Page 76 of Forever Golden
Blue: Honestly, I just handed him ingredients, then ate like three when they were done. I swear I’m still full. But that didn’t stop me from eating two bowls of gumbo for dinner.
Jules: Who cares? You’re on vacation!
Blue: I’m gonna have to wear pants with elastic waistbands for like a month lol
Jules: And West wouldn’t even notice. Boy’s blinded by love.
Blue: The feeling’s definitely mutual.
Jules: Get anything good under the tree this morning?
The question has my gaze shifting to the corner of our shared bedroom, where a gift bag with my name on the tag rests on top of my empty suitcase. The family got each of us girls an expensive handbag and gift cards so we wouldn’t have a ton of stuff to lug home, but my favorite thing came from West; a custom, gold bracelet with three charms dangling from the chain.
A flame symbolizing the first time we laid eyes on each other at the Bellvue bonfire. A milkshake to symbolize the first time we kissed at the diner, after West accused me of spitting in the one I served him. Granted, I was definitely guilty of messing with his drink, but he deserved it. The third is a heart because, according to him, I’ll always have his.
Blue: I’ll show you everything when I get home.
Jules: K. So happy you’re happy. Wish I could be there :(
Blue: Next time.
Jules: Definitely! Now go enjoy your man and your Christmas. Love you, woman!
Blue: Love you right back. Apparently, I have a game of truth or dare to get to. Wish me luck <3
I set my phone in the nightstand drawer, then rush downstairs. From what I can hear, the family’s gotten much livelier since dinner, so I follow the noise and I find our crew and the five wild ones we met a couple nights ago settled in the great room. The massive, mahogany fireplace is roaring and the gang’s getting riled up for what I’m told will be the most invasive game of truth or dare I’ve ever played in my life.
Should be fun.
Not really.
I scan the room for Scarlett and find Linden—the persistent one—sitting beside her on the hearth. He’s leaned forward with both elbows on his knees, smiling while whatever he’s saying seems to be charming my sister’s pants off. Here’s hoping that summation isn’t a literal one.
She did a good job of keeping him at bay the other night, but I’m not sure how long she can keep it up. Yeah, she cares for Shane, but this boy looks like he could be just the heartbreaker to change her mind.
West spots me and halts his conversation with River and Stoney to slap a hand to the couch cushion. While I texted Jules, he saved me a seat between him and Joss. Shockingly, Dane’s got her laughing free and easy now, which means she’s feeling more like herself.
“It’s about time you brought your sexy ass back down here,” West groans in my ear. I settle in beside him, drawn to him like a bee to honey, but catch myself just shy of planting a kiss on his lips.
Scar’s in the room—although she isn’t paying me an ounce of attention—but I do try to behave myself in front of her.
Try.
West opts to kiss my neck instead. Heat from his mouth moves toward my collarbone and I nudge him to stop. If he keeps at it, we’ll never make it through this game. He pulls back with a smile, but I still feel his stare. He knows he gets to me.
Every damn time.
“All right, now that we’re all here, let the games begin,” Dane announces, grinning like he’s about to open another round of Christmas gifts. “Who wants to start?”
It doesn’t surprise me when none of us girls’ hands shoot up into the air. Nor does it surprise me when each of the wild five seem to be eager to get things going.
“I’ll go,” Beau volunteers.
“Okay, truth or dare?”
Zero thought goes into Beau’s response. “Dare.”
Dane smiles and reaches into his back pocket. “I dare you to let River draw a tattoo on your back with permanent marker. Then you’ve gotta walk through the parlor where the adults are hanging out.”