The men are playing ball with Brody outback, and I can’t help but smile when I see how happy Brody is around them.
“They’re dating,” Desi states casually.
“Oh my God, about bloody time,” Dylan exclaims. “Gosh, I am so happy for you.”
“It’s nothing serious,” I tell her.
“That explains the way he keeps looking like her. The man is about ready to devour you, Shelby.” Dylan laughs.
“That is not true,” I snap.
“Yes, it is.”
“Can you two stop now? And can we get the food outside?” I huff. “And please, can we just keep this between us for now. That is not a request.”
Dylan pretends to zip her mouth, looking over at Desi, who shrugs. “What, so I’m the weak link then?”
Dylan and I nod as I finish the salad.
“Okay, I’ll be quiet this time,” Desi promises. “God knows what Grady will do to poor Ember.”
Dylan picks up the salad. “Don’t you worry about him; he is all bark and no bite.”
“You are the love of his life. You have not been on the receiving end of his wrath. You should have seen him in high school.” I cock a brow.
“You may be right.” Dylan shrugs, taking the bowl outside. Desi follows after with the roast.
I’m putting some olive oil on the pasta when strong arms wrap around me. “You need some help?” he whispers in my ear. Ember’s presence is becoming increasingly comforting, and I lean against him, closing my eyes. His masculine scent surrounds me, the husky tone of his voice sending shivers down my spine.
“You can start by behaving. Grady will have a fit if he sees us like this.”
“I sometimes wonder if you’re more afraid of him finding out than you are if Brody does.”
“Brody actually likes you.” I laugh.
He kisses my neck, making me shiver again, then backs away. He grabs the chicken pot pie and bread, leaving the kitchen with a wink.
“So, Ember, why’d you ever leave Sunnyville? Your parents are probably the wealthiest people around here?” Rez asks.
“After college, I wanted to see the world, I guess, then I got to the city and never wanted to leave.” His hand strokes my thigh under the table, making it difficult to concentrate. I feel my cheeks heat.
“Yet, here you are, back in small-town Sunnyville.” Grady’s voice drips with sarcasm.
“I guess not all plans work out. But, I’m pretty glad I’m back.” His hands move higher up under my dress.
“Does anyone want more wine?” I blurt.
“Oh, no, there is plenty of it right here,” Ember responds, gripping my thigh so hard I know he’ll leave a mark. Maybe that’s what he wants to do. He moves his hand away to grab the bottle of white, refilling my glass.
“Ember’s gonna help me build a treehouse,” Brody pipes up.
“He is?” Grady frowns. “You never told me you wanted one.”
“We were talking about the one my father built back home, and he asked if I could help him build one out here,” Ember explains.
“You can help, uncle Grady,” my boy offers sweetly.
“Oh, I will.” Grady glares at Ember.
