“Lottie, <b>I </b>told you,” Mia said, flipping a skewer. “That Vivian girl is definitely not as innocent as she acts<b>. </b>You seriously believe she didn’t know Zac was your ex? Might as <b>well </b>say I’m freaking Santa us<b>.</b><b>” </b>
Charlotte gave a <b>slow </b>smile<b>, </b>brushing sauce over the beef.
“Oh, I know it was intentional. I’m guessing she’s been in contact with Zac behind the scenes. The two <b>of </b>them probably cooked this up to try and mess with me and Sean. But since they’re so eager to y dirty, fine–let’s see who walks away dirtier<b>.</b><b>” </b>
Mia gave her a big thumbs up. “urate<b>. </b>Valid. Brutally on point. I fully support <b>you</b><b><i>.</i></b><b>” </b>
Ian strolled over, nosy as <b>ever</b>. <b>“</b>Wait, Lottie, that <b>clown </b>really was your ex<b>?</b><b>” </b>
Before Charlotte could answer, Ian yelped in pain and grabbed <b>his </b>head.
<b>Sean’s </b>cold <b>voice </b>came from behind him.
“Don’t stick your nose where it doesn’t belong.”
Ian looked wounded. <b>“</b>Ow! Why’d you flick me? I was <b>just </b>looking out for her!<b>” </b>
<b>“</b><b>You </b><b>got </b>too much free time, huh?” Mia said, handing him a bunch <b>of </b>skewers. “Here. Lamb and wings. Go be <b>useful </b>and grill <b>these</b><b>.</b>”
Jan was rendered speechless<b>. </b>
Meanwhile, Sean slipped his arms around Charlotte from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder and wrapping his arms snugly around her waist. <b>His </b>voice was low and syrupy.
“Lottie<b>.</b><b>” </b>
She let him hug her while she kept grilling. “Just <b>a </b>few more minutes. These’ll be ready soon<b>.</b><b>” </b>
<b>“</b>Mm.” His breath warmed the space between them.
Sean kissed her neck, then lightly nipped her earlobe, his <b>breath </b>tickling against her skin and making Charlotte giggle.
When he leaned in again<b>, </b>she yfully dodged. “Stop it! Everyone’s watching.”
Sean’s <b>voice </b>was low and <b>sexy</b>.
“So what? Let them <b>see </b>how <b>sweet </b>we are<b>.</b>”
From the side<b>, </bn groaned. “Ugh. Mia<b>, </b>do <b>you </b>smell something weird?”
Mia sniffed dramatically. <b>“</b><b>Just </b>grilled meat.”
<b>Ian </b>deadpanned, <b>“No. </b>That stench of sickening couple energy<b>.</b><b>” </b>
Still holding Charlotte close<b>, </b>Sean repliedzily, “You’re wrong. Love smells amazing.‘
On the other side of the grill, Vivian stared daggers at the two, locked in their own world<b>, </b>flirting without a care. Her fingers clenched so tight her knuckles cracked, and she looked like she might literallybust from sheer frustration.
Once the meat was done grilling<b>, </b>everyone gathered around the tables <b>to </b><b>eat</b>.
There were two tables. Naturally, Charlotte, Sean, Ian, Jordan<b>, </b>Lena<b>, </b>and Mia sat at one. Vivian<b>, </b>her two friends, and Zac took the other.
Just as Charlotte and <b>Sean </b><b>sat </b>down, Vivian walked over carrying a bowl of something.
She set it down right in front of Sean, leaning in so close she was practically pressed <b>up </b>against him.
“Sean, I made this stew earlier,” Vivian said with a smile. “You should try some.”
Sean subtly shifted closer to Charlotte, putting some distance between tumself and Vivian. Then<b>, </b>as if it were the most natural thing in the world, he slid the bowl right in <b>front </b>of Charlotte
“Lottie, your favorite. Give it <b>a </b>taste.”
Vivian’s smile froze
Charlotte calmly picked up a pair of disposable utensils, speated a piece of <b>sausage</b><b>, </b>and took a bite. <b>Then </b>she turned to <b>Vivian </b><b>with </b>a bright, wide–eyed smile
<b>“</b>Mmm. Not bad. Thanks, <b>Vivian</b>.”
But Sean wasn’t done.
<b>He </b>picked up a fork, fished out a slice of tender brisket, and fed it to Charlotte himself.
Try this <b>one</b><b>, </b>too.<b>” </b>
<b>+25 </b><b>Bonus </b>
Everyone at the table watched the scene unfold, silently <b>in </b>awe of Sean’s expert–level maneuvering.
“Smooth. Real smooth. He’d managed to dodge his clingy <b>“</b>sister<b>,</b>” please his girlfriend, and shut down the drama–all in one move. Chef’s kiss<b>,</b>” they thought.
Mia chimed <b>in </b><b>at </b>the perfect moment.
“Wow<b>, </b>you two are seriously <b>too </b>cute. Vivian, look at your brother and your future sister–inw. Just look how sweet they are!”
D