Page 178 of Splintered Hearts

“Rushing you? Jamie your drawing has shading! This is Pictionary!”

“I’m almost—”

“Time’s up.”

Sighing, I look up at the ceiling. “I wanted to play strip poker!”

“We aren’t playing strip poker for Camden’s first game night,” Mark says. “That’s for the second game night.” He winks.

Ignoring my friends, I turn to the love of my life. “You really suck at Pictionary.”

“One could argue I’m the best, actually.”

“Baby, the drawing doesn’t matter, only that I guess it.”

“Maybe you suck at guessing?” Jamie crumples the tiny piece of paper in his hand. “What about you? Your drawing was terrible.”

“You thought it was a dildo!”

“Because it looked like a dildo.”

“It was a rocket ship!”

“How was I supposed to know that?”

“Because I’m pretty sure the creators of Pictionary, a fun game for the whole fucking family, wouldn’t have cards that say dildo.” Although... Pictionary after dark could be fun.

“Hunter and I are going to win.” Mark beams, but Cam and Bo are not that far behind them.

“Hunter has to go home with you after. I wouldn’t call that winning.”

“I hate our friends.” Mark’s head slumps against his boyfriend.

“I hate your friend too.” Hunter kisses the top of his head.

We play, and our friends fight and bicker. Camden’s even getting into it, and yes, I’m keeping my eye on him and the way he’s trying so hard not to focus on Bo. There’s something there! I just know it. Jamie’s asked me to stay out of it, and I’m going to do just that.

Probably.

“Cheater! You can’t give verbal hints!” Bowen laughs at Mark.

“It wasn’t a verbal hint, I was saying—”

“Saying. Verbal. Take a point.”

“No way!” Mark and Bowen argue over points, and I feel something as I look up into Jamie’s eyes. A year ago I was miserable, alone, and feeling stuck.

Now my friends, my job, the place I live... It’s as if everything I’ve ever wanted is finally mine. It’s scary. Shit happens every day, Jamie knows that more than most. I won’t take any of this for granted a day in my life. “I love you.” He leans in with a smile, pressing his forehead against mine before kissing it.

“I love you too, little fox.”

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