Page 174 of What We Bury

Knox wipes a hand over his face and just nods.

My heart finally restarts, thudding in my chest. I roll my head, stretch my neck, and wipe a bead of sweat from my brow.

“She knows what she’s doing,” I say, voice hoarse.

“Yeah,” Eli finally says, clearing his throat. His voice is rough enough to scrape. “She does.”

He doesn’t look at any of us when he says it, and that’s how I know he’s talking about more than the camera.

Milo, not even bothering to hide his junk, just grins at all of us. “I love this family.”

“Shut up,” Holden mutters, but he’s smiling.

Knox puts his chair back on four legs, stands. “Hudson,” he says, like he’s desperate to pull this back. He looks at his cell again. Shakes his head in disbelief then taps out a quick message.

The group chat buzzes.

Knox:

Hottest thing I’ve ever seen.

“Yeah, Hudson,” Holden says, also typing out a message. “We need to review his access pattern at the gym.” He hits send.

Holden:

Wildcat. You are playing a very dangerous game.

Milo:

Hotter than baking a pizza at 500°. Also, she’s clearly requesting a group meal soon.

Me:

If that was an invitation, I RSVP yes.

Eli:

You just say yes to everything.

Me:

Untrue. But to watching baby girl make herself come? Yes forever.

Milo:

There’s something wrong with us, isn’t there?

Holden:

That’s the sexiest part.

Knox:

Time to work, guys.

Milo:

Kinda weird to sign off with a boner, big man, but you do you.