by Emma Cole
I tip my head to meet his arresting blue eyes. “I'm sorry about Sam. I knew she just had designs on whichever of us she could latch onto, and with Beck and Ethan out of the running, as far as she knew, that left Eli and me. Eli was less willing to put up with her than I was, so that only left me. I may have taken advantage of her as well, after Halloween."
His arms tighten around me like I might run off at his confession. It's a lot all at once, and I'm not sure how I feel about Samantha being used to prove a point after he knew I was here. I try to pull back, but he doesn't let go.
"I didn't sleep with her." I make a noise of disbelief in my throat at that, but he continues, "I was going to. That day in the apartment. I was so upset and mad at you. You'd sent Ethan and Beck away, like they didn't even matter, and I knew I was going to have to let you go to be with Eli. I just didn't want to think about it anymore. It was the last hope I'd held onto, that we might see you again and now you hated us." Feeling the crackle of his voice as he trailed off into a whisper and the catch in his breathing, I realize Dylan is crying.
Cranky, straitlaced Dylan. I was so surprised at what he'd been keeping to himself, I say the first thing that pops into my head.
"You idiot! I loved you, too. And I wanted to kill both you and Samantha. That bitch… Never mind her. You, you don't hide this stuff anymore. I was heartbroken when you left. With Beck and Ethan, too. Then as soon as I give in, and fall for Elliot, you all waltz right back in. I couldn't deal. And I thought, besides the fact that I was with Eli, that Beck and Ethan together was the final nail in that coffin. After seeing you with Samantha, I didn't know how to act, and with you all living together, I thought I'd be losing Eli, too. That it was inevitable." I look up at him and see he's just as stunned at my tears as I am his.
"Can we try again? I won't be an ass. Promise. Or much of one," he says with a watery grin.
I return it with a nod, getting lot in his captivating, electric blue eyes. He only hesitates a moment to adjust his grip to my thighs, then he's hoisting me up. As soon as I wrap my legs around his waist, he moves one hand up to cradle the back of my head as he plunders my mouth. The kiss is hot and ferocious and everything it should be. Walking a few steps until my coat-clad back is up against a tree, he grinds his hips into mine, never once letting up with his lips.
Chapter Eighteen
I'd briefly noticed we were alone when we were talking, but now I hear a catcall. I open my eyes to see the others walking the path from the house. They must have taken the SUV back to the house and walked back. A whistle, from none other than Eli, startles a laugh out of me. I slide my legs down until I'm standing and turn to face the guys, cradled in Dylan's embrace.
It's such a relief that Eli's okay with this and that I don't have to choose, breaking my heart and theirs all over again.
Of course, Beck pops out with his usual, "What you do to one—"
"Yeah, yeah," I interrupt and finish, “‘…brother, you have to do to the other.’ Hurry up, now, I'm cold." Those are the wrong words to say to him.
"Brother, she says she's cold."
With Beck incoming, Dylan squeezes my back to his front, preventing my escape. I feel his chuckle reverberate through his body and into mine. Playful Dylan, with Beck involved, can get crazy.
Proving that, Beck swoops in, adding his arms to the mix. He pins me to Dylan without an inch of space between us. Surprisingly, he's gentle when he brushes his lips against mine instead of the aggressiveness I'd expected.
"Duckie, can we please go eat so we can get you home?"
I laugh against his mouth.
"Yes, let's go before my mother comes looking for us and flips out."
We disentangle to stares from Eli and Ethan. Bemusement from Eli, and from Ethan… well, Ethan seems confused and worried. And I think I know what the issue is, even if I'm not sure how to fix or address it. I think he's concerned about the dynamic between me and the brothers, when he'd assumed it would be me between him and Beckett. But I could be projecting my own issues. If it were me, that's where my head would be going.
I slip out of their embrace to head back to Mom’s. I'm in limbo, sort of, yet the guys’ brownstone feels more like home, while this place feels like somewhere to visit. Other than Mom and bittersweet memories, I don't really have a reason to come back.
