Total pages in book: 174
Estimated words: 172061 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 860(@200wpm)___ 688(@250wpm)___ 574(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 172061 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 860(@200wpm)___ 688(@250wpm)___ 574(@300wpm)
The man basically melted as he took her.
Raven melted, too.
“Maybe we don’t have to play,” she suggested with a coy grin.
Otto chuckled. “Don’t worry, baby, you and I will have our own game later.”
“Tease,” she whispered back.
“You callin’ me a tease when I have to look at you dressed like that all afternoon? You know exactly how to have me twisted around those pretty little fingers, don’t you?”
In an instant, they were wrapped in each other, their baby enfolded between them as they murmured words that none of us could hear.
“Dude does it just to drive me out of my mind,” River grumbled as he helped Charleigh to her feet.
Giggling, she snuggled into his chest. “You just don’t have anyone to get annoyed at you when you do the same to me.”
He curled a muscled arm around her, and she yelped as he tugged her close.
“Oh, sheesh, they’re gettin’ all lovey dovey again. They’ve been kissing a whole lot, so I bet that means I’m going to get a baby brother or sister.” Nolan huffed like it was putting him out.
River grinned down at him, still holding Charleigh tight. “What would you say about that? A baby brother or sister?”
“I say I like it as long as I don’t gotta share a room.”
“Well, we’ll have to keep that in mind.” River looked back at Charleigh. She blushed a sweet shade of excitement and anticipation.
“Uh, do you have something you need to tell us?” Otto demanded with a cock of his head.
“Nothin’ specific yet.” River turned the weight of his attention to Charleigh, his words dropping into seduction as he whispered toward her. “But I’m working on it.”
“Work harder,” Theo razzed from off to the side.
“Don’t mind if I do.” He buried his face in Charleigh’s neck.
“All right, there are children present,” Kane said with a laugh. “Think we’d better divert course and do this thing!” He swung his arms out wide and smacked his hands together.
“We’re gonna do it, Daddy!” Maci hopped toward him.
“All right then. This round’s rules.” Kane cracked his knuckles and gave a grin that promised he was up to no good. “Girls hide first. Their men find them and tag them before they make it back to base on those stairs…” He pointed to the back porch steps. “Then we get one favor.”
It smacked of innuendo.
Emery knocked his hip with hers. “You’re bound to get one of those anyway. What’s in it for me?”
“That favor.” He wagged his brows.
Playfully, she shoved him in the shoulder. “You think that’s what I’m living for, huh?”
He hooked an arm around her waist. “All I know, Little Warrior, is that what I’m livin’ for is you.”
How were these men so sweet? I should be terrified. Packing my things and weighing different options. Not peeking over at Cash and watching his reaction to them.
“What do I get if I win, Daddy?” Maci asked, tugging at Kane’s hand.
“Hmm…” Kane drew it out. “I’m thinking an ice cream party. But only if you run really fast.”
“Ice cream party?” Colin looked like he might pass out from joy. “That sounds like the best thing I ever heard.”
Maci swept the sole of one shoe on the ground and then the other, like she was a bull getting ready to charge. “You better have bought my favorite strawberry ice cream, Daddy, because I’m really fast. I’ve been taking my ballet and tumbling classes with my Nolan, and I’ve got really good moves.”
Chuckling, he ran his hand down the back of her head. “Can’t wait to see those moves.”
“In my recital?” Excitement widened her eyes.
Another chuckle. “Oh yeah, can’t wait to see that, too, but I’m counting on some extra fancy ones right now.”
“Then you better start counting ’cause I’m gonna win!”
“All right, all the men cover your eyes for the first round. Remember, kids, you have to stay with your assigned teammate. No running off alone.”
Kane gave a quick glance around to make sure every child was with a parent.
Taking Emery’s hand, Maci swayed at her side. “Don’t worry, Daddy, we already know the rules and we always gotta follow ’em because they’re for our safety.”
“I am really safe with our Big Grumpy Giant.” Colin gripped onto Cash’s hand.
Those hazel eyes found mine.
A tumultuous storm, though with it, that promise blustered out.
A promise that it was true.
Colin was safe with him.
We all were.
And I was having a hard time imagining not being surrounded by that hedge of protection forever. Wishing it wasn’t just his loyalty involved, but that it was his heart, too.
The sun had begun to set, and a silvery sheen glittered in the air. That grayed pink that kissed every surface as twilight took hold. Giggles rolled from all over the yard as everyone ran to search for a hiding spot.
Exhilaration thudded my heart as I held tight to Addy and Eva’s hands as we sneaked along the forest line.