Project Hero

by Briar Prescott

Well, shit. I’m in love with Andy Carter.

I want to find out every little detail about Andy because I have an addiction that needs feeding, and this man holds the keys to a vault of information, so I don’t know where to start.

“That happens every year?” he asks, pointing to the trees where Ian is still, presumably, chasing after Landon. Unless one of them has already killed the other. “Oh yeah.” Emily chuckles. “It’s part of the plan. Prepare the food. Clean up the garden. Watch Ian and Landon duke it out over hanging the lights. When you think about it, it’s like a tradition.” “You guys are a strange bunch,” Law says, but with an affectionate smile, like he doesn’t mind at all. “Thank you,” Cecilia replies and grins. Matt looks at Law. “Don’t worry, you’ll get used to the weirdness.”

My eyes search out Law. He’s leaning against the porch railing, legs stretched out in front of him, laughing with my brothers and sisters. He’s seamlessly merged into the family dynamic, and everybody treats him like he’s not a guest, but a member of the family. Law’s quick wit and good sense of humor mean that he can give it as good as he gets when it comes to teasing and bantering, which is a skill as necessary as breathing when it comes to this bunch.

I’ve loved Falcon for years, but this summer, every time I’m put in a situation where I have to choose between him and Law, I find myself leaning toward Law.

You’ve never once looked at me the way you look at him.” I swallow hard. “What way is that?” “Like he’s the best thing that’s ever happened to you,” he says simply. Falcon studies me for a bit. “He looks at you the same way, you know?”

“I’m in love with you. And I know I promised there wouldn’t be any feelings and shit, but I failed. So… oops? Although, I’d like for you to take into consideration that it wouldn’t have happened if you weren’t so goddamn irresistible and funny and smart and great, so if you think about it, really, it’s your fault that we’re in this pickle to begin with.”

“Okay. You’re getting way too good at this game.” Andy’s eyes light up and he whoops. “And that’s. How. It’s. Done!” He follows each word with very questionable dance moves. I mean, I love my husband, but the first dance in our wedding went viral and not for the right reasons.

“Change will be good. It’ll shake things up. I mean, I might get bored of you otherwise.” I pull him against me. “Oh you might?” “Well, we’ve been together for ten years. Let’s face it, we’re an old, married couple. Who knows? Maybe it’s time to exchange you for a younger model?” “Did I tell you I’ll get a huge raise?” I ask. “Then again, the old one is good for a few more years,” Andy continues smoothly, and I snort out a laugh. “What?” Andy asks. “I’m only with you because of your money.” “Oh good. I’ve always wanted a gold digger of my own, so you’ve made another one of my dreams come true.” “That is the goal.”

“Now all we have to do is tell your parents,” Andy says. Our gazes connect, and at the exact same moment, we both say, “Not it.” Andy laughs. “Take two on the erection game?” he suggests with a snicker. “Loser tells your parents about Chicago.” I slide my hand behind Andy’s back and squeeze his ass. “You’re on, professor.” In the end, Andy wins again. But I get to spend the rest of my life with him, so really, I’m the winner here.