Catching up to Ethan, I reach out to smack his butt, getting a grin in return. I shrug, and Ethan, being his usual perceptive self, relaxes in relief. It may not sort everything out, but it helps reassure him of his place. Especially when Beck runs by and repeats my action on the other side, instigating a race back to the house, with Dylan hot on their heels. Eli hangs back with me, taking my hand, lacing our fingers. I snuggle up to him for the walk back, his big body sheltering me from the wind.
After dinner, we all help Mom clean up, and the twins load the vehicle with our luggage. I hug Mom goodbye and promise to see her for Christmas. When we're loaded and ready to pull out of the driveway, I remember I've forgotten the attic drawer.
"Crap, I forgot something." Unlatching my seatbelt, I go to climb out. Ethan turns and catches my eye, shaking his head with a wink. I'm not sure if I should be embarrassed, but mostly I'm relieved to not have to come up with a fib to my mother about the contents. Obviously, the others were in on it, too, even Dylan.
I get a round of chuckles that results in my face coloring up. I shrug and attempt to own it. I mean, if I'm gonna be dating and physical with four guys, I'll have to eventually get over being shy.
The trip back home is uneventful, and I don't even try to commandeer the music, much to the guys delight. Pulling into the garage, we're all intent on the same thing.
Making sure those fuzzy dice are still hanging from my mirror.
Even with the video surveillance Beck has kept watch on, it's still a relief to see them in person. Not one of us makes a move toward or speaks of it. Just in case they were somehow missed devices. The guys will be doing a full, hands-on, sweep tomorrow before Eli has to leave for his pregame prep.
Getting everything upstairs and unpacked doesn't take long, and I hop in the shower. The guys go off to do their own thing. When I get out and go to my dresser for pajamas and some fuzzy socks, to insulate against the chill of the temperature dropping outside, I find Ethan had paid a visit to my room.
On my bed is a large attaché case filled with the things from the attic, and a smaller box is next to it with other mementos from my summers with the guys. I'd stored those in that cupboard as well. I laugh softly at the funny faces in the strips of pictures, and at the paperweight metal apple Beck had found at some secondhand shop. I see the small framed picture of me and Ethan, taken at a dance class, and a keychain with a sock charm on it. It was of course, making fun of my fuzzy sock collection, even though he'd started it.
Tucked in next to the keychain is a well-worn envelope with a pieced together letter. I open it up to see it's typewritten except for the signature at the bottom. It's a very good forgery of mine, well not my first name. It's signed Reese, but I'd never have written the contents. Ethan must have had it with him. From what Eli had said, I thought it had been thrown out after he’d torn it up. I wonder if he'd planned to confront my mom or maybe he just wanted to show me. Not that it mattered much at this point. I was only sad and angry it had been done in the first place.
Eli comes in to find me standing there, teary eyed with the letter in my hand. "Babe, what's wrong?"
I wave the offending paper at him and he takes it, mindful of the taped creases in case it falls apart. I think he only makes it a few sentences in when he puts it back in the envelope.
"I've read it," he says flatly.
I look up at him and see he's angry. "I did not write that, Eli." I'm vehement in my denial.
"I know that, Remi. I'm annoyed at your parents. And if I'd known Ethan called you Reese…" I'm confused now, unsure of what he's getting at.
"What, Eli? What would it have changed? Ethan was alrea
dy with Beck. You didn't know. I didn't know. So, what's the problem?"
"I don't know. I don't really have one. I'm just frustrated at everything, I guess. And keyed up about tomorrow’s game. Everything seems to be happening at once."
My poor Eli, I swear he has the same luck I do. I move to hug him, and he opens his arms in welcome.
With a swift subject change he asks, "Can I see what's in the case?"
"Perv! And yes, you may."
Eli's like a kid at Christmas opening that bag. Eyes wide, he looks from the contents to me and back again. "Have you tried them all? And that's a lot of charging cords."
I laugh at him. "No, only a few. I wasn't really in the mood after everything. Memories and all kinda ruined it. I put them up and eventually ordered some others." That's piqued his interest again.
"Others? Woman, have you been holding out on me?"
