See you soon.
Aunt Merideth
Frowning, I put down the card and reach for the wrapping. I can feel Jacinta peering over my shoulder, and her giggles immediately fill my ears when I peel back the layers of cellophane. Fuck my life. I shake my head as I take in everything that my great-aunt has gifted me. There are too many condoms to count, but I pick one up and admire the Sugar and Spice logo on it before tossing it back in the basket. There are five different bottles of lube, a number of vibrators and toys that I will probably need to read instructions to so I know what to do with them, then there seems to be an array of bondage equipment—handcuffs, a whip, a paddle, rope, blindfolds, nipple clamps, and just to round it out, a maid’s outfit.
Jacinta must see the disbelief in my eyes when I face her because her giggles dissolve into outright laughter as she collapses onto the sofa, hands over her stomach. “She did it for all of us when we hit eighteen. I guess she didn’t want to leave you out of the mortification of having your great-aunt gift you sex toys.”
Nana comes back out of the kitchen. “Oh good, you got Merideth’s gift. So thoughtful, isn't she? She’s really looking forward to meeting you.”
I’m pretty sure I look like I’ve been hit over the head with a two-by-four as my stare ping pongs between my sister and my grandma. I shake my head, not sure exactly what to say. Jacinta gets herself under control and stands up. “Just go with it. Send her a polite thank you card and some flowers. She’ll love it. But beware. She doesnotshy away from any talk about sex, and she will be asking you all sorts of questions when she comes to visit. Best to prepare yourself now.”
“Did you check on the cubs, Harlow?” Nana asks, and I shake my head, still speechless. “Well, do that so you can sit down. Tell Declan the food is ready. Jacinta, go find Tom and Kai, will you? I think they went upstairs. I’ll tell the others out at the pool.”
Nana and Jacinta both bustle off, and I head to the conservatory, considering whether to hide there with my cubs for the rest of the night. I’m desperately hoping no one brings the sex basket up at dinner, but if I know my sister—and I’m definitely starting to—I’m sure I’m not going to be so lucky.
ChapterFifteen
Jaxon
I’ve always found comfort in swimming. It blocks out everything surrounding you, all the background noise and movement, allowing you to be one with your thoughts. Sometimes I plow through the water, letting my mind focus on the repetitive movement of arm over arm, keeping my legs kicking, up and back, over and over again. And sometimes I use the time to go over the problems in my life with no outside interference. I just like to pretend the world doesn't exist outside my bubble, but this is one of those former times. It’s a blessing to allow all my worries to float away in the wake of my body. All I’m responsible for is concentrating on my heartbeat and breathing—nothing else. At least until something hits me in the back of the head.
“Nana! Did you just throw a pool noodle at me?” I gasp out as I tread water. She’s standing on the side of the pool, hands on hips, looking slightly miffed.
“Goodness, Jaxon, I’d been calling you so loudly Prada could probably hear me in the stables.”
“Sorry, Nana, I was kinda zoned out.” Her face softens, and she drops her hands.
“Nevermind, dry off and come have something to eat.”
“Has Harlow finished with the cat?” I ask her as I swim over to the side of the pool and pull myself out.
“Yes, Hope retrieved her, and they're back now. I’m pretty sure she would have stayed there all night if we let her.” Nana smiles affectionately as I hurry over to my towel and dry myself off. I spoke to Emma as soon as I had dumped my luggage, and we’re going to check out the house tomorrow.
“Excellent, I can’t wait to tell her my news.” She reaches up and ruffles my hair like she’s been doing since I was very small, her eyes shining with emotion.
“I am so very happy for you and the boys. You know I had always wanted to introduce her to you in the hope she might catch your eye. Such a sensible solution to share one wonderful woman. Poppy and I always thought she would be perfect for you. Wouldn't put up with any of your shit, which is of course very necessary with all of my darling boys.”
We walk side by side through the glass doors. During the summer, they're usually thrown open to let in any afternoon breeze, but now that it’s cooling down, they're kept shut.
“You’re going to have to start using the indoor pool again. It’s starting to get too chilly to continue using the one out there. I don't want you to get sick. I’ll get the pool company to winterize it next week.”
“Sounds like a good idea. I’m just going to run upstairs for a hot shower and a change of clothes,” I tell her, giving her a kiss on the cheek. Holden and Oliver are already sitting at the table with Jacinta, but the others haven't arrived yet, so I’m sure I have time.
“Be quick,” she warns as I hurry away.
Racing through a shower, I stay under the water just long enough to chase away the chill on my skin, then I throw on some sweats, a t-shirt, and sneakers. By the time I get back to the table, everyone is seated and waiting.
“Sorry,” I apologize as I grab the seat next to Hope, giving her a kiss on the cheek as I do. “Hi, I didn't know you were here.”
“That’s because you dumped your luggage, made some phone call that had you grinning from ear to ear, then disappeared into the pool,” she explains, and I raise my eyebrows in surprise.
“You saw all that?” I ask, surprised, and she snorts while a couple of my brothers chuckle.
“She was sitting on the sofa the whole time, but you were off in your own little world,” my sister points out, and she’s not wrong.
“Sorry,” I apologize, and she waves me off as we all start to help ourselves to the food.
“What was it that had you smiling so madly?” Kai asks before taking a bite of the sandwich in his hand.
