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I spin in time to brace as two brunette women hurl themselves at me. Addie and Carson hug, kiss, and shake me until I’m dizzy.
“It’s about time you got here!” Carson’s excitement is a surprise.
I’ve been around Ford’s sisters a few times, and they have always been welcoming but never like this.
Pepper finishes her popsicle in time to welcome the newcomers. They pet and praise her until she’s laid out on her side in doggie bliss. She drags her paw dangerously close to Ember’s rounded stomach and I flinch.
“Pepper, careful.”
“She’s fine. The baby is protected,” Ember assures me.
“Daddy says we are the most protected babies on the planet,” Finnley pipes in.
“That’s not exactly what I meant, but she speaks the truth,” Ember agrees proudly.
“I’d be inclined to get knocked up if I had this many hot men watching out for me.” Addie fans her face.
“Addie! There are children present,” Carson chides, then mouths, “I agree.”
“Rowan.” Robbie steps in, kissing me on the cheek. “You look beautiful.”
A blush creeps up my neck and I bow my head. “Thank you.”
“He’s not the only one who thinks you are beautiful,” Carson whispers.
A prickle skitters across my skin and my eyes travel across the yard. Ford is standing on his patio. My heart skips and races at the sight of him shirtless, in black swim trunks with his arms crossed. His eyes lock with mine, the hazel glimmering in the distance. Not a trace of disgust or repulsion in the gleam.
Never has he looked at me this way. It penetrates deep inside, holding me captive.
He licks his lips and my tongue jets out, doing the same. Heat builds in his gaze. He takes a step forward and is immediately stopped as the brunette from the other night prances in his path.
It’s impossible not to gawk at the shiny bronze material barely covering her body.
Ice water douses through my system, breaking the spell, and I snap back to find all attention on me.
My skin burns for a different reason as a muted shriek escapes Carson. “Dammit, I knew she was up to something. Fucking never changes. We made a huge mistake.”
She stomps away, dodging kids and marching up the steps to get in the girl’s face.
“Uh-oh,” I mumble.
Ember laughs outright and Robbie chuckles, hoisting his daughter in his arms. “Let’s go swimming, Starlight.”
Her hand goes to the Star tattoo on his chest and she smiles big.
My insides melt at the scene, knowing the tattoo is a testament to Ember, who Cruz nicknamed ‘Little Star’. Apparently, Robbie has multiple stars with his girls.
“Enough, gah! Time to get Rowan a drink.” Addie links her hand with mine.
I let her drag me away, noticing the change in her demeanor. We pass the bar, her releasing my hand to grab two margaritas and shove one at me.
“Menace. We made a huge mistake suggesting she stay here.” She props her hand on her hip, taking a huge gulp.
“Who?”
“Tera.”
“Who’s Tera?”
