A Game Of Love (A Forbidden Game #2)

Chapter 9

Lillianna

I’ve been sitting outside Bishop and Bee’s parent’s place for a good five minutes now. I know I should go inside, but I’m honestly nervous to get out of my car.

Bishop offered to drive me, but I told him I’d meet him here because Mom asked me to cover a shift for her at the bookshop while she took the twins to an appointment.

He offered to wait with me, but I knew he was excited to get home. His mother called him a few hours ago, letting him know his father was home.

Mr. Grant is a sergeant in the military and has been overseas for the past six months. Bee is a daddy's girl, and I know how much she’s missed him. As for Bishop, he loves his dad, admires him, and they’re pretty close.

Knowing he won’t be home for too long, I told him to go and enjoy every second with his father. I also suggested rescheduling my coming over for supper to spend time with his family, but Bishop shot that down immediately.

His response was that I am family, therefore I should be there too.

How was I supposed to argue with that? It made my friggin’ heart melt.

The real reason I’m nervous to go in there is because of his father. I like Mr. Grant. He’s a good man. But the last time I saw him, he pulled me to the side at one of the family barbecues and asked when I was going to put his son out of his misery and make him mine.

He said it in a playful tone, making me think that he was joking. I didn’t think Bishop liked me like that.

Boy, was I wrong .

Guess it’s time to go let him know he was right, and I was stupid not to see it.

I see it now. And it makes my heart leap out of my chest every time I look at Bishop. I see him in a whole new way now. A better way, more exciting and intense.

But it’s natural, meant to be. A lot like how Toby and I are.

I thought the change between Toby and me would be awkward, but it’s not. I was worried for nothing. Because it’s Toby... he’s my best friend, one of the two people who know me best in this world.

He texts me all day, making sure I’m okay. Letting me know I’m on his mind. And the best thing is all the I love you ’s he sends me. I’ll never get tired of it.

I also can’t get the memory of him between my legs as he made me see stars out of my head.

I want more from them both. And if they don’t stop keeping their hands to themselves, I’m gonna be the one forced to make the first move. I’ll do it.

With the dirty mouths on both of them, you would think one of them would be inside me at all times. But nope. No sex. None. Not a dick inside me in sight.

Okay, I need to get out of this car and stop thinking about sex. I’m starting to sound like a horny freak.

Sighing heavily, I push the door to the car open.

The Grant home is a nice little house with a white picket fence nestled in a nice suburban neighborhood.

Bianca used to complain that she wanted to move into my house because hers was too small, and I lived in a literal mansion. It’s why we hardly came over to her house, she would rather be at mine.

But I like their place. It feels... homey. Safe and comfortable. They’ve always made me feel wanted and accepted.

Not that I didn’t get that at home. The Grants are just different. A nice change every once in a while.

“Lilly!” Bee squeals excitedly as she throws the front door open.

“Hey.” I laugh, stepping inside.

“Hey, il mio cuore .” Bishop appears around the corner.

“Hi.” I smile up at him, and Bee gags.

“Gross, you two look at each other like the other is made of rainbows and sunshine.”

Bishop grins down at me as he flips his sister off before grabbing my chin to press a kiss to my lips. “Ignore her.”

“I always do,” I sigh against his lips.

Bee huffs. “Rude!”

“You know I love you.” I laugh, wrapping my arm around her shoulder.

“Better,” she mutters.

“She loves me more.” Bishop grins.

“Dream on, idiot.” Bee glares.

“She loves a lot of me.” He wiggles his eyebrows.

“Oh, gross!” Bee shouts.

“Bishop.” I laugh, shaking my head. “Leave her alone.”

“Fine,” Bishop mutters.

“Bishop!” I hear his mom shout. “Get your ass back in here and help me.”

He lets out a heavy sigh as he rolls his eyes. “Coming!” he shouts back. “There’s been a bit of change in plans. We’re gonna grill tonight. I’ll cook for you another time. Promise.”

“That's fine.”

“You good if I leave to help Mom?” he asks me.

