Page 144

He sighs heavily, closing his eyes and tilting his head back.

I grin, feeling giddy, knowing he’s going to give in.

“So, whose car are we taking?” I ask

He goes to open his mouth, but I raise a hand. “Whose. Car. Are. We. Taking?”

“Mine,” Saint sighs, knowing there’s no point.

“Fuck yeah. I’ve always wanted to go to a baby shower.”

“Really?” I laugh, smiling at how excited Shepherd is.

“I mean, there’s going to be cake, and fun games.” He shrugs. “Sounds fun. Plus, I love kids.”

“You know there's not going to be actual babies at the party, right?”

He pouts. “Not even one?”

“If we’re leaving, I’m having a team of men watching the perimeter of the house. And the three of us will be inside with you.”

“Fine by me.” I shrug, grinning like a fool. “Let's go!”

It feels so weird to be back in Stonehead Creek. It’s like I’m hit with waves of nostalgia, even though I’ve only been gone a few months.

Excitement bubbles up within me as we make our way up to Olivia’s front door. The guys trail close behind me, and not going to lie, this bodyguard vibe they’re giving off is hot as fuck.

I don’t bother knocking because it’s not something we do. We’ve always just walked into one another’s houses like it was our own. At least when we were expecting one another.

I have made the mistake of walking in on Olivia and her man going at it, and it’s something I still have yet to be able to scrub from my mind.

“Honey, I’m hooooome,” I shout as I walk into the house.

A few moments later, a very pregnant Olivia waddles her adorable self around the corner.

“Cove!” She bursts into tears, and the sight of my best friend has me crying too. “You’re here.”

“Of course I’m here,” I sob, wrapping my arms around her. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Fuck, I missed you.”

“I missed you too. Please never leave me again.”

“I won’t.” I hug her tighter before pulling back. “You look so fucking beautiful. God. I hate myself for missing all of this.”

“Don’t.” She wipes at her tears as I wipe at mine. “You had to do what made you happy.” Her eyes look over my shoulder. “Cove, I don’t know if you know this, but there are three insanely hot, tattooed men who look like they could snap a man like a twig behind you.”

“Gee, babe,” Malcolm, Olivia’s husband, says. “Right here.”

“You know I think you're the hottest man alive. But they look like the bad boys from mine and Cove’s dirty romance books,” Olivia says.

“Liv,” I laugh. “I’d like you to meet the men who have taken up all my time the past few months.” I step to the side. “This is Maverick, Saint, and Shepherd."

“All is forgiven.” Olivia grins at me like a madwoman. “Holy fuck, babe. Like, hooooo-ly fuuuuck.”

“I like her,” Shepherd chuckles. “You can keep her.”

“Thanks.” I roll my eyes. “Was planning on it anyways.”

“Come in. Come in.” Olivia waves us into the living room.