Now that I have the information I need to tempt my man to his knees.
38
RODERICK
When we arriveat my childhood home, my initial urge is to drag Juliet upstairs and lay her in my old bed, where I can pleasure her until she passes out.
But I resist. This time.
Also, almost immediately upon us crossing the threshold, my little sister tries to abduct my woman herself.
“Dibs!” Tanya shouts as she appears out of nowhere, grabbing ahold of my librarian and almost carrying her away.
“I’ll drop the pies!” Juliet yells, her only defense.
“Fine.” Tanya releases my date with a threatening finger point. “But remember, I called dibs.”
“Dibs for what?” Juliet asks after my sister strolls away.
I shrug. With Tanya, you never know.
The two of us head into the kitchen, where we find my uncle mashing potatoes.
“Hey, Uncle Mason. Have you met Juliet?”
The man who’s the closest thing to a parent I have left in this town turns away from the stovetop with a kind smile.
“Our paths haven’t crossed before now. It’s nice to meet you, Juliet.” He reaches out both hands to take her armload of pies.
“Nice to meet you too. Anything you need help with?”
Mason waves us off. “I’ve had Tanya and Isaac cooking all day. Plus, pack members have been dropping off food for the pack leader. We’re good.”
Dismissed, I guide Juliet toward the back of the house into the family room. It’s the largest space with an open floor plan, plenty of seating, and a massive stone fireplace. It’s also where we find the rest of my family and a few extras relaxing. Warner is wrapped around Zoey, the two of them chuckling over something. The twins sit at a card table with Thad, dealing out what looks like a game of poker. I really hope my pack mate isn’t betting actual money. Tanya is a shark.
The only relative Juliet hasn’t met yet is my youngest brother, Isaac. I make the introductions as Courtney waltzes in from the dining room, holding three glasses of wine.
“Those all for you?” I ask.
She smirks at me. “You think I can’t down these on my own? Go on, dare me.”
Zoey detaches herself from Warner, where they’re sprawled on a window seat, and approaches with hands outstretched. “How about I just …” Carefully, she plucks one of the glasses from Courtney’s grip and retreats.
My friend snorts, then holds out the other extra glass to Juliet.
My woman grins, even as a blush stains the top of her cheeks. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. In return, you can be my cornhole partner.”
Partners? If there are any pairs activities, Juliet will be onmyteam.
As I wrap an arm around her waist to stake my claim, Juliet gives a regretful shake of her head. “Oh, sorry, Courtney. I don’t think I can.”
That’s right because she’s already claimed by?—
“Tanya called dibs.”
Damn it.That’s what she meant.
