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“I know, Ashy,” I said, pinching his cheeks. He swatted my hand away, but a dusting of pink appeared on his cheekbones. It still pleased me that I could embarrass Mr. Gorgeous.

Declan gave me a nod in greeting, and Tam muttered a “hey” before looking down. I really wanted to learn more about the shy boy. He was the same person who had spoken so dogmatically when he thought I wasn’t listening. WhowasTamson...?

“Excuse me, Tam?” He glanced up, shocked at being addressed directly. “What’s your last name?”

“My what?”

“Your last name.”

He gaped at me as if he didn’t know how to respond to the simple question. Seriously, these boys were so strange at times.

“Uh...Jameston,” he admitted at last. Smiling triumphantly, I turned back to my inner musings.

Who was Tamson Jameston?

“Sweetheart,” Asher said. “You said that aloud.”

I risked a glance at Tamson to see the boy blushing furiously. Oops.

“I’m sorry,” I said to Tam. “I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”

“It’s okay,” he mumbled, but the red refused to leave his cheeks. I felt awful. I’m not an expert, but I’m pretty sure embarrassing someone isn’t the best way to begin a friendship. Tamson seemed so innocent compared to Asher, so naive.

“Who’s your friend?” Ryder asked. I turned to see his eyes zeroed in on Jared. The poor boy looked as if he wanted to shit his pants at the attention. I didn’t blame him. The guys were big.

“He was asking our Addie out for dinner,” Calax said, smirking. “She was debating on whether or not she should say yes. After all, our friendship started with food.”

I couldn’t understand what they found so funny. Did we or did we not eat food (well, order food before the stupid earthquake) to begin this unconventional relationship?

“She wants to become his sister,” Calax continued.

Ryder was grinning ear to ear now.

“Was that what you intended?” he asked the smaller boy. “For her to become like your sister?”

Ronan barked a laugh, though he tried to conceal it with his hand. I elbowed him in the stomach, and he flicked my head in retaliation.

“I just thought it would be a good idea to make some new friends, especially since Declan said I can’t be the sister to your group of brothers,” I snapped, offended.

All the boys began chuckling now. Even Tam had a slight smile on his face.

“Is that why you asked her to dinner?” Ronan asked Jared. “For the friendship?”

I really didn’t understand why it was so funny.

Laugh it up, bastards. Laugh it up.

Asher turned towards me, a brilliant smile lighting his face.

“I love it when you speak your thoughts. It’s entertaining.”

“Well, right now my thoughts are saying that you guys are all assholes!”

“At least that’s better than being your brother,” Ryder said, chuckling. Without sparing Jared a second glance, he stepped in front of him, effectively excluding him from the conversation.

Well that was rude.

“We’re sorry, sweetheart. We’re not trying to be rude. It’s just kind of funny...okay, look. The boy isn’t asking you out to become your brother, you do realize that, right?” Asher said.