Doesn’t stop me from wanting to kill them.
“Do you two eat dinner together when Declan’s home?” Tex asks as soon as we sit down at the round table near the front of the room by the stage.
“We eat with his cousins,” Mia says before I can stop her. “It’s a family affair every night.”
Before I can apologize to her for that, she says with complete genuineness, “I love it. I missed out on having a big family.”
“I didn’t know that,” I murmur just to her.
She turns her head toward me. “I didn’t expect you to. We’re just getting to know each other.”
Getting to know each other.
I like the sound of that.
Maybe I should stop trying to push Mia away and just enjoy her company. And if we end up fucking, well, we can cross that bridge then.
Coach Tucker steps onto the stage to announce that the auction is starting and to make sure we buy raffle tickets. He says the winners will be announced on the team’s website in a few days.
“I forgot that I promised my dad I’d buy a ticket,” Mia says. “You mentioned there’s a painting by Marilyn Cross, right?”
Marilyn Cross is a local artist who specializes in painting ranch life.
“Yes,” I tell her. “Does your dad like her work?”
“My mom loved it,” Mia says. “So my dad tries to buy as much as he can get his hands on. I wanted to check which painting is at the auction.”
“It’s a one-of-a-kind. She’s auctioning it off because the cause is close to her heart. Her grandfather was homeless for a time as a kid.”
“How amazing that she’s doing that,” Mia says. “I don’t tend to have good luck with raffles, but I’ll give it a shot.”
As soon as dinner ends, I’m going to buy as many raffle tickets as I’m allowed. But no matter what, I already know I’m going to make sure Mia gets that painting.
I don’t often like to take advantage of my privileged position, but when it comes to making someone else’s day, I’m happy to do it.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Mia
Dinner is a welcome relief from having to wander around the ballroom and worry about the board asking me questions about my new marriage. I think I handle their curiosity well, but I’m not complaining when Declan leads me over to the table and we’re surrounded by his teammates.
All the guys are friendly and welcoming to me. Arch has dark hair and blue eyes, and Tex is a redhead with green eyes. Both guys are crazy handsome, a fact I don’t doubt they’re well aware of.
With their dark hair and mischievous brown eyes, the Storm brothers are what Jamie Beth would immediately dub “the hot boys.” They have an intensity to them, though, that’s intimidating. It’s almost like they’ve lived a hundred lifetimes already, and I get the feeling they don’t trust a lot of people.
“So, it was a surprise when you and Declan got hitched.” Jared looks like he’s trying to figure out a puzzle. “We had no idea he was seeing someone.”
I freeze, not sure how to handle the innocent yet pointed comment.
“And right here is why,” Declan smoothly cuts in. “You’re all fucking nosy as hell.”
We all laugh, and Declan squeezes my hand. I know he’s trying to keep me calm, and I appreciate his support.
“Sorry if that sounded rude,” Jared says. He flashes me an apologetic grin. “Max and I and our two brothers were raised for years by just our dad. We loved him, but we didn’t exactly have a proper upbringing.”
“I admire all single parents,” I say, surprised at myself when I reveal, “My dad raised me alone for a few years also.”
Jared gives me a second look. “Our mom died when we were young.”
