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“Is it too late to get back in my car and drive away?” she asked him, only half joking. She had a pile of gifts in her arms, but she was willing to drop them and make a run for it.
“Yep, way too late.” He glanced at the wrapped presents. “Pres is a lucky guy. Want me to carry these for you?”
She shook her head. “Actually, the top two are for you. Take those and I’ve got the rest.”
“You bought me a gift?” he asked, looking touched.
“Of course. You’re a bandmate.”
“And your boyfriend’s brother.” He lifted a brow. “Right?”
“I guess so.” She blew out a mouthful of air. “Okay, let’s do this.”
He winked at her. “It won’t be that bad. The Hartson family loves gossip, but they also have short memories. After today you’ll be forgotten.”
Her brows knitted. “Thank you. I think?”
“Come on, let’s go face the music.”
She had such a soft spot for Marley. Not just because he was Pres’ brother, or because he’d always been so nice to her. But he had this glow to him. He was easy going, didn’t let anything get him down. She had the feeling that if it came down to him and a hurricane, the hurricane would apologize and find another place to blow.
Sure enough, as soon as the two of them stepped into the backyard, it felt like every face turned their way. But she kept a smile on her lips, and it turned into a real one when she saw Pres turn and see her, his eyes crinkling in pleasure at her arrival.
“Cassie!” Delilah ran for her. “Are those gifts for me… I mean my daddy?”
Cassie laughed. “Yes they are. Want to help me with them?”
“Daddy, come open your presents,” Delilah shouted. “Look at the pretty colors.”
Cassie had wrapped them in sparkly silver paper, with iridescent ribbons that criss crossed the boxes then tied in bows.
“Hey.” Presley walked toward them. He lifted a brow at Marley who gave a little snigger.
“Hi. Happy Birthday,” she breathed.
“I’m just gonna do this,” he told her, “And then it’ll be over, okay?”
“Do what?”
Before the words had left her mouth, he was taking the gifts out of her arms and passing them to Marley, who was completely unfazed by the move. And then Pres was pulling her into his arms, his hands spanning her waist as he dipped his head to hers. His mouth was warm and welcoming as he claimed hers.
Blood rushed through her ears. She felt him dip her back, as though they were posing for a 1940s black and white poster, and she wrapped her arms around his neck to bring him closer as he kissed her again.
And suddenly the whole backyard erupted into applause.
She was dizzy when Presley lifted her up to standing. “Sorry.” He didn’t look it. He looked kind of pleased with himself. “I decided to get it over with.”
“Like a wedding,” Marley said. “Just kiss the bride so everybody can get their kicks.”
“It’s not like a wedding.” Presley frowned. Then his eyes caught Cassie’s. “You okay?”
“Yeah,” she said breathlessly. “I was just… yeah.” She was trying to straighten her mind. Find her thoughts.
She was pretty sure they were there somewhere. Hidden behind this constant need to be touching Presley Hartson.
And he was right, everybody was looking at them. The whole Hartson clan were there – Pres’s uncles and aunts, his cousins. And of course, Aunt Gina, smiling widely at both of them like they’d just made her day.
That was a hell of a way to be introduced to the family. But they all looked happy for them. Especially for Pres.
