“Oh, I like it a lot.”
“Bianca took me shopping for honeymoon clothes a month ago.”
“Wait a minute. You bought that to wear for my brother?”
Drea laughed. “I promise I only had you in mind when I bought it.”
“Remind me to burn all of your honeymoon clothes you bought for him when we get home.”
Drea wrapped her arms around my neck. “Leo, the only Neretti whose attention I ever wanted was and will always be yours.”
“I know that. It’s just creepy thinking about the two of you together. Especially with you wearing a hot number like that.”
“Considering his feelings for Maeve, I’m pretty sure I could’ve worn pasties and thong, and Rafe wouldn’t have noticed me.”
With a grin, I said, “You know, I wouldn’t object to you wearing pasties and a thong on another occasion.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. But I should hit you with some truth about my usual wardrobe.”
“And what’s that?”
“It’s over-sized t-shirts and leggings.”
“Mm, you make those look so good.”
Drea laughed. “Of course you would find a way to sexualize leggings and boring t-shirts.”
“It’s not about the outfits. It’s about the hot body inside them.”
She rolled her eyes. “Come on, horndog. Let’s get downstairs.”
***
When we entered the hotel’s restaurant, Rafe and Maeve had already been seated. Since we were the only guests, it hadn’t been necessary to reserve a table. At the sight of us, they both rose from their chairs.
The moment we started towards them, the air grew thick with tension. Drea gripped my hand like a lifeline while Maeve pressed herself against Rafe’s side.
I knew I was going to have to lighten the mood quickly. How I was going to do it was another question. “There she is. My favorite Irish lass.”
A beaming smile lit up Maeve’s face. “Just how many Irish lasses do you know?”
“If I said only you, would it cheapen the compliment?”
“Possibly.”
“How about my favorite mince pie maker?”
“Better.”
Stepping away from Rafe, Maeve reached to hug me. She squeezed me tight. “It’s so good to see you, Leo.”
“I feel the same way.”
After we hugged, I gave her a teasing wink. I said, “I’m glad you decided to give Rafe another try. He’s been unfuckingbearable to be around.”
While Rafe rolled his eyes, Maeve grinned. “I’m pretty sure I’ve been the same way. Thankfully, the sisters of the Sacred Heart weren’t too judgmental about my sulking around.”
At that moment, I realized I had yet to formally introduce the two women whose lives had been tied with the others. Taking Drea’s hand, I said, “Maeve, I’d like to introduce you to my wife, Drea.”
