Play With Me (Playing for Keeps, #2)

by Becka Mack

If Jennie were a color, she’d be the most vibrant shade of yellow. She’s literal sunshine in human form. I don’t care if I’ve said it a thousand times; I’m going to say it for the rest of my life.

“And now?” “Now it’s a dance studio.” “Garrett,” she gasps. “You didn’t.” “I did.” My chin hits her shoulder as I hug her to me. “I love you, Jennie. You’ve worked your ass off your entire life, and now you’re doing your business classes. You’re determined to make your dream a reality. You deserve this, and I’d be honored to be a part of this next step in your life.”

“Thank you for making my second most important dream come true.” “What was your first?” She turns and takes my face in her hands, eyes gleaming with tenderness. She sweeps a soft kiss across my lips. “You.”

He steals Ireland away, kissing her nose. “Hi, baby girl.” “It was my turn next,” Adam whines. “I haven’t seen her in two days.” “It’s been nine for me,” Jaxon mumbles, eyes hidden behind sunglasses as he ambles in with a box.

below piles of underwear, and wrap my fingers around the small object. My heart thuds as I open the velvet box, revealing the oval sapphire inside, more teal than it is blue, the vintage gold band it’s set on, the three small marquise diamonds framing each side of it like flower petals.

Don’t you think it’s a little soon? he’d asked. Holly had shoved him so hard he toppled out of his chair. We never made it to the store. Holly slipped off her own engagement ring, looked down at it with tears in her eyes, and then pressed it into my palm. I remember finding the letters H+T inside the band, Jennie’s parents’ initials etched right next to a heart, the way I held the ring and just knew their love was the forever kind, the type that doesn’t end despite the distance. Now, on the other side of the heart, J+G lives. I can’t wait to love Jennie forever.

Are you scared, Gare-Bear?” “So scared. What if you say no? Worse, what if you say yes? A lifetime of you snoring? Crying to Disney movies and dancing through the house? Making you hot chocolate with extra marshmallows and tickling your back while you snuggle up to me in bed? Ugh.” I shudder. “Sounds like the worst life.”

Carter spins away from us. “Ollie! I need help!” “Do your breathing exercises, babe!” she shouts back. His footsteps thud so quickly down the stairs it’s a wonder he doesn’t faceplant. “I don’t remember how!” I look back at my sunshine, the smug smirk on her beautiful face. Her fingers thread through my hair, and she lifts one shoulder in an innocent shrug. “Oops.”