Page 89 of Book Boyfriends
The sprawling compound nestled beside a local park offers both indoor and outdoor courts for tennis and pickleball. Jackson and Davis play on Saturdays with two other people from No Boundaries. This week. it will just be them against Lars and James. However, I seriously doubt Lars will want to be on James’s team.
I’m thankful we’ll be indoors. The notorious Southern California September heat is already climbing skyward, and I don’t sweat sexy. A pink hue doesn’t kiss my skin. I just get blotchy and glisten like a live pig that wandered into a BBQ.
“Hey, Larsy-poo.” Smirking, Jackson juts his chin toward Lars. “Can you take my gym bag in. We’re at court three. I just need a moment with Georgia.”
Lars flashes a lopsided grin. “I got you Jacky Bear… Come on, Lord Short Breeches, let’s head in.” He hoists the gym bag onto his shoulder.
I know what this is about.Outside of a “Are you sure?” last night when I said I was heading out with Davis, we’ve not talked about the werewolf in the room. I may have given a thumbs up, but knowing Jackson, he still worries about how his new relationship impacts me.
His focus jumps to where Lars and James disappear through the entrance and then back to me. “I wanted to check in about?—”
“About you stealing my would-be suitor,” I tease.
“I didn’t mean for Lars and me to happen.”
“It’s totally fine.” I reach out and squeeze his forearm. “Lars and I were never going to be anything. It’s clear there’s something between you two.”
A furrow mars his brow. “All morning, I just kept thinking, am I like Lena? Did Lars and I do to you what she and Will did to you?”
I huff a short laugh. “This is completely different. Lars and I were never in a relationship. Not to mention, you didn’t sneak around. I’m assuming outside of the longing stares and lingering hand touches, nothing happened until after I gave you the all-clear sign.”
“Outside of some vivid dreams… nothing.” A sigh rolls through him, relaxing his posture. “You’re really okay with all this?”
“Yes.” I lightly punch his bicep. “Don’t be melodramatic.”
“Good, because I really like him.”
“Youreallylike him?” My right eyebrow lifts. “So, this is like arealthing and not just a little hormone-filled dalliance.”
“Dalliance?” He guffaws. “Maybe it’s time to cut down on your historical romance reading… But yes, I think this could be something real with him.”
“But what if he…” I motion with my hand as if that fills in the words that I’m hesitant to speak out of fear of what the reality of those unsaid words may do to my brother.
“Doesn’t stay?” Nodding, a thoughtful but sad expression covers his face.
So much about this situation is uncharted. If the witchcraft consultant helps me undo my wish, will all three of my book boyfriends return to their original stories? Will Lars want to, and if so, what happens to my brother?
“It’s worth the risk. I may only have a short time with Lars, but that fear isn’t holding me back. Whatever happens, happens. In the meantime, I’m going to enjoy the time we have together and hope that fate or, maybe, the author of this story writes one with us together.”
“This story?” My laugh is breathy.
He shrugs. “Who knows, maybe we’re just characters in someone’s story, just like Lars, Owen, and James.”
“Maybe… Or maybe this is just our lives.”
“Whether a story or just my life, I hope it gets spicier.” He winks. “I’d like to take advantage of having a sexy werewolf boyfriend.”
“Maybe he’ll chase you through the woods on your next jog.” I waggle my brows.
“God, I hope so.”
“You may be the most well-adjusted of the three Lane siblings, you know that.” I bump his shoulder with mine.
Looping his arm around me, he tucks me into his side. “I’ve learned a lot from my big brother and sister.”
“Mostly what not to do.”
“And, also, what to do,” he says, admiration shines bright in his eyes.
