Page 73 of The Flirty Forward

Brielle shakes her head. “He’s doing that weird thing again. I asked Aiden about it, but he says he doesn’t know why Sebastian does it either. He’s been close-mouthed about it.” She turns to me and then glances back at the screen; then back at me. She watches the replay, and I see her put it together. “Oh, my word. He’s pointing to his ring finger.” She turns to me. “He does it for you!”

Chapter 28

Stephanie

I feel my face heat up. I’m totally going to deny it, but then realize there’s no denying it. She totally knows. I shrug. “Maybe.” I know I’m totally smiling.

“I can’t believe I just figured that out!”

We both turn back to the tv for the last few seconds. When the other team doesn’t score, and we win, we both scream and cheer. When it finally dies down, I collapse on the couch, grabbing a snack. “That was intense.”

She drops onto the couch next to me. “Yeah, it was! I’m exhausted.”

“Me too.” Then we both laugh because neither of us played an ounce.

“Do you mind if we watch the follow-up?”

“Go for it.” I grab some popcorn and settle back against the cushions, thankful the game is over so I can finally relax. I stay relaxed all through Aiden’s interview and then Gunner’s. But when Sebastian heads to the table, I suddenly find myself nervous all over again. His first few questions are about the game, and I try to relax. And then, like always, they manage to turn the conversation to his love life. I watch as he stays perfectly calm. He simply smiles at the guy. “I already addressed that question; feel free to watch the replay. Next.” He’s done a few minutes later.

“Whew. Well, he dodged that question well enough,” Bri says.

“Yeah.” I sigh and lean back against the couch cushions for a moment before standing. “I’d better head home before I’m too tired to go. I’ll help you pick up first.”

A few minutes later, I hug her and head home. When I settle in bed a little bit later, I check my phone once again.Still nothing.I don’t know why I keep obsessing over it; he told me he doesn’t have his phone. I guess some part of me keeps hoping they’ll send it to him. I roll over, and it only takes a few minutes to fall asleep.

I spend all of Saturday grading papers and working on my book. With all the extra time on my book, I’m feeling really good about it. I feel like I’m at the point where I can start putting out teasers to my fans on social media. I go to bed late Saturday night, but it feels good. The next morning, however, feels anything but good. I can’t believe I agreed to go to Sebastian’s family get-together without him! I feel like pleading temporary insanity and begging off. But I make myself get ready and head over there. I dress in a soft purple sweater and black dress pants. I’m not sure if I’m overdressed; Brielle would probably say I am, but I can’t help it. I want to look nice; it’s Sunday brunch after all.

When I pull into the driveway behind the other cars, I sit there a few minutes, trying to work up the courage to go in. A knock on my window startles me. I turn my head and see two little girls peering into my car window. I mentally place them.Brittney and Eliza, ages seven and five, daughters of Tina and Andrew.I can’t help but smile at their angelic faces. I open my door. “Hi, Brittney; Hi Eliza.”

“Hi, Miss Stephanie,” Brittney says with perfect manners. “Mom told us to come walk you in.” I'm just about to thank her when she continues. “Uncle Keith said you were too scared to come in.”

Out of the mouth of babes.I can’t help but smile. “Well, he was right; so thank you for coming to be my escort.”

Eliza giggles and puts her hand over her mouth while Brittney offers in a very grown-up voice, “Can I help you carry something?”

“Sure. I brought a pastry ring and some scones to go with brunch. Does that sound good?”

Brittney frowns. “I don’t know. Are they sugary?”

I think for a second. “They taste sweet.”

Brittney nods affirmatively. “Then we will like them, especially mommy.”

I can’t hide my grin. “Your mom has a sweet tooth, huh?”

“Daddy says she has a sweet mouth,” Eliza finally adds to the conversation.

I do my best not to laugh. Somehow, I don't think that’s the context in which Andrew was talking about his wife’s mouth. “Well, we’d better take these in then.”

I hand each of them something to carry, and they march toward the house, proudly carrying their items. I follow along behind them, thankful for the cutest welcoming party. They walk right up the steps and into the house, so I do the same. “Hello,” I call out as I enter the home.

“Hey, Stephanie,” several voices call out.

“Come join us in the kitchen.” I recognize Sebastian’s mom’s voice and head that way. I step into the kitchen and the warmth of it hits me both in my face and somewhere deeper. I feel the warmth in my heart.

Kelly wipes her hands on her apron before turning to me. She opens her arms wide. “How’s my girl?” She wraps me in her arms, and I stand there absolutely paralyzed. It takes me a moment to get my arms to work, and I finally wrap them around her. I swear it’s the warmest hug I’ve ever had. Something about it makes my eyes water. I don’t know how long she hugs me,but I know it’s the longest hug I’ve ever received. When she steps back, I have to wipe my eyes. She puts her hands on my shoulders. “I don’t know if I ever thanked you for what you did for my granddaughter.”

“You did,” I reassure her, but she doesn’t stop.

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