“I’m going to pretend you didn’t ask that,” Bee huffs. “She’s been here more times to hang out with me than she has with you. So fuck off.”

Bishop shoots her a glare but takes off, leaving me standing in the doorway with my bestie.

“Come on. Let’s go out back. My Auntie Izzy is here. And you remember my cousin, Bella?”

My spine stiffens. Bella. Oh, I remember Bella. The same cousin who would hit on Toby relentlessly when we came over for family barbecues growing up. She would gush to us how much she wanted him, how hot he was, and how someday she was going to make him hers.

I’ve never been much of a violent person, but anytime she said something like that, I wanted to rip her hair out and claw out her eyes.

Okay, so maybe my guys aren’t the only crazy jealous ones.

Bee doesn’t wait for me to say anything as she drags me through the house and into the back.

When we get outside, the smell of grilled steaks tickles my nose, and I sigh happily. Sergeant Grant knows how to grill a good steak. They always come out perfect. I’m not sure what kind of seasoning he uses, but it’s amazing.

“Heeeey,” Bee says, pulling me over to the woman sitting at a deck table. “You remember my bestie, Lilly.”

“Lilly.” Izzy grins, standing to pull me into a hug. “How are you doing, sweetheart?”

“I’m good,” I answer, pulling back to look at her. She’s beautiful. All the women in this family are. With their olive skin and dark hair, their Italian roots shine brightly. I’m honestly a little jealous. Because as I look over to see Bella sitting and watching my interaction with her mother, I see that she’s even more stunning than she was the last time I saw her.

I hate her.

I shouldn’t, because she’s never really been mean to me, but I can’t help the spark of jealousy. She’s over Toby by now, right? She better be.

Last time I saw her was two years ago, just before Toby and I started to drift apart. And she very much was into him back then.

She doesn’t go to SVU, so I’m not sure the last time she saw him. I’m sure it was a lot more recent than me, seeing how Toby and Bishop have always been close.

Until now. Because of me.

I shake my head to get out of my own thoughts. “Sooo... tell me, how’s school going?”

“It’s going good,” I tell her, moving to take a seat next to her. Bee comes and joins me, taking the seat next to her cousin. “Hi.” I smile over at Bella. See, I can be nice.

“Hi.” She beams back. “It’s been a while.”

“It has.” I nod.

“I’m sorry to hear about you and Toby.” She frowns.

My brows furrow. “What do you mean?”

“Well, over the summer, he was here with Bishop. They were arguing, and I overheard them say something about how you and Toby weren’t friends anymore. That's so sad.”

Is she for real? I’ve just sat down, and this is what she’s choosing to talk about.

“Ahh, I’m not sure what was said back then, but Toby and I are just fine now that I’m attending SVU.”

Her face falls, the fake pitying look gone. “Oh. That's... good.” She laughs forcefully.

Bee gives her cousin a strange look, then looks back at me. I just shrug because I have no idea what that was about.

Izzy gets my attention, and I spend the next five minutes talking to her about school and my courses.

“Burgers are done!” a deep male voice shouts.

My head looks up, seeing Bishop’s father and his little brother, Robert, coming over to the table with plates piled with meat.

When he sees me, his face breaks out into a grin. “Lillianna!” he cheers in a joyful booming voice.

I smile, getting up from my seat. “Hello, Romeo,” I call him by his first name, because while he prefers most people to call him Sergeant Grant, that doesn’t extend to family. And just like his son said, he also considers me family.

He gives me fun-uncle vibes, always smiling and joyful. At least around the women in his life. Including me.

“Come, come. Give me a hug,” he says, placing the plate down and opening his arms.

Laughing, I make my way around the table and step into his open arms.

“How are you, my dear?” he asks, holding me at arm's length to get a good look at me.

“I’m good.”

People behind us start making their steaks and Romeo pulls me to the side. “It’s been a while since you’ve been here. It’s good to have you back.”

Guilt creeps up. I’ve never not been welcome here. The reason I've stopped coming over was because these get-togethers normally included Toby. And seeing how things were always awkward when we were in the same room, I chose to stay away.

