Page 4 of Starry Skies, Stolen Kisses, and My Best Friend's Brother

Abi’s excited about Seth coming home, but none of his brothers have been acting that way.In fact, most of them get that same grimace as Mark on their faces when anyone mentions Seth.

Abi continues to glitter a sign that says:Marry me.I want to have your babies.

“I know.I don’t think it’ll last, but Dad needs him.”Abi doesn’t look up, but I can see the worry on her face.I fiddle with my ring, which has a stone that looks like a starry night sky.

I’m not privy to all the family business, but over the last few months, there have been mutters of financial troubles.This place is my childhood, and I’d hate to see it shut down.Two generations ago, it was just a farm nestled in the hills that provided produce to my great-grandfather’s logging town.Now it’s a river resort with a campground, petting zoo, pumpkin patch, and Christmas tree farm.A couple of days ago, we had a massive Fourth of July party.In September, they’ll do a fall festival, and Christmases here are magical.The gazebo and pole barn make a gorgeous wedding venue as well.Terry—Abi’s mom—is a master event planner.

During the summer, Blackwood Family Farm becomes a hub of activity for all water sports enthusiasts.Right next door, my dad’s property is for people who don’t want to stay in cabins or tents.Despite the wear and tear on some of the buildings, he manages to rent out ten fully furnished houses to kayakers and winter skiers.He also renovated the little church for the weddings that Terry books because some people want to be married in the church instead of the gazebo or barn.

I check my phone.“He’ll be here in five minutes.”

“Go get a couple of bras.Seriously.”Abi slaps me on the arm.

I can never tell that girl no.I should stand up for myself more, but it’s easier to just give in.I jog to the bunkhouse and grab a lacy black one that I don’t like wearing because it itches.Once I get back, the girls gather in a circle.I shove my bra into the hands of a river raft guide and take a sign from Abi.Mark stands a few yards away, phone at the ready.

The car comes around the bend in the driveway, and I don’t even have to cue the other girls.Everyone starts screaming and races for the car.Someone behind us yells, “Woo hoo.”

I hurry forward with the rest of the girls.

Seth had gotten a convertible—of course—and even though I can’t see his eyes behind the sunglasses, his face turns full-on red.He stops the car, and we swarm him.His Doberman, Deka, jumps out of the car and takes off after Gilbert and Bisbee—Terry’s collies.

A few girls hop onto the hood of the car, and my bra makes it into his lap.I jump into the passenger seat and hold my sign high.

Within seconds, it’s over, all of us dissolving into giggles.

“Time to get to work,” Mark calls out, and everyone scatters except me and Abi.

“You are the worst,” Seth says.He glances past me, and I know he’s checking on Deka.She’s probably never seen this much open land before.But Gilbert and Bisbee are the friendliest dogs on Earth, so I’m sure she’s fine.

“You asked for it.”I know he didn’t mean it, but it was still fun to tease him.

He brings his gaze back to me, and I remind myself to breathe.This is a man who listens to me sincerely and gives the best advice.He’s smart, business savvy, and dang near perfect.He stares at me, and I’m grateful he still has his sunglasses on.I might go comatose if I see his eyes.

He swallows.“I didn’t really expect you to come up with screaming fans.”

I grin at him and press my shaking hands into my lap.“Welcome home.”

Abi jumps into the back seat and squeezes him from behind.“I can’t believe you’re here.”

Seth swivels around and looks between her and me.“You two are all grown up.”

I take a moment to study him while he’s distracted.He’s wearing a dark suit with a black tie.While I appreciate the view, he won’t fit in here dressed like that.Besides, it’s too hot.

“And graduated from college.”Abi preens a bit for him, and he laughs.

“But you both look like you’re ready to star in a Girls Gone Wild spring break edition.Can’t you put on clothes?”He scowls at the both of us, looking just like his brother earlier, except he has longer hair than Mark does.

Abi giggles.“Oh no.You can’t get all big brother on us now.Mae and I have guys to impress.By noon, we don’t even wear our tanks and shorts.It’s bikinis all day, every day.I’ve landed four dates this summer so far.”

Abi started string-bikini summers after we got out of college.Mark was a little concerned at first because he didn’t like us wearing only bikinis, but Abi’s pretty forceful.I prefer one-piece suits because they stay on better in the water, but Abi insisted we match, so I got used to it.I’ve only lost my top once.Which is more than I can say for Abi.She loses hers on a weekly basis.

Seth raises a brow.“Is she for real?”

I nod.“I’ve gone out with six guys so far.She’s upset because I’m beating her.”

His mouth drops.“You’ve slept with six different guys this summer?”

I reach over and close his mouth, my fingers tingling with the touch.“I don’t sleep with all of them.Get your mind out of the gutter.”I haven’t even slept with any of them, but no one else needs to know that detail.

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