AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Nothing of the sort. We just want to make sure you’re okay. We haven’t had a chance alone since you left Tom’s suddenly last week.”
“I’m fine. The alcohol got to me.”
“Must have been in the air because Ford never came back around.”
My nerves spark to life. “I saw him briefly leaving the restroom.”
“And?” Jewls presses.
“And nothing.”
“Give it up, girlfriend. I didn’t fall off the turnip truck yesterday.” Her southern drawl brings a small smile.
“A few men offered to buy me a drink on the way to the restroom. Ford was concerned they overstepped their bounds. It was a simple and quick conversation. I was coming back to the bar and felt flushed. Ran into Shelby and went home.”
“So you said. You sure you ran into Shelby and it wasn’t Ford who took you home?”
“Oh my God, no.”
“No?”
“Leave her alone, Jewls. I believe her.” Harley comes to my rescue.
“Dammit! I was hoping Ford finally got on with it.” Jewls pouts. “He’s taking too long.”
“Not sure we are ones to talk.” Harley winks at me.
“Right.” I wink back, feeling the pressure inside release.
“Now come on. Carson and Addie are dying to see you. Warning: Shayla is bartending and pouring heavy.”
“Thanks for the heads up.”
We walk back to the pool area where the party is in full swing. Children are shouting and a high-pitched girly squeal blares as Declan tosses his daughter high into the air. I scan for Pepper and find her laid out on Ember’s lounge chair. Ember’s daughter, Finnley, is patiently holding out a popsicle that Pepper is devouring.
“Go mingle.” Harley takes the food and heads to the outdoor kitchen.
“I should be mad at you,” Ember states when I get to her. “We were supposed to watch Pepper.”
“Sorry?” I offer unapologetically. Pepper has been a delight.
“No, you’re not.” She raises her sunglasses, her blue eyes twinkling. “I don’t blame you. She’s a wonderful canine niece.”
Ember and Cruz are technically cousins, but their relationship is more like brother and sister.
“She’s a great dog.”
“I know, and to be honest, we were the last resort. Cruz really wanted someone to stay with her at their townhome. With this pregnancy and our already crazy lives, that was impossible.”
“The townhome is nice, too.”
Finnley glances up at me, her own blue eyes sparkling, “Uncle Cruz’s place is awesome. You should build a fort.”
“A fort, huh?”
“Ugh, Finn, Robbie, Cruz, and Alex have an unhealthy competition about who can build the best forts. My children are pawns in their games,” Ember complains without an ounce of irritation.
“ROWAN!”
