Page 51 of Play With Me

Will was grinning ear-to-ear at Eilidh’s incredulous expression.

“Wasn’t the last time we shared a smoke, bullshitting behind the garage,” he said.

There was so much love there, between the five of them. It had been like that after Connor’s funeral, too. Though it felt like so much more now that I knew them.

Has jumped in then. “Speaking of smoke and a garage, has Lou ever told you about her first failed heist?”

“First and only failed heist, thank you very much,” I clarified.

“Ay, this we got to hear,” Ortiz’s smile was affectionate and he squeezed Marisol’s hand.

Miller piled on, “Why am I not surprised in the least that this story exists?”

Will settled into the chair next to me and propped his foot up on the bottom rung of mine. Goosebumps crawled up my arms. I looked at him over my shoulder, and for a second I think we both replayed him pulling my stool up close to his on that patio. I felt a telltale throb, and his eyes dropped to my mouth briefly. Dangerous.

Hasan launched into his story. He wasn’t as dynamic as Eilidh, but he had his own way with words, and the table was soon laughing at my 11-year-old antics.

“So there I am, completely panicked over smoke pouring out of the vents, knowing my only friend is trapped in the HVAC return in the ceiling… Of course, I called the fire department.”

“It was a smoke bomb, Has! All a part of the ruse.”

“You could have clued me in, Louisa,” he laughed. We’d told this story to new friends many times, and I always loved how he let me pretend I was in control. In reality, I’d thrown the bomb, intending to get Old Man Jenkins to abandon his office in the garage, and nearly suffocated myself like the fucking amateur I was.

“They dragged her out by her ankles, thrashing around like a trapped raccoon.” He giggled at the memory, and I couldn’t help but join him.

Brooks nodded at me, “‘Trapped Raccoon’ is your spirit name, Lou.” Ha fuckin’ ha!

“Ms. Georgia spanked my ass raw, she was so upset,” I said instead.

“I’d say ye deserved it, love!” Maeve laughed. “I’da done one better n’ strung ye up by ye toes. Can ye even imagine, Ei?”

“All too well. I’ve been the one in the vent and the one doing the spanking.”

“Can confirm, zero stars,” Ciara joked. I felt a tug on my hair and looked to Will, who’d been mindlessly playing with it. No fucking bears, he mouthed. I bit my lip to keep from smiling too hard.

“If your skin had turned out a little darker, I’d’ve been convinced you were my own flesh and blood, Keer,” Eilidh said to her.

I wasn’t sure my heart could take it; What a beautiful family.

25

In the Van

Boston, MA

Louisa

In the living room, Ciara and Siobhan gave Jackson and Will makeovers, while the rest of the guys lay around digesting dinner, wearing sheet masks, and watching the game. I was snuggled on the couch with Marisol—Maeve and Eilidh dozing on the other side—when I felt Mari shifting uncomfortably.

“You alright?” I asked her, scooting my butt away from where it had slid into hers.

“Yeah, I just ate too much, and it’s hard to sit. I’m going to stretch my legs.”

I helped her up off the couch, eyeing her carefully. Something wasn’t right. One wince from her, and Christian was on his feet, checking her over with his eyes and hands.

“I’m fine, Christian, it’s nothing,” she said softly, trying not to call attention to herself. Her cheeks were flushed, maybe from embarrassment. Will and Christian locked eyes for a moment, a silent exchange between them, and Will whispered something to Siobhan, who sat back to let him get up. Once on his feet, he disappeared into the other room.

Marisol was pacing in the kitchen, speaking to Christian in Spanish and with her hands. I couldn’t catch all of their conversation, but I understood enough to know that she thought it was too soon and that their son wasn’t due for another few weeks. She did not want to interrupt her doctor’s Thanksgiving dinner for what was probably just gas.