manners than my brothers.
“I am listening. And stop hogging my dog,” I grumble, reaching out to snag her from his lap. I
ignore his pout. I swear I haven’t had more than five minutes alone with her since I adopted her. When
Maya’s around, which thankfully is often, they’re usually cuddling on the new couch together. I’m the
fucking third wheel.
It doesn’t bother me a bit. Seeing her light up for this odd little dog just makes me fall deeper in
love with her. And I’m learning to live with the dog hair. I invested in a new lint roller company, so
I’ve guaranteed my supply.
“I wanted him here for Christmas. This is just wrong.” Colt grumbles, wandering away from me
now that the dog’s been taken away. I’m sure one of my other brothers will show up in a minute,
wanting to hog the dog. Until then, I tuck her against my chest. Maya’s other hand comes up and cups
Grace’s bum.
“They can’t get enough of her,” she says with a smile. Her eyes shift to Colt’s retreating back.
“He’s pretty tense.”
“Yeah, the closer we get to Johnny’s release, the worse he’s getting.”
“He’s afraid that it won’t happen.” It doesn’t sound like a question. I shoot her a look, and she
shrugs, the sleeve of her silky top sliding off her shoulder. The memory of that last night, the night
before meeting Maya, pops into my head. The woman at the club that night knew the score, and
understood the rules of the game, so when the strap of the dress slid down her arm, all she did was hit
me with a sultry smile.
My woman, the one who makes my ears burn when she looks at me, yanks on her sleeve, tugging it
into place yet again. It immediately falls, and she huffs in annoyance. My fingers intercept hers,
sliding under the material to tease her soft skin before slowly, carefully sliding it up her arm and into
place.
The little catch in her breath is quiet. So quiet, I shouldn’t be able to hear it. But I do. I always do.
That sound is a happy prelude to an amazing night ahead of us.
As soon as we ditch my family.
“Why don’t we get out of here?” I press a kiss to her shoulder and watch in satisfaction as her
eyes flutter.
“Aren’t we supposed to be helping decorate the tree?”
