My grandparents loved him.

Hell, everyone fucking loved him.

Dinner went amazingly well, better than I could have ever expected. Carson kept smiles on mine and my grandparents faces the entire dinner. My grandparents took a quick liking to both Dominic and Carson.

They were very excited about gaining a grandson with my mom's upcoming nuptials. I couldn't tell who was more excited, Dominic or my grandparents.

At some point in dinner my grandparents just completely forgot about me and focused all their attention on the guys.

It was as if they forgot who they came here to see.

And as expected, the conversation of Edwards was brought up.My grandparents threw not so subtle digs at him here and there.

They didn't know the full extent of my relationship with him, I didn't want to make a scene in the restaurant. I knew that my grandmother would be in hysterics, and my grandfather would want his head on a fucking stake.

Dinner wasn't the time nor place to tell them about everything that went down between me and Edwards.

" So will you be gracing us with your presence this summer?" My grandmother asked as we stood on the curb waiting for the valet to pull up with our vehicles. I cling to her arms, my head nestled in her neck as she rubs my back.

" Why would I ever deny you guys my presence?" I lifted my head, lips tugged up as she pressed a kiss to my temple. " Of course I'll be staying with you this summer."

I hadn't been to London in a while. My grandparents mostly visited America during the holidays so I rarely made the trip out there, much to my dismay.

" I like him." Grandma winks," I haven't seen you smile this big in a while, and if he manages to do that then he's alright in my book."

I smile, pressing a kiss to her cheek as the headlights of Jax's vehicle blind us temporarily. " I'm glad that you like him. He makes me happier than I could've ever imagined, grandma."

Carson, Dominic, and Rhegan start approaching us as our car pulls up behind Jax's. " Good," she palms my cheeks, her ring biting into my skin as she presses a kiss to the center of my forehead.

" Only the best man deserves your love and heart of gold, Ayanna."

He is the best man... for me at least.

I let go of my grandma's body and moved around to hug my grandfather. He wraps me in his arms tightly, squeezing me so hard it felt as if my lungs would combust.

"Maybe before we leave we can catch one of your games." Grandpa suggested as we approached our vehicles. Carson smiled," We would like that very much, sir."

Grandpa chucked, shaking his head at Carson's continuous use of the formality. " Nigel. You can call me Nigel."

Carson dips his head bringing his hand up to scratch the back of his neck. " Sorry si— Nigel. Sorry, Nigel," he chuckled as my grandfather patted his shoulder.

With one last hug to my grandparents, we went our separate ways, promising to see them before they left town.

" I think that went pretty well," Dominic says from the backseat.

" It went more than well." I reach for the seatbelt, twisting slightly to buckle it. "They loved you guys, probably more than me at this point." I let out an exaggerated huff, crossing my arms and taking the dramatics a tad bit further.

Carson chuckled, leaning over the console to press a kiss to my cheek. " Stop being dramatic, Angel," he whispered, turning my chin, his fingers brushing against my skin softly as he pressed a kiss to my lips.

" Ahem." Dominic cleared his throat, staring daggers at the both of us.

Here he goes with this shit.

"Let's not act like you didn't give my best friend a lap dance in front of me and the majority of the school." I reminded him, turning my head slightly to see him shrug his shoulders.

" That doesn't count," he simply says, moving forward before I could drag him for the bullshit he just spewed."And it doesn't count because you and I were simply...associates."

I glare at him as he powers forward." But now we're siblings by chance... so keep it PG. Please and thank you."

I snorted, rolling my eyes as the car started moving." We'll keep it PG if you keep it PG."

Dominic's face fell, eyeing Rhegan out of the corner of his eyes knowing good and well he wasn't about to do that.

" That's what I thought." I turned around feeling triumphant at my win.

Who the fuck did he think he was telling me to 'keep it PG'.

The drive back to Jora's was silent, but a peaceful silence. When we got back to the house we found everyone in the theater living room watching the Scream franchise. Instead of joining right away, Rhegan and I rushed upstairs to change into more comfortable clothing.

