Page 30 of Until the End

Michael’s black truck is parked outside already. I hope Ryan rode with him. He tends to retreat into his head, andMichael’s the only one who can bring him back out of his shell.

We head into the house empty-handed. I normally bring beer or something with me, but I was too focused on seeing Ginny to stop at the store. Doesn’t seem like we’ll need it, though. From the foyer, we can see through their living room and dining room into the kitchen. Lottie has a huge spread of food and drinks on the counter. It’s way more than we’ll ever eat, but I have a feeling she was excited we were all getting together at her house.

I walk through the large living space with Gia and Ginny following behind me. Lottie’s bright smile welcomes us, her whiskey-colored eyes sparkling as usual. Teddy stands behind her, his gaze tracking every move she makes. The devotion he gives her is a road map to how men should treat their women. He gives her everything, and in return, she loves him with her whole being.

Michael and Ryan sit on the stools surrounding the counter. They both have beers in hand while they watch Lottie mess with the plates of food. I have no doubt she shooed them out of the kitchen when they tried to help.

I wrap an arm around Lottie to say hello before giving Teddy a hug, as well. It took him some time to get used to our affection, but he’s learned to embrace it.

“Time to party!” Lottie cheers. She hugs Gia and Ginny at the same time while all three of them giggle together. Teddy has an indulgent look on his face that I imagine is reflected on my own. Michael and Ryan just laugh at them.

I stand next to Michael while the girls whisper to each other.

“It’s good to see the three of them together again,” Michael says, only loud enough for us guys to hear.

“I wasn’t sure we’d ever have the gang back the way it used to be—with a minor addition.” I glance at Teddy. “I’dmentally prepared myself to adjust to new people coming in and our hangouts being very different.”

“It’s still going to be different,” Michael points out. “Gia and Ryan will find partners, and you and Ginny being together will change things, too.”

I notice he doesn’t include himself in that list, but I don’t call him out on it. At least not right now. “Will Ginny and I being together make too many waves?”

Michael shakes his head. “Nah. All that sexual tension will finally dissipate between you two. We might actually get some clean air again.”

I punch him in the arm. “Asshole.”

Chapter 18

Ginny

Carson’s eyes haven’t left me since he picked me up from my house. It feels like my skin is on fire in the best way. I have no idea what to do with myself, so I just keep refilling my cup with whatever cocktail Michael made and hope the feeling goes away.

Although I’m not sure I’ve thought this through. The more alcohol I drink, the more I want to jump Carson like a fish in heat…or whatever the saying is. My brain is too sloshy to remember.

“Guess who I caught holding hands,” Gia teases.

“Shhhh,” I admonish. It's just me, Lottie, and Gia at the table, but I'd rather not have our entire friend group overhearing our conversation. The guys are in the living room, playing a card game. “You didn't catch anything. We walked in front of you.”

“Who? When? What is happening?” Lottie asks.

I giggle. The three of us have had entirely too much to drink.

“Carson and Ginny have made things official,” Gia announces.

Ifmy cheeks weren't already flushed from alcohol, they’d be beet red right now.

“Shut. Up,” Lottie says. “When did this happen?”

I send an annoyed look at Gia. “We haven't made anything official. Hell, we've barely even talked about it. All I know is that we’ve had some discussions, and I think we're going to give this a try.”

Lottie’s squeal gets the attention of the entire room.

“What are you girls gossiping about over there?” Carson asks. He raises an eyebrow at me, making it very clear he knows we're talking about him. Sometimes I want to smack that little smirk off his face, but mostly I just want to kiss it.

“Oh, nothing, just girl talk over here. You boys wouldn't be interested,” Gia says.

“I beg to differ,” Carson argues.

“Speak for yourself,” Michael grunts. “Whatever schemes they're concocting over there, I’d rather stay out of it.”

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