Page 32 of The Love Playbook

He’ll never leave us alone if we don’t.

GRAHAM:

Yup. We’re doing it.

ME:

I knew you’d come around. Now, give me all the pivotal moments, ideas, and things that worked for you. Hit me with your wisdom, oh wise ones.

Jace glances down at Brynn, his aquamarine eyes softening as he asks, “Babe, what’s one thing that really did it for you other than my large co?”

She presses a finger to his lips, silencing him. “You’re so romantic.” She snickers, then softens as she says, “When I got sick and you took care of me. That was a total turn-on, really sealed the deal.”

Jace’s eyes brighten. “It was right after that we . . .” He glances over at me, and I roll my eyes.

“Just share it with the group.”

“Even though I’m sitting right here?” he asks.

“I need it all documented so I can then record it in the playbook.”

“Whatever,” he mumbles and begins to type.

JACE:

I took care of Brynn when she was sick. She loved it.

I frown, my wheels turning as I contemplate how I can apply this to my current situation. “That really worked for you, the whole sick thing?” I ask.

“Totally. I was miserable, but he drove me to the doctor, then made me soup and brought me tea and medicine. He rubbed my back.” Her gaze flickers back to Jace, and they lock eyes. “It was the sweetest thing,” she whispers, then presses a soft kiss to his lips.

“There’s no time for that, guys. Focus,” I say, snapping my fingers. “So, what if Charlotte’s not sick? Do Imakeher sick?”

“You could trip her on the way to class and hope she sprains an ankle,” Jace suggests, before Brynn pinches him in the side. “Ow!”

“Now, there’s an idea,” I point. “Then I can be the knight in shining armor that comes to her rescue. I can carry her everywhere for weeks?to class, the dining hall. She might even need help in the shower. Maybe I can give her a sponge bath.” A devious grin spreads my lips as I picture a nude Charlotte slick with soap, when the sharp sting of a hand slapping my face brings me back to the present.

My eyes focus to find Brynn glaring. “I deserved that.”

“Donotinjure her on purpose, Chris Collins,” she says, her tone sharp.

“Fine,” I grumble. “I’ll just have to hope and pray she gets sick.” I roll my eyes. “Lame.”

Jace snickers as our phones chime, and we glance down at the next text.

ATLAS:

Don’t lie.

Jace guffaws, and I realize there must be something I’m missing. I know Atlas had a love triangle thing going with Graham, who is also his cousin, and a shit ton of drama with his junkie father and uncle, but that’s about it.

ME:

Gee, thanks. Didn’t think of that.

ATLAS:

Hey, you never know. Being completely truthful isn’t always as easy as it seems, especially when the truth might hurt her.