her seat, causing her to spill her water down her chin.
She laughs and wipes it dry. “I would’ve, but you were asleep.”
“Looks like I get shotgun the whole way back then.”
“What? No way!” she argues.
“Yes way. I’m calling it now.”
She spins around to face him. “It doesn’t work that way and you know it. You can only call shotgun as we’re getting in the car, not three days beforehand!”
“Calvin, tell her how hard it is to scrunch your tall body into a little back seat.” He tries playing me against her.
“Not doing it, dude. If it’s up to me, I’m choosing her every time. She’s prettier than you. And she smells better.”
He shakes his head, crosses his arms over his chest, and sits back, waiting out the rest of the ride.
A little while later, the three of us are pulling into my parents’ driveway. We all climb out and I pop the trunk to get our bags. Preston grabs his and starts toward the door. “See ya tomorrow, Pipes.”
“I’ll carry your suitcase across the street if you want,” I tell her.
She smiles up at me. “Thanks.”
I take my bag out and set it on the concrete to grab it on my way back. I pick up hers and walk with her across the street. At the front door, I set it down and look over my shoulder to make sure Preston isn’t outside to witness our goodnight kiss.
“I’ll talk to you tomorrow?” I ask, leaning in for a kiss.
“You better. Or maybe we could even manage to sneak out later tonight for a dip in the hot tub my mom finally talked my dad into buying.”
“Mmm, that sounds perfect,” I say, pressing my lips to hers. Her arms wrap around my neck, pulling me closer. I put my hands on the small of her back, pulling her against me. Our soft, quick kiss turns to one of passion and need—and maybe anxiousness about parting for the night. The next thing I know, I have her back pressed to the side of the house next to the front door. Her legs are wrapped around my hips and my hand is up her shirt.
“Cal, where’d you go?” Preston yells from across the street. Thanks to the darkness and the tree in her front yard, he can’t see us.
I pull back. “I gotta go before we get busted. Text me later and I’ll sneak over.”
She smiles as I set her on her feet. Her hand is in mine and she doesn’t let go until our arms can no longer stretch. Finally, we have to let go and I walk across the street.
Preston is standing on the front porch. “Where the hell have you been? They’re all over me in there. Go in so they can have their golden son and leave me alone.”
I laugh as I grab my bag off the ground. “Sorry, I had to carry Piper’s bag across the street for her since you just ran off.” I walk past him, opening the door and stepping into the foyer.
Mom squeals when she sees me, quickly wrapping me up in a big hug.
“I’m so happy to see you, Calvin. How’s my boy been?”
I drop my bag. “Good, good. Where’s Dad?”
She waves her hand through the air. “Oh, it’s Thursday. Bowling night. Are you hungry? Have you eaten?”
“I’m starved,” Preston says, stepping behind me.
“Well, come on boys. Let’s get you fed.”
Over a plate of spaghetti, we sit and talk and catch up with Mom. She tells us that she’s been busy making all the deserts for the party this year, then goes on to list them off. She asks about the office and talks to Preston about his job. He gives vague answers and instead changes the topic to how I’ve somehow managed to kidnap his best friend and turn her against him.
Mom laughs at that. “Well, Calvin, what’s going on with you and Piper? You know, I always thought you two would make the perfect couple.”
“What the hell?” Preston says. “What about me? She’s my friend. Why wouldn’t we make the perfect couple?”
Mom rolls her icy blue eyes that match mine and my brother’s. “I’m sorry, dear. I just couldn’t see the two of you together. I mean, you hang out for 10 minutes and you’re arguing. But Piper and Calvin,” she turns to look at me, “seem to get along very well. I would always sit back and watch you have your little talks. You were always very good at calming