" Those movies are more comedic than scary," Abel threw popcorn at the screen as the end credits rolled. Elizabeth sat in his lap, her head laying on his shoulder as he held her close to his body.

" We should watch Us," Skylar suggested." Now that one is good for a few jump scares."

The group went into a debate about what movie to watch next. I stayed silent, my eyes growing heavy with each passing second. Wrapping the blanket around me tightly, I snuggled closer to Carson as they came to a decision between Us and Halloween.

Why we were watching Scary movies in the middle of February, I had no idea. But the one thing I did know was that I wouldn't make it ten minutes into the movie without dozing off.

When I awoke the next morning, we were all in the theater room. Everyone was either spread out or cuddled up together. Feeling for my phone, I started to slowly come to my senses, realizing that I was straddling Carson's lap with his arms wrapped around my waist protectively. His hood was pulled over his head covering his eyes a tad bit.

Reaching for my phone, I looked at the time and date realizing that our relaxing weekend would be coming to an end and we'd have to head back to the chaos of college, paparazzi, and the whispers of my peers.

Groaning, I plopped my head in the crook of Carson's neck as he began to stir awake. His hands tighten around my waist as he turns his head slightly, his breath hitting my forehead as he exhales through his nose.

" What's wrong?" His voice had a raspiness to it that had my toes curling in my fuzzy socks. I shake my head, digging my nose deeper into his neck smelling a whisper of his cologne.

" Nothing," I whisper as he shakes his head.

"It's not nothing. What's going on in that mind of yours?"

"It's just that our lives are about to be so chaotic for the next month. I'm dealing with this Edwards situation, you have March Madness approaching quickly."

He hummed, nodding his head as I voiced my thoughts.

We would barely be able to see each other with him traveling back and forth between different cities and arena's. Daily facetime and phone calls would be the only time we'd get to see or hear each other's voices.

Of course we would try to make it to a couple of their games for a weekend, but I was so used to seeing him damn near everyday that I knew going weeks without him would give me withdrawals.

And of course I would miss his dick.

But I would miss him more than I would miss his dick of course.

" It's going to be so hard being away from you," I sigh into the material of his hoodie. " I know baby, I know. But we'll make it work, and before you know it you'll be cheering me on when we make it to finals." He assures, his hands palming my ass as I tightened my grip around his neck.

" I'm going to miss you so much," I sigh into his hoodie."Three weeks is a long time being away from you."

I might've sounded clingy, but we were never away from each other for that long of a time period. Every other weekend was different, but a whole month might as well have been a week.

But I guess I should get used to this. Pretty soon we wouldn't even be in the same city if he got drafted to the Warriors. Even though it was a quick plane ride down here, it still wouldn't be like seeing him everyday.

We would have to suffice for visiting each other on the weekends whenever it could fit his schedule.

" Well, we'll just have to make the best of these next few weeks." The double meaning in his tone was loud and clear, and in response, my core began to throb with need.

" I guess we will." I pressed a kiss to his chin as he stood up, a squeal leaving my mouth as I latched my legs around his waist. " Starting now?" Carson nipped at my jaw, a low chuckle rumbling in his chest as we headed out of the theater room.

" Starting right fucking now."

" Use a condom!" I heard someone yell when we were a few feet down the hall.

_____________________

The last few weeks felt like they had gone by in a rush.

The first week in March had come and now it was Saturday— the twin's birthday party.

They had no idea that we had been planning this for the past month. Skylar was usually able to sniff out a scheme or two, but lucky for us, Marcus was here to distract her this year.

And Kyler could honestly give two fucks about figuring out what we were up to.

One day while we were couped at Jora's, he walked in on us whispering about decorations. We'd immediately stopped talking and stared at him as he grabbed a bottle of water out of the fridge, not failing to give us a weirded out glance over his shoulder before he walked out of the kitchen.

