“You’re a natural,” he assures me, leading me toward the kitchen. “I just need a drink.” He glances back. “And to tell you that Glenda just walked in.”
I pause mid-stride, but know better than to turn back for a good look at her.
Sensing my dilemma, he twists me under the archway, wrapping his arms around me as if we just stopped for a private moment.
He leans down to my ear. His breath is warm, sending shivers everywhere. “She’s the freakishly tall blonde looking this way.”
I smirk like he’s telling me something naughty and, ever so subtly, sweep my eyes over her but don’t let them linger. Instead, I twist into him, my forearms pressed between us. It feels so natural, so good, being wrapped up in his arms. And the way he’s looking at me now, like he might feel it too, makes my chest ache.
“I think I need a mental break,” I whisper. “And to check on Ellie.”
“She’s fine. And maybe things are different in the city, but around here, a mental break doesn’t include checking on others.” He lifts an eyebrow. “Come on, let’s get you a drink.”
I deadpan him. “Ellie’s notothers.” Then I give him a small smile. “But I won’t turn down a drink.”
His chest rises as he takes me in again. As if I’ve changed over the last few minutes. “She’s in the kitchen.” He glances back as if to make sure. “Everyone in there right now is a safe space. Including Noah’s father—Aiden Reeves. He’s the one talking to my dad.”
My eyes stretch. “As in world champion wrestler Aiden Reeves?”
“He’s not easy to get one over on, so Dad told him our plan. You can trust him.”
I nod and follow him into the kitchen, our hands splitting when I head toward Ellie. She’s propped up on the island, picking off the spread Wesley prepared.
Dallas steps over to the self-serve bar, where Connor, Aiden, Wilder, and Noah are talking. I watch as Dallas pours himself an ounce of whiskey and mumbles something to the men. Noah’s eyes trail to the front door as if looking for someone.
“What kind of cheese is this?” Ellie asks. “It’s not yellow.”
“An expensive kind.” Wes plucks it from her and replaces it with cheddar. He hands me something too. Something cold and delicious. “Margarita, if I recall?”
“Thank you. I either need four of these tonight or none—keep my mind in check.”
“Let’s start with one, but eat something too. There’s enough food to feed a small town—”
“Why the hell do I need to give a speech?” Dallas suddenly hisses loud enough for us to hear.
Wes lifts a tray like it’s his cue. “Hey kid, come help me refill some platters.”
He helps Ellie down with his free hand and they step out into the living room.
“They all know why they’re here,” Dallas continues, and I move to stand beside him.
The man Dallas pointed out as Aiden smiles warmly at me, stretching out a hand. “Willow, pleasure to meet you.” He looks about a decade younger than Connor, similar height and a total silver fox. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you. And it’s wonderful meeting you too. I’m pretty sure my mother stalked you to be a cover model for one of her books.”
He chuckles. “My daughter-in-law owns a bookstore in Hideaway Springs. Would have been very awkward if I ended up on one of those shelves.”
Dallas shakes his head, leaning down toward me. “Remember when we talked about saying things in your head rather than out loud?”
I nudge him with my hip. “You said this was a safe space.”
Aiden’s eyes flick to Connor. “Thought you said this thing’s a sham?”
Connor grins, gaze shifting between Dallas and me. “Thought it was.”
“Can we focus?” Noah snaps. “First off—” He points between me and Dallas. “Don’t make Charlie and me give you two lessons on affection—”
“Someone’s still gotta explain that one to me,” I mutter.
