Page 38 of Chasing Hope

Nodding, Grayson closes the grill lid, making us all carry the plates of cooked meat to the table set up by the willow tree Grayson and Bella planted in memorial of their loved ones. It’s the most touching thing I’ve ever heard of, and every family night, I catch the pair of them staring off at it with an equal mix of love and sadness.

“IceHawks is on the table. Apparently, it’s a toss-up between us and Chicago.”

Johnson scoffs. “Why the fuck is Chicago even in the running?”

“Beats me. They suck,” Kieran announces, stacking two plates on one arm to serve to each of his girls. His love for them never fails to amaze me. He wears it on his sleeve with such pride.

He was born to be a girl dad.

Grayson smiles up at the house, catching Bella’s eye by waving the food in the air before going on. “Chicago climbed the ladder last year after rebuilding their team. They aren’t bad.”

“But they’re not us,” I declare.

Grayson pauses, turning to me with a smile on his face. “No, they’re not.”

Chapter 11

Evie

Google Search:

Why can’t I stop flirting with my brother’s best friend?

Answer:

Studies show that when someone is “off-limits,” it can create tension and a sense of longing. Make sure you know the difference between flirting with someone because of the allure that you can’t have them, and developing feelings beyond a friendship.

“Did he just wink at you?” Cindy gasps. “Oh my god, are you fucking your brother’s best friend?”

The wine that was in my mouth explodes, spraying all over the kitchen island, and I’m immensely grateful no food was set on it or that anyone was sitting on the stools.

Way to make a fucking entrance, V, I think to myself as two girls walk through the door, their eyes widening at the mess I’ve made.

“I’m so sorry!” Turning to Cindy, I whack her shoulder. “You’re trouble!”

Cindy just smirks. “Nothing’s changed, then.” With a flourish, she flicks her hair back over her shoulder before turning that smirk to the two girls who just stepped inside. “Girls, this is Ellington’s sister, Evie, and in my opinion, the better Ellington.”

The woman with vibrant red hair steps forward, a smile stretching across her freckle-covered cheeks as she opens her arms and goes in for a quick hug. “Hi! I’m Layla. I nanny for Kieran.”

“And his dick,” Cindy coughs into her fist.

The woman with brown hair whacks Layla’s shoulder. “Stop introducing yourself as the damn nanny.” She rolls her eyes before smiling my way. “I’m Bella, Grayson’s girlfriend, and Layla over here is my best friend and Kieran’s girlfriend.”

Layla glowers at Bella but it holds no malice. “It’s hard to wrap my head around!”

“Do I want to know?” I ask cautiously with a chuckle.

Cindy smirks at me conspiratorially. “Kieran fell head over heels in love with Layla for well over two years, and Little Miss Sunshine here didn’t even give him the time of day until she started nannying for his little girl.”

Bella sighs, love shining in her brown eyes. “Emmy is the cutest little girl you’ll ever meet. She’s a little shy but will warm up to you in no time.”

“We need a nickname for you. The two E names are going to get confusing real quick.”

“Just don’t call her Dove,” Matteo drawls as he strides inside, Kieran Ashford hot on his heels. “I have that one claimed.”

I scoff. “I think you forget I begged you not to call me that.”

“Haven’t heard youask, though.”