Page 66 of Starry Skies, Stolen Kisses, and My Best Friend's Brother

“I’m sorry.I’m not betraying his confidence,” I say firmly.It doesn’t seem like it’s that big of a deal, but Seth was so reluctant to tell me.I can’t tell his family.

Mark crosses his arms but doesn’t speak for a moment.“Fine.But we can work on him even if we don’t understand the problem.The kayak thing was good.But we need more ideas.”

“Wait.Y’all staged the kayak thing?”

Seth was so mad about that.And frustrated that Mark couldn’t handle it.I can’t believe they did it on purpose.

“Yeah.We want him to feel like we can’t live without him.That was just me and Ethan though.The others have all gotten involved the last few days.”Mark leans forward, looking serious.

“You guys are sneaky.”As much as I don’t like that they’re making life more difficult for Seth, I love that they want to keep him here.Because that’s exactly what I want as well.

“Yep.And we could use your help, actually.We were just talking about you before you showed up,” Noah says.

“I already told you I’m not saying anything.”

“You don’t need to tell us anything.But the guy’s in love with you, and from what Abi said, you’re in love with him.Convince him to stay here with you.”Levi stares at me.I didn’t expect him to be the one to push it.

I wring my hands in my lap.I can’t be responsible for what might happen.“My dad…”

“Your dad is just blowing smoke,” Mark says.“I highly doubt he’ll actually do something that would hurt our family and you.”

“We can’t risk it.”

I spend the next half hour trying to convince them that even though I desperately want the same thing they do, I won’t put Whisper Springs at risk.Eventually they all have to go back to work, so I’m off the hook for now.But I have a feeling this won’t be the last time they try to talk me into going after Seth.

After the family meeting, Abi and I spend the afternoon taking pictures and videos.I don’t go back to the office at all.I can’t help but think of what her brothers told me.They’re all convinced everything will be fine, but I can’t underestimate my dad.

* * *

The scent of pine and wood smoke lingers in the air, mixed with the aroma of freshly cut grass.Someone is grilling nearby, the savory scent of meat making my stomach growl even though we just ate.The sky above the bunkhouse is dark and dotted with clouds.I’m going out with Seth tonight, but at least Abi will be with me.

We enter the bunkhouse, and most of the girls are already in for the evening.A lot are playing on their phones.

A box sits on my bed, and Abi claps her hands.“Oooh.What’s this?More presents from Seth?He’s working hard, isn’t he?”

I shake my head and grab the box, settling on Abi’s bunk with her across from me.I slice open the tape with my key and open the box.I close it again so she can’t see, my face flushing.

“What is it?”she asks.“Oh, look at your face.It’s something naughty, isn’t it?”She grabs for the box, but I pull it away from her.

“Oh, come on.”

“No.”

She’s going to tease me so badly, and then all the others will join in.

“Mae.”She pouts and reaches for it again, but this time I’m not hanging on tight enough, and she grabs it, dumping the contents onto the bed.

Four books fall out.All by the same author.My favorite.

“Alien romance?Girl, you’ve been holding out on me.”She grabs one of the books and scans the back of the cover.Then she flips it over and opens it.“Oooh, it’s signed and made out to you and everything.”

“What?”

I grab another book.“For Mae, Keep your eyes on the sky.”With the author’s signature.

Abi shrugs.“I bet these are better than the unicorn romances.I know they are signed, but can I read them when you’re done?”

“Sure.”

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