“Call him that today and see what happens.”
“What are you going to do about it . . .” She leans into my space, hovering over the center console. Her eyes flick between my mouth and my eyes and then she utters the words I never thought would make my dick hard. “Daddy?”
Before I can recover, Taylor opens the door and bounces out of the car and up to the house. I hurry behind her. As I reach the front door, I hear her shout, “Daddy Mike!”
She will be the death of me. I swear it.
Mike’s eyes lock on me over her shoulder and I don’t miss the teasing glint in his eye as he pulls her in for a hug. “There’s my girl!” He shakes her back and forth, clearly putting on a show.
I flip him off, walking deeper into the kitchen.
“Grant, I’m so glad you could make it!” Ivory beams and rushes over to give me a hug. We’re friendly when we see each other at the stadium, but this may be the first time she’s ever hugged me. The Hollywood starlet looks completely at ease in her home in jean shorts and a long-sleeve t-shirt with the sleeves pushed up to her elbows. Her hair is up in a messy bun, like Taylor wears when she’s had a long day and is sipping wine on the couch.
“Thank you for having me. Is there anything I can help with?”
“You cook?” Ivory asks as she walks back around the island and goes back to mixing what looks like pasta salad.
“He’s a great cook,” Taylor says absentmindedly, popping acheese cube in her mouth from the charcuterie board in front of her on the counter. She swallows roughly and her shocked eyes meet mine.
Ivory looks at us suspiciously but thankfully, she doesn’t have a chance to question her because Miller comes inside.
“Taytie Tot,” he shouts when he sees her standing beside Mike. “Where have you been all my life?”
“Avoiding you.” She jabs back.
“You’re telling me you’re avoiding all this?” Miller waves his hand over his body and shimmies.
“Well when you put it like that . . . yes.”
“You don’t know what you’re missing. I could rock your world, girlfriend.” He wraps an arm around her neck and pulls her into his side. She pokes him and they tussle while Ivory and Mike shake their heads.
The whole time, I’m biting my tongue as he hits on my wife. I know it’s harmless but it still sucks not being able to claim her in front of everyone.
“If you want to head out back, Preston’s at the grill. Can I get you something to drink?” Ivory directs the conversation away from Taylor and Miller’s teasing.
“He’ll have a beer.” Mike slaps me on the shoulder. “Come on.” He leads me out the back door and passes me a bottle of beer from the metal tin on the patio before grabbing one for himself.
“Cheers,” I say, tapping my bottle to his and taking a long pull. I’ll need it if I’m expected to sit here without touching Taylor all afternoon.
“You showed up together—that has to be a good sign.”
Looking around, I make sure no one is within earshot. Gabby and Chase sit on the couch in front of a fireplace with a mounted TV over it. Preston stands behind the couch with his arms crossed, watching the replay of a football game from this weekend.
“Things are good. I asked if we could tell people today, but she’s still not sure.”
“I’m really happy for you, Grant.” Mike slaps a hand down on my shoulder.
“Thanks.” I nod then pin him with a glare. “And stop with the stupid nickname, would ya?”
“Why? You not okay with me being a daddy?” He wiggles his eyebrows suggestively and then frowns. “That sounded better in my head, but thinking about my daughter’s best friend like that ruins it.”
Taylor walks out the back door with Ivory and Miller on her heels before I can say anything else. All carrying food and placing it on the table to be served.
“Tay, you can sit beside me, but don’t get handsy with me under the table this time.” Miller jokes and the words are out before I can stop them.
“Can you please stop hitting on my wife?”
“Your wife?!” everyone shouts at once.
