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She popped the tab, lifting the soda to her mouth and taking a mouthful. It really was hot today. She could feel tiny curls of her hair sticking to her neck, and her t-shirt clinging to her skin. She pressed the can to her chest, closing her eyes as it cooled her, then looked up.
Her eyes meeting Michael’s.
He was holding a bottle of water in one hand, the other shoved into his pocket. The nurse was next to him, her head tipped to the side as he talked to Cam, like she was listening avidly.
Grace narrowed her eyes and shook her hair, taking another sip of soda.
“Hey honey,” Aunt Mia called out to her, noticing her staring in their direction. “Come talk to me.”
For a minute, she considered making a run for it. Getting away from this whole scene. But everybody was watching. Including Michael. She took a deep breath and walked over to her aunt and kissed her cheek.
“How are you?” she asked Mia.
“Tired but good.” Mia smiled. Then she looked over at Michael and Rhona. “What do you think?” she whispered. “I set her up with Michael. She’s pretty, isn’t she?”
Grace nodded. “Yep.” Her voice was clipped.
“He needs some romance in his life. Goodness knows he doesn’t relax enough.”
Grace wanted to tell her he was completely relaxed in her bed last night. But she didn’t.
“So, what do you have planned for this weekend?” Mia asked her.
Grace blew out a mouthful of air. “I’m going to New York. Meeting up with some friends.” She said it loud enough that Michael could hear. “It’s lovely being around my parents, and all of you,” Grace said, waving her hand around. “But I need to kick back and enjoy myself.”
Mia laughed. “I know what you mean. Can’t be easy having your whole family surrounding you all the time.”
The nurse touched Michael’s chest again. She saw him subtly move back.
Okay. Breathe. It was going to be fine.
“Rhona, come meet Grace,” Mia beckoned at her. “Honey, this is Rhona.”
“Hi.” Grace gave her a tight smile. “It’s good to meet you.”
“You too. Are you part of the family, too?” Rhona had a low voice. Sensual.
“She’s my niece,” Mia interjected. “Michael’s cousin.”
Grace’s smile wavered.
“You look too young to be his cousin.” Rhona looked over her shoulder at Michael. He was pointedly talking to Cam.
“We’re step cousins.” Weird how important it felt to say that out loud. “And I’m twenty-six,” she told her.
Rhona laughed. “I remember those days. By the way, you’re so pretty.”
Why was she so nice when Grace wanted to hate her? “Thank you. So are you. I love your hair.” There. She could be nice if she had to.
“Thank you.” Rhona patted it. “I get so sick of having it up all day for work. So I went to the salon to give myself a treat.”
Grace swallowed. “That’s nice.” She looked at her Aunt Mia.
“I should go,” she said to her. “Sabrina and Mason were starting World War Three as I left. I think I’m gonna have to play the UN.”
“Give them a shake for me,” Mia said, her lips curling. “And take it from me. Never have kids.”
“Wasn’t planning on it.” Grace lifted a brow. “Bye, Rhona. It was lovely to meet you. Have a good evening.”
