“you got her?” Cam asks from behind me. It’s the first time any of them have spoken on the ten minute walk back to the truck. Before I can ask what he means, someone steps close to me.
Yep.” Oliver slides an arm around my waist from the back and pulls me close to him. My back is touching his stomach and I’m leaning against one of his legs. It’s kind of weird and personal, but oddly it doesn’t feel romantic and I don’t feel uncomfortable either. Just another thing to unpack with Sierra later.
At least his arm around me was some kind of signal that everyone could move away from me. The bags were loaded in the back. Sam, Mateo and Sierra jumped in the third row. Oliver opened my door, lifted me and placed me in my seat. When he closed my door Dakota stood by it until Oliver got in on his side. The twins got in last, all while looking around as if there was a threat lurking in the shadows. It was natural movement from all five of them, like a well oiled machine that has done this thousands of times before. I wonder if this is something they do at whatever summer training they attend each year. It was fascinating if you sat back, really broke it down and analyzed it. It’s the first time noticed them all acting like the leaders they were supposed to be, not the teenage boys they are. A flutter of butterflies
errupted in my stomach at the idea that they turned this machine one because of a threat to me. We drove in silence, but I think the guys were talking over the mindlink. Oliver wasn’t looking at me, but he was turned in my direction and had his extremely long leg stretched out across the center of the truck and his ca f touched my shin. I Ined to move to give him more space, but his leg followed my movements keeping contact. I could see him making eye contact with Dakota, but think they were trying to be subtle. I wish Sierra was in the pack and could ink with me. I have so many questions about the guy’s behavior today and I don’t think we would get away with texting right now. My thoughts are cut short as we pull into the packhouse garage and start unloading all the bags from today.
“Thank you for today. It was so much fun. Sierra, will you help me get these to my room?’ I wanted to get her alone so we could talk. This seemed like the best excuse.
“Oh, we aren’t even close to being done Shorty.” My brother grabs my hand and starts dragging me into the packhouse following the twins, the rest of the crew behind us leaving all the shopping behind. Once we take off our shoes at the front door, we head straight for the kitchen where I can hear and smell the most delicious food cooking.
The day must end with a tradition.” Sam begins walking up next to me. “We always celebrate birthdays with a poolside barbeque, no matter the time of year. Now that you are one of us, you must adhere to the tradition. No complaining or
whining allowed.” His loud voice echoes off the long cream colored hallway. The Luna has it decorated beautifully.
Family pictures going back generations hung, galley style, on the walls. Little side tables had vases with fresh flowers that smelled amazing and were understated, not too perfumey and overwhelming. She always has fresh flowers everywhere.
“But, you already did breakfast and shopping with me.” I start to argue, but Dakota turns and puts his finger on my lips to stop me from talking. Another weird gesture. They have all been very touchy today.
He keeps his finger there and walks backwards, while Sam pushes me forward. “Breakfast is also a part of the tradition, now don’t break the rules, protesting falls under the category of complaining.” He smiles a devilish smile at me as he turns around and I can’t force my smile to go away.
Sierra is openly laughing at me. “Did you know about all of this?’ I waved my hand in the air looking at her like the secret keeping traitor I know she is.
“Of course. It isn’t a surprise if you are told what is going to happen.” She links her arm in mine again as Mateo lets me go, but Sam stays just behind me with his hand on my lower back. Come to think of it, someone had had physical contact with me since Kaley showed up. Man, my list of’ needs explaining’ is getting dangerously long.
