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Bizzy is standing in a doorway, waving rapidly with a welcoming smile. Shaw is behind her, his hands on her shoulders possessively, but his eyes are locked on me.
“Bizzy and Shaw,” I murmur to remind Logan, quickening my steps.
“You’re finally here.” Bizzy shifts from Shaw and embraces me tightly. “I’ve been watching for you. Everyone is so excited you’re here,” she whispers and gives me an extra squeeze before stepping back into Shaw.
Logan introduces himself to Shaw; then it’s my turn. I swallow hard and extend my hand, hoping he can’t see through my nervous smile. “Hi, I’m Grace. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
He drops his eyes to my hand then raises them to mine. A bead of sweat slides down my back as seconds pass. He completely shocks me by sidestepping Bizzy and getting into my personal space. His arms wrap around me as his lips brush my cheek. “You have no idea how nice it is to meet you, Grace.”
His voice is smooth and deep, sending a different kind of chill up my spine. I hug him back, having to balance on my toes not to face-plant into his chest. Just like Nick, Shaw is much taller than me.
The moment is interrupted when a loud screeching comes from inside the room. “We’re waiting! Let her go! Damn, Shaw, you’re as bad as Biz.” I recognize Claire’s voice and feel Shaw tense before moving away.
“She’s very mouthy,” he starts to explain, causing me to laugh at the same term Nick used.
“I already met her and really like her.”
“God help us all.”
Logan steps to my side and bends to my ear. “You got this.” His words fuel my confidence, and I square my shoulders, turning to the room. The instant I step inside, I’m swooped into a hug from Claire then introduced around.
When I meet Maria and Seth Bennett, there’s no denying the Bennett brothers got their looks from their parents. They immediately make me feel comfortable, reminding me a lot of my own parents.
The conversation is easy as they ask Logan and me about the gallery and comment on the local write-up in today’s Arts Section. Logan tries to play off their praise, but I know he’s beaming inside.
Mathis joins us and stands close, swinging an arm over my shoulder. “You ever been to an NFL game before, Grace?”
“Actually, no. This is my first.”
He clutches his chest and gasps. “You’re kidding!”
Shaw comes to my other side, looking at his brother as something passes between them. I’d swear Shaw’s lips twitch as he jerks his chin.
“Well, since it’s your inaugural game, I think we need to give you a special present. Make this day memorable…” Mathis goes on and glances at Claire
.
She smiles big, walking over with her arms behind her back. When she gets to us, she hands me a bag. “This is for you.”
All eyes are on me as I accept the gift. Bizzy’s face is a slight shade of pink, and her lips are pursed together. I can’t tell if she’s upset or about to laugh.
I dig in and pull out an official Miami team jersey and squeal. “Oh, wow! This is so great!” I hold it up to show everyone then toss it on over my tank top. It swallows me, but I don’t care.
“Don’t get any ideas, Logan. This belongs to me,” I tease, knowing he’s got to be biting back jealousy. But when I catch his eye, his face is dancing with humor.
I glance down, smoothing it out. There’s no chance to ask what he’s smirking about because there’s a loud rumbling noise behind me.
“What the hell are you wearing?” Nick’s voice booms, and I jump to find him standing in the doorway looking disgusted. He’s partially suited up in his football pants, but waist up, he’s wearing a tight tank top, outlining every ridge and muscle.
“Hey! It’s my new jersey. Isn’t it awesome? Your brothers gave it to me.”
His eyes dart between Shaw and Mathis, and a muscle in his jaw starts to tick.
“Sweet Peach, take that shit off.” This is not a request but a demand.
I’m stunned by his rude behavior.
“Nick, what’s gotten into you?”
