Page 99 of Wrapped in Red

Chapter Thirty-One

Ezra

Istared up at CC justas a pair of arms wrapped around me and pulled me into a tight side hug. It wasn’t CC, though. It wasn’t Maverick, who smelled like peppermint and chocolate. It wasn’t Matthias or Killian, because they were—

“I’m sorry I judged you, Ezra.” Holt’s voice was soft in my ear as he held me against him. “I had no right to do that. People did that to me when they found out the truth about my relationship with Watson. I shouldn’t have done that to you. I understand if you don’t want to be my friend or have anything to do with me. But I hope that you’ll give me a chance. I’d like to be your friend since we’ll be spending a lot of time together.”

I twisted my body around to look at him. He really was pretty with those big hazel eyes, and dark brown hair. He stared at me as I watched him. Holt was a little taller than I was, but not by much. I could see what all the fuss was about now. Why Watts fell for him. Why CC thought maybe he could, too.

“I forgive you.”

“Really?” Holt’s brows furrowed. “I mean, I was a jerk, and I don’t want you forgive me because you feel you have to.”

I hugged him. “I don’t hold a grudge,” I assured him.

“They’re staring, aren’t they?” Holt whispered as we looked over at CC and Watts.

I giggled. “Yes, they are.” I leaned closer. “Do you think they expect us to start making out or start fighting?”

“No one is making out with my fiancé but me!” Watts exclaimed, which only made me laugh harder. “You two can stop hugging now. It’s weird.”

I released Holt, expecting him to go back to Watts, but he didn’t. Instead, he stayed next to me. “We should go out. You, me, Mav, and Matthias. I think our men might be busy for a while.”

“Good idea,” Maverick agreed. “I have to get Jax something for Christmas. What do you get the man who has everything? By everything, I mean me.”

I grinned. “Should we bring Noel? I feel like he could use some fun in his life. Oh, I could talk up Seth while he’s with us. You know, for the wedding. I’m totally setting them up. I think it’s a brilliant idea.”

“I think we should grab Leo, too. Andy can come here.” Matthias pushed his chair back so he could come stand with us.

“What’s happening?” Watts asked.

Killian chuckled. “I think the WAGs are bonding, man.”

“What’s a WAG?” CC asked softly.

Maverick snorted. “Wives and girlfriends. Keep up, CC.” He winked at me.

“Seth and Noel?” Watts shook his head. “You know what? I don’t even want to know. Let them figure that shit out.”

“Baby, do you need me? I’m going to shower so I can go out.”

I met CC’s eyes, and the smile that spread over his face had my heart thumping loudly in my chest. He looked so happy that I wanted to just climb him and kiss the hell out of him. Nothing was stopping me from doing that. This was our house. These were our friends.Friends. I had friends. That was multiple. It had an S on the end.

CC used his index finger to call me over, and when I did, he leaned down to bring his lips to my ear. “I think I love you so much that I can’t stand it. I’ll be thinking about all the dirty things I want to do to you while you’re gone.” I pulled back to stare at him. “You okay with that, princess?”

“Yes.” I swallowed hard as he leaned down to slide his lips over mine.

“Are you two being gross right now? This is literally your house. Go find a room to use,” Killian teased, but I saw the way he looked over at Matthias.

I rolled my eyes. “When are you going to marry him?”