“It’s good to be back. Sorry, it’s been a while.”

“So.” He stands back, crossing his arms.

“So?” I smile, raising a brow.

He lets out a huff. “Have you put my boy out of his misery yet?”

Rolling my lips together, I bite down to hide the smile.

His eyes widen. “You have?” I nod my head. He claps his hands together. “About damn time.”

“What is about damn time?” Bishop’s mom, Ari, asks as she steps outside, bowls of salads in her hands. She sees me and smiles. “Lilly, my love. I’m so happy you're here.”

She places the food down and pulls me into a tight hug.

“Looks like our boy has himself a girl. That's what’s about damn time.” Romeo laughs.

Ari pulls back, eyes wide. “He has!” she asks, spinning around to see Bishop, who’s right behind her. “You have a girlfriend? When were you going to tell me?”

“Yes.” Bishop grins. “And ahh, now?”

“Well, who?!” Ari demands.

“Me.” I laugh, an odd giddiness taking over.

Ari’s eyes snap over to mine. “Really?” She looks back to her son, then to me. “You're together. A couple?” I nod, still grinning. She lets out a screech of happiness, pulling me back into a hug. “Oh, praise the lord. I’ve been dreaming of this day for years.”

“Mom,” Bishop groans, closing his eyes as he places his hand over his face. “Stop it.”

“Ah, come on, son. Let your mom be happy. We’ve had to watch you pine after this one for years.”

Bishop’s cheeks heat. “I have not.”

Romeo chuckles. “Really? I think I remember you coming home pissed off one time in high school, grumbling something about how you wanted to kick the asses of every boy in school because they were talking about how cute Lilly was.”

My eyes widen. “You did?”

Bishop glares at his father before turning to look at me. “No.”

“Oh, yes, he did,” Ari confirms with a laugh. “He’s never outright admitted he was smitten with you. But I have eyes. I saw the way he looked at you.”

I step over to Bishop, who looks very embarrassed right now. “Aww. You liked me? You really liked me?” I tease. But I know he did. And I feel bad that he’s had to sit back and watch.

“Maybe,” he huffs, crossing his arms. He looks grumpy, but as soon as I place my hands on his biceps and press up onto my tiptoes to kiss his cheek, his body relaxes.

He opens his arms and pulls me into them.

“Well, I’m yours now,” I murmur up at him.

“Damn right, you are,” he growls and kisses me hard right in front of his family.

There are a few claps and whistles. Breaking the kiss with a laugh, I bury my face into Bishop’s chest.

“Hungry?” Bishop asks, kissing my forehead. Ugh, this man. This man knows how to make me feel loved and cared for.

“For your dad’s steak? Always.”

An hour later, we’re all sitting around the fire pit. I’m on Bishop’s lap, snuggled into him as his uncle plays the guitar.

I’ve had a lot of fun tonight. And I don’t mind having to split my time with Bishop. Watching him laugh and joke around with his dad made me happy. And I enjoyed hanging out with his mom.

I didn’t miss the way Bella kept glaring at me most of the night. I’m not sure what her issue with me is, but I don’t like it. I’ve done nothing to her.

Every time I catch her looking at me, I just smile back. I don’t have time for mean girls and drama. Never have, never will. And I wasn’t going to let her ruin the night.

“I’m so happy you two are together,” Ari gushes, grinning wide as she looks over at Bishop and me.

I smile up at her son; he smiles back. “Yeah, me too. I’m pretty fond of him. I think I’ll keep him.”

He chuckles, nipping the tip of my nose. “As if you had any choice in the matter.”

“Caveman.” I roll my eyes, but my belly flutters.

“So, how long until there’s a ring on her finger?” Ari asks.

Bishop, who just took a swig of beer, nearly chokes on it. I can’t help but giggle at the horrified look on his face.

“I’m sorry.” He coughs a few times. “A what?”

“Ring,” Ari huffs. “When are you going to make an honest woman out of her?”

“Mom!” he hisses. “We’ve been dating for like a week. Would you relax? You're going to scare her away.”

