A Shot at Love

The Ex Factor

I pull Kayden and Karter into my arms, their bodies snuggling right in. "You two have gotten so tall! Stop growing!" I tease, my fingers gently ruffling their soft, golden locks. Dressed in matching polished black suits, they look so sharp, so mature, and their matching white Phantom of the Opera masks are just too adorable. A tug pulls at my heart. They're growing up—way too fast for my liking.

Kayden steps back, his eyes gleaming with pride. "I have a girlfriend now, Kingston!" He announces, flipping his hair with the kind of swagger only a cool, young kid can.

My eyes widen, and a surprised laugh bubbles up. I glance at Noah as laughter escapes his rosy lips. "Is that so?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.

"She's not your girlfriend, Kayden. She doesn't even know you exist!" Karter spits out, his tone dripping with that sibling rivalry only twins can truly master. Ah, the sweet chaos of brotherly love—one minute they're best friends, the next, it's World War III.

Fighting back a grin, I step between them, "Okay, okay, boys, settle down." I take a deep breath and smile. "You guys, I want you to meet someone." I slip my arm through Noah's, the soft velvet of his suit brushing against my skin. "This is Noah."

The boys glance up at him with curious yet kind eyes. "Hi, Noah," they say in perfect unison—twins at their finest.

Noah flashes a smile, extending his hand to both of them. "It's nice to meet you two," he remarks, his voice smooth and easy. "Do you play ball? With that height, I bet you do."

Kayden and Karter's eyes light up with excitement as they shake Noah's hand. It's clear they've been waiting for someone—anyone—to ask them about a topic they're actually interested in.

"We do!" Karter chimes in, locking eyes with Noah like they're already on the same team. "I'm point guard, but Kayden's the shooting guard."

Noah nods, giving them both a knowing smile. "Both crucial positions. Keep working that game and honing your skills," he says, leaning in just enough to make it feel like an inside joke. "Trust me, the ladies love it."

I can't help but giggle, rolling my eyes as Noah smirks at me, effortlessly bonding with them.

The boys practically explode, bouncing on their feet as they lean in for a celebratory dap-up with Noah. Instant rapport—and in record time, too. The twins buzz with energy, bombarding him with questions, hanging on his every word. They're clearly taking notes.

My heart gives a little flutter at how quickly they've warmed to him—my man.

As their conversation flows, my gaze drifts restlessly around the party. The servers, sleek in sharp tuxedos, glide through the growing crowd as I scan the space, eyes flicking over the guests. As hard as I try, I can't shake the nagging feeling that my ex is somewhere nearby in this room. My stomach clenches at the thought.

"Kingston!" A hearty, happy voice shouts, yanking me back to the present. I jump, whirling around to find my stepdad, Tom, and mom, Diana.

My heart swells with warmth at the sight of them. "Tom! Mom! Happy Birthday!" They greet me with open arms, and I practically melt into their familiar embrace. Despite the recent tiffs with my mother, she still knows exactly how to make me feel loved.

Mom pulls back, her eyes lighting up as she takes me in, a smile tugging at her lips. She looks nothing short of sensational. Her sleek black and gold gown shimmers under the lights, while silk, black gloves trace up her arms with graceful ease. Mom's platinum bob, curled in that iconic 1920s style, is perfectly complemented by a diamond feather headpiece, making her seem like she belongs in another era.