Harry’s bottom lip jutted out as he looked up at me. “Does that mean you can’t jump in the bounce house with me?”
“Sure, kiddo. I can jump for a little bit.” I was helpless to resist his puppy dog eyes.
“It’s a good thing you rented a car because you might need to drive my sister to the emergency room at some point during the party,” Ana muttered as they followed Harry and me through the house and out to the backyard.
I ignored my sister’s verbal jab—mostly because it was fair since she’d had to drive me there a few times in the past—and focused on all the cool party things Harry wanted to show me. By the time we’d explored the playset Jeff had put up as Harry’s big birthday present and jumped in the rented bounce house, Devon was flipping hamburgers at the grill. While my nephew ran inside to clean up a little before the guests started to arrive, I wandered over to Devon’s side. “I’m getting the impression that this knight in shining armor gig is a full-service gig.”
“Yeah.” He set down the spatula and picked up a bottle of beer, taking a long pull. “Your brother-in-law made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.”
“What kind of a deal did you make with him?”
He wiggled the half-empty bottle in the air. “All the craft beer I can drink in exchange for taking over at the grill for him.”
“Nice.” I arched my brow. “But did he warn you about how picky Ana can be when it comes to how the burgers are cooked? She’ll want them medium well, with the barest hint of pink in the middle. And if they aren’t right, you’ll definitely hear about it.”
“Yeah, your sister didn’t strike me as the kind of person who holds back.” He picked up the spatula again and rolled the hot dogs over. “How do you like your burgers?”
“Don’t worry about me.” I pointed at the brats. “I’m in the mood for sausage.”
I yelped when my sister poked me in the back and teased, “I’m sure you are.”
My cheeks filled with heat as I turned to glare at Ana. “You know I didn’t mean it like that.”
“Yup, but it’s not as though I was going to ignore the opening you gave me.” She jerked her chin toward Devon. “It’s my job as your big sister to make sure you relax enough to be yourself around this guy.”
Devon moved to my side and flung his arm around my shoulder. “Mel doesn’t need your help. She’s doing fine all on her own.”
“Aww, look at him coming to your rescue again,” Ana sighed.
“You’re killing me here,” I growled.
Jeff stuck his head out the sliding glass door and yelled, “Quit torturing your sister, and get in here.”
Ana shook her head. “Sorry, I’m busy working my magic with Mel and the hot guy.”
“If I didn’t know how much you love me, I’d be developing a complex right about now.” Jeff jerked his thumb over his shoulder. “But three cars just pulled up at the same time. We’re about to be invaded by a bajillion first graders. I need reinforcements.”
“That’s my cue.” Ana waved her hand toward us. “Squeeze all the fun that you can into the next few minutes because shit’s about to get real.”
I felt Devon’s chest shake as he laughed while Ana hurried inside. Turning to look up at him, I sighed. “I’m so sorry. I should’ve warned you that my sister can be a bit much.”
“I kind of figured that out for myself when I watched her interview.” Devon lifted a lock of hair off my forehead and smoothed it back into place. “But I’m more than capable of taking whatever she wants to dish out so I can spend time with you.”
“You’re almost too good to be true.”
His lips curved into a cocky grin. “Only almost?”
“Oh my gosh, I didn’t mean to say that out loud.” I dropped my head against his chest.
Harry came barreling out of the house with several friends hot on his heels. He barely paused on his way to the bounce house to point at me and yell, “And that’s my Auntie Mel who saved my life.”
His introduction helped remind me why I was here today—and it wasn’t to ogle the guy who’d flown me into town.
6
DEVON
Mel spent the next few hours completely focused on her nephew, which allowed me to observe her without her being aware of how closely I was watching. The same couldn’t be said for her sister, though. She’d busted me staring at Mel several times during the party, but she waited until all the guests had left before she approached me. “Exactly how into my sister are you?”
