Later, as the evening settles in and the house grows louder with family conversations, I find Madison in the kitchen doorway,watching everyone with a small smile. I slip behind her, close enough that she can feel me but not touching, and lean down.
"Remember when you used to sneak in here and steal the cookie dough?" I whisper near her ear, my voice low enough that only she can hear. "Mom always knew it was you, but she blamed me anyway."
Madison turns her head slightly, a mischievous glint in her eye. "And you never ratted me out, not once."
"Some things never change," I murmur, finally letting my hand rest on her hip, a gentle claim. "I'd still take the fall for you."
Madison’s breath hitches just slightly, her gaze flickering down to my lips before meeting my eyes again.
"Yeah?" she whispers, tilting her head just enough to brush against me. "Then maybe I should make it worth your while this time."
A slow smirk tugs at my lips as I pull her closer, my fingers tightening on her waist. "Oh yeah?"
She hums, eyes flicking to my mouth, her breath warm against my skin. "Yeah."
I tilt my head, ready to close the gap, ready to taste the smile I know is waiting for me?—
"Jaxon! Madison! Come inside before the food gets cold!"
Madison groans, dropping her forehead against my chest. I exhale sharply, my hands flexing against her sweater before I let her go.
"Unbelievable," she mutters, stepping back.
I chuckle, brushing a thumb over her jaw before nodding toward the house. "C’mon, Blake. Wouldn’t want you to starve."
She rolls her eyes but follows me inside, tangling her fingers with mine.
29
MADISON
Laughter and groans fill the room as Emily slams her game piece down on the board, throwing her arms in the air.
"And that is how you absolutely destroy your family in Monopoly," she says smugly, leaning back in her chair.
Jaxon shakes his head, running a hand over his face. "You're a menace, Em."
"Don't hate the player, hate the game."
Uncle Rob laughs, stretching his arms above his head. "I don't know why we let this game go on so long. We should've just accepted our fates the second Emily bought Boardwalk."
Aunt Denise smirks. "Agreed. Next time, we're playing something that doesn't bring out the worst in our children."
Jaxon's mom stands, collecting empty glasses from the table. "I don't know about all of you, but I am exhausted. We've got a big day tomorrow, and I'd like to be at least somewhat rested before we all fall into a turkey coma."
A round of agreements follows, everyone stretching and starting to head toward their rooms. I reach for my glass of water, taking a sip as Laura turns toward Jaxon and me, her expression far too innocent to match the gleam in her eyes.
"Now, I'd love grandchildren one day, but I think I'm a bit too young at the moment."
I choke, my drink going down the wrong pipe as I start coughing, my face instantly burning.
Jaxon groans, his ears bright red. "Mom."
She just shrugs, all innocent. "What? I'm just saying, don't go getting any ideas about sneaking into each other's rooms, hmm?"
Uncle Rob chuckles under his breath, and Aunt Denise barely smothers a smirk. Jaxon grumbles something under his breath while I sink lower into my seat, mortified.
Laura just pats my shoulder lightly before wishing everyone goodnight. Jaxon shakes his head, standing and grabbing my hand, pulling me up with him. "C'mon, Mads. Before she finds more ways to embarrass us."
