Page 149 of Cross the Line
My legs kick back between his, leaving me hanging off Eli’s neck and pinned between them.
“What surprise?” Eli and I ask at the same time.
“If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise. Now,yalla,” he drawls out the Persian saying with a gravel that rakes right through me, curling my toes as Eli groans. “Let’s get ready. We have to be out of here before sunset or we’ll miss it.”
***
Jayden bringshis momma’s Wrangler to a stop in the middle of a snow meadow. The sun is beginning to set, a fine gradient dividing the last light of day from the oncoming night.
The view is breathtaking. Above the clear hardtop, the moon glows fat and bright, like a perfect holiday card. The only thing missing is Santa and his reindeer streaking across the light.
“Come on,” JJ croons, excitement palpable in his voice.
I feel it crackle and pop across my skin, in my belly…
“The best part is coming.” He opens my door and helps me out into ankle-deep snow while Eli rounds the car to meet us.
After giving me a top-to-toe glance, Eli frowns. “You should’ve worn something warmer than those leggings and sweater.”
He’s already shrugging out of his jacket when JJ says, “I came prepared.”
I don’t tell them my wool leggings and undershirt are thermal, and that, together with the thick Christmas sweater his parents gave me, I’m roasting. I like the satisfaction that lights their faces when they take care of me, and I love being taken care of by them.
With a purposeful tug, Eli draws me to him, pulling his jacket tight around both of us as we trudge to the back of the black Jeep.
Jayden has the trunk open and is hauling out a thick roll, which he tosses onto the roof, followed by blankets and a large backpack. He’s so tall and sure-footed that climbing onto the roof looks like child’s play. He works fast, unrolling the sleeping bag and spreading the blankets.
“Ready, Lucky?” He grins down at me and offers both hands.
Without trepidation, I clutch them and climb onto the rear bumper. He pulls me up while Eli grips my thighs and lifts. Then he follows just as easily as JJ did.
They’re so agile and sprightly that I’m in constant awe of how gracefully they maneuver around each other. Especially when I’m in between them, and it’s like their hands and mouths have a sixth sense of where to go.
Like now.
Jayden sprawls along one side of the roof. Eli stretches diagonally with his head propped on JJ’s chest. I’m draped over both of them—tucked into Eli’s chest, legs tangled with JJ’s.
“You guys comfy?” JJ asks, pulling a weighty blanket over us.
“Super,” Eli replies, burrowing deeper into Jayden’s chest as I hum my contentment.
“I have snacks, saffron tea, and hot chocolate. The Sire made it with oat milk and cocoa powder, not the ready-to-drink stuff with dairy.” JJ pats the backpack.
“The tea was so good, and the nougat… the puffy finger cookie things…” I’m still stuffed.
“Zaban is Kailey’s favorite Persian treat. She’ll literally fight you for the last one. I remember her almost biting Isla’s fingers off when they were little because Isla tried to take the last cookie.” His chuckle is soft and a little nostalgic—the kind that makes your heart giddy.
“Your family is incredible.” Eli’s hum vibrates through both of us.
I snuggle deeper into him. Jayden wraps his arm around Eli until his fingertips find my hair and comb through the frizzy knots.
“They’re overbearing and nosy. Meddling is their pastime, and there are moments when we hate each other, but yeah, they’re awesome.” After a long inhale, he adds, “Like Mom told me earlier, we’re not everyone’s cup of tea. But when you fit, you fit for life. You’ll always have somewhere to belong.”
“Is that what she told you when you were making the tea?” Eli asks, lifting their laced hands onto my chest while their other hands keep playing with my hair and kneading my hip.
My eyes stay locked on the sky; it’s almost fully dark now, just a rip of light at its edges.
“Something like that,” Jayden says. “She told me to relax because you’re not going anywhere. You’re part of our family now.”
