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Then again, deeper this time.

My arms loop around his neck like they’ve been waiting to do it forever. Or maybe for five long days. It’s a ‘welcome home I missed you so much kiss.’

I feel him breathe my name.

“WOOOOOO!”

We jump like we’ve been tasered.

Brogan pulls back with a groan. “No. Fuck no. Not again. I cannot… I will not…”

“Is that—”

“Hey, Joely!” Shep’s voice carries like a freaking megaphone. “Looking like a snow bunny. Did you miss me? Come get some sugar, girl!”

Brogan turns, jaw clenched. “Respectfully… I will knock you—”

Shep raises both hands. “Easy, BroFetti. Don’t say something you’ll regret.”

“Whatever,” he growls, dragging a hand down his face. “One day, I’m gonna wrap him in duct tape and throw him in a snowbank.”

And honestly?

Same. I love Shep like a brother, but he’s constantly showing up like a bad penny wherever he’s not invited.

“We should’ve gone to your place,” Brogan mutters beside me, deadpan, as Shep gallops across the yard like he’s starring in a Mentos commercial.

“Too late now,” I say, squeezing his hand before he can Hulk-smash his way into a misdemeanor.

Bennett and Heath stroll in behind Shep like the goddamn Three Stooges have arrived to ruin date night.

“Well, look who already made a bonfire,” Bennett says with a slow clap. “Finally did something useful.”

Brogan just stares at him, expression flat. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Heath shrugs. “I think it was a jab at your time on ice.”

“Subtle.”

Bennett slaps Brogan on the shoulder. “Don’t take it so hard, little bro. We’re just here to admire your fire. And cock block you back into emotional growth.”

“Can I not have one night?” Brogan groans. “You three were supposed to be at the Power Play.”

“I have to buy beers there,” Shep chimes in, plopping onto a lawn chair like he’s settling in for the night.

I lean over to whisper, “Are they always like this after a road trip?”

Brogan huffs a laugh. “This is them on their best behavior.”

Shep tips back his cocoa and nods toward me. “That kiss earlier? Solid form. I’d give it a nine. Point five deduction for the interruption.”

“I swear to God, Shep—”

Bennett suddenly appears at my side, smirking like an opossum who just discovered an unattended snack tray. “So, Joely…what exactly are your intentions with our boy here?”

I blink. “My intentions?”

Heath leans on the back of the chair with a shit-eating grin. “He’s sensitive, you know. Plays tough but he listens to Taylor Swift in the locker room.”