“Tema’s a great judge of character,” I tell Grayson. “Out of the mouths of babes and all that. She can help me narrow my choices. And it’ll give me insight on the guys because if they can’t figure out how to look after my niece, then I shouldn’t keep them around.”
“They’re not here to babysit,” Bo rumbles. “And I don’t want them to be. And you’re not here to do that either.”
“I’ll come to keep an eye on Tema,” Sophie offers. “Are you okay staying here for another day?” she asks Gunnar.
She stayed up for hours with me last night, wanting to know everything about the men, including my thoughts on Spencer. Sophie is definitely on Team Lyra, but there’s no question of her fierce loyalty for her brother.
I understand brotherly loyalty.
“I can handle that.” Gunnar grins. “But I’m telling Stella it’s your fault I’m not coming home to help her set up the new dog kennel.”
“It’s settled.” I give Grayson a toothy grin. “Me and my girls are coming to hang with the boys today. Tell them to prepare for my arrival.”
I can tell Grayson has no clue what to do with me.
“Hey, boys!” I cry, after the photoshoot. “How’s it going?”
My voice rings out over the pool area and I swear, every head turns in my direction. Smiles and cheers and—the men look sohappyto see me that it fills my chest with a warmth that comes from being liked.
I’m liked by many but not everyone, and I’ve accepted that fact. But the mad scramble to get to me, like baby goats trying to be the first in line for food, makes me feel good.
“I told Grayson I want to hang out here today with you,” I tell them amidst the cheers, and I hold up a hand as Phillippe is the first to make it to my side. “All of you. This isn’t a group date and we’re all friends here, so we’ll all share and there’ll be no dragging me away for a littletête à tête.Because there will be no kissing today.”
There are several boos at that news, including Phillippe, who actually tries to nuzzle in to kiss my cheek.
I push him away.
“And along with me, I’ve brought a couple of friends.” With that, Tema gives a yell from where she’s hiding by the door, and with a running leap, cannon balls into the pool.
Phillippe is in the splash zone.
“That’s Princess Tema,” I say, amid the laughter. “And this is Sophie—” I reach behind me and pull her to my side. “And you’re going to entertain us today.”
The men quickly rise to the challenge.
Tema is constantly surrounded by men doing their best to keep up with her in the pool. Hettie—whom I didn’t invite because on a rare note of compassion, I thought it might be weird for her to see Spencer there for me—gave me a tube of sunscreen and a hat and asked to make sure she wore both.
Rand—being a redhead—takes it upon himself to keep reapplying the Coppertone every ninety minutes. He somehow manages to get her out of the pool, slather the stuff on every part of Tema not covered by her rash guard, and then they’ll head in for a snack while it absorbs.
This gives the other guys a much-needed break, because ninety minutes of Tema is a lot.
Tanner takes the lead in pool time, which means he doesn’t get a lot of time with me. I respect that. Apparently, he has amazing breath control and can stay under long enough to swim across the length of the pool after Tema.
I also respect the way he looks in a bathing suit.
Jon takes command of the kitchen and the grill, making the most delicious lobster rolls and fish tacos. He has a handful of sous chefs—whether they volunteered or were conscripted—and I make sure to spend time in the kitchen to show my appreciation.
It’s an easy, comfortable day.
I’ve always been at ease with men because I grew up with four brothers. But while my brothers teased and tormented, indulged and tried their best to influence, these men just want my attention.
And it seems like they will do anything to make me happy, whether it’s bringing me fruit plates and margaritas, looking after Tema in the pool, or keeping Sophie surrounded by her own group of admirers.
Spencer is there, hanging on the outskirts, but I can feel his gaze. Like I told him, I won’t give him special treatment, but I keep track of where he is and what he’s doing.
It’s not until after lunch that he finds me in the hot tub.
“I thought you were crazy bringing Tema with you,” Spencer begins, sinking into the warmth beside me. Bubbles and waves surround me as he takes the spot Charlie just vacated.
