Remy steps up into my space and places his hands on my ass, hauling me up into his arms in one smooth motion. I squeak in surprise at the sudden position change and wrap my arms and legs around him to steady myself.
He walks us over to the sectional, not seeming to even notice my weight, while Colt grumbles about being careful with me.
When we reach the plush gray couch, Remy sets me down on the middle seat much more gently than I thought he was capable of. He pushes an ottoman up to my spot, giving me somewhere to stretch out. Then he covers me with a warm green blanket that smells like them, mysteriously devoid of any scent.
After plopping down beside me, Remy puts his arms around my shoulder and pulls me into him. “Just rest now,alouette. I’ve got you.”
Before I can respond, Rook walks around the sectional. He has his black laptop covered in colorful Post-it notes in one hand and is buttoning up his shirt with the other.
I’m not sure whether I’m relieved or disappointed that he’s covering himself up. With Colt being shirtless too, there’s enough muscle on display to fry my already-struggling brain, so it’s probably for the best that he’s hiding his ripped abs.
When he sits down next to me, he gives me a soft smile. “Remy’s right. You can sleep, and we’ll keep you safe.”
I give him a small smile. Even though I haven’t known them very long, I believe him that he’ll keep me safe. “Okay. Just wake me whenever for dinner.”
“You’re coming to dinner?” Remy asks excitedly. I give him a small nod. “Oh, man, that’s awesome! Win, Wes, and Hal’s mom are gonna be so excited to meet you. Everyone will, really, but those three will absolutely lose their minds.”
I freeze as I process what he said. “What do you mean?”
I’m starting to get the feeling that Hal didn’t mean a chill dinner here or at a low-key restaurant.
What did I get myself into?
It’s Remy’s turn to look confused. He tilts his head as he tries to figure out what’s going on. “You said you’re coming to dinner with us? Every Friday, we have dinner with my dads, siblings, and Hal’s parents. So, you’re gonna meet the whole gang. They’ll love you as much as we do! Didn’t Hal tell you about it when he invited you?”
I turn around to glare at the man in question. “No. Hal conveniently didn’t mention the whole family would be there when he invited me.”
CHAPTER 18
LARK
Ishould’ve taken the out Coop offered me earlier.
I am so not prepared to meet anyone’s parents. Especially not the parents of three exceedingly hot guys I can’t seem to stay away from.
Isn’t meeting the parents for girlfriends or wives or something? Not a random girl you met at your dealership who is way more trouble than she’s worth. Hal may think he knows all the fucked-up parts of me, but he only knows a fraction of it. And I am so not the type of girl you should bring around anyone, let alone your parents.
Colt lightly smacks Hal upside the head and gives him awhat the fucklook. Hal at least has the grace to look sheepish. “I was going to, I swear. Everything happened, and it just never seemed like the right time.”
Rook places his hand over mine and gives me a comforting squeeze. “You don’t have to come if you’re not comfortable, dove.”
As much as I appreciate it, I’m weirdly committed to doing things I said I would do. Since I already agreed to attend the dinner, I will, despite all the reservations I have.
“Are your parents going to be there too?” For my sake, I really hope the answer is no. The only thing that would make the dinner worse is if Azrael’s parents are there too.
“Nah. I don’t really get along with my parents.” While Rook tries to keep his voice light, I can see the sadness in his gaze. It makes me hurt for the quiet man who I’m just starting to get to know.
“I get that.” Squeezing my eyes shut, I blow out a breath, already knowing my decision. Opening them, I twist around so I can look at Hal. “I told you I’d go, so I will. But don’t keep things like this from me again. It makes me feel blindsided and lied to, and that’s not what friends do to each other.”
Instead of sounding strong and confident like I intend, my voice sounds small and vulnerable. Being friends with Hal means something to me, and I thought it meant something to him too.
Hal looks like someone just murdered a puppy in front of him. He hangs his head, the shame radiating off him. “You’re right, wild girl. I should’ve done better, with a lot of things today. I swear to you, it won’t happen again. Now get some rest, okay? We have a few hours before we have to leave, and sleep will help you heal up.”
I sigh but don’t argue with him. The truth is that my head feels like a herd of rhinoceroses are stampeding through my skull.
Remy scoots away from me and puts one of the navy throw pillows on his lap. He pats the pillow and gestures for me to scoot closer. “C’mere,alouette. Lay your pretty little head on my lap and try to sleep for a bit.”
I can’t help the blush staining my cheeks at Remy calling any part of me pretty. As tempted as I am by his offer, there’s one problem. “I appreciate it, but I’m too tall. My feet will be in Rook’s lap, and he needs to work.”
