Page 79 of The Haunting Plot

“What’s going on? You have that look,” Summer says.

“That ‘I’m gonna cut a bitch’ look,” Bella adds.

I crack my knuckles and shake out my hands as I pace back and forth. “His ex-wife is a cunt,” I blurt.

“Raven!” Summer hisses.

“What? She just looks like she gives the most unenthusiastic blow jobs.”

Bella cocks an eyebrow. “Is that so?”

“Yeah. She probably lies there like a dead fish during missionary too.”

Bella nods knowingly. “It’s a good thing he’s with you now.”

“Exactly,” I say without thinking.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this fired up,” Summer says.

“Yeah, especially on behalf of a man you claim not to like,” Bella adds.

“What do you expect me to do? She barges into my house like she belongs here, insulting Sawyer, who has done nothing but help me since I met him. She doesn’t see the man I do, and it pisses me off. I’m the only one allowed to make fun of him.”

I know it’s irrational, and I’m still annoyed at him about the vibrator incident, but even in all my frustration, I would never talk about him that way, and I’m furious that she’s done this to him for so long. That she does it in front of anyone, including his kids.

“Well, we have to go back out there. It’s rude for us to stay in here all night,” Summer says.

“Don’t worry, we have your back.” Bella gestures for us to exit the laundry room.

I stroll into the kitchen, ready to put her in her place, when the sight of Sawyer instantly relaxes my shoulders and calms my racing heart. Jocelyn has her back to me, and while I can’t hear exactly what she’s saying, I can tell by the pained look on his face that it’s not kind.

Without thinking, I march over to him, shoving myself between him and Jocelyn as I grab his face and pull him close. “There you are,” I say, closing the distance as I lean up to kiss him.

His big body melts into mine as his arms wrap around my waist. Jocelyn huffs behind me, and I can practically feel her eyes roll, but I don’t care as I lose myself in his kiss. Nothing else matters right now. Not the stupid pranks or haunted dildos. Just the way he feels in my arms.

“Get a room,” Jocelyn mutters.

My hands slide down to his collar as I pull back. “That’s a great idea.”

“Whoa there, as much as I’d love that, maybe after the party’s over?” Sawyer says, resting his forehead against mine.

I drop my hands and spin back toward my friends. The shocked looks on their faces have me shifting nervously on my feet until Sawyer pulls me against him, resting an arm on my clavicle.

“Gonna need you to stand right there for a bit. Don’t need everyone knowing how excited you make me,” he whispers against my ear before kissing my cheek.

I smile to myself, feeling his excitement press against my ass.

“Who wants some cookies?” Bella asks.

——————

There are way too many balloons in my house, all of them red—McKenna’s favorite color. I’m just thankful there’s no glitter—that shit gets everywhere, and Bella’s known to use it liberally. Which is why I’m glad Summer did most of the party planning.

Most of the moms stick around for about an hour, making sure their kids are good before heading out. About two hours in, it’s just me, Summer, Bella, and Sawyer. Lucy is watching most of our boys at her house, and I’m thankful because this party would drive Jonah nuts.

“Can we do makeovers?” McKenna asks.

“Oh my God!” Bella squeals, her body practically vibrating.