Page 99 of Floored By Love

“So you were there!”

“Way to spill the beans, Collins.”

“What, Sullivan? We all have secrets, and now, they’re all coming out.”

“Literally,” Cam and I said in unison.

“Whoa, twin-vibe.”

“Speaking of,” I said to Cam, “I need to text Graham, we need to get together with him and Jake soon.”

Alex was the first to return, followed by O, who seemed nervous, awaiting Austin’s arrival. I gave him a pep talk, and told him to pretend like he was just one of the guys.

“He’s obviously interested in you. He gave you his number.”

“Well, he didn’t text for like three days. What if he doesn’t stay interested?”

“Did you text him during those three days?” I asked, knowing the answer. “Maybe he didn’t text for the same reason you didn’t?”

While O chewed on that, Colton swept into the room, accompanied by drama.

“Somebody help me! I need a hug or a whiskey sour.”

Cam walked in from the kitchen.

“Oh, Cam Cam, it was awful.” Colton rushed past me and O, and slammed into Cam with a hug. I’d get used to that since they were friends, but I didn’t have to like it. “My parents are trying to set me up with one of Beau’s old classmates.”

“I’m guessing it’s a girl?” Cam asked.

Colton nodded and curled his lip up in disgust.

“Have fun with that.”

“That’s all I get, Cam? You’re usually more helpful than this. Why can’t you save me from the lady-woman they’re forcin’ on me?”

“Lady-woman?” He laughed, then shrugged. “You’re gonna need good excuses. Or you could avoid them?”

“That’ll be as easy as pissin’ up a rope.”

I tried to imagine that, but somehow, the image of Colton pissing on a rope gave me tingly feelings, and I didn’t want to embarrass myself. I was wearing some tiny shorts, with very little give.

“Or you could move off the ranch? They’ll be hovering at home if they’re already saying shit here.”

Colton fainted dramatically onto the loveseat, his hand over his forehead. “I just don’t know what I’m gonna do.” He paused for a second, then said, “I’m hungry. What’s for supper?”

After a tasty dinner of chicken, rice and veggies, cooked by Noah and Shane, Cam announced that Erika and Austin were on their way.

“I’m so nervous, Luke.”

“I can tell, O. Just relax. You have nothing to worry about.”

Erika and Austin arrived shortly after dinner was over. Erika apologized for being so late, but the wrestling event they watched ran longer than expected.

“Coach wanted me to meet a few of the athletes,” Austin explained.

Erika walked over to Cam, leaving Austin alone, so I nudged O forward. I didn’t want to make him more nervous, so I joined Colton and Alex mid-conversation in the kitchen. O and Austin ended up moving to the couch. They slightly disappointed me when I heard the television turn on, but I couldn’t fault whoever suggested it. They were young and awkward.

“You’re lucky, Colton. It’s over for you, and you got a silver medal,” Alex said.