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“They’re fries,” Xavier muttered as he rolled his eyes. “You’ve been in the US way too long to still be calling them chips.”
“You can take the boy out of England, but you can never take the England out of the boy.” I subtly lifted my hand and gave him a one-finger salute.
Alena giggled, the sound like music to my ears. “You guys are ridiculous.”
“We’re growing on you, admit it.” Julian winked at her.
Red crept into her cheeks and she nodded before she turned her gaze to me. “Chicken fettuccine Alfredo?”
“I knew you were perfect for us.” I grasped her free hand and brought it to my lips. “That just so happens to be my specialty and an ultimate house favorite. Elias, take my spot and keep her feet elevated and warm and I’ll go make dinner.”
I stood up, and Elias sat, taking my place. A smile danced over my lips as I leaned down and kissed Alena’s cheek before retreating to the kitchen. “Don’t worry, love. Take all the time you need. We’ll still be here when you’re ready to tell us.” I gave her upper arm a squeeze before leaving her in three sets of very capable hands.
CHAPTER6
Alena
Dinner was not what I expected. I expected to sit down and eat pasta.
What I did not expect was the desperate need to change my underwear.
Because watching Simon cook was a thing of beauty.
The guys had plopped me down in a cushioned barstool with a high back, my feet on a pillow on another stool. Simon kept a close eye on me, coming over to feed me small bites every so often.
He’d ditched his tie before he unbuttoned and rolled up his sleeves, revealing powerful forearms. He worked in the kitchen as if he were dancing. His large hands worked with impressive skills to prepare everything for the chicken fettuccine.
Simon even prepared the Alfredo sauce from scratch.
Oh man, I was a goner.
I bit down on my bottom lip, watching the muscles in his arms flex as he diced up some parsley to throw into the sauce.
“Sweetheart?” Simon asked, the one word sending another wave of warmth through my body. “Alena, are you alright?”
“Huh?” My eyes widened, and I met his gaze as heat flushed over my cheeks. “What was the question?”
A knowing smirk tilted the corners of his lips. “You like to watch me cook. Good to know, love.”
When he finished, he placed the various dishes around the table and scooped me up to set me down at an elegant mahogany table just off the kitchen.
“Thank you.” I beamed up at him. “This looks—“ I was cut off by the loud grumble that echoed from my stomach.
“Oh! Sorry.”
“Someone is hungry,” Julian teased as he sank down into the chair beside me.
The others filed in, and soon plates were filled and conversation flowed freely.
The guys were close and made jokes at each other’s expense. I had felt so relaxed and at home for the first time in my life I’d been sad when dinner was over.
Julian brought me up to a large room with a princess canopy bed that made me gasp.
“Oh! It’s beautiful!” I looked around the room happily. “Are you sure I can stay here?”
Julian ran his hand down my back. “This is your room. We’ve just been waiting for you to take it.” He pressed his lips to my forehead. “I brought in a pair of Elias’ shorts, Xavier’s shirt, and one of my pillows for you. Kinda figured you enjoyed Simon’s flamingo socks. No need to thank me, but I gave those to him as a gag gift for Christmas.” Julian cupped my cheek. “Do you need help changing?”
Blushing, I shook my head. “No. Thank you for bringing me these things for bedtime.” Now I wouldn’t have to sleep in my clothes.
