Page 67 of Enticed

“Nope. But you can tell me how your weekend with Clara went before the girls arrive,” she winks at me over her shoulder.

“It was perfect, Mom—exactly what we needed. We actually decided to tell everyone today, starting with Liv.”

Clara insisted we tell her first so she didn’t hear it from anyone else—and since that was what would make her feel the most comfortable, I agreed. However, if it were me, I would have just told everyone all at once—gathered the attention of all the guests and shouted from the rooftops that I’m in love with her—but Clara would probably punch me in the junk.

“Oh, well, that’s exciting! I can’t wait to hug her and tell her I knew all along that she had the hots for you. But I’ll play along and pretend I didn’t know anything until then…”

I crack a smile at my mom and then kiss her on the forehead. “Thanks, Mom.” I take a deep breath and then make my way back outside, bracing myself for the rest of the day—Lord knows I’m going to need every ounce of patience.

As I stand next to Cash across from Kane and Drew mid-way through a game of corn hole, a woman in a red sundress catches my eyes from the deck. As I look her way and see her, my heart stops momentarily in my chest.

Clara stands there tucking a strand of her long, brown hair behind her ear, searching the yard and taking in everything. But when her eyes meet mine and she flashes me her blinding smile, I fight with my brain to remember to breathe. She looks stunning, the small straps of her dress highlighting her toned shoulders and arms, the length of it hitting just above her knee and showcasing her runner legs. It clings to her body just enough to show off her curves, but it also flows a bit in the small breeze in the air today. Her face is light with make-up, but the way the sun shines over her provides a glimmer filter that makes her look like an angel—my angel.

I’m in-fucking-love—and all I want to do is run across the yard, lift her up in my arms, and kiss the shit out of her.

Patience, boy. By the end of the night, there will be no more hiding.

Clara quickly pulls her attention away from me and then runs into someone she knows, striking up a conversation.

“Better be careful with all of that eye-fucking, Coop. Even I didn’t miss that,” Cash mumbles as he leans over closer to me.

“Soon it won’t be a problem,” I fire back. “Now throw the bags, Williams.”

Once our game is finished and Cash and I reign victorious, I begin conversing amongst the guests, casually trying to make my way closer to Clara inside the house without being obvious. A bunch of my parent’s friends stop me to compliment on how grown I am, how well I’m doing for myself at this point in my life, and of course include an interrogation of when I plan on settling down.

“I’m actually seeing someone, but it’s new. Hopefully, it all works out though,” I offer politely, even though I’m sure that Clara and Iaremeant for each other.

Knowing she’s here and I can’t be next to her is making my skin itch. I need to see her, check in with her, kiss her—so I fire off a text since I don’t see her outside anywhere and figure she’s still indoors with the girls.

Me: Meet me in my old bedroom in five. I need to see you.

Right as I place my phone back in my pocket, it vibrates.

Clara: I’ll try, but the girls have me knee-deep in a conversation about Amy’s husband and Liv is in a mood.

Me: Just say you’re going to the bathroom.

Clara: K

I slip my phone back in my pocket and then make my way inside, where I see the girls sitting on the couches in the living room, Clara snuggled perfectly in a chair and avoiding my eyes.

“Hey, ladies,” I decide to greet them as I walk past.

“Coop! Where have you been? I didn’t know you were here yet,” Liv says as she lies stretched out across the loveseat with her feet propped up.

“I’ve been outside, but apparently you haven’t.”

“Screw you, Cooper. You have no idea how hot it is out there, especially for a pregnant woman, alright? I have three more weeks of cooking this child and I am not going to spend it in the sweltering heat. My feet are swollen and my back is killing me….”

I throw my hands up in the air in defense. “Okay! I get it. Sorry. I understand, sis. Just relax. You’re gonna come out for fireworks at least, right?”

Olivia sighs as she rubs her belly. “Yes, I’ll be out there. Is Kane having fun?”

“Well, he was until Cash and I smoked him and Drew in corn hole,” I chide.

“Drew sucks at that game so it doesn’t surprise me,” Tammy, Drew’s wife, chimes in looking every bit as pregnant as Liv.

“Yeah, he does.”

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