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It takes me a moment to find my voice, but once I do, I go big and bold. It’s either that or go home, and the fact that Magnus unexpectedly reappeared in my life makes me brave. I also cannot ignore the strong feeling of romanticipation, that this time together could become something more.
Do I want that?
With Magnus?
Yeah. I think I do.
But first, there’s work for us both to do, and I don’t mean on the Junks.
Cocking my head to the side, I ask, “Do you say that because I’m wearing a dress or because you’ve seen ugliness and you’re trying to stick to your guns to keep me at a distance?”
His hand squeezes tighter around mine. “Both, but I’m fighting it, Lally. Usually, I win.” The weight in his voice is powerful, like he recognizes as much as I do that there’s something here, between us, but we’re wading in, and have to leave behind hangups and bad beliefs.
A smile sneaks across my lips. “Good. Keep at it. I’ve heard Boo makes a good battle buddy.”
“Sure does. Did your dogs get you through tough times?”
“Yeah. Them and a whole lot of time with God. Ice cream too.”
Magnus turns and his mouth opens and closes as if he wants to say something. “I’ve been thinking, this idea came to mind, and it’s kind of crazy, but I—” He cuts himself off.
I hold his gaze, wanting him to know he can tell me what it is, however wild, but the light outside shifts, and something glints behind him on the shelf against the wall. Our hands still linked, I walk toward it and pick up the small, shiny object.
“It’s a key. Looks like I found a spare.” This time, our hands brush when I set it in his palm.
Magnus studies it and shakes his head. “I’m not so sure. That looks like it belongs to a safe deposit box.”
Before I can ask questions, the dogs bark at the same time someone honks.
We step outside the cottages and our hands instantly drop like we’re not sure what this is and certainly aren’t ready to make it public. But like getting a hug on a cold day, my skin chills instantly without Magnus’s hand in mine.
Isla and Royal emerge from a black BMW. A guy who looks a lot like him emerges from an SUV and a third man with a striking resemblance to them all, but with longer and shaggier hair, pulls up in a Jeep.
“The gang is all here,” Magnus mutters.
“Hey, Lally,” Isla calls with a wave. Her gaze skips between Magnus and me, still standing close together.
“You’ve met half the McGregor brothers—Royal, the businessman and my fiancé. And Magnus, the soldier, I see.” Her lips quirk like she wants to say more.
I glance at him, but he’s steely-eyed as though not anticipating a welcome party.
“Say hello to the other two. Royal and Ryan are twins if that’s not obvious. He plays for the Miami Riptide. Ryan, not Royal. It’s also worth noting that he’s a rascal and can be quite flirty.”
Ryan smirks. “Not going to deny any of that. Nice to meet you, Lally.”
He reaches for my hand and Magnus claps him on the shoulder, blocking the contact. I half expect him to growl protectively. That’s what I have General for, but he’s gamboling around Ryan’s legs as if they’re long-lost friends.
“I had a BLT for lunch.”
“That explains it. General loves bacon.”
Ryan and I laugh. Magnus does not.
“And last but not least—”
CJ frowns, “No, I’m usually least. I’m used to it, though.”
“This is CJ. He’s an unknown quantity. A wildcard. What happens in his life, stays in his life,” Isla says.