I shake my head at his antics and close the bag to store it in the closet. "Come on, you lecherous man, it's bedtime. Your room or mine?"
We end up in his and indulge in some serious cuddling. I've already gotten used to sleeping with him, and last night had felt off without his big, warm presence.
The guys waste no time in the morning going through the building and grounds, only finding a few bugs outside. Apparently, their security measures are better than whatever the agents currently have access to. And by that alone, it was becoming more apparent that they weren't following orders from higher up. They should have had any equipment necessary if it were sanctioned. It really makes me wonder what their endgame is. I try to put it out of mind until Monday.
Alex never did show up yesterday and tonight she's supposed to be meeting us at the game. Eli brings me a surprise before he leaves.
"Would you wear this for me tonight?" He’d holding his letterman jacket, and while it's going to swamp me, he's so sweet and earnest. I can't deny the request. He wouldn't be wearing it since they have to go in to the pre-game suit and tie. He looks very formal, if a little strained at the seams.
"Eli, have you actually gotten bigger or did your suit shrink?"
He looks bashful at my question. "I didn't think I'd bulked up more, but one of the team managers had to order a bigger uniform for me. Guess it was all that working out when you were driving me crazy. Coach appreciates it, though. I left out that it wasn't dedication, because he would have made me do something painful. I need to get a couple new suits if we win tonight."
"You mean when you win tonight, buddy." Ethan claps him on the back as he comes into the room.
I shoot him a glare. "Hey now! Who's the girlfriend here? Pretty boys coming in stealing my line." I mock pout at him, much to his amusement.
"Alright babe, I gotta go. The tickets are on top of your purse. Don't forget them, the team sprung for upgraded seats." With a fleeting kiss he's gone.
I go put the tickets inside my wallet before I forget, and yes, it is an upgrade. They're all reserved down in front on the center line. I finish getting ready to go, since we're going to dinner first before the game.
Getting to the parking lot early for good spots, I'm nervous about being with the guys all at once. After the motel incident, and Samantha, along with Eli being high profile, it's bound to be a topic. Alex is waiting at our usual meeting spot by the gates, and I snag her for a hug. I feel like I've barely seen her lately, which I guess is true. We text a lot, but between her new boyfriend and my stuff, girl time has been scarce.
"Nice jacket, lady!"
I had been right, I was swamped in it, but being able to layer a hoodie, a t-shirt and a tank under it, I was toasty warm in the chill night air.
"Thanks. Eli wanted me to wear it," I say, noticing the guys are chatting with Blake, giving me space with Alex.
"I don't blame him, not with the football groupies that have been showing up at practice and hanging around the locker room entrance."
What? Why hadn't he said anything?
"I take it you didn't know."
I shake my head in answer.
She sighs. "Ever since they won that last game, it's been gold digger palooza. They're trying to chat up the upperclassmen that are likely to be scouted."
And Eli definitely fit into both categories. I get a slightly wicked idea, and then wonder if Eli was hoping I'd do it.
"Alex, I have a locker room to crash. Hold my purse?" Alex catches on immediately, and takes it, going to head off the guys in case they might try to stop me. Beck would more than likely help, and I’m not sure about Ethan, but he probably would, too. Speaking of my own personal lurker, he just winks as I glance back while sneaking off. Firmly in the help camp, then.
I slip through the girls that are gathered around, trying to get the attention of anyone going in the outer doors to the locker room. Alex was right, and this is before the game. I wonder how bad it will be when they're done and win. I get a couple grumbles about pushing my way through but ignore them. The short dresses and high boots can't be warm out here. I get a bit of luck and spot Adam going in with a bag, and I yell for his attention.
He sees me and waves me forward, much to the displeasure of the other ladies. That's when they notice the jacket with Eli's name and number displayed prominently on the back. The grumbles become a little more pointed then.
"Remi, what are you doing out here? The game's going to start soon." Adam doesn't seem so happy about my response.
"I came to see Eli really quick. Can you get him for me? If it's not too much trouble?"
He looks like he wants to say no, but being the nice guy and friend he is, he nods.
