Page 132 of The Fractured

Seb took a seat on the arm of the couch. “Now you’ve done it, Lil.”

“Done what?” I laughed a little as I straightened up so I could look at them both.

“This might be our deal breaker.” There was a slight hint of sarcasm in Dean’s tone. He slung his arm along the back of the couch behind me while he lifted a single brow.

“Pineapple on pizza?” I asked.

“Doesn’t go with tomatoes.” His eyes were locked on me like we were the only two in the room.

I raised a shoulder. “But it’s sweet and salty.”

Kira walked over, stopping beside Seb to watch us curiously. “What’s going on?”

“They’re having their first big argument.” Seb wrapped his arm around her waist, but watched Dean and me intently with a goofy smile on his face.

“The sweetness overpowers the rest of the flavors. It ruins the pizza, Lily,” Dean continued, lifting a hand for emphasis.

“Oh, god,” Seb whispered. “He’s starting to use his hands.”

It was me who rolled my eyes next. “Okay. It doesn’t ruin it,Dean. It’s also the only time I enjoy pineapple, oddly enough.”

Dean ground his jaw as he shook his head, despite the glint of humor in his eyes.

I smiled sweetly at him.

“Dean, you aren’t gonna win this. Think of it this way…” Seb stood and walked around to the back of the couch to squeeze Dean’s shoulders. “Lily is like the pineapple to your pizza. She’s sweet, you’re salty. From a distance, no one would guess that it works, but it kinda does.” He lowered his head beside Dean’s, who sighed as he listened to his friend. “Face it, bro. Accept the pineapple.”

“That was the best analogy I’ve ever heard,” I said. “Thank you, Seb.”

“He’s a pineapple sympathizer,” Dean deadpanned. “Of course he’d pick the side of the pineapple.”

I feigned a pout and placed a hand on Dean’s knee. “I know a good doctor if you need to talk about it.”

Dean’s brows shot up in surprise while Kira burst into laughter.

“Too soon?” I cringed.

Seb, grinning widely, moved along the back of the couch to wrap his arms around my shoulders instead. “Don’t change, Lil’.”

Chapter 44

Dean

Lily held the slice of Hawaiian pizza up in front of my mouth, smiling sweetly. “One bite?”

I curled my lip slightly at the sight of the pineapple resting amongst the sauce and cheese, but reminded myself that Lily had stepped out of her comfort zone today. I could do the same with pineapple on pizza.

Reluctantly, I took a bite and tried not to cringe too hard when the flavors burst across my tongue.

The face I pulled made Lily laugh. “I’m not changing your mind anytime soon, am I?”

I shook my head, swallowing hard. “Probably not.”

“Try the chicken instead,” Kira said, gesturing to the box on the table as she handed a Switch remote to Lily.

We were getting ready to play Super Mario Kart when my phone buzzed in my back pocket.

I fished it out and instantly regretted even checking it.