“He called me yesterday. Wanted to talk about some things.”
“What kind of things?” She asks suspiciously.
“The kind of things men talk about when his only daughter is about to move in with her boyfriend.”
“Should I be embarrassed?”
“No, but you may feel differently when you hear what Johnny had to say.”
“You’re kidding me!” She throws her head back, rumbling.
“It’s all good, babe.”
“Easy for you to say. But I can’t worry about that right now. Your mom mentioned something to me today that threw me off-guard.”
Her statement slams into me, and I know instantly what she’s talking about. “Shit! Dammit! Is it about the Gala? I forgot.”
“Forgot! How can you forget?”
“Sweetness, I’ve had a lot on my mind. School’s coming to a close, graduation’s around the corner, work is about to get crazy, and we’re buying a house. Cut me some slack. Maybe we’ll skip it this year.”
“We can’t skip it! Your mom was adamant I invite my family. I want to go.”
“Okay, we’ll go, but don’t blame me when you’re bored out of your mind.”
“Will you wear a tux?”
“I guess. Probably should talk to Ember soon about that. It’s Thanksgiving weekend this year, right?”
“Yes, and there’s no way I will be bored. I still think about the night at the symphony, and my first glimpse at you. It took my breath away.”
My mind floods with memories of that night—our first kiss, the taste of champagne and sugar, the way she felt in my arms, and mostly the way she looked. She was stunning; I was mesmerized from the second she stepped out of the car. My dick starts to stir, and I grab her hand, kissing along her knuckles.
“I’ll book us a room at the hotel where it’s held. This time, I’m not stopping when you wrap yourself around me. It’ll be like a fantasy come to life to peel you out of your dress and fuck you against the window.”
I glance over and catch her blushing with a shine in her eyes. “You’ve got a deal.”
“Max!” Presley flies into his arms, and he spins her around as she squeals. “It’s so great to see you!”
Jealousy spikes in my blood, and I have to take a few breaths to remember he’s my best friend. He makes eye contact and takes pleasure in seeing me tense. His head drops to her shoulder, and he hugs her tight, watching me the whole time.
There’s a low growl that escapes my throat, and the whole room looks at me. I don’t try to hide my aggravation.
“Chill out, I haven’t seen her since our camping trip. Can’t help if she missed me.”
“I did. I missed you a lot. And Winnie, yeesh! She asks about you all the time.” Presley moves back a bit, but wraps her arms around his waist with another squeeze.
“Presley, come here.” My voice is husky. Max starts to chuckle, and she gives me a dramatic eye-roll.
“Ignore him. I do.” She steps away and goes to hug Abbi, Ember, and Harper. Then she drops to the floor, petting Blade. He whines in her hands, and I actually find myself relating to a fucking dog.
Tripp and Reese come in next, holding hands, and Max gives me a sideways glance. I tried to explain that Tripp had a girlfriend, but he had to see it for himself.
Cruz appears from the kitchen with a tray of drinks, and Alex hands out beer. Robbie sits in his chair, pulling Ember into his lap. She gives him a look, and he whispers something in her ear, making her face turn pink.
I tag another chair and pat my knee for Presley. She sits and nestles her body into mine warmly.
“So, we invited you all here tonight because we found out the sex of the baby this week.” Ember starts to glow. “You are our best friends, and we wanted to share with everyone together. Our parents and Raven already know, but we swore them to secrecy until tonight.”