“Nonsense.” She waves him off. “If that was going to happen, she would have been gone long ago. But she’s always stuck around because deep down, she knew you two were meant to be.”

“Or maybe it’s because she was my best friend?” Bianca pips up. “Are we all forgetting that fact?”

“No, honey. We’re not,” Ari says, patting Bee’s hand before turning back to us. “I always knew you would marry her. So what's stopping you?”

“Fucking hell,” Bishop groans, leaning his head back.

“Watch your mouth, young man,” she scolds him.

“No ring yet.” I laugh out loud. “Maybe in a few years. Right now, we’re just enjoying life. We have lots of plans for the future.”

Bishop lowers his head, eyes finding mine. “We do?” he asks, and I don't miss the hopeful gleam in his tone.

I nod, butterflies taking over my stomach. “I told you, you're mine. I’m not going anywhere. I’m only turning twenty in the new year. It’s too soon to get married.” I laugh. “But someday.” After the words are out of my mouth, my eyes widen in horror. Shit, I must sound like a crazy person, right? Like he said, we’ve only been dating for a week. And here we’re talking about getting married? What is wrong with me?

But his eyes light up, and I swear to god, the smile that takes over his face has me over the damn moon.

“You two are so cute!” Izzy says.

With crimson cheeks, I bury my face into the crook of Bishop’s neck. His arms tighten around me, and I sigh contentedly, never wanting to leave his arms.

“Bishop,” his father starts to speak. “Where’s Toby? Thought he would be here with you. You two are glued at the hip.”

My stomach sinks. I don’t miss the way Bella perks up at Toby’s name.

“Yeah. I was sad to see he didn’t come. Where is he?”

“Home,” Bishop answers, not adding anything else.

“Okay. But why isn’t he here?” Bella presses.

“I didn't invite him?” Bishop says slowly, not sure why she’s asking. “Tonight was supposed to be a night I had Lilly over to tell Mom about our relationship. Dad coming home was a surprise.”

“You could have called him and invited him once you knew,” Bella presses.

“He wouldn’t have come anyway,” I speak, growing annoyed with her questions.

“Why not?” Her eyes flick over to mine.

“Because he’s most likely with his girlfriend.”

I see Bee looking at me with a raised brow out of the corner of my eye. She knows I’m full of shit. But what am I going to say? Can’t very well tell her to stop asking about my other boyfriend while I’m sitting on their son's lap, can I?

Bella’s face drops. “His girlfriend? Toby doesn’t do girlfriends,” she huffs.

And when the hell did this girl become a Toby expert?

“He does now,” I grind out.

“Lilly,” Bishop whispers in my ear. “Don’t let her get to you.”

So, he sees the way his cousin is when it comes to Toby? Good, at least it’s not just me overreacting or thinking too much into it.

“That's wonderful!” Ari steps in. “I’ve been so worried about that boy. He needs a good woman to love and care for him.”

Bella's frown deepens.

“He does. And I know she will,” I tell her with a smile.

“We’re going to have to invite both of them over sometime,” Ari suggests.

“Yeah, Lilly. I can’t wait to meet Toby’s girlfriend.” Bee grins. I narrow my eyes at my best friend. She’s loving this. “Oh!” she gasps. “You could go on double dates.”

I can feel Bishop’s chest shake with laughter. Tipping my head back, I turn the glare on him.

He just grins down at me and kisses the tip of my nose.

For the rest of the night, I don’t really hold much of a conversation with anyone, just enjoying being in Bishop’s arms and basking in the warm feeling of being around his family.

After Bella found out Toby had a girlfriend, she seemed to have stopped glaring at me. She saw me as a threat like I’d be a reason she didn’t ever have a chance with Toby.

Little did she know how right she was. Smug satisfaction fills me.

The sound of a phone ringing has me blinking out of my own thoughts. Bee frowns down at her phone and answers.

“Hello?” Bee pauses, waiting for whoever's on the other end to talk. Her eyes widen. “What! Is the room okay?”

