Page 79 of Freed

But as I think about them now, as I think about making pizza with them and watching a movie, I don’t feel that overwhelming sadness anymore.

“I miss them,” I tell the guys as I pick toppings off my pizza and nibble at them. “But it doesn’t feel the same anymore. I can think about them without getting sad now.” I glance up at each of them and smile. “They’d be happy to know I found you guys. Or, well, I suppose, that you found me.”

“Will you tell us about them?” Hunter asks before taking a bite of pizza.

And that’s how we spend the next two hours. Hanging out in our kitchen, eating pizza, and sharing stories of our families. Most of my guys don’t have great families, but they still have the odd memory from childhood to share.

After the stories end, we put on an action film and curl up on the couch. I can’t even remember getting sleepy. Or being carried to bed.

But what I do remember is how I felt.

Warm, safe, and secure.

Chapter 28

Cherry

Nervous excitement flows through me as I move the bowl of chips for the third time. Chase chuckles, pulling me away from the patio table before I can grab it again. “Baby girl, the location of the chips doesn’t matter, stop worrying.”

“I just want everything to be perfect.”

“Why?” he asks, spinning me so I’m facing him.

“Because it’s the first time I’ve hosted a party. I want it to be perfect.”

“But life isn’t perfect. Besides, perfect is boring.”

“Boring?”

He grins at me before scooping me up in his arms and carrying me inside. “Yep. A little chaos is fun.”

“No chaos, Chase,” Maddox says as we pass him by the back door.

“Okay, not chaos, but a little… excitement. Something unexpected.”

“Chase,” I groan. “What have you planned?”

He laughs. “Nothing bad, I promise. You just need to relax. It’s a party, it’s supposed to be fun.”

“Where are you taking me?” I ask, suddenly realizing we’ve passed my room. He walks into his bedroom and sets me on the bed before kneeling down and reaching underneath.

“I have something for you. Ah ha!” he says, sounding victorious as he pulls out an unmarked bag and holds it up for me. “This is for you, to wear today.”

With my interest piqued, I take the bag and peek inside. I see green material so I reach in and pull it out. It’s a surprisingly modest emerald green bikini.

“Not pink?” I ask with a smirk.

“I love you in pink, but green compliments your hair so well.” I hold up each piece, pleased to see it has a high neckline on the top and the bottoms are boy short style.

“I honestly expected something a little more revealing from you,” I say in amusement. “But it’s beautiful. I love it.”

“I didn’t think you’d want to wear a thong in front of other men,” he says, making my eyebrows raise in surprise at his thoughtfulness. “And there’s no way I wanted them staring at your ass.” I smile. That sounds more like the Chase I expect.

“There’s one more piece in there,” he says. I look in the bag and find a matching sheer skirt.

I lurch forward, throwing my arms around his neck as I tell him, “I love it, Chase. Thank you so much. It’s perfect.”

“You’re welcome.” He pulls back and stands. “Now go get changed, I’m gonna do the same, then we can head outside and wait for the guests.”