Page 84 of Mess With Me

“I’m pretty strong,” he says proudly.

I laugh. “Well, thanks again for being here. I hope it wasn’t too boring.”

“I’ve been to a lot of weddings. They’re totally boring, but this one was okay. Except the stuff in the town hall; that was a little bit boring.”

I grin. I think okay is pretty great as far as nine-year-old boy wedding reviews go.

“It was pretty gross when they were all lovey-dovey, though,” Chelsea says, coming up beside us with Cass.

“Ugh, love,” Cass says.

“Kissing is seriously gross,” Cap agrees.

“What are you going to do when you get married?” Cass asks Cap. “High fives?”

Cap looks horrified. “I’mnevergetting married.”

We all laugh as Cap backs away slowly, then makes a run for the dog, who’s already stretching, ready for round seventeen of catch with Cap.

“Honestly, that kisswasgross, but only because it’s weird to swoon over a kiss when it’s your brother,” Chelsea says.

“But if it wasn’t Griff,” Cass says, “I think I speak for everyone when I say objectively that that kiss was…damn.”

Cass sighs.

My cheeks heat up as I recall the feeling of him taking me like that. “It wasn’t what we talked about,” I squeak.

Cass rolls her eyes. “Why am I not surprised Griff set expectations for his wedding kiss?”

“I’m only surprised he broke them,” Chelsea says. “But I guess feelings be feeling.”

We all laugh, though mine is strained. Not because it’s not funny, but because Griff and I are not supposed to be having feelings. That’s not what this is about.

Sure, I crossed the line a few times, but that was just hormones.

I bring my hand up to gnaw on my nails, then lower it again.

“So,” Chelsea says. “What’s next now that the fun is over?”

“I guess I need to figure out what to do.”

“You’ve always got a place at the Rolling Hills if you want it,” Cass says.

I’m touched. “That’s so nice, thank you. I don’t know if I’ve got the kind of experience you’re looking for.” Which is to say, not much of anything.

“Well, Griffin would never have married someone who wasn’t self-sufficient, so I’m sure whatever you choose to do, you’ll be amazing at it.”

“Vivian Lau offered me a job at Bijou.I’m kind of considering taking it.”

“Seriously?” Cass asks, her eyes wide. “I’ve spent a small fortune in that place, and that woman barely tolerates charging my card.”

“I can crack her.”

“I don’t doubt it,” Chelsea says. “You seem like the type of person who knows how to handle closed-off personalities.”

We all look over at Griffin, who’s rolling his eyes at something Eli’s saying with wild gesticulation.

Just then there’s a crackle, and a baby wails. Chelsea jumps, pulling a baby monitor out of her purse. “I think that’s time for us.”

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