Cole grabs his phone, checking the connection. “Says the connection is fine.”
“Weird, my messages won’t go through.”
I run a tongue along my teeth, trying to avoid the smile that’ll give me away. She hasn’t responded yet, and doesn’t try to further investigate the reason her messages won’t send to Connor.
Instead, she settles into the couch, letting me continue to rub her feet like the good fucking girl she is.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
TYLER
I continue cookingin my kitchen as people happily walk through my door, adding to the buffet already filling up the island in honor of Thanksgiving.
Typically, we invite a few more people when it comes to Friendsgiving. Those who don’t want to attend the overzealous parties that their parents throw. Close enough to us to receive an invite, but far enough to not be a part of our family. Safe enough to allow in my home for a few hours.
After throwing my oven mitts off, I lean against the counter with my arms crossed as I wait for Sunny to walk through the door.
Each knock has my eyes flicking to the door, hoping to see her walk through with her wild blonde hair and a plate full of her now famous cookies she claims are the only good thing she can make. She knows by now knocking isn’t necessary for her to gain access to my home. Still, each one has me glancing that way.
It’s been three months since she’s completed our family. She just fits in somehow, like a missing piece we never knew we needed. ThatIdidn’t realize I needed.
My black marble fireplace roars while everyone lounges on the couches and stands around mingling while sipping drinks and snacking on appetizers.
My eyes flick to the door, knowing she is about to walk through. Soon enough, blonde curls and round eyes walks through the door.
A smile pulls my lips, but falters as soon as I realize she isn’t alone. A man walks behind her, following her lead intomyhome.
What the fuck is Connor doing here?
I fucking blocked his number off her phone. Her numerous overtime shifts were approved by the hospital, I made sure of that. Connor's apartment complex he invested in flooded. In what fucking world do these two have time for this?
My girl approaches the kitchen to place her dish down with Connor following her like a puppy on a leash. I keep my composure as he puts a hand on the small of her back. Every muscle in my body tenses, my heart hammering despite my neutral demeanor.
“Hey, Tyler,” she greets me but doesn’t meet my stare.
“Sunny.” I wrap my arms around her, giving her a kiss on the head, placing my chin on top of her sunshine hair.
My eyes narrow on Connor while he stands behind her, holding another plate of cookies, shifting on his feet uncomfortably.
“Connor.” I reach a hand to shake his, keeping my arm around my girl. I squeeze maybe a bit too hard by the subtle wince that flutters across his face. I’m making him nervous. I want him running out of here with his tail between his damn legs.
“Glad you could make it. Sorry to hear about the apartments. What a shame.” I finally release his hand and continue to stare blankly when he stretches it.
He gives a strained smile. “How’d you hear about that?”
“Talk of the town.” I shrug, knowing damn well I’m thereason behind the destruction of his only source of income. “Have they figured out what happened?”
“Old pipes, I guess,” he sighs. “I’m not even sure it’s worth saving at this point.”
I bite back a smile and turn to the food on the stove, noting the stare and creased brows Sunny gives me. They make their way tomyliving room and nestle intomycouch together.
Fucking prick.
SUNNY
Shit.
That is not a good look on his face. Most would see it and not think anything of it. Probably indifference, but I know Tyler better than that. Despite the blank look he gave us walking through the door, I could see the details already being formed behind those eyes. And I’m truly fearful for Connor at this moment.
