Liam scowls. “Lulu is the only girl in my life. I’m not dating until she turns eighteen.”
Hunt, Max, Murph, and I exchange glances.
Liam’s marriage to Lulu’s mom, Cathy, ended badly, and he’s never talked about it. He refuses to talk about it.
“I don’t think that’s healthy,” Max says. “You need adult companionship too, Liam.”
“I’ve got my teammates and you three. I talk to adults all the damn time. Besides, Lulu’s more interesting than any other female I’ve spent time with.”
“How are things going with Cathy when you’re on the road?” I ask him. “She keeps in contact with you about Lulu?”
“The bare minimum,” Liam says.
His jaw ticks, and we all know him well enough to recognize the subject needs to change.
“Well, I appreciate y’all throwing me a bachelor party,” Hunter says. “Why don’t we go hang with Winter and the girls now? Win just texted that they’re bored.”
I stand up immediately. “Let’s go.”
* * *
Ashley
“Where are they?” I ask Winter as we sit at the large u-shaped booth at Lucky Cowboy. We asked for this booth in anticipation of the Storm brothers’ arrival because it’s hidden from view by the bar, so the other patrons can’t stop by for autographs.
“Hunt texted they’re on their way,” she says.
Haley and Emerson joined us after the game, and we threw Winter an impromptu bachelorette party. She swore up and down she didn’t want anything big, but we still wanted to do something to commemorate the occasion. So I ordered cupcakes from the local bakery in town, and Haley picked them up while we were all at the game and brought them to Lucky Cowboy.
We filled up on burgers and fries and then had the cupcakes for dessert.
“I’m sure the boys have been drinking the night away,” Winter says. “I’m so happy we had dinner and dessert. Thank you for the perfect party, besties.” She puts her arms around me and Peyton and then blows a kiss to Haley and Emerson. “I’m thrilled you both joined us.”
“We’ve had a great time. You were lovely to invite us.” Haley blows Winter a kiss back and then exits the booth. “I’m headed to the ladies’ room. Be right back.”
A few minutes later, a muscled arm wraps around my shoulders. “Hey.”
I break out into shivers as Jared takes the seat next to me at the booth.
Hunter kisses Winter and joins her on the opposite side. Hunt’s friend Murph joins them, and Emerson shifts over so Max can squeeze in next to her.
“Great game, boys.” Peyton looks around. “Where’s the eldest Storm?”
“He’s outside on the phone,” Jared says. “He’ll be along in a minute.”
Jared shifts his focus to me. “How was your night?”
“It was great. Congrats on your win.” I snuggle in close to him.
He keeps his arm around me even as he reaches for a mug with his other hand. He pours himself a beer from the pitcher on our table and takes a sip.
Then, he stops and looks up at the sea of eyes watching the two of us. Everyone at the table is smiling like proud parents.
“What the hell…” Jared says.
“I warned you they’d be like this,” I whisper to him.
“We can hear you,” Winter whispers back to me.
