Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
I step back to my car, unloading the food carriers.
“What’s this?” she asks, reaching for my bag.
“I brought some sides.”
“You didn’t have to do that. We have enough for an army.”
“I felt like cooking.”
She jerks, her jaw dropping. “You know how to cook?”
“Yes, smartass. I learned from the best.”
“You’ve never cooked before.”
“Things change.” I shrug, avoiding eye contact. Truth is, I love to cook. The studio apartment isn’t exactly equipped for preparing meals. It’s one thing I miss about my house. But since I moved into Cruz and Alex’s place for the week, the kitchen was calling to me.
“Need any help?” Harley comes through the gate.
“I have it.”
She stands next to Jewls, shooting her a stare that makes my stomach dive.
“Well, since we have you alone…” She drifts off.
“Why do I sense a trap?”
“Nothing of the sort. We just want to make sure you’re okay. We haven’t had a chance alone since you left Tom’s suddenly last week.”
“I’m fine. The alcohol got to me.”
“Must have been in the air because Ford never came back around.”
My nerves spark to life. “I saw him briefly leaving the restroom.”
“And?” Jewls presses.
“And nothing.”
“Give it up, girlfriend. I didn’t fall off the turnip truck yesterday.” Her southern drawl brings a small smile.
“A few men offered to buy me a drink on the way to the restroom. Ford was concerned they overstepped their bounds. It was a simple and quick conversation. I was coming back to the bar and felt flushed. Ran into Shelby and went home.”
“So you said. You sure you ran into Shelby and it wasn’t Ford who took you home?”
“Oh my God, no.”
“No?”
“Leave her alone, Jewls. I believe her.” Harley comes to my rescue.
“Dammit! I was hoping Ford finally got on with it.” Jewls pouts. “He’s taking too long.”
“Not sure we are ones to talk.” Harley winks at me.
“Right.” I wink back, feeling the pressure inside release.
“Now come on. Carson and Addie are dying to see you. Warning: Shayla is bartending and pouring heavy.”
“Thanks for the heads up.”
We walk back to the pool area where the party is in full swing. Children are shouting and a high-pitched girly squeal blares as Declan tosses his daughter high into the air. I scan for Pepper and find her laid out on Ember’s lounge chair. Ember’s daughter, Finnley, is patiently holding out a popsicle that Pepper is devouring.
“Go mingle.” Harley takes the food and heads to the outdoor kitchen.
“I should be mad at you,” Ember states when I get to her. “We were supposed to watch Pepper.”
“Sorry?” I offer unapologetically. Pepper has been a delight.
“No, you’re not.” She raises her sunglasses, her blue eyes twinkling. “I don’t blame you. She’s a wonderful canine niece.”
Ember and Cruz are technically cousins, but their relationship is more like brother and sister.
“She’s a great dog.”
“I know, and to be honest, we were the last resort. Cruz really wanted someone to stay with her at their townhome. With this pregnancy and our already crazy lives, that was impossible.”
“The townhome is nice, too.”
Finnley glances up at me, her own blue eyes sparkling, “Uncle Cruz’s place is awesome. You should build a fort.”
“A fort, huh?”
“Ugh, Finn, Robbie, Cruz, and Alex have an unhealthy competition about who can build the best forts. My children are pawns in their games,” Ember complains without an ounce of irritation.
“ROWAN!”
I spin in time to brace as two brunette women hurl themselves at me. Addie and Carson hug, kiss, and shake me until I’m dizzy.
“It’s about time you got here!” Carson’s excitement is a surprise.
I’ve been around Ford’s sisters a few times, and they have always been welcoming but never like this.
Pepper finishes her popsicle in time to welcome the newcomers. They pet and praise her until she’s laid out on her side in doggie bliss. She drags her paw dangerously close to Ember’s rounded stomach and I flinch.
“Pepper, careful.”
“She’s fine. The baby is protected,” Ember assures me.
“Daddy says we are the most protected babies on the planet,” Finnley pipes in.
“That’s not exactly what I meant, but she speaks the truth,” Ember agrees proudly.
“I’d be inclined to get knocked up if I had this many hot men watching out for me.” Addie fans her face.
“Addie! There are children present,” Carson chides, then mouths, “I agree.”
“Rowan.” Robbie steps in, kissing me on the cheek. “You look beautiful.”
A blush creeps up my neck and I bow my head. “Thank you.”
“He’s not the only one who thinks you are beautiful,” Carson whispers.
A prickle skitters across my skin and my eyes travel across the yard. Ford is standing on his patio. My heart skips and races at the sight of him shirtless, in black swim trunks with his arms crossed. His eyes lock with mine, the hazel glimmering in the distance. Not a trace of disgust or repulsion in the gleam.
Never has he looked at me this way. It penetrates deep inside, holding me captive.