That has me frowning and looking up at Bishop, whose expression mirrors mine.

“Shit. Yeah, okay. No need to call Lilly or Bishop, I’m here with them. We’re good on that. Okay, thanks.”

“What's going on?” I ask as Bee hangs up.

“That was Amy, the RA of our building. She was calling everyone to let them know that a pipe burst in the dorm bathroom, and it’s out of order until further notice.”

“Can’t we use the ones on the other floors?” Bishop asks.

Bee shakes her head. “All of them are out of order. It’s a main pipe. Amy said the school will be paying for a hotel for anyone who can’t find accommodations elsewhere. But I told her we have places to stay.”

“Well, that's unfortunate,” Ari sighs. “Are you able to go there and get your things?”

“Oh yeah, that shouldn’t be a problem, but I’ll worry about that tomorrow. I’ll stop by on my way to class or something. It’s too late to be going anywhere now. So, it looks like your baby girl is coming home for a few days.”

“You act as if we would be upset about that,” Romeo chuckles.

“So, Mom.” Bee bats her eyelashes. “Any chance you’re doing laundry in the foreseeable future?”

I snort out a laugh. “Bee.”

“What?!” She looks at me with wide, innocent eyes.

“Do your own laundry, woman. You're nineteen.”

She gives her mom a pout.

“Don’t do it, Ari.” I grin, laughing.

“I thought you were on my side,” Bee grumbles.

“Lilly’s right. You're a big girl. Wash your own clothes,” Bishop teases.

“As if you have any ground to stand on. If I’m not mistaken, I’m the one washing your clothes when you bring them by every week.”

I turn to look up at Bishop with an unamused look. “Really?”

He blushes, shrugging. “She offered.”

“Only because you nearly flooded the house trying to do it yourself,” Ari laughs.

“You’re hopeless,” I sigh.

“But you love me anyways.” He grins.

“That I do.” I smile, leaning in to give him a kiss.

“Gross,” Bee gags.

“Just for that, I’m gonna start making gross noises anytime you kiss Jonas.” I stick my tongue out.

Her eyes widen.

“Jonas?” Ari asks.

“As in Jonas Walker?” her father asks.

Oops. By the look on my bestie’s face, I just outed her to her family.

She shoots me a look that tells me I’m in deep shit.

“Well, look at the time.” I scramble up out of Bishop's lap. “Better get going.”

Bishop laughs, loving the uncomfortable situation his sister is now facing. “I’ll walk you to the door.”

Saying a quick bye, we head through the house to the front door. “Where are you staying?” I ask, stopping as we reach the door. “Here, or the hockey house?”

“I was thinking here. Spend some time with Dad.”

Shit. I didn’t think of that. Disappointment fills me, and the question I was about to ask dies on my tongue.

“Hey. What's wrong?” He grips my chin, forcing me to look at him.

“It’s silly.” I give him a forced smile.

“No. It’s not,” he growls.

“You don’t even know what I’m thinking or what I was going to ask.” I laugh, loving the way his thumb brushes against my cheekbone.

“Doesn’t matter. It’s not stupid. Nothing you can think, ask, or say could ever be stupid.”

“Stop it,” I sigh. “You're being too cute, and it’s making it hard to leave you,” I whine. I’m being a bit clingy, yes, but I really enjoyed tonight, and I don’t want to leave him right now.

Understanding dawns on his face, and his lips break into a grin. “Are you gonna miss me, il mio cuore ?”

“Maybe.” I shrug. “I’ve kind of gotten used to sleeping in the same bed as you.” I bite my lower lip.

Okay, so it’s only been a few nights, but it’s been nice. I like going to sleep and waking up next to him.

Lowering his face, he brushes his lips against mine. “Me too. Best sleep of my life.”

I sigh, leaning into his touch.

“How about this? I’ll sleep over tonight. Mom and Dad are going to be on Bee’s ass about her boyfriend.” He grins wide. “And I don’t wanna be here for that.”

“Really?” I grin up at him.

Nodding, he kisses the top of my head. “Let me tell my parents, and then we can go.”