I turn, and he’s there, providing some sort of comfort I don’t feel I can bring to the table. I can’t even bring it for myself.
If all my thoughts tell me I’m worthless and no one would miss me, I’m not convinced I’d make someone feel the opposite.
“Ladies.” Rowan smiles sweetly—innocently. No hint of the infamous sex machine with the filthy mouth.
My eyes drop to his lips, images of our trysts unfurling and making my core clench. It’s enough knowing how his mouth feels on me—my skin, my lips, between my legs. And his body atop of mine.
I sometimes wish I could give him all of that. More than this.
“Natalia,” he nearly purrs, my thighs pressing together in response.
“Hey,” I squeak.
Rowan holds up another paper bag like he’s baiting a hungry dog and addresses the three of us. “I brought your favorite starters.”
Isabelle gasps. “Mozzarella sticks and fried pickles?”
“Please tell me you brought mozzarella sticks,” Lana whines.
“A little bit of everything. Even the new calamari I’m thinking of adding to the menu.” He smiles proudly. “And, Lana, for always being our host, flowers from Miss Violet’s.”
Rowan reveals a small bouquet of yellow flowers frombehind his back with a soft smile. Lana gasps quietly. “Rowan, they’re so pretty. Thank you.”
“Of course.” He smiles at all of us but lingers on me, the smile much less innocent. “I’ll go find the boys and leave you to…your girl talk.”
My cheeks heat and I look away, letting my curls fall over my face to hide. When he finally walks away, Lana and Isa squeal.
“I love love,” Isa sighs.
I whip back my hair and shoot her a look. “It’s not love, and if you love love, thenyourloveis in the kitchen with the boys. Go get him.”
“Low, Natalia,” she grumbles. “Low.”
Lana laughs loudly, drunkenly. “You’re coming next weekend, right?”
“For…”
“Friendsgiving!”Isabelle shrieks.
There are some plans you wish you could cancel, and there are some plans you can push through. I have a habit of cancelling—always going to work or home to my beautiful, black cat. But for my girls, no matter how bad the day may be, I push through. Itryto.
“Oh, yeah.” I nod, forcing the tips of my lips up. “Yes,obviously, I’m coming. I’m bringing pies.”
I make a note to remind myself later.
“Thank goodness.” Isa sighs. “I love your pies.”
I giggle at the praise. I love compliments on my pastries and baking, it’s hard not to. “I’ll bring several.”
“And a special one for me?” Isa asks.
“Fine.” I roll my eyes and she squeals.
“Come on, girls,” Lana says and swings her legs to help her stand up. “Let’s go eat.”
CHAPTER 15
Natalia