"Yeah, but really quick. Coach won't like it if he's held up. It's a big game."
I agree and he hurries off to the doors at the end of the corridor.
I look around while I wait at the booster posters and player stats. I hear the doors at the end slam, and I turn to watch Eli in his uniform, sans helmet, stride toward me. I don't bother to try and hide the fact that I'm staring. He's doing the same anyway.
"Damn, babe. You look hot in that. Wear it for me later, too?" He doesn't know that I already planned on it.
"Only if you win," I tease him.
"Consider it done. Here, let me have your phone. I want a picture of this and mine’s in my locker." I hand it over for him to take a few shots of me alone, then of us together. On the last one, he sneaks in a kiss that curls my cold toes. "Mmm… Wish I could stay longer. I gotta go, though." He walks me back to the exit doors and before I can fully step out, he grabs me for one more parting kiss. "Love you babe, wish me luck!"
"Love you, too!" I blow him a kiss before he turns to jog back the way he came.
It's silent outside the doors for a moment, then the girls out there are downright pissed, demanding to know why I got to go in and they didn't.
By now the guys have caught up, and Ethan swoops in to assist. Alex, in her usual fashion, tells all the girls to shut up. I love that girl. We all trek back to the entrance for the bleachers and find our seats. Dylan thought ahead and has blankets to lay over the cold metal. I could kiss him. But after the locker room thing and wearing Eli's jacket, that could be awkward. Instead, I just smile and thank him with a wink.
By half-time, the game is tied, and I'm half frozen. We take the opportunity to load up on hot chocolate and have a bathroom break. Thankfully, Alex and I don't run into any of the ladies from the locker room scene. No one needs another Brittany to deal with, like happened on Halloween. Coming out of the restroom, I think I catch sight of Agent Bricker but can't be sure, as whoever it was is quickly lost to the crowd. It puts me on edge, and Dylan asks what's wrong when I keep looking around. I tell him we'll talk about it later. He grudgingly lets it go.
The game stays tied until the fourth quarter, and Eli catches the pass for a touchdown. Two more from fellow team members, and when the clock runs out, they've won. It's official, they're going to the playoffs. We and the rest of the crowd rooting for them are so loud it's deafening. The party later is going t
o be crazy.
We gather everything up, and Alex heads out to the parking lot with her boyfriend, while me and the guys store our stuff in the SUV and go to wait on Eli. He and other team members will do a quick press conference after they change and shower. The crowd is larger than ever with people, mostly female, jockeying for a position closest to the doors. I avoid that and stand off to the side with the twins flanking me and Ethan facing us.
That's when I see Samantha, and with her is who I'm almost positive is Agent Norman. Not surprising about Sam showing up. The other one has absolutely no reason to be here. Except for me. They're too far away to make out who it is, and the man's back is to me. I point them out to Ethan as they separate, moving in opposite directions. Ethan and Dylan take off after them, to do, what I'm not sure, while Beck stays with me to wait on Eli. Staying in public is the safest thing at the moment. I'm thinking that the removal of their surveillance has them being even more brazen.
Eli and a few other team members come out amid cheers and reaching hands. Some to clap on backs in congratulations, and others to gain their attention. Those with girl or boyfriends quickly separate from their teammates to pair up with them as they thank the crowd for their support. Eli, being as tall as he is, spots me and Beck and makes his way through the crush to get to us. He scoops me up in a giant bear hug, spinning me around. He doesn't let me down when he stops, so I wrap my legs around his hard waist. He smells great fresh from the shower, blond hair still damp and trying to curl a little at the edges.
"We won, Remi babe!"
I nod at him, grinning at his exuberance and hold his face in my hands, kissing him silly.
"Alright, you two get a room!"
I break away to laugh at Ethan's teasing. Looking at the others, they're all content to watch without a sign of jealousy. The mood changes when Ethan tells Eli about our presumed stalkers. And that they lost them. He wants to go home, but I insist on going to the party. He finally agrees, with the caveat being he doesn't want anyone drinking, just to be safe. We're all onboard with that stipulation.
