I felt a prick of discomfort at the term. “Don’t call her that,” I said, sharper than I intended.
Sean lifted both hands, laughing. “Easy, man. Wasn’t a dig.”
“It was. She’s not a nanny,” I snapped. “She’s Cami’s best friend. Family.”
Sean nodded slowly. “And is she still single?”
The question landed heavier than it should have, my stomach tightening as jealousy crept in, revealing more than I’d meant to let slip.
“Probably,” Hunter cut in, smirking. “But good luck. Cami would bury you in the backyard.”
“That a challenge?” Sean grinned.
My jaw clenched, and as the heat of the moment flared, I accidentally jostled the beer bottle in my hand. The cold liquid splashed over my fingers and onto the grass.
“You don’t know when to stay in your lane, do you, Sean?” I said, sharper than I meant to.
“What?” Sean protested. “I’m just asking.”
Hunter shook his head. “Man, if looks could kill…”
Sean’s grin widened. “Damn. You sound territorial.”
“Just don’t want you embarrassing yourself.”
Hunter laughed outright. “Sure you do.”
I took a long drink of my beer, eyes back on Dani. I tried not to look as she came out of her shorts, now only wearing that navy blue bikini top and bikini shorts that looked too damn good on her. Harper had dragged her toward the pool, both of them shrieking as the fountain kicked back on.
Her laughter was infectious, the kind that made children beam and adults remember what it felt like to be carefree. Dani’s attention to Harper was genuine, as if all her focus was on making sure Harper had the best day possible. Her skin glowed in the sun, but it was her spirit and warmth that truly illuminated the yard.
Hunter studied me for a beat, then leaned in closer, voice dropping. “You gonna keep pretending you don’t see it?”
“See what?”
“That you’re halfway gone already.”
“Drop it,” I said.
Sean laughed, clapping my shoulder. “Relax. I don’t go for my friends’ women.”
I opened my mouth.
Closed it.
“She’s not—”
Hunter cut in smoothly. “Not his woman,” he said. “Yet.”
I shot him a warning look. “Bennett.”
“What?” he said, innocent. “Just stating facts.”
Cami wandered over then, wiping her hands on a towel. “What are you boys brooding about?”
“Logan’s pretending he’s immune to women,” Hunter said.
Cami’s eyes flicked to Dani, then back to me. She smiled like she knew something I didn’t. Or maybe like she knew exactly what I was fighting.
