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Another member sidled up next to Rourke and had his arm over the shoulder of a striking brunette who was smiling at her. She recognized the man as Trax. Of all the brothers she had met, he seemed the most easy-going, which didn’t say much since they all seemed to throw scowls her way. He lifted his chin to Caden and then turned to her.
“Hey Riss, how are you?” Trax said.
She drew in a shaky breath. “I’m good, how are you?”
He smiled with a sharp nod and then jerked his head toward the woman under his arm. “This is Chey.”
She wiggled her way out of his hold and stepped closer. “It’s nice to meet you, Rissa.” She extended her hand, and Marissa clasped her palm against Chey’s.
“You too.” She struggled with saying more, but the fiery, dark-haired woman angled her body between Marissa and Chey.
“I’m Macy, and in case you have any doubts about Cade,” she raised her brows with a playful smile, “the man is awesome.” She leaned closer. “Like seriously, Cade is the shit.” She winked, and Marissa fought back a smile, angling her head toward Cade, who seemed to be blushing under Macy’s compliments.
“What the fuck?” The sharp bark came from Rourke who was glaring at Macy who seemed unfazed. Macy rolled her eyes and then glanced over her shoulder.
“What? He is. I’m not gonna downplay how much I adore Cade.” She scoffed and turned back to Marissa with a wide grin. “Obviously, I’m with Rourke.” She giggled and stepped forward, getting into Marissa’s personal space. “So, listen, Cade’s coming up to help with the move. You need to come hang out with us.” She jerked her head to Chey, who was nodding with a smile.
Marissa nodded, not quite sure what she was committing to, but it seemed to appease Macy and Chey.
Macy clapped her hands and turned to Rourke. “I’m starving, babe.”
He gestured for her to take a place in line, which she did. Chey and Trax followed suit. Caden turned to Marissa.
“I just gotta make sure everything is set.” He leaned closer, kissing her. It was quick, but nonetheless, sweet. “You good?”
She nodded.
He released her hand and walked into the kitchen.
Marissa stepped back against the wall and watched the group. It had caught her off guard with Trax seemingly eager to introduce his woman to her. But he had. They seemed less intimidating with their hands clasped with their women. Trax glanced over his shoulder and smiled, which Marissa returned. It was meant to put her at ease. She appreciated the gesture.
She waited in the corner trying to blend with the wall. She was out of her element with so many strangers.
Caden walked over after setting up the food on the counter. As the line grew, he ducked out of the kitchen and made his way toward her with a grin.
His hands wrapped around her waist and tugged her against his chest. “Ya wanna get in there. The guys? They’ll take seconds on their first helpings. C’mon.” He clasped his hand through hers and settled her in line in front of him. They moved through the line, and she took a little of everything. She grabbed utensils from the table and walked out to the living room. Most seats around were taken except for one on the couch next to Drake. He glanced up and winked, motioning to the seat next to him. She glanced over his shoulder and found Caden’s amused grin beaming at her.
“Go sit.”
She made her way to Drake and took the seat next to him. She ate while listening to the banter of the room. There was definitely a family vibe among the workers and tenants. It was warm and comforting. She didn’t add to the conversation but joined in the laughs, which fell mostly on Grady’s shoulders.
He stood up and glanced down at Marissa. “They’re all assholes. Don’t believe a word they say.”
She chuckled and continued her meal. It seemed everyone was going to Trevor’s football game. Oddly enough, Dylan cleaned up most of the mess from the kitchen. When she brought her plate to the sink, he grabbed it from her.
“I got this.”
She backed up into the corner, and without realizing it, backed into Caden. His hands gripped her waist, and she turned into his chest.
“You get enough to eat?”
She nodded. “Yeah, it was fun. But uh…..where’s Jack?”
She had expected to see him at some point during the night. She’d even looked for him.
Caden sighed. “Rough day. He’s gonna stay home with Lucy.”
Her smile faded. Poor Jack.
