Dean’s loud laughter pulls my attention. She’s sitting with her nephews and husband at another table. The McGowans have taken Dean in like one of their own. You would never know she’s married into the family with the way they dote on her.
“Shut up, Graham. I already know I can’t trust shit you say when you’ve been drinking,” Dean laughs out.
“Ach, what do ya mean by that?”
“You told me in that pub that night Felix was older than Jamie. Let me see, your words were. Jamie and Dylan are younger than Felix. Jamie, by a few months. Felix and Kate are two years apart. She’s the older one,” Dean snorts.
“Jamie has Felix by four years. Kate has Felix by another two years, making her six years older than him. Your word is shit after a few drinks.”
Everyone around them bursts into laughter. Graham’s cheeks turn red as he sits there thoughtfully. The handsome man looks sheepish and adorable in this moment.
“You remember all that?”
“I sure do, love. Not much gets by me,” Dean snickers.
“With the lot of us, how am I supposed to keep it all straight? Sober or not,” Graham protests.
“She got it right,” Carrick croons.
“Aye, that’s a one-off. I have a grand that says none of the rest of ye could get it right.”
“I’ll take it,” Felix croons.
“Aye, anyone but you,” Graham scoffs.
“Fine, I’ll do it,” Braxton says.
“None of Aunt Cass’s lot. You guys memorize the count of hairs on a lad’s head after saying hello. I’m not a fool.”
“Looks like a stook to me,” Jeremiah deadpans.
As I laugh at them teasing each other, Val gives me the signal to let me know it’s time. I give a nod and gather my bag to head out. As I stand, LaSalle grabs my wrist to stop me.
Uh-oh. This might not happen tonight. I know that look.
LaSalle
Today has beenanother good day. All the wives loved the spa day, and the kids were excited about their lessons. I think we successfully wore them all out.
After dinner, not a single child put up a fight when bedtime was called. Paulie practically ran into his nanny’s arms. That was a surprise, as he is normally the one with whom his mother and I have to debate, like he’s an attorney or something.
Four going on forty, that’s my boy. I’m actually amused when he thinks he’s going to best us. For a four-year-old, some of his arguments make sense.
I blame Bobby and Marcus. To be honest, his skills have gotten better, leading me to believe Paige has taken a part in the tomfoolery recently. As if Paulie needs any assistance in getting his little butt in trouble.
“I’ll be right back,” Tasha says and bends to kiss my cheek after I grab her wrist to stop her.
I nod toward the others, trying to get up and sneak away. “Don’t go getting into trouble. I’m not in the mood to stitch anyone up tonight. Keep your clothes on and tell your friends to do the same. Especially Dean,” I warn and lift a brow.
She laughs and drops a kiss on my lips. “Relax, no one’s going to get hurt tonight. At least not because of anything we do. Trust me.”
I give her side-eye and release her. I can see the mischief in her eyes. She’s up to something.
I shake my head as she adds a little extra sway to her hips. That black sleeveless dress is sexy as hell on her. The red shoes have me growing hard as I take her in.
I bite my lip as my gaze drops to her lush ass. I wouldn’t mind a private performance later tonight. Those heels and I have a date this evening.
“Jesus, Mary, Joseph. I can read your thoughts on your face,” Laoise snickers. “It reminds me of when Cianán looked at me like that.”
