“I’m happy for you, but if you ever hurt her, you’re gonna have to deal with me,” I warn him.
“Hear you loud and clear, D. I promise, my feelings for Liv are real. I’ve never wanted to try being in a relationship before with anyone but with her, urgh, she’s made my heart start beating again,” he declares.
He is head over heels in love with her. I could just eat him all up. He’s so sweet. “Come on then, let’s go celebrate the two of you.” We make our way outside.
Wow, Sienna did call a family meeting. Jake, Evan’s brother is in town, I didn’t realize. When Ryder sees him, he wiggles in my arms, trying to jump into Uncle Jake’s arms. I don’t blame you, boy. I would like to jump into his arms too.
“Hey, little buddy,” Jake coos as he grabs him from me.
“Hey, to you too.” I smirk, which makes Jake laugh.
“It’s good to see you, too, Derrick.” Jake smiles.
“How are the waves treating you?” I ask, like I know what the hell I’m talking about when it comes to surfing.
“You up for a surf lesson while I’m here?” he asks.
Jake Wyld touching me half naked in the ocean, just say the word and I’m there. “Isn’t it a bit cold?”
“Yeah, you’ll need a wetsuit.”
“Um, yeah, that doesn’t sound fun. Can we raincheck it for the summer?”
“When are you coming to Hawaii?” Jake asks.
“When are you inviting me?”
“My door is always open for you, D.” He laughs.
“Any cute surfers that swing my way down there?”
“A couple I could hook you up with,” Jake adds.
“Sounds like my next holiday is in Hawaii,” I joke.
“Thought it was Spain,” Axel teases.
“True. Isla has sent me pictures of all the hot men in Paris. You have competition, buddy,” I tell Jake.
“Derrick,” Charlotte squeals, pulling me away from her brother.
I give her a hug, and I see Blake hovering behind her. Apparently, they have gone official since the wedding, much to Evan’s annoyance, but he is trying. “Hey, Blake.” I nod towardhim and he does the same back. “Hope you’re treating my girl, right?” I ask him.
“Of course,” he says, swallowing hard.
“D, please. Evan has been giving him a hard time, he doesn’t need it from you too,” Charlotte says.
“Baby girl, we are just looking out for you,” I tell her before narrowing my eyes at Blake, who holds up his hands in surrender. Good. At least he knows.
“D, do you have a moment?” Blake asks.
“Sure.” Looking at him in surprise, I give him a nod as I turn away from the rest of the group to give us our privacy. “What is it?”
“Have you heard from Chance?” he asks. I shake my head. “I’m worried about him. His mom got sick, and it was touch and go there. He flew back home, and ever since he’s come back fucked up. He won’t say what happened, but he came back with a black eye. Oh. Shit. Hope he is okay. “I know it might be a lot to ask, but do you think you could reach out to him, just to check in on him? You seem to be able to calm him.”
“Not sure I can do anything, but I’ll check in on him.” If Blake is asking, then he must be worried.
“Thanks, D. I appreciate it, and for the record, I was Team Dance.” He smirks.
