“I noticed you had fresh flowers when you left.” He rubs the back of his neck, causing that bicep of his to flex attractively. “I thought you might like to have them when you got home.”
“The place is so clean… Didn’t you just get back from Seattle?”
He shrugs. “I have this service.”
“I had no idea.” I remember how I’d wanted to scrub everything before I suddenly had to leave. Boy, would I have felt dumb. “You have a cleaning service?”
“No…” A little yip draws our attention, and he holds up a finger before hurrying into his bedroom.
Seconds later, the rapid scuffing of puppy nails on hardwoods precedes Kelani running into the room, her little ears flapping as her front legs do a sort-of hoppy jog.
“Kee-Kee!” I cry, dropping to my knees and scooping her up as she reaches me.
She licks me all over the face excitedly, and Mav’s deep chuckle thrills my insides. “I think she remembers you.”
It’s all so perfect and homey, I don’t even know what to do with my feelings. A knock on the front door makes me stand, and Gina runs into the room.
“You’re back!” She pulls me into a hug. “How was your trip? I hope you learned so much. I’m not even going to fuss about all the newsy texts I never received…”
She gives me the squint-eye, and I put my hand over my face. “I’m the worst friend. I was so busy texting Leon and doing my best to absorb all the knowledge, and…”
“Don’t even worry about it.” Gina waves her hand. “You can tell us about it at dinner.”
I glance over at Maverick, knowing all of my non-school-related texts were to him. He stands back, grinning sheepishly with his hands in his pockets.
“I came over to invite you both to dinner at our place. Haddy and Gavin will be there, and we all need a good catching up.”
“Oh…” Maverick’s expression is worried, and I look from him to her. “I already planned something.”
“You did?” Gina’s mouth twists. “Can it keep?”
He begins to answer when the front door opens again, and a deep voice calls through it, “Bradfords in da house!”
We all turn to see three giants entering the room, and Gina squeals loudly before running to greet them.
“Oh my gosh, Knox—and Austin andEdward?” She bounces on her toes, hugging all three of the massive guys. “What is this? Christmas?”
“Geeg,” Knox replies, hugging her and lifting her off her feet.
Knox is the only actual cousin in the group. Austin is Knox’s non-Bradford half-brother, and Edward is their aunt Rachel’s brother.
They’re each over six feet tall, and they’re all professional football players, like every Bradford boy except Maverick.
“Who do we have here?” Knox walks over to where I’mbending down to catch the puppy before she escapes out the front door.
“Knox, Austin, Edward, meet Kelani!” I hold her up. “Maverick’s foster puppy.”
“Hey, pup.” Knox gives her head a quick scrub before turning his blue eyes on me. “I was talking about Dove Rhodes. What are you doing here, girl? I haven’t seen you in years!”
“Oh, I thought you meant the dog.” I drop my chin, exhaling a laugh. “I know! It’s been at least… I don’t even know how long it’s been!”
I rise onto my tiptoes, and Mav’s cousin bends down to give me a hug. Just like Mav, he’s solid as a rock, and smells like sexy man, spicy and clean.
“Are you living in LA, too?” Knox’s large hand is still on my upper back, and he looks at Mav curiously. “What’s going on out here?”
“If by LA, you mean Louisiana,” I tease, poking his chest. “I’m just here for a semester.”
“I’m sure Mav’s enjoying your company.” He grins at his cousin.
