Shon snickers. “I bet Kay can think of something.” Then, under her breath and behind the protection of a piece of pineapple, “or some ones.”
My cousin has always been observant and detail-oriented.
Which is why when I heard she was coming, I immediately discussed with the guys how to tell her the truth. She would totally notice something was going on between the four of us. It’s not like they can keep a straight face where I’m concerned. And I’m not much better.
Honestly, next to my dad, I was most nervous about her reaction. Ford and Sutton, I could handle. If they didn’t take it well, they’d come around once they see how happy I am. I give zero fucks what my mother and her lot would think. Shon’s on board. Plus, it’s not like we’re making a public announcement. It’s not really anyone’s business, but I don’t want to keep secrets from Emma.
The amazing part is, Emma took the news super well. A bit of mild ribbing, as you’d expect. Some teasing about me not getting much sleep. A sweet admission of jealousy. And zero interest in Alex, Gabe, or King.
She smirks, attention darting to the pool, thenback to Shon and me. “Yeah, but now imaginethemholding puppies.”
“You’ve got a point,” I agree, desire curling through me. Those three would be endlessly hotter in protective daddy mode.
“Heads up!” Beau calls as a white blur zooms between Emma and me, spraying us with water.
“I got it,” she says, hopping up from her lounger.
“Catch.” Emma chucks the ball back at her brother.
“Good arm,” he calls and gets right back into the game. Sutton serves the ball. Across the net, Gabe, Alex and King form a triangle, ready for the ball.
I try not to watch them too closely. Doing so fills my mind with too many X-rated memories, and I don’t need to be thinking aboutthatduring a family gathering. So I focus on how nice it is to see the three of them working together, developing a strategy, and executing the plan like a well-oiled team.
On the other end of the patio, Dad and Uncle Patrick chat away in the shade. They’ve always loved the outdoors, and it shows because they’re both tan. Time in nature was a big sticking point with my mom when I was young. I don’t remember her ever going with us.
I guess they’d been separated long before their divorce. I hope I never get to a point where I’m notinterested in what’s going on with my guys. Mentally, I gulp. There are three of them. Three times the amount of interests. But I’m flexible. I’ll make it work. And they will too.
Anytime I feel a moment of hesitation, because let’s face it, I’m a child of divorce, I can look to my aunt and uncle. Happily married for over thirty-five years and still hopelessly in love.
Draining my glass, I watch my dad’s hands move while he talks. Does he ever look at his brother and sister-in-law and want that for himself? For a while, we thought he’d found it with Sutton’s mom. But he’s been alone since her death.
“Do you need more sunscreen?” Shon asks.
I swear she’s taking the Mother Hen thing to the extreme. It’s like she expects me to melt down at any moment. And who’s to say she’s wrong? But right now, I’m enjoying myself so much.
“I think I’m good. But I’m going to get us a refill. You guys in?”
“Definitely,” Emma says, saluting me with her nearly empty glass.
“I’d better stick to water,” Shon says, lifting a giant tumbler.
“Water for you. I’ll bring the pitcher for us,” I say with a laugh.
Crossing the patio, I feel the unmistakabletingling of being watched by one of my guys. My money’s on Alex. There’s just something special about that man and the way he watches me. Covert. Hot. A little bit predatory.
The hair on the back of my neck lifts. My breasts lift even as they feel heavier. Needy for attention. Oh, good grief. I can’t get headlights right now. My emerald green bikini will not hide that predicament.
I wave Marissa, who’s at the grill next to Ford, off. Good of her to keep an eye on things there. Inside, cool air blasts over my sun-kissed skin.
Maybe Shon’s right and I do need more sunscreen.
Grabbing the pitcher from the fridge, I turn and almost slosh the whole thing down Alex’s chest.
“Hey. Thirsty?”
His chest glistens even though he’s got a navy-and-white striped towel around his shoulders.
“Something like that.”
