“You need to get her what she wants the most,” she tells me.
“But what is that? In the past, every woman I've dated has been happy with me throwing expensive gifts at them, but I don't think that’s going to work this time.”
Nana shakes her head, agreeing with me. “No, he’s right. Harlow isn't into that kind of thing. She never was, not even as a little girl.”
Jacinta grins, eyes bright and more excited than she’s been in days. “But she’s into abandoned houses, and she’s dying to see that one across the road. Get Emma’s number from Dad and call her! Maybe you can get her in to tour it. Make sure you’re the one who goes with her. She can't go on her own until this asshole is found, so it’s perfect. That might at least get you ahead of Declan.”
Fuck me! Jacinta may actually be onto something. Before I can say anything else, Holden and Oliver arrive for breakfast, and both Nana and Jacinta throw their effort into fussing over Holden. But that’s okay. I have a plan now, and I just have to put it into motion.
Chapter Seventeen
Harlow
When I get down to breakfast, I find that everyone but Declan and I are already there and eating. Dad is over by the glass doors overlooking the pool, having a quiet conversation on the phone with someone. He’s obviously got some good news because he’s grinning widely, and as I scan the table for somewhere to sit, my eyes suddenly stop on Jaxon. His hair is damp and tousled, and he doesn't have a shirt on. Did he come to breakfast straight out of the shower? I know I felt his body against me that night, which feels so long ago now, but seeing it for the first time...holy hell. What I thought were just forearm tattoos are actually sleeves, and he has one that comes down and over his shoulder and chest and wraps around his side. I don't want to make it obvious that I'm staring, so I try not to focus on figuring out what it is, but when I meet his aquamarine eyes, they’re sparkling with amusement. Damn him and his naked chest of mass distraction.
“Jaxon, go and put a shirt on so Harlow doesn't poke her eye out with a fork while eating breakfast.” Nana shoos him away as the rest of the table cracks up. Feeling my cheeks heat, I shrug. Now that I’ve been caught, I unabashedly watch him as he walks by with a towel wrapped around his waist, my breath catching when it starts to fall to the ground. Damn it, he’s wearing swim trunks. When my eyes drift back up, he stops and winks at me before picking the towel up. Bastard knew what he was doing.
Shaking my head, I sit down at one of the vacant spots next to Poppy and give him a kiss on the cheek as I do. “Alright, Hally my love?” Poppy asks, putting down the paper he had been reading, and I give him a smile and a nod in reply. Satisfied with my answer, he goes back to reading the paper. I’ve always loved his easy acceptance; Nana is the pusher in their relationship, while Poppy is just so easygoing that he’s the perfect balance.
Conversation continues around the table, and I help myself to a piece of toast as Dad says goodbye to whoever he’s talking to. Shoving his phone in his pocket, he comes over to the table, kissing Nana, Jacinta, and me on the top of the head before he sits down in another vacant spot, a grin still across his face.
“Was that Cecelia?” I ask, pointing my knife in the direction of his phone. “Is she going to meet us at the airport so I can get some clothes? As much as I appreciate Jacinta letting me wear hers, I’m going to need to replace mine eventually.”
“What? Oh no, that wasn’t Cecelia. But if you message her when you’re on your way, she’ll meet you there. I had a message from her this morning saying she had you sorted.”
I look to Kai to make sure he has my back. “Have you got her number?”
“Yep, I'll let her know when we’re going to be there.”
“Maybe tell her a little early so that she isn't late,” Jacinta suggests, giving him a look.
Since he nods, Kai must comprehend whatever it is she means by that look. “I’ll tell her half an hour earlier than planned. That way we won’t miss her.”
Dad frowns, his brow creasing in adorably naive confusion. “She’s usually very punctual and reliable.”
“Yes, foryou, Dad,” Thomas, who’s been quietly minding his own business until now, chimes in.
“Who’s usually reliable and punctual for Dad?” Declan asks as he makes his way to the table. Thankfully, he’s dressed, but unfortunately for my ovaries, he’s wearing one of those suits. I don’t think I can survive shirtless kitten daddy Declanandboardroom Declan in the same morning. How much can one girl take?
“You’re staring,” Poppy whispers, and I quickly shut my eyes. When I open them again, Declan’s taking the vacant seat directly across from me and the bastard winks, his trademark smirk in place. Fuck, I think I want him to go back to Mr. Cool.
My head thunks down on the table in front of me. I'm not sure I can survive these men now that they've all but declared war on my lady garden.
Conversation continues around me as I try to compose myself, everyone acting like my resignation is just a totally normal part of their breakfast routine. Maybe I should sneak into my room and see if the stalker managed to find my vibrator. Surely, that could be salvaged? I’m definitely not asking Cecelia to grab a replacement for that.
Oliver brings us back to the question. “Dad was saying Cecelia is usually so punctual and reliable.”
Declan snorts. “Only because she wants into his pants, or should I say bank account.”
Dad’s lips purse in surprise as he looks around the table. “Do you all feel like this?” he asks.
“Fuck yes.”
“Absolutely.” Jaxon has come back into the room just in time to throw his two cents in, now wearing a shirt and a fresh pair of shorts.
“Can’t stand the bitch.” Snort! That’s Jacinta, of course. Poor Dad, his eyes get wider and his lips thinner as all of his children add their own opinions and even Nana and Poppy give him an affirmative answer.
“She couldn't even be bothered to learn my name,” I chime in, not wanting to be left out of this family bonding moment.
