“You know our girlfriends like you better than us?” Lane says.
Huh?Another one acting like me and Don are a thing. Wedospend a lot of time together, true. But still—I’m surprised. And for once, the insinuation isn’t making me bristle or anything. I don’t know whether it’s because I can still feel Donovan pressing into my back, which is soothing as hell, or because I actually am good with it all. All that overthinking, the death spiraling—it’s exhausting. Tonight, I just want to hit pause and breathe easy.
Adam is laughing. “No comment.”
“And here’s the last of them,” I whisper to Amelia. “Definitely not last on the list, though. He’s the alpha.”
“Whoa!” Donovan warns from behind me.
I look at Adam meaningfully. “This is Don’s sister.”
Recognition flickers in his eyes, and I suddenly remember he’s the only one who knows. He nods curtly, before flashing Amelia a warm smile. I glance at her, and I can see it on her face. She’s picked up on his positive vibes.
“Want to come help me make cocktails?” he offers. “I have dirt on your brother I’d love to share.”
“Traitor!” Don barks.
As Adam and Amelia trail into the kitchen, I can’t help but clench my fist.Victory!I’m pretty sure she won’t be able to resist him—this might be just what she needs to see Don and his friends in a whole new light.
“Well played.”
Don plants a kiss on my cheek, my stomach clenches, and I don’t even try to fight the spark of excitement that rushes low in my belly.
Carter’s telling us all about the project he’s working on with Lane, and I let his words wash over me, leaning into Don, letting myself fall back into his warmth.
“Don!” Lewis yells over from the couch, patting the space beside him. “Time to open your gift!”
“Is it a real one, this time?”
I twist around to look at him. “They gave you fake gifts?”
“They did.” He catches my wrist. “Come with me? They won’t try to embarrass me if you’re there.”
He leads me over to the living room, where the others are gathered around the couch. He pulls me into his lap. I instinctively try to squirm free, but he pins me down with one arm, holding me tight against him.
“I need a shield—I don’t trust these guys.”
“Aren’t you ashamed of putting me in the line of danger?”
“Agreed.” Lewis shakes his head. “Disgrace, dude. And probably the worst excuseeverfor getting a girl to sit on you, you loser!”
He hands a small box to Donovan, who motions for me to open it for him.
“This isn’t going to, like, explode in my face, is it?”
“As long as you don’t touch Don’s fly, you should be safe,” Lewis quips.
An eye roll escapes me. “I feel sorry for your future girlfriend, you know.”
Lewis brings a hand to his chest. “I’m a proud member of the singles clan. No woman shall lay claim to my dick.”
Donovan nudges me. “Come on, already! Open my gift!”
Diva’s back.
I tug on the ribbon, holding the box as far from my face as I can as I prize open the lid, and when I’m sure it’s safe, I bring it closer, tilting it toward Donovan, waiting for him to fish out his surprise.
“Fuck! You guys are the best!”
