In Spades (The Beaufort Poker Club, #4)

by Maggie C. Gates

mean, it took you like two minutes to make a king bed. You didn’t even have to flop on top of it like a starfish to get the sheet across.” Kristin laughed. “Sorry to disappoint.” “Let me guess, you know how to fold a fitted sheet, too.” “Like a pro,” she said with a wink. “Teach me your ways, wise one.” “It’s mainly sorcery,” she giggled.

Being around Kristin felt like sunshine.

Near the end of high school, I had gotten into coding and taught myself C++, Java, and a few other languages.” Will paused and took a sip from his bottle. “Ah, yes. Java,” I said, nodding enthusiastically. “I drank some this morning.” He burst out laughing and choked down the water. “Proud of yourself?” I smiled proudly. “Obviously. It was hilarious.”

thanked my lucky stars that I had a photographic memory, because this was a moment I never wanted to forget. “Hey, Sunshine,” I said, grinning at the sight of my girl.

“Are you sure you live alone? Because this place is massive.” “I hope I live alone,” I joked. “Let me know if you bump into anyone else. Also, scream and run away immediately.”

“You’re walking around with your heart boarded up like you’re waiting for a storm to roll in.” Our noses bumped and brushed, and her eyelids fluttered shut. “The storm is over, Sunshine," I said softly. "It’s time to take the boards down.”

“You’re there for them, and I’m here for you. And when y’all are comfortable with it, me, you, and them will be an us. Because I don’t plan on keeping my distance forever.”

“Love isn’t about what you have to offer; it’s about who you are.” I pulled her closer, tipping her chin up until she locked eyes with me in the dim light. “You’re worthy of love.” I leaned down and kissed her. Kristin’s lips were soft and supple. “All five of you. And before you say it’s too soon, let me tell you something, Sunshine. People are too stingy with saying I love you. There’s nothing mature or enlightened about withholding love and not telling someone how you feel. The only person who loses out is you because you don’t get their love in return.”

“Safe. Wanted. Like I have a place to run to.” She leaned up and kissed me gently. Her lips were soft, ghosting over mine. She tangled her fingers in my hair and whispered, “You feel like home.”