There were a handful of people on my parents’ front lawn.
Did Jace not listen to me? I knew he probably would never understand, but Mom and Dad would be so upset if …
Wait.
Those weren’t contractors.
The mixture of men and women all looked familiar.
As I pulled into the driveway, I threw the car in park and got out, my heart swelling.
“Told you she’d cry,” Faith said with a grin.
“What are you all doing here?” I managed, looking at the people before me. Axel, Jace. Ryker, and Blake were dressed in jeans, T-shirts, and steel-toed boots, looking every part the construction workers rather than the billionaire, CEO, lawyer, and emergency room doctor that they were.
“Axel said if we didn’t show up to help, he’d post our most embarrassing college photos on Instagram,” Jace started.
Scarlett smacked his abs to shut him up. “I think what he’s trying to say is that Axel mentioned you guys could use some help.”
Jace smirked, rubbing his stomach. “I’m just saying, phone calls are a lot easier than hammering nails.”
“You’re so spoiled,” Scarlett said, trailing a finger down his chest. “It’ll do you good to get your hands dirty. Besides, I’m loving seeing you in this construction gear.”
“Jesus,” Ryker muttered, adjusting his tool belt. “Can you two stop eye-fucking each other for like five seconds? You’re as bad as Tessa and Blake with the PDA.”
“Hey, we’re still newlyweds,” Tessa protested. “We get to have massive PDA for at least a year.”
Blake grabbed her ass, and she squealed with delight.
Ryker leveled him with his best death glare. “I know you’re her husband now, but for your dear brother-in-law’s sake, can you keep your hands off my sister when I’m within a fifty-foot radius?”
“My husband can touch me anywhere, anytime,” Tessa said, staring defiantly at her brother.
“And I will,” Blake added with a wicked grin, pulling her closer.
Ryker made an exaggerated gagging sound. “Dakota, I’m happy to help, but if those two keep fondling each other, I’m out.”
I smirked, wiping a tear off my cheek. “Fair enough.”
“Well, while they’re busy being gross …” Jace said, patting his pockets. “Scarlett, where’s my phone? You said I’d get it back once I could no longer replace us with paid contractors.”
I smirked, imagining her snatching that thing from him.
“Come and get it,” she challenged, backing away with a mischievous smile.
“Oh, you’re asking for it now.” Jace stalked toward her.
“Am I?” Scarlett took off running toward the backyard.
Jace immediately gave chase. “You’re going to pay for that!”
Their laughter echoed as they disappeared around the corner, followed by a loud squeal that told us he’d caught her.
“Can you believe that dude runs a billion-dollar empire?” Axel shook his head.
“He’s in love,” I said, wrapping my arms around Axel, careful of his side. “Anyone in love is stripped down to their most basic instincts.”
“You mean acting like horny teenagers?” Blake interjected.
