“Want to help me out here?” Jake asks Travis.
“Nope. You guys gave me so much hell and teasing about how Sophia had me wrapped around her finger, so I’m perfectly fine watching this play out,” he laughs.
“Well, it worked on me,” I say, smiling at Jake. “I’m very impressed.”
“So am I. You did good, Jake,” Eve smiles at him.
“I made Lyla happy today, and that’s all that matters to me.” Jake winks at me, and my stomach flutters. “I just pray to God I never have to sit in one of those death traps again,” he says, causing everyone to laugh.
We eat and pour some more drinks as the brothers tell me stories about their childhood and all the trouble they got into.
I learn more about Travis and Sophia and how they met, and Ryder and Eve fill me in on bits of their story of how they secretly dated in high school.
The guys get a game of cornhole going out on the beach after dinner while I chat with the girls. We are on our second pitcher of margaritas when Sophia grins over at me.
“I always wondered who would finally catch Jake’s eye. I’ve never seen this side of him. He’s a smitten kitten,” she laughs.
“Tell me about it!” Eve giggles. “That man has fallen hard, but I shouldn’t be surprised. It does run in the family.”
“I’ve fallen just as hard, trust me. I never knew love like this existed. He’s gorgeous, of course, and has a body to die for, but he’s also the most kind, caring, and loving guy I’ve ever met.” I glance over at him, and he catches me watching me. His wink makes me smile like an idiot.
“Oh yeah, you’ve definitely been bitten by the Montgomery brothers' love bug. Eve and I still have bite marks on our asses from it. It’s all-consuming, but in the best way, if you know what I mean,” she wiggles her eyebrows at me.
My face gets warm, causing Eve and Sophia to crack up.
“The Montgomery men sure know how to get things done right,” Eve murmurs, looking over at Ryder with a look in her eyes that tells me the babysitter will be working a little bit later tonight.
“You got that right,” Sophia sighs when she sees Travis run his hand through his hair before replacing his backwardhat. “I can’t wait to have that man’s child,” she says, taking a sip.
“If you think he’s possessive now, just wait,” Eve laughs. “Being the mother of his child takes it to a whole new level.”
“I’m looking forward to it,” Sophia grins. “So, have you made good use of the pool table yet?” Her bright green eyes sparkle in my direction.
“Oh, the pool table,” Eve says dreamily. “Now that was a night I will never forget,” she giggles while refilling my glass.
“The pool table? No, I haven’t,” I say, shaking my head. “Wait, you both have used the pool table?”
“Well, not at the same time,” Sophia laughs. “But yeah, there’s nothing better than a game of strip pool.”
“You’ve never played strip pool before?” Eve’s blue eyes get excited when she sees my curious face.
“Nope. No strip, nothing.” I shake my head and laugh.
Sophia hands me my margarita. “Drink up. It’s your birthday, and tonight, you are going to ask Jake to play a game of strip pool with you.”
“Yes!” Eve grins.
“Miles…”
“Already told us he’s leaving after this to drive to his next show. You have the house all to yourself, so take advantage of it because the summer is coming up, and that place gets full.”
I glance over at Jake again, and he’s laughing at something Travis said. His gaze turns to me, and I can almost feel the heat penetrating my skin.
“You only live this lifetime once, Lyla, so make the best out of every moment,” Eve says, as my eyes stay focused on him.
I finally break away from his hypnotic spell and smile at the girls as excitement starts to build.
“I guess I’m playing pool tonight on my birthday.” I hold my glass up to toast.
