Luc places a firm hand on my shoulder and pushes me right back into my seat. Then he presses a quick, warm kiss to my lips. It leaves a flutter in my chest even though it barely lasts a second.
“You rest. We’ve got this.”
He and Mason start clearing the table, passing platesand moving around each other like they’ve done this a dozen times, and I just sit there, watching.
Because holyhell.
They’readorable.
I bet Mason doesn’t even realize he’s smiling, that small, rare curve of his mouth that slips out when Luc leans too close or nudges him with a hip. He blushes when Luc kisses his cheek, face flushing all the way to his ears, and he tries to brush it off with a mutter and a shoulder bump that makes Luc grin like he’s just won something.
It’s like watching two storms settle into each other’s orbit.
And it hits me, deep in the center of my chest, a slow, curling ache that’s equal partswantandneed. I’m not jealous of Mason having this closeness with Luc, I’m jealous ofwhatLucgets from Mason. Those soft smiles, shy glances, and the way Mason relaxes into Luc’s touch without even seeming to realize he’s doing it.
Iwantthat.
Not instead of Luc or anything else.
I just wantallof it.
Everything Mason is giving, everything I’ve only gotten pieces of.
When the fuck did I get this selfish?
Piper nudges me with her elbow.
I blink, pulled back to earth. “What’s up?”
“Come on.” She tilts her head toward the door. “Let’s go for a walk.”
I nod, grateful for the excuse to stand, to move, tobreathe.
“Okay.” I throw one last glance at the boys as I follow her out.
We step outside, and the fresh air wraps around us like a breath I didn’t know I needed. The house quiets behindus, the muffled sound of clattering dishes and low voices fading into the rustle of wind through trees.
I shove my hands into the sleeves of Luc’s hoodie, which I may or may not have stolen this morning.Sue me.
“Where are Dane and Otis anyway?” I ask, kicking at a stone on the path.
“Dane’s still sleeping, and I bet Otis is too. Élise and Jim went out for a walk earlier.”
“So, youknowDane’s still sleeping because you guys shared a bed or?—”
“Shut up,” Piper snaps without heat.
I snicker. “So you two are a thing now?”
She stops walking, turns to face me fully, and for the briefest moment, she’s looking almost nervous. “I’m in a relationship with your brother. Is that okay?”
“Yes!” I squeal, lunging forward to throw my arms around her, cringing a little when that jolts my fingers. “Yes, that’s more than okay. I’msoexcited. You have my blessing for marriage. Kids. Grandkids. All of it.”
“Stop that shit.” She groans, laughing. “It just came togetheryesterday, okay?”
“Yes, and I gave you my blessing for the fullgenerational package.”
Piper shoves my shoulder. “You’re unbelievable, you know that?”
