I didn’t have a clue, but I knew it to be true because my heart ached all night to be near her and touch her. To take in her beautiful scent, look into her magical eyes, and feel her soft skin against mine.
Yup, Watson was right on the money.
I. Had. It.Bad.
And there she was.
River walked out of the kitchen and when she looked up and saw me, a slight blush covered her cheeks. I loved that she still got shy around me. But that didn’t stop her from rushing toward me, making my heart swell with happiness.
As soon as we were inches from each other, I snagged her around the waist and pulled her into me for a hug.
“Damn, I missed you, sweetheart.”
A throat cleared next to us and there stood the sneaky one of the bunch, hand held out.
“You're going to be missing some money too,” Embry sassed, a devious smile on her cute face.
How could the pretty little thing be such a ball buster? She didn’t take after her mother that was for sure. Jurnee was sweet as pie. Her Aunt Alley must have trained her.
Releasing River, I pulled out my wallet and paid up. Embry gave me a satisfied smile and like a ghost, she was gone.
I was shaking my head, but my woman was laughing.
“You think that’s funny do you?” I pulled her back into my arms and gave her a soft kiss, cutting off her giggles.
Another throat cleared, interrupting us. Only this time, it was Lennon, with Bre standing next to him, her dog in her arms.
They must have driven over with Braxton, since that’s where they stayed. It had been kind of him to let Bre take Roxie with her.
Knowing I wasn’t getting any time alone with my fiancée in the madhouse surrounding us, I pulled back, but didn’t want to let her go. I slipped my hand down her arm and then into hers, entwining our fingers with one another's.
“You guys want to hang out for a bit?” I asked the three of them.
Lennon shrugged, a normal gesture for the teen, Bre remained quiet, and River turned to me with sleepy eyes. She looked like she was about to fall over now that I got a really good look at her.
“I’m ready to go,” she whispered.
I brushed my hand down her cheek. “Did you get any sleep?”
She let out a big yawn and I chuckled. “I guess that answers my question.”
River leaned in close. “These ladies are like teenagers. They can go all night long.”
Just then, Bronson approached, his arm around Lake, and Stormi tagging along beside them. “I’m getting this one home and putting her on bed rest for the next few weeks.”
I saw Lake roll her eyes, but she looked even more beat than River.
Some of the other guys and ladies wandered over to say goodbye. Hugs were doled out and I grabbed River’s bags by the door. Lying on the top of her bag sat a couple of books with shirtless men on the front.
Looking over at my girl, I raised my brows. That blush was back and I had to fight a smile. These ladies may have been corrupting her, but they were damn good for her too.
Alley hugged her last and told her she was glad she came. As we started out the door, she yelled out to River.
“Don’t forget to read the manuals!”
River made a choking noise and Lake laughed as she walked toward the cars along with us. I looked at Bronson and he shook his head. Guess he didn’t know either.
“Manuals?” I inquired.
