Page 160 of Beauty

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With a laugh, I scoop her into my arms and rush to the bar to gather my clothes.

Then I hustle through the back and hope like hell the universe is on our side for one more night.

FIFTY-TWO

SIENNA

Beckett: Didn’t Sienna and Noah look good together last night?

Brooks: Ah, man, don’t start.

Aiden: Aw, I agree they were awfully cute.

Brooks: She’s our sister.

Aiden: And he’s Noah. Greatest guy ever.

Aiden: Don’t the two of you have matching tattoos? He’s practically a brother.

Beckett: We don’t have matching tattoos.

Gavin: And we’re not getting them. Also no. Sienna is not dating one of my players.

Beckett: Lennox did.

Beckett: Sara too.

Beckett: I think this might be the best Bolts match to date. Maybe even MY best one yet.

Brooks: Lol. There’s no fighting this, is there?

Aiden: Wait, Lex and I are definitely your best match.

Aiden: Lex and I are perfect for one another.

Aiden: Take it back and I’ll name our first kid after you.

Brooks: Lol. Lennox just smacked him.

Brooks: Beckett, I’m offended.

Brooks: Sorry, Sara took my phone.

Aiden: So back to Sienna and Noah. Yea or nay?

Oh,my god.Wrong chat, you idiots.

I consider allowing them to continue. The banter is comedy gold, really. But honestly, I’m not interested in how the rest of them answer that question.

Me: Hey, big brothers, as fun as this has been—by that, I mean not at all—please, for the love of god, mind your business! You don’t get a say in who I date.

Aiden: I hear you, but like…what are the chances you’ll go out with him again?

Beckett: Duck, I texted the wrong chat. Sorry, sis. I love you and only want you to be happy. Please don’t tell Liv I broke the pact!

I laugh. “Wow, they fell for it, hook, line, and sinker.”

Noah snuggles into my neck, reading the text thread over my shoulder.

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