Page 3 of More For Me

And now, in a matter of minutes, he’s going to officially become a part of this huge, loving, supportive clan. The guys in this room will be his family. His brothers.

I try not to let that fact sting. Just because he’s going to be a Ransome doesn’t mean anything will change between us.

Right?

Besides, the Ransomes are my friends, too. Ever since Leo and Rose started dating I’ve been tight with her family. I even share a rental house with Fox and their cousin Everly. Leo says I can’t help but weasel my way into every friend group I come across, but the truth is, I just have a way with people. Always have.

“So, Bodhi,” River says, kicking his feet up to rest on the coffee table. “I was just looking at the table assignments. Didn’t see a date next to your name.”

“That’s because I didn’t bring one.”

“Didn’t Rose and Leo give you a plus one? Seems kind of shitty if they didn’t, with all the work you did for this thing.”

I hold his gaze. I know exactly where he’s going with this, and there’s no point in fighting it. They’re going to give me shit no matter what I do.

“Maybe he’s leaving his options open,” Fox says, pouring himself more whiskey. “Weddings are a great place to pick up girls.” He raises his glass in my direction, smirking. “That’s my plan, anyhow.”

“Hmm,” River says, taking a sip of his drink. “Maybe he’s hoping to pick up abridesmaid.”

“Riv,” Leo says in a warning voice.

Rose’s brother raises his hands, eyes wide with faux-innocence. “What? That’s a thing at weddings, right? The groomsmen are supposed to hook up with bridesmaids.”

“I’ll be sure to tell your fiancée that, since you’re also a groomsman,” I shoot back.

“That’s fucked up, man,” Fox says, pointing his cigar at me. “He’s related to all the bridesmaids.”

“It’s okay,” River says, grinning at me. “I know he’s just deflecting.”

“Don’t be an ass, Riv,” Wyatt, the oldest cousin, cuts in.

“I’m not being an ass! I’m trying to help.”

I sigh, reaching for the bottle to top of my drink, and wait for it.

“You’ve been crazy about her foryears, Bodhi.”

And there it is. My unrequited crush on Everly Ransome. My favorite thing to discuss.

“It’s time to make your move, man.”

“As ever, I appreciate your advice, River.”

“He has a point,” Will says. “This could be your chance. Weddings are all romantic and shit.”

“Have you ever told her how you feel?” Leo presses, and I glare at him.

“Et tu, Brute?”

He merely shrugs. “Maybe she feels the same way and she’s just too shy to say it.”

I snort at that. Everly doesn’t have a shy bone in her body and everyone in this room knows it.

“I really don’t want to talk about this.”

“You need to man up, Bodhi,” Fox says, and I make a mental note to put spiders in his bed soon.I know where you sleep, buddy.

“I’m perfectly happy as I am.”