Page 68 of Carver’s Craving

“You bet.” Thor grabbed our untouched menus and headed out of the room.

I leaned over. “You could’ve had onions.”

“Not with what I have planned.” His whisper tickled my ear.

I grinned. “There is such a thing as toothpaste.”

He grinned right back. “When I get you home, aside from taking the dogs out, I don’t have any intention of doing anything but getting you back to my room.” He licked his lips.

Heat crept into my cheeks. I hadn’t expected him to be so explicit. So brazen. Even when there was no way anyone had heard him.

When I pivoted my attention back to the table, though, Cody had a shit-eating grin.

I shrugged sheepishly.

He winked. Then he ran his hand through Lorcan’s short hair.

Lorcan leaned into the touch.

Carver put his arm on the back of my chair.

I leaned back against it. Because this felt right. Soon, I was involved in a discussion with Agatha about which kind of guitar was best. Because, in fact, her husband was a drummer, and she knew a ton about music.

Carver moved closer. “I didn’t know about Jim.” Agatha’s husband.

I brushed my hand against his—assuring him that I was just fine. In fact, I was enjoying myself—talking to someone about music.

The food was next-level amazing, and I consumed the entire platter. I’d eaten only yogurt for lunch in anticipation of tonight. In fact, I finished Carver’s fries for him.

Foster and Arnav were the first to take off—with kids at home. Aimee was next, as she had two teenagers who were constantly up to mischief. In truth, she also looked pretty wiped. Agatha, Stella, and some of the guys left next.

I found myself with just Carver, Lorcan, and Cody.

Lorcan fingered Cody’s hair. “Christmas is coming soon.”

I blinked. Okay. Not what I expected. I’d thought, maybe, something about how soft his husband’s hair was. Nope. Just a reminder that the holiday—which I’d given exactly zero thoughts to—was just over a month away. “Uh. Yeah.”

“We’re having Cody’s aunt over. Genessa. Is a hoot.”

Carver chuckled. “You’ve shared stories.”

“Mei, our rescue dog adores her. Well, so does Trifle the three-legged cat.” Cody gazed at Lorcan. “Next week is the anniversary of us meeting.”

Lorcan’s cheeks pinkened.

Okay…there’s a story there. For sure. I wasn’t going to ask. I still wasn’t certain where the Christmas comment had come from.

Cody turned his attention to us. “You guys have plans for the holidays?”

I blinked. “Uh…I just…”

“Styx is newly arrived.” Carver offered a smile. “I haven’t even found the courage to ask him to stay.”

Well, shit.

“Oh.” Cody winced. “And here I am—about to invite you to our Christmas Day party. Sort of a drop-in thing for anyone who wants to come. We’re especially reaching out to people who might not have family around.” He held Carver’s gaze.

Who nodded. “That’s right. Thanks for remembering.”