Page 34 of Wild Mistake
“Yeah.”
“Damn.” I let out a low whistle.
“Yeah. But then, I don’t know. Lately it’s been harder and harder to hang out. And I kinda started having feelings for someone else.”
“Okay.”
“He’s cool and funny and not from around here.” She glances up at me from beneath her lashes. “Someone who would technically become my cousin if you married his mom.”
“Ahh.” I nod, all the pieces fitting together. Riley is crushing on one of Sarah’s sons. “I see.”
“So, like, that’s why I was asking. Because it would be weird to date my cousin. Like, really gross. And that would kind of make the decision for me.”
I bite back the urge to smile. “Hypothetically speaking, you wouldn’t be cousins by blood, and it’s not like you even knew him until a few months ago, right? So I don’t think that matters.”
“It matters to me. Do you know how bad this town can be? I’m not about to be labeled a cousin fucker.”
“Riley!” My jaw falls open and a burst of laughter shakes my chest.
“What?” she says, but a smile takes over her face and soon we’re both laughing so hard we’re wiping away tears.
“Listen.” I clasp her shoulder and give it a squeeze. “I’m definitely not the one who should be handing out relationship advice, but the thing about feelings is you don’t get to choose them. They are what they are. You love who you love. Listen to that voice inside yourself, and don’t worry about hurting or disappointing anyone except for yourself.”
“Okay.” She nods, leaning against me and resting her head on my shoulder. “That’s actually pretty good advice.”
“And always use protection.”
“Eww!” She balks, shoving me away. “Uncle Aiden. Just no.”
“What?” I laugh out loud. “It’s important to be safe.”
“Please stop.” She groans. “I already regret this conversation.”
A flash of headlights turning down the drive pulls our attention toward the old sedan heading toward us. It’s Sarah. She came.
A smile blooms on my face as I take the porch steps two at a time and walk out to greet her. I don’t even try to play it cool. Games are for boys. I’m happy to see this woman and I’m not hiding it.
She cuts the engine to her car and three doors open simultaneously. Sarah, Gabe, and Parker exit in unison.
“You made it!” I say.
“You promised a party.” She glances around. “Where is everyone?”
“The adults are inside.” I hike my thumb over my shoulder. “The teens are out in the old barn.”
“Hey.” Riley lifts her hand in a shy wave. “I’m headed back over now. We can walk together.”
It’s obvious the feelings my niece confessed to me go both ways, because try as he might, Gabe can’t rein in his delight at her invitation.
“Yeah, cool.” He flips his hair out of his eyes, only for it to fall forward again.
Parker, who is closer to my nephew’s age, follows behind.
With the teens on their way, I take the opportunity to check Sarah out. She’s beautiful. She always is. Tonight she’s left her hair down and the soft curls frame her face. I like the way she’s done her makeup too. It highlights her natural beauty. Her lips are painted a dark shade of pink. So kissable. My fingers tingle with the urge to tug her to me. My body thrums with the idea, and I discreetly adjust myself. Fuck me. Just thinking about kissing Sarah makes me hard. It’s gonna be a long wait until midnight.
14
SARAH
