Page 3 of When We Ignite

I leaned in closer, lowering my voice slightly. “Do you want one?”

“He’s underage,” Charlotte interjected, her voice cutting through our exchange.

I cringed inwardly—so close.

“It’s a celebration. We’re celebrating,” I said, tilting my head in challenge.

Charlotte shook her head but couldn’t hide her smile.

“Our families are merging into one. How can you deny him a chance to toast to your love?”

“Do you always have to be so insufferably clever?” she teased.

“It’s practically a responsibility at this point. One I take very seriously.” I added a wink for good measure.

She laughed, and from the corner of my eye, I caught Ethan fighting back a smile, shaking his head.

“Fine, one drink,” Charlotte conceded.

I raised my hand, signaling for the server, and asked him to bring us the bottle. Once it had been delivered, I poured Ethan a drink, pushing it toward him. He held it up, and I smiled as we clinked them together.

I raised my glass at Charlotte and Oliver. “To true love.”

Ethan took a sip, his lip pressing on the glass’s edge before carefully placing it on the table. He had nice hands—nimble and delicate.

“Are you in college?” I asked him.

“E started at Columbia last fall,” Charlotte interjected smoothly.

“Impressive. What are you majoring in?”

Ethan rubbed under his nose before giving a half-shrug. “Haven’t decided.”

“Still plenty of time.” I tapped my finger against the rim of my glass, turning that bit of information over in my mind. I technically lived in D.C., but with how much I traveled, it was more of a formality. I supposed I could drop by more often—especially now that my extended family was proving to be unexpectedly attractive.

“New York,” I said, glancing at Oliver with a shrug. “We have offices in the city.”

“I know. I’ve been,” Ethan replied. “Also the apartment by fifth.”

I frowned, my gaze shifting back to Oliver, who gave me a guilty look.

“Have you been hanging out with Henry?” I asked, mildly offended.

“In my defense, Henny lives in Manhattan and he’s easier to reach. You’re the problematic one.”

I scoffed, downplaying the guilt brought on by that statement. “I’m fucking charming, Oli. I resent this. I had a right to bond with my new family.”

Ethan chuckled again as Oliver shook his head and sipped his drink.

“You better not like Henry over me,” I warned Charlotte.

“He hasn’t tried to get my brother drunk.”

“Well, that’s a surprise, and…” I spotted the third Langley brother rushing over to us, “Speak of the devil.”

“Sorry, sorry. Ran late,” he said, breathing heavily. He went around the table, giving hugs, and flopped down next to me.

“Where’s Sophia?” I asked, and he froze mid-pour. “No more Sophia?”