I stood in front of the full body mirror in my closet, running my eyes over my outfit for the night. The dress I'd chosen was a silver spaghetti strapped dress. It had a plunge to the neck line, showing some of my cleavage but not all. The dress clung to my body showing off my curves but due to the material it wasn't hugging my figure completely.

My braids covered up the fact that the dress was backless. Halfway through the night I was sure that I'd get hot and have to put them up eventually.

" Ready to go?" Carson came up behind me, grabbing my heels since my feet were shoved inside of my house slippers. I turned around, my braids whipping the action as I smiled, placing my hands on my hips.

" What do you think?"

Carson ran his gaze down my body, his lips tugging up mischievously as he licked his bottom lip. " I think you should think twice before yelling at me when I rip this off of your body later."

I scowled, pinching the delicate material of the dress between my fingers.

He was right but the dress was too pretty not to go to waste.

" So I look good is what you're trying to say," I wink, grabbing my purse and jacket as we exit my bedroom closet. " Precisely," he nods, wrapping a hand around my waist, his palm resting on the side of my stomach as we join the others down the stairs.

" Why did you guys make dinner reservations so damn late!" Skylar whined as I exchanged looks with the girls, all of us biting back smiles as we walked out of the penthouse.

The whole elevator ride down Skylar kept asking questions to which we vaguely answered, Kyler was just content and happy that we were "taking them out for dinner." He didn't even question us when we told him to dress nice.

He hopped out of the bed at the mention of free food and his shower was ready not even a second later.

He fiddled with the watch on his wrist, leaning against the wall of the elevator as he nervously toyed with it. The doors opened up, causing his gaze to snap up as we filed out of the elevator and walked toward the vehicles that awaited us.

We all piled into the two separate cars.

The boys go with Kyler.

And us girls go with Sky.

I pulled out the blindfold as we got closer to the location. Wrapping the material around my hand as Skylar asked millions of questions about the restaurant we were going to.

" Alright birthday girl." I unravel the blindfold in my hand and reach over to tie it behind her head.

" Ayanna," Sky starts." I love you and you're gorgeous as fuck. But I have a boyfriend and so do you. What would they say about the kinky shit you are pulling right now?"

Laughter filled the car as I shook my head," I'm sure Carson wouldn't mind. He likes me handcuffed to the headboard most of the time anyways."

Laughter turned into squeals and me earning sharp slaps on my bare arms. " You kinky little whore!" Sade gasped as I hid my hands in my face. " No. No. Don't get shy on us now."

I laughed into my palms as she forced my hands away from my face. Shrugging, I said," I did say that he would be a nasty one and I am not disappointed."

The car shook as they pulled on me, my laughs filled the car as Sky sat with her arms crossed. " I would love to join in on the teasing, but I can't fucking see. Are we going to go eat or not? And what's with the blindfold if we're going to a restaurant?"

Looking at the girls, we quickly got out of the car before Sky could ask anymore questions and ruin her own surprise party. The doors to the guys truck closed a few seconds after ours, Kyler kept a tight grip on Dominic and Marcus's hand as they guided him towards the entrance of the club.

" If y'all let me fall, I will not hesitate to whoop each and everyone of y'all's asses," he threatened as they told him to take a step up to the curb.

We followed behind them, Skylar clenching my hands so tightly you would've thought she was going into labor.

" It's a little too quiet in here for a restaurant."Kyler observed, his nose turned up as if he was trying to see under the blindfold.

Walking around each twin, we undid the blindfolds only for them to be welcomed with darkness. " And why the hell is it so da-"

In the midst of Skylar's billionth question of the night, the lights were turned on, confetti popped, music blasted, and "Surprise!" was yelled from every corner of the club.

The twins stood frozen at the scene in front of them as we walked around to see their faces.

" Happy Birthday!" Our friend group cheered as they turned towards each other, arms extended out for a hug.

" Happy birthday, asshole," Skylar whispered to Kyler, squeezing his shoulders tightly as she stood on her tip toes. " I love you."

" Happy birthday, Skylar," he whispered back, pressing a kiss to her temple. " I love you more.

