Page 56 of Fate In Fiction

“He has enough money for therapy if he needs his issues looked at. Some apples are born sour.” Mallory turns to Adam. “Is it almost––” Pink smoke and balloons fill the sky, confusing some people around us. “I’m getting a baby sister!” Mallory screams at the top of her lungs, promptly clearing up the confusion. And causing my ears to ring.

The smoke settles as my sister and Max make it back to land. Josie and I hang back as my brother and Lauren hurry over with my parents. Slowly, we walk over, and Kelsie tilts her head in surprise. A small smile appears on her dainty face as her eyes shift to Josie with question and back to mine. I lift my arm, giving her a hug as her eyes roll.

“I knew you and Max would end up together at some point.” I nod toward Max. “I’m happy for you both.”

“Thank you, Emmett.” Kelsie smiles as Lauren waves her over. “I’ll be right back.” Max kisses her temple before she heads over to Lauren.

I excuse myself and step back over to Josie, who staring up at the sky. Instinctively, my hand slides into hers, but her face remains on the balloons. A strained look crosses her face like the night in the car after we ate with her parents. Her hand squeezes mine as a heavy breath escapes her lips. Pushing forth a smile, she turns to me.

“That was a pretty cool moment to watch.” My hand reaches to tuck her hair behind her ear. “Your sister is lucky.”

“It’s taking her a bit longer than normal to realize that. I think it’s more out of fear, given the damage her ex did.”

“Makes sense if he was that big of a jerk.” Josie forces a smile, and I vouch to turn it into a real one.

“I appreciate you flying here with me, Josie. My parents love you already.” I earn a half grin and the rolling of her eyes.

“Of course, they do.” A few balloons land near us as Josie watches with a renewed light in her eyes. On this perfect day, with this perfect girl, I want to remember this moment. Turning back to me, we share a smile. “Even if your parents aren’t, I’m proud of everything you’re amounting to, Rookie.” Josie brings her free hand up to hold my jaw, and for the first time in a long time, I’m proud of myself.

“Thanks’ little darlin’.” Her eyes flick to my lips, but I know no one who needs confirmation of us is nearby, and I don’t want to upset her. Leaning down, my lips press against her forehead instead as she relaxes into me.

JOSIE

Adam and Lauren’s house sits close to a cliff with a gorgeous view of the ocean. Dragging my eyes away from the bathroom window, I give myself a once-over in the mirror. Emmett didn’t mention bringing a bathing suit, and though Lauren is five inches taller and we wear the same size, her taste is a bit more revealing than what I’m used to. I turn around and look over my shoulder at the amount of ass this suit reveals. I always size up in bottoms for a bit more coverage. Fiddling with the navy-blue string once more, I scold myself for every critique in the mirror. I smile at my reflection and turn on the fake confidence before opening the door.

“Whoa. Yeah, you can keep that bikini.” Lauren looks me up and down with an ego-boosting smile while leaning over the kitchen island on her phone. “Your curves give that a nice shape. The navy is gorgeous with your red hair too.”

“Okay, queen of compliments.” I laugh and follow her out onto the back patio, heading toward the pool.

“I’m serious, Josie.” Lauren’s smile is genuine, and she seems like a fun person to get to know.

The boys have their backs to us with their arms over the edge of the pool, watching a sports game on a giant TV. Ocean waves crest behind the few trees separating us from the cliff, and the sound is instantly calming. Looking around, I notice the outside bar island even has a display of fresh seafood for us. Lauren makes her way over to the rocky cliff-shaped hot tub, which overflows into the pool. I’ve grown up with old money, but this place is somewhere I’d never want to leave. I could spend my days reading away under the sun and listening to the ocean.

“The view is breathtaking, right?” Lauren snaps me out of my trance. “I was a fan of floor-to-ceiling windows in Adam’s hotel penthouse downtown, but this is the tranquility I never knew I needed.”

“I’m ready to move in.” I laugh, drawing the attention of Adam and Emmett.

They’re nearly identical from behind with their brown hair and chiseled broad shoulders, but Emmett turns as the water drops glisten against his ink. I’ve seen them once before, but they still magnetize my eyes. A breeze off the ocean snaps me back, and I halt, feeling more exposed in front of him than ever before. His jaw ticks, and he coughs, choking on his sip of beer. Standing a bit taller, confidence filters through me and I smile coyly up at him. Unfortunately, I’m just teasing a bear who won’t get any honey. I wish he were wearing sunglasses. I may be across the pool, but I don’t miss how he takes his time sliding his eyes down every inch of me, pausing along the way. Tingles ignite through my stomach and travel between my legs from watching him watch me. A sinful smile plays on his lips when his eyes return to mine.

And that’s where his gaze stays as his large hand runs through his hair. Then he brings the beer bottle to his lips and takes a long sip. I want to blame the California heat, but it’s Emmett who is lighting me up with warmth. His lips leave the bottle and leave me wanting to double check that fucking spark I felt the other night when he kissed me. I swallow, unsure of what we are communicating, but I’m sure we are on the same page.

“If you two need a minute in our guest room, I can show you the way.” Lauren laughs, snapping me out of my trance and our unrelenting eye contact.

Shaking my head, as if it’ll shake my blush away, I follow the tall blonde into the hot tub. Emmett turns back around, deep in conversation with his brother. The jets hit my back in the right spot, and my head falls back to embrace this piece of paradise.

“Thank you for having us over.” I break the silence so I don’t seem rude. “Have you lived here in San Francisco your whole life?”

“No.” She plays with her pinky finger while forming her next sentence. “I grew up in California, just bounced around some foster care homes my entire life. Adam was supposed to be a one-night stand when I moved to the city a year ago.” This seems personal. She’s opening up as if I have a strong chance of staying in her life. Guilt gnaws at my gut.

“I’m happy you got your HEA.” I throw out the acronym before realizing not everyone knows what that means. “Sorry, I mean––”

“Happily. Ever. After.” Her grin is proud. “I am very familiar with that term when choosing a book.”

“Spicy?” I raise my eyebrows and smirk, my heart flipping.

“Girl, don’t you dare suggest a book if it doesn’t include explicit sex scenes.”

“I think we just became best friends.”