Page 49 of Hidden Monsters

“Okay,” Luke said, then turned to Orly. “Skyla is the owner’s daughter and manager here. Is beer okay or would you prefer something else?”

Orly smiled, loving how attentive he was, but not at all surprised by it. “Beer is fine.” She was also hungry, but she’d wait to order food until the guys did.

When the waitress brought over a couple of pitchers of beer, everyone helped themselves. Luke poured for her and Orly smiled her thanks.

Conversation flowed freely and the guys made small talk with Orly, making her feel welcome and included. She wasn’t surprised by their kindness, since they’d been so accepting of her, but she still had to stop and appreciate how different her experience was with Luke and his friends, versus so many other people, including Russell.

She’d spent her entire life trying to fit in, desperate to belong, always thinking she was the one somehow falling short. But sitting here with these amazing men, it suddenly dawned on her that maybe it had never been her. And that should’ve made her feel better, but instead, it only made the old wounds hurt more.

In the past, she’d done everything she could think of, bending over backwards trying to be someone she wasn’t, just to fit in. And it had taken her all these years to figure out there was nothing in the world she could’ve done to make them like or accept her. Their rejection of her was on them and even if she could blame it on her ability to hear people’s silent cries and prayers for help, that was just an easy excuse. The truth was, she was never going to fit in with any of the people from her past because she didn’t belong with them. She belonged here. With Luke. And his friends. Their friends, as Luke always reminded her.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Tanner’s laughter. She tuned back into their conversation, pleased the guys hadn’t noticed she’d been slightly distracted. They were joking and playfully ribbing each other, laughing and poking fun at different things going on in their lives. “So, you’re going to bring him down with a wind chime?” Martin asked with a chuckle.

Orly laughed. “Oh my gosh, it’s not that big of a deal, you guys.”

Tanner shot Luke a glance. “I agree, he’s the one who’s -”

“Don’t you dare blame this on me,” Luke interrupted. “I was simply telling y’all that my nights of peaceful slumber were probably coming to an end.”

Caden stifled a laugh, letting out a muffled cough instead.

“What?” Luke deadpanned.

Caden shrugged. “Nothing. I’m just imagining when you’ll be saying that again in the future.”

Luke’s expression blanked and he glanced at Orly, who was also doing her best to keep from laughing. “What is he implying?” Luke asked her.

Orly leaned into Luke and whispered, “babies.”

Luke blew out his breath, nearly spraying everyone with a mouthful of beer. “What?”

“You know, because babies usually keep their parents awake all night,” Orly explained.

Luke sighed and placed his beer down on the table. “Seriously,” he said to Caden. The other man just smirked and turned his attention to Blake who was animatedly telling a story about some plumbing issue at his mother’s house.

Orly gave Luke an understanding smile, but he wrapped an arm around her and pulled her into him. “Do you want babies?” He asked.

She was a little surprised by his directness, but saw no reason to hold back. “Yes? I mean, I’ve always wanted to have a family, but I guess with everything that was going on…”

“When?” He asked.

Her eyes widened. “When?” She parroted.

Luke nodded. “You tell me when and I'll put a baby in you.”

Orly nearly swallowed her tongue. “Just like that?”

Luke smiled. “I won’t be disappointed if it takes a few times, but yeah, just like that.” His hot breath hit the side of her neck, just as she swore her ovaries about exploded at his words. He’d mentioned something about having kids before, but it was in the throes of passionate sex. This was different.

“We should probably wait a bit,” she said, quickly.

Luke pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Anything you want.”

A server passed by then, tripping over his own feet, and nearly sending a tray full of dirty glasses to the floor. Martin caught the edge of the tray, steadying it, and Blake shot out a hand catching the server by his arm.

“Wow, thanks,” the server said, rebalancing the tray. “It’s only my second day and that would’ve come out of my paycheck.”

“No worries,” Blake said. “Take it easy, Man. You’re doing fine.”

---