Page 33 of Steamy Ever After

His tall frame towered over my petite one. He was unbelievably handsome, with sharp features that demanded my attention. His cheekbones and jaw were exquisitely cut, and he was impeccably groomed. He exuded authority like the scent of cologne, and the intensity in his gaze uncloaked a seriousness I found sorely lacking in most men I’d met.

Within the first few minutes of our meeting, he checked all my boxes. His confidence and charm blended with his good looks. We discussed politics and current events and how we pictured our futures. As we grew to know each other better we learned we had more in common than just our love of good food. Like me, he was a runner. We started with one run a week, then two, then more.

When Carter took me to Baltimore to meet Rose, Declan was visiting their mother. It didn't take long for me to recognize that the face of Ralph Lauren and Gucci ads was, in reality, my boyfriend's bratty little brother. I loved their interaction. Little by little I learned of all they'd been through together and it explained Carter's intensity, Declan's need for attention, and their loyalty to each other and Rose. They defined the word family and, when I lost my mother, they taught me that not all family share a bloodline.

"How are you doing, sweetheart?" Rose gives me a sweet smile.

"I'm good. I like it here. How about you? How are you feeling? You put in a full day's work in that kitchen."

"I'm fine." Rose's cheeks are slightly flushed but I'm guessing it's more from the wine than the work. "This is a good place. We love it here."

I follow her gaze to the ocean and the pastel sky which is changing as quickly as if it was a kaleidoscope. "I'm so glad Carter invited me."

"Me, too. I love my boys, but it's nice to have another woman to talk to. She steals a glance at them as she lowers her voice. "They can be a real pain in the butt sometimes, if you know what I mean."

I nod and then am distracted as Carter clears his throat. "I heard that, Mom."

I savor the sweet tang of the salty sea breeze as I close myself off from their banter.

CHAPTER 3

Carter

We're interrupted by the approach of a tall woman with exotic features. The closer she gets the clearer my vision and I recognize her as someone who's been in several commercials with Declan. He waves to her.

"C'mon up," he calls.

"What's her name?" I ask as my gaze snaps from her to him.

"Her name is Marisol. Marisol Franzi. We work together."

My spine stiffens as Declan extends his hand to her. She takes it and the hair on my neck rises. I wasn't expecting a guest.

"Everyone, this is Marisol. Marisol, this is my mom, Rose, my brother, Carter, and Carter's better half, Lacey."

A pregnant pause follows as she inspects us. "It's nice to meet you."

My ass.

Her tone is condescending and her manner superior. My gaze drifts from her to my brother. He can tell I'm not happy. "We weren't expecting guests."

"I didn't think anyone would mind if she joined us for dinner," Declan announces.

I give him a hard look."It would have been nice if you would've given us a heads-up. I'm not sure we're prepared for guests."

Declan shrugs me off. "I didn't think it was that big a deal. You have Lacey here. I thought I'd invite a friend as well."

Of course, you did.

As usual, the typical youngest child asks no permission but expects forgiveness. The I can do what I want and get away with it attitude of childhood screams entitlement now that he's an adult. If you have this, I can have that. It's bullshit. I'm about to say something snarky, the words ready to rapid fire from my lips, when Mom rises from her chair and cuts in front of me.

"It's very nice to meet you. Marisol, did you say? What a lovely name." Mom reaches for her hand. "I’m Rose."

"You're the mother, correct?"

A smile I can only describe as villainous slinks onto Marisol’s lips, and her gaze drifts between the three of us. She looks up, her surveilling eyes settling on Declan.

"It's so strange. I see no resemblance at all." She pauses, the smile turning a bit more wicked as she sets her eyes on Mom. "He's adopted?"

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