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After the birthdayhaunted house mischief, I’m sitting around the pool having drinks with my friends and Isla, who is sitting in my lap with her legs propped up on my brother’s. I can’t help but think about how lucky we got when she stumbled into our life.
Isla shifts in my lap and goes to stand up. “I’m going to grab a snack, do any of y’all want anything?” she asks, stretching her arms. When we all say no, she leans over and kisses me. “Alright, I’ll be right back then,” she says, before grinning at me and sauntering off.
I groan watching her amazing ass sway as she walks away, my amazing view cut off when Heather, one of the deputies I work with, comes walking over. Before Isla, I used to think she was pretty but there was never any chemistry there.
She’s about five or six inches taller than Isla’s five foot three, but super slender, and not many curves, as she’s mostly leg. However, her face is pretty enough with her bright green eyes and blonde hair, but seeing her now next to the woman of my dreams, she looks so plain.
“Hey Odin, how’s your party been?” she asks cheerfully, perching on a nearby stool.
“Hey Heather, it’s been pretty great, actually. Isla and her grandmother really outdid themselves with everything.”
For a split second, a calculating look crosses her eyes, but before I have a chance to figure out why, Isla plops back down in my lap with a plate of food. “You have got to try this, babe! It’s an alligator boudin ball filled with cheese. It’s so fucking good!” She shoves the food in question at me so I take a bite.
“Damn! That is good!” I take another bite, and Bodie huffs.
“It can’t be that good,” he grumbles, walking over and grabbing one off the plate.
When he takes a bite, his shoulders slump slightly. “Okay, you were right. This is really good. I’ll have to find the recipe and learn to make it.”
Isla chuckles at Bodie’s pouting. “Aw baby, you’re still my favorite chef.”
A humph from Heather’s direction gets Isla’s attention. “Oh, I’m so sorry! I was distracted by this freaking awesome food. I’m Isla, and you are?” Isla offers her hand.
Heather looks her up and down and purses her lips. “Deputy Heather. I work with Odin.”
She gives Isla’s hand a small shake, then stands up and smiles sweetly at me. “I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday, so I’m going to head out. I’ll see you at work tomorrow.” She doesn’t give me a chance to answer as she shoots Isla a look, walks past me, and squeezes my shoulder. What the fuck was that about?
Isla looks at her retreating form then back and me. “Um, did y’all date or something?”
I scrunch my nose up. “Uh no, definitely not. She asked me out to dinner once, but I told her I don’t date co-workers and she never mentioned it again. She isn’t really my type, either,” I say, nuzzling into her neck and kissing her.
Sinking into me, she places her now empty plate on the table next to us and snuggles close. “What time is it?” she asks around a yawn. Even her yawning is adorable.
I check my watch, surprised by the hour. “It's nine forty-five, so it’s time to start ushering people out, and we need to get the kids to bed.”
I stand with her in my arms, kissing her before setting her on her feet. My brothers, who have all been talking with some buddies, take notice and stand too.
“What’s up, man?” my twin asks, walking over so he can kiss Isla.
“It’s getting late, so we need to wrap this up. We all have work, the boys have school, and you’re subbing tomorrow, aren’t you Babygirl?” I reply to my brother, then turn to Isla.
“Yeah, I have a second grade class tomorrow,” she nods, walking over to hug Silas.
“Alright, so… Orin, Callum, and I will start clearing house, and y’all can go get the kids and take them to our wing for bed.”
Isla leans over so she can whisper in my ear, “Yes, Sir. Better hurry up so I can worship you with my mouth.” She bites my earlobe then winks, scurrying back where I can’t reach her.
“I’ll get my payback, brat,” I growl.
“Looking forward to it!” she calls over her shoulder as she dashes into the house
Damn, I love this woman.
* * *
ISLA
We finally getour three kids herded to our side of the house, and thankfully Brittany had her people taking down the haunted house as soon as the last of our guests went through so it wasn't scary. Most of the parents were there getting their children as well. They all made a point to thank us for making sure the kids had a good time as well.