She leaned back, smiling as she shook her

head, "Impossible little brother."

Kyler groaned in annoyance, shaking his head as he playfully pushed her away. " Only by five minutes," he muttered as they walked over to us.

We immediately wrapped our arms around Skylar, pulling her in for a group hug as she squealed. " You guys did all of this?" She smiled brightly, looking around at the club.

" No," Elizabeth drawled." Casper the friendly ghost and his friends put it together."

Skylar narrowed her eyes at Elizabeth, leaning over to flick her in the middle of the head. " I'm the sarcastic one, you stick to being the sweet one." Skylar instructed as she palmed Elizabeth's cheeks.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes as a pair of arms hooked around her waist. A smile formed on her face as she melted into Abel's hold, her head lulling into the crook of his neck as the guys joined us.

We all gave Kyler a hug, wishing him a happy birthday and telling him that we loved him.

We all loved Kyler no matter his... faults. He was only human and we all made mistakes. The important part of making mistakes is realizing and owning up to them and he has.

" Happy Birthday, McKay."

I turned my head, seeing Jora voluntarily wrap her arms around his waist, her face getting hidden by his biceps as he brought his around hers.

" Thank you, JoJo." His voice was slightly hoarse, as if he couldn't believe he was holding her again, regardless of if it was just a friendly hug.

But something told me that with a few drinks in both of their systems, he would get more than a friendly hug

It was his birthday after all.

The party was in full effect.

Drinks were being passed around on trays, the twins immediately found their way to the food trucks that were parked out back in the parking lot. The party goers were dancing and everyone was having a good time.

" Ahh!" Jora squealed, grabbing my hands as the familiar intro to 'One Dance' thrummed throughout the speakers.

The girls and I joined her on the dance floor.

Skylar danced to the music as she sipped on her alcohol, winding her hips in carefree manor. I took her hand, spinning her around as she moved her hips in a slow circle.

Rhegan's hand came down on her as hard as the girls hyped the birthday girl up. The song soon changed to 'Gyalis' having almost everyone rush to the dance floor as the beat flowed throughout the club.

" It's just a vibe, I'm that guy!" Jora yelled at the top of her lungs.

She really loved this song... like really loved the song.

The guys joined soon after the song came on.

Rhegan stole Dominic's snapback, placing it backwards on her head as she turned around and began to dance to the beat. He kept a loose grip on her waist as she grinded her ass on him.

A hard body pressed against mine, hands palmed my hips as I smiled, wrapping my hand around his neck as his hips matched my rhythm.

Okay— White boy got some moves.

Haze and Audrey stood by the bar, he leaned forward whispering as she laughed. Xander was somewhere on the dance floor having the time of his life with a group of girls surrounding him.

Looking around our circle, I noticed that Kyler hung back in the lounge area, watching as Jora danced. A few girls were trying to gain his attention but he was solely focused on her.

Feeling my stare, I motioned from him to her and back. He shook his head, bringing his henessy to his lips as I arched a brow. Looking over at Skylar, she knew exactly what I was about to ask.

Pushing away from Marcus, she marched her ass right on over to Kyler and yanked him up off of the couch.

The girl was strong.

Kyler followed behind her as she dragged him to our circle. She grabbed his hand, latched it around Jora's waist and pushed her into his chest.

A stunned look crossed her face as she looked down, noting the familiar hands that palmed her waist hesitantly. She looked back to Sky, scowling as the birthday girl remained dancing against her boyfriend.

Kyler moved to back away, his fingertips brushing against the bare skin of waist due to the cut outs of her dress. Jora hesitated for a moment before gripping his hands, slowly guiding them back to her waist and pressing them as she began to dance.

Whether she felt the heavy stare Kyler had pinned on her, she didn't let it on as she danced to the ending of the song.

" Oh Jesus Christ!" Marcus threw his head back as the DJ played ' Wild Thoughts'. " I'm going to be on this dance floor all night at this rate."