“You’re a beautiful view to wake up to," he says, voice gravelly and warm.
I try to shake off the warmth that’s crawling up my neck. I know now that this is just who he is but that doesn’t stop me from liking the way it feels to be admired by him.
“Come on. Cain’s picking us up.And whatever you do, don’t let him hear you use that cheesy pick-up line on me.”
Chapter 15: Rosie
We shuffle off the train and into the pick-up lot outside the station. During the warmer months, the walk from the station to Cain’s home isn’t bad, but with the storm that’s blowing in tonight, and the frigid wind that’s beating the city, a ride to his house was a much better option.
It only takes a few seconds for us to spot him. Cain’s leaning against his truck, his arms crossed like he’s sizing up the whole situation.
I know he worked from home today because of the storm, which means he’s probably been overthinking the decision to have Boone come home with me just as much as I have been.
“Hi, Rosie,” he says, pulling me in for a quick hug before turning to Boone. They shake hands, Cain’s expression completely unreadable. “Well, this is a weird weekend. Can’t say I’ve ever had a client stay at my house while working on a case.”
I bite my lip, holding back the urge to blurt out an offer for Boone to stay at my place tonight instead. Not that it’d be a good idea. Definitely not. I figure I’ll leave that conversation for later. Maybe.
There’s no way I’ll get the courage.
Cain gestures toward his truck. “Let’s go. Rhiannon made pork chops and salad. And apparently, she and Eden have some winter game they used to play during snowstorms that, according to her, is incredibly inappropriate.”
Boone chuckles as he tosses his bag into the back of Cain’s truck, his voice low and easy.
“Oh, can’t wait to find out what that’s about.” He’s already fitting in, and I have to bite back a smile because somehow, this all feels right.
Did I ever picture myself bringing a guy home to meet the Carpenters—my sister-in-law, her chaotic family, and my baby niece—when I hardly know them? Absolutely not.
And did I ever think that guy would also be my fake husband? Hard no.
Yet here we are. And if anyone’s prepared to walk straight into the whirlwind that is Rhiannon, Gabriel, and Eden, it’s Boone. He just has this presence about him that screams he’s used to chaotic family drama which reminds me I need to ask him more about his brother’s.
The feeling is only confirmed when we step inside Cain and Rhiannon’s little yellow house by the lake.
“Mrs. Tremblay!” Rhiannon shouts, barreling toward me for a hug, her voice is bright and teasing. “I’m so excited you’re here!”
I roll my eyes, because of course she’s calling me by Boone’s last name now even though she knows my name is still Prescott. She’s never done it before, but she’ll take any opportunity to goad us about our marriage. I know it’s done from a place of love. Rhiannon’s become one of my closest friends since she married my brother.
“I’ve been surprised that you two haven’t been together on the weekends, what with all the newlywed bliss.”
I give her a pointed look. “We’re not all like you and Cain.”
She grins unapologetically. “You’re right. Being a sex therapist has its perks.”
Boone’s brows shoot up. “You’re a sex therapist?”
Rhiannon beams at him. “Yep! So, you know that problem you’ve been having in the bedroom with Rosie? We can talk about that later. I have some tips to make it fit better.”
Boone nearly chokes, his brows raising even higher, while Cain groans loudly from the doorway watching us. “Rhiannon. Please. You just met him.”
She waves my brother off, completely unbothered. “Come on, guys. It’s going to be a storm. Let’s all lighten up!”
Eden pushes through the front door behind us, shaking off the cold. “It’s windy, but I don’t think it’ll be that bad. Now, next weekend’s storm? That one’s supposed to be a bombogenesis.”
“What’s that?” I ask.
“Snow cyclone. This weekend should just be a dusting.”
Cain clears his throat, steering us back to reality. “Well, regardless, Boone’s here so that we can work on the case and stick together in the event his court appearance on Tuesday goes virtual.”
