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“Well, we better get down there before they all start talking business,” Zoey said as she ushered Lena out of her room and closed the door behind them.
As they entered the living room, Zoey stopped to take in how different it looked. She really should’ve been more of an active participant all afternoon. But Renita and Vincent told her they’d handle everything, and Zoey was more than happy to release the reins.
Although Renita brought in the rustic feel, she’d managed to keep the theme of the night—love. Zoey appreciated the time and effort she’d put into making it look just right. It was a shame all this had the potential to be wasted on a gathering that might turn out to be a brawl. But some of her brothers had their loves of their lives. Even if they fought Bennett, they’d still go home with their significant others. I’ll walk straight back upstairs and go to bed alone. As usual.
Not everyone was there yet. Dean and Tessa were still missing. Zoey truly was worried about his reaction the most. He might be her baby brother, but ever since he’d returned to Boston, he’d taken on the protective role more than the others. Most days she thought it was sweet to know he was looking out for her. Tonight was a different story.
“So where is this guy I’ve had to hear all about for the past two days?” Dean asked as he entered the house with Tessa by his side.
“Really, Dean? I thought we just got done saying we were going to enjoy the evening, not browbeat her boyfriend,” Tessa said as she shook her head apologetically at Zoey.
“Cut the guy some slack. He’s only saying what everyone is thinking, Tessa,” Alex said as he stood sipping his beer.
“And you wonder why you’re still single, Alex?” Shaun piped in.
Ever since Shaun had met Morgan, he’d become a new man. One who was actually much more accepting of things than anyone else.
Maybe you’re my hidden ally? God knows I need one in this family right now. “He’s just stuck in traffic. He should be here any—”
Bennett seemed to have appeared out of nowhere. She watched her brothers look at him, but it was apparent they hadn’t put two and two together yet. As he made his way over to her, Zoey couldn’t take her eyes off Dean. His expression was quickly changing, and she knew it was going to take a lot more than sweet words from Tessa to control him.
As soon as Bennett made it to her side, he pulled her into his arms and said, “Sorry, sweetheart. You know I hate to keep you waiting.” He placed a sweet, gentle kiss on her lips.
Zoey had thought about what it’d feel like, their first touch, first kiss. The only thing disappointing about it was that it ended way too soon. Although brief, it was long enough to cause her entire body to tingle.
“Damn. Not one of us saw that one coming.” Alex laughed.
Zoey heard Dean let out what sounded like a growl as he approached them. Please, Dean, don’t hate me. I had no choice but to do it this way.
“What the fu—?”
“Dean!” Tessa exclaimed. “This is not the time for—”
Her brother stopped and looked back at Tessa. Zoey saw the pleading look in Tessa’s eyes. She wanted to run across the room and give Tessa a huge hug of gratitude, but all she could do was wait, holding her breath, for Dean’s next move.
Bennett appeared not to be fazed by Dean’s reaction at all. Probably because his job requires him to provoke powerful men. Having their wrath aimed at him, even being shot at. But I’m not used to anyone coming toward me that angry. Even if it’s not me, Dean wants to rip someone to pieces.
Morgan was the first to come over and greet Bennett, totally ignoring Dean’s behavior. She actually gave him a quick welcoming hug. Zoey noticed Bennett was even surprised. “It’s so nice to see you again.”
Shaun was right by Morgan’s side. He extended his hand, but his eyes didn’t break contact with Dean’s. “I’d ask what you’ve been up to lately, but I’m not sure Dean’s ready for your response yet.”
Zoey heard Alex laugh at Shaun’s comment. He might find it humorous, but pushing Dean’s buttons any further wasn’t wise. The last thing she needed was them riling each other up. It wouldn’t take much to get out of control.
Bennett still had an arm around her waist. She didn’t feel any tension in his body, which blew her mind. How can he be so relaxed? There was no way he’d missed the looks and comments, yet it didn’t seem to have any effect on him.
“We ladies didn’t get all dressed up and pretty to be ignored,” Lena stated with a strong warning voice that captured the attention of the room. That was so out of character for Lena.
Brice pulled Lena close and said, “You do look amazing, darling.”
“Thank you, Brice.” Lena gave her husband a loving kiss.
Zoey was thrilled for the distraction so she could gather her thoughts. With the room finally quiet, she remembered Vincent had been cooking all day. Somehow she still didn’t know what was on the menu and truly didn’t care. They can’t argue with their mouths full. Or at least, they shouldn’t.
“There is some exquisite food waiting for us in the dining room. It’s a shame to let it go to waste.”
“Great. I’m starving,” Alex replied and headed toward the dining room first.
Slowly the others followed suit until only Dean and Tessa remained with Bennett and Zoey. Dean walked over to Bennett and said in a firm tone, “This isn’t over.”
