and wrapping me up tightly in his arms like he’s trying to shield me from the weapon that is Preston.
“Sorry, big bro. No can do. It’s going on 10 a.m. and we need to hit the road.
Calvin takes a deep breath. “He’s right.”
I groan and whine. “I’m too comfortable . . . too warm. Let’s just stay here forever having sex and sleeping.”
“Ugh,” Preston says.
“I could live with that,” Calvin replies, running his hands up and down my thighs, ass, and back. “I’ll make you a deal. If you get up now and get ready, we’ll stop wherever you want to have breakfast.”
“No, man! You know she’s going to get that stinky banana nut muffin. I need real food. Not baked goods.”
I lift my head up and stick my tongue out at Preston. “Fine, I’ll get up. But, um, Pres, you need to go. I’m naked under here.”
Preston gives me a wide smile as he slides his hands into his pockets and leans against the dresser. “Oh, I think I’m right where I should be. I’ll have the best seat in the house.”
I laugh. “Well, Calvin is naked under here too. So unless you want to see his Maglite . . .” I tease.
Preston pushes up off the dresser. “See you at the car,” he says, racing toward the door and leaving Calvin and me to laugh at his quick exit.
Calvin looks over at me and kisses my jaw. “I’m going to pull my clothes on and run off to pack and change into something fresh.”
“I’ll meet you there,” I agree, leaning back on the bed and watching his glorious body as he puts on his clothes.
I pull on a pair of black running shorts, a sports bra, and a tank top. I slide my feet into a pair of flip-flops, just wanting to be comfortable for the long ride home. I pull my hair up into a high ponytail and throw everything into my suitcase before making my bed and leaving the room. I drop my things by the door and head into the kitchen where Mom and Dad are both sitting at the table, looking tired and hung over.
I motion toward the Youngs’ home. “The boys are ready to go.”
Mom nods. “Okay, dear. Safe travels.” She stands up slowly to give me a hug. “I’m getting too old for these Fourth of July parties. You need to hurry up and get married so we can pass it down to you.”
I smile. “But you do it so well. And don’t hold your breath on me getting married. I love you.” I kiss the top of her head before pulling away and heading for the door.
I walk across the street and find Preston leaning against the car. Calvin’s just walking out. He’s wearing a pair of khaki shorts with a blue fitted T-shirt. Just seeing him has me licking my lips. He smiles when he sees me and holds out his arm for my suitcase.
“You’re looking sexy in those shorts, babe,” he says as he leans in for a kiss.
I laugh. “You’re sweet, but I look like crap and feel even worse. That damn punch gets me every year! How are you feeling?”
Calvin shrugs. “I feel great.”
Preston pushes himself up off the car. “I’d feel great if I’d taken a three-hour nap yesterday too.”
I snort. “You didn’t get stoned, Preston,” I point out. “Why did you smoke anyway?” I ask Calvin as he loads our things into the trunk.
“It felt like some kind of welcome into their club. I couldn’t turn it down. But fuck, I wish I had. I was so stoned I thought I felt my hair growing.”
I laugh. “You also wondered why your tongue was so thick and how it could be raining on you when it was sunny.”
Preston laughs.
Calvin shakes his head. “I’m never smoking weed again.”
The three of us pile into the car with Preston volunteering to sit in the back now that he knows Calvin and I are a thing. Once we get on the road, Calvin reaches over and holds my hand. I love these little things I didn’t even notice were missing before. But finally having this secret out feels great. There’s no more hiding or lying or having to act differently when my best friend comes around. Calvin and I can finally be totally together now and I can’t wait to see where we end up.
Seventeen
CALVIN—ONE MONTH LATER
“I can’t believe my brother and best friend are going to Hawaii for a