Page 126 of Wrapped in Red

I giggled happily as I leaned forward to drop a kiss against CC’s forehead. “Love you,” I murmured as he smiled at me.

“I love you, too, Ezra.” He reached for my face so he could kiss my mouth. It was awkward, but he somehow managed to pull it off.

Dean coughed softly. “Wyatt, you seem like you’re holding up all right.”

“Yeah, well, as best as I can, since Asher broke my heart,” Wyatt muttered. “How are you and Beau?”

Dean dropped his gaze to his lap. “Can we talk about something else?”

“You.” Killian pointed at his best friend. “And me. Now.” He motioned for Dean to follow him. “I’m not kidding. We need to talk.”

Dean grunted. “Says the guy who got married without telling me.”

“I’m not fucking around, Dean. Stand up or I will carry you. Better yet, I’ll have Jackson do it.”

Jackson wrinkled his nose. “Don’t involve me in your weird friend rituals.”

“Fine.” Dean stood up and dragged a hand through his long pink hair before he yanked the elastic off his wrist to pull it into a messy ponytail. “But I’m not talking about Beau.”

“The hell you aren’t,” Killian grunted before they disappeared down the hall.

“Ezra.” I glanced over at Seth at the sound of my name. “A word.” He tilted his head toward the kitchen, and I climbed over my fiancé to follow him.

He leaned against the counter and crossed his arms over his chest. Was he still mad about the engagement thing? I thought we had smoothed that over.

I gave him a quick hug. “What’s up? Are you not having fun?”

His blue eyes had lost their shine, which was never a good thing.

“I don’t think I should go as Noel’s plus one to this wedding next week,” Seth whispered as he looked behind me. “I think that would ruin whatever he and Wyatt have going on.”

I felt myself relax. “Or hear me out. It will push them in the right direction.”

“He seems to like Wyatt well enough without you meddling.” Was Seth jealous? “Also, I don’t think your other friends like me very much.”

“We like you.” Maverick peeked his head into the room. “Sorry, I’m just being a little protective.”

Seth grunted. “You all seem to be that way. I’m not used to having to share Ezra.” Yeah, he was super jealous, andIwasn’t used tothat.

“What’s happening, Seth? You’re normally so chill and relaxed. Talk to me, boo.” I put my hand on his arm. “This isn’t my bestie.”

“Because I’mnotyour bestie. Not really. You have Carson, Maverick here, everyone in that living room. You’re going to be moving to North Carolina in a few days, and I’m never going to see you again.” He held up his hand. “Don’t try to bullshit me and say we’ll keep in touch, because we both know that won’t happen.”

I pulled my lip between my teeth. “Seth.”

“Ezra.” Seth rolled his eyes. “You have more than enough friends now. You don’t need me anymore.”

“Why don’t you move, too?” Maverick interrupted. “What, do you have something keeping you here?” He nudged my hip with his. “I know what you do, Seth. Ez told me. Isn’t that a job you can do from anywhere? We have a room you could stay in until you find an apartment or whatever.”

Seth stared at Maverick like he hadn’t heard him correctly. “You can’t be serious. You don’t even know me.”

“But you’re friends with Ezra, so that means you’re a good person,” Maverick insisted.

“Are you having a WAG party without me?” Holt waltzed into the kitchen and hoisted himself up onto the table. “Here.” He held out his arms. “You, Seth, come here.” He wiggled his fingers for my friend to step between his legs, and when he did, he started to comb them through Seth’s curls. “You have the nicest hair. You have to tell me your secrets.”

“Thank you.” He smiled up at Holt before he turned to face me again. “I mean, I suppose I could move to North Carolina. Wait, you’re not flirting with me, are you?” Seth asked.

Maverick giggled. “No, this is just a friendly thing. If you join our WAG group, then you get in on this all the time. The more the merrier.”