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There’s no heat behind his words, and it might make me sound silly, but I love that he’s teasing me like this. Like this is just a normal day for us.
“Ha. Good luck with that,” India snorts. “Kingstons always want the biggest tree they can get their hands on. It never fits, then half the brothers come over to be manly men and stand around the thing, drink a few beers, and bust out their chainsaws to make it fit in the house. It’s tradition.”
My heart aches because I haven’t seen any of my brothers, except Jace, in weeks.
Easton must sense my sudden sadness because the hand resting discreetly on my hip curls around my waist, and he kisses the top of my head. “Sounds like we better add a chainsaw to our list, princess. If you want this tree, I’ll call Pace, and we’ll make it fit for you.”
“Thanks,” I whisper and turn to my brother. “See you guys later.”
“Lindy,” Jace calls out. “Stop.”
When I raise my eyes to his, anger mixes with sadness and threatens to spill over. “You didn’t do anything wrong, Jace. It’s okay.”
“It’s not okay. Somebody has to make the first move, and I know you’re not going to want to hear this, but you’re younger, Linds. It’s got to be you. Come to the game tomorrow night. At least then, you’ll have to see some of them. It could be a start.”
“Maybe,” I offer without making any promises.
“I’ll be there with the kids,” India tells me as she reaches out and squeezes my hand. “Ask my somewhat misguided husband. I’ve been so excited for you and Easton since I found out you two got married. I always thought you would end up together.”
You’d think by now I’d be done tearing up, but apparently, I’m not. “You’re the first person in the family to say that.”
“Thanks, India,” Easton tells her. “We have a meeting with Sam tomorrow to discuss getting Lindy security on her terms. I think we need to make sure we’ve got something in place before she goes to one of my games. These fucking paparazzi are like roaches. They’re fucking everywhere.”
“Really?” Jace’s shocked voice almost makes me laugh—almost. “You’re going to give in and get Charles back?”
“Maybe. We’re going to see what Sam says. I’m telling you, Jace. I’m not doing this again if anyone other than me is in charge of it. If I give in and get security, they have to answer to me.”
“Give in to who?” Jace asks, confusion lacing his tone.
“To me,” Easton pulls me closer. “They followed us to the grocery store last week. She canceled her baby skaters classes because she didn’t want to leave the damn house. I need her safe.” He turns me to face him, and I hate the guilt I see on his face. “You’ll have all the control, baby. But you need someone there when I can’t be.”
“Can we please just get the tree? I was having a good day, and I don’t want to ruin it. We’ll deal with it tomorrow.”
I may know I need security, but I’ve only just started to get a tiny glimpse of having a life without being followed by a bodyguard, and it felt really nice to not be followed twenty-four seven. Knowing I need one is pissing me off.
“Yeah, princess. Let’s go home.”
I nod and lean into him. “Let’s go home.”
* * *
“Okay, that’s fucking hot.” Everly taps her martini glass to mine and sips as we watch Easton, Pace, Maddox, and Callen working to get our tree up. India was right, Easton and Pace had to cut the bottom off to get the thing to fit in our condo. But it was worth it because it’s perfect, and now I have an incredible view of my husband’s ass as he sets up the tree.
“You realize Callen’s over there too, right?” Grace asks as Everly drools over Pace and his arm porn. I mean I can get on board with it. He came from the office in a rolled-up white dress shirt before he started helping Easton. Brightly colored tattoos cover his forearms, which flex and move as he helps Easton adjust the tree.
Kenzie comes in with the shaker of candy-cane martinis and looks at the guys, then back over to us. “Have you seen him since we’ve been back from Vegas, Evie?”
“Nope. I came, he conquered. No repeat needed.”
I choke on my martini and somehow avoid snorting it out of my nose as Brynlee sighs.
“Seriously, this is better than porn if you can get past Maddox over there.” Bryn kicks her feet up on the coffee table. “I need to get laid.”
“I volunteer as tribute,” Callen announces, then winks at Brynlee, and we all laugh.
That’s how our night goes.
Lots of laughter.
