” Aurora sputters with laughter.

I glance around the table and see us all as one big happy family. My parents, as well as Lena and Stanley, only seem amused with our conversation. It’s wonderful how well we all get along and fit together. I love that for my sister and her future husband.

“Well?” Conrad asks.

I search for a good excuse, and I don’t have one. Conrad already knows that I