I already look like a beached whale in comparison to everyone else. “Does it matter? A costume isn’t going to ensure Rebel can’t keep his hands off me. He’s already a pro.”
Adira’s jaw drops. “Woman, get those filthy words out your mouth.”
“It’s true.”
“It’s bullshit and you know it.”
I thought I knew it, but lately...
“All those baby growing hormones have you all twisted about, don’t they?” He grips both my shoulders gently. Hisgaze is compassionate. “And maybe throw in a touch of body dysmorphia.”
I swallow thickly. Nod.
He lets out a long, decisive breath and then smiles. “It’s a good thing the gals and I are here to play dress up. Let’s remind you that you’re a glowing sex pot with the kind of baby bump a daddy to be could only ever be obsessed with. Let’s make all your sexy wishes come true.”
I’m ready to argue. I’m not sure that a costume change is going to have the effect he’s promising.
His gaze dances as he puts a finger to his glossed cupid’s bow. “Hush, now. Your man is coming this way.”
17
Rebel
“What are we talking about?” I wrap my hand around Summer’s elbow and draw her back to my chest. Her strawberry scented hair is soft under my chin.
Fuck me, I miss the taste of her.
Adira’s gaze twinkles. “Secret women’s business.”
“Of course.” I press my lips to Summer’s temple. “Want to go back to the house, take a nap and snuggle?”
“That sounds amazing.”
Adira raises her brows at Summer. “Well, don’t let me intrude on those plans. A nap sounds delightful. But alas, I have wedding preparations to attend to. Catch up with me later if you still need me.”
“I will.”
Adira swans across the lawn and inserts himself into a conversation between his fellow queens and Ivy’s friend from school. Ben blushes furiously when Adira says something to him.
“He’s such a flirt,” I say about the queen. “What were you two talking about?”
“It was nothing.” She tucks her hands behind my neck with a smile. Her cheeks blush a rosy pink. Healthy. She seems to have turned a corner with the first trimester behind us. “He offered to help me work out what to wear tonight. I’m not sure the costume I bought works with this baby belly.”
“Kitten, you would look good in a sack.”
“Can you ride a horse in your condition?” Rogue joins us as the guests disperse. “I can’t imagine the quad bikes would be a good idea.”
“I can, but—”
“Over my dead body.” Riding horses is dangerous at the best of times, but with her center of balance thrown off and our babies in her belly, a fall could spell disaster. As much as she hates being coddled... “The risk is too high.”
“It does come with an increased risk.” Summer strokes my arm. “But I’ve been riding since I was a kid. I can handle it.”
“You could but I’ll be the one with his heart in his throat the entire time.” God help me if she argues. I don’t want to be like her brothers and tell her what she can and can’t do, but there’s no way I’m letting her on a beast whose back is higher than she is tall.
“Lucky for you”—she squeezes my jaw as she steps back—“my boyfriend promised me a nap, which is my ultimate idea of a good time these days.”
“And he plans on delivering.” The stress of helping Ivy and Adira pull this wedding together on top of morning sickness has her exhausted. I’m betting a massage will go a long way to helping her relax.
