“This is Josie,” Haddie says. She pushes Josie toward me, and she smiles shyly at me. I open my arms, and we hug. “I’ve told Josie all about you, and tomorrow, I’m having your family over for dinner.” She hugs me again. “I’m so happy, sweetheart. This is such a wonderful time for our family, and I’m so excited to welcome you. I only wish Neal were still alive. He would love you so much.”
I take Haddie’s hand and pull her aside while Daxton greets his sister.
“Um, Haddie, I need to talk to you.” I snatch her elbow, determined to tell her everything her son has done. Unlike him, she seems normal and is probably the only person on earth who can get him to stop this madness.
“What is it, sweetheart?”
“Daxton has completely lost his mind.” She gasps and puts a hand to her chest.
“What do you mean?” She whips her head to look at him. He notices and narrows his eyes at me.
“He’s—”
“Is everything okay here?” Daxton arrives and wraps his hand around my wrist, but his eyes are as hard as stone.
“Oh, yes. I was telling Cori how happy I am about the two of you. I just knew it.” Haddie puts her hands together. “From the moment he brought you over to the house to meet me. Josie is so excited to have a sister.” Haddie gets close to me and whispers in my ear, “I’ve been talking you up with her.” She winks at me and looks around. “Son, we should introduce Cori to the Mitchells.” She lowers her voice and says, “I invited them.”
The mother and son share a moment with just their eyes. It happens quickly, and if I wasn’t paying attention, I would have missed it. I look from one to the other, but the brief moment is gone.
“The Mitchells are business associates of Dax’s,” Haddie explains. “They own a chain of motels that they want to sell to him. Come on.” She slides her arm through mine. “Here’s Josie.” She gestures for her daughter to join us. “Let’s go introduce the Mitchells to our little family.”
“This is one hell of a party,” Selene says while sipping another flute of champagne. “My father swore up and down he wasn’t coming. He says he’s been praying for you and Eden all week, but look at him.”
I turn my head and spot the good reverend Wilde nibbling on a shrimp while talking to Eden’s father.
“Tell your father I, too, spent a lot of time on my knees this week,” Eden says, and I almost choke on my laughter.
“God, I wish I had a dick to suck,” Selene whispers.
“What about your man?” I ask.
“He’s vanilla.” Selene scowls. “I’m looking for a freak.” She sucks her teeth.
“Turn him into one,” Eden suggests.
“I guess, but if I have to teach him, it kills the mood. I want spontaneity with a side of spanking.”
I want to ask more, but Dax arrives with his sister on his arm. She’s only twenty. She’s a little on the quiet side, but sweet. When we met the Mitchells, she talked about her plans to get an MBA after she graduates from college.
“Sweetheart,” Dax says, and I try not to roll my eyes in front of his sister. “I would love it if you would spend some time with Josie.” His sister smiles at me, and I smile back.
“Of course. I’d love to.” He seems happy with my statement.
“You want a drink, Josie?” Selene asks.
“She’s underage,” Dax warns, but Selene hands Josie a drink, which she quickly takes. Selene rolls her eyes at Dax.
“I’ll be right back, Josie. These are my two best friends, and they’ll keep you company.” I take Dax’s hand and pull him into a secluded corner.
“I really dislike Selene.” Dax cranes his neck and frowns at my cousin, who is happily chatting with his sister.
“You know what, it’s not my fault she kicked your ass.” I inch closer. “What is the deal with the Mitchells?” I whisper.
“First of all, she didn’t kick my ass. Second, I’m buying their business.” My eyes narrow at him.
“Don’t parade me around like some trophy in front of your associates.”
He gives me a smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “I don’t do well with orders.”
