Page 108 of Ours to Keep

I turn back to face the mirror and fix my lipstick again. This is why lip stain is easier when I’m around these men.

“Well, it won’t be if Avery arrives before we do. She hates to be kept waiting.”

I slip past him to grab my clutch, but his hand on my wrist stops me as he locks his gaze with mine.

“You look beautiful, by the way.”

I glance away, my face heating. No matter how often these men compliment me, I still struggle to accept them. It’s warm for June, and I opted for a short-sleeved dress, pairing it with ablazer over the top and the three-quarter-length sleeves to hide my scar, which is still a huge insecurity of mine.

“Thank you.”

His thumb and forefinger grip my jaw. “I mean it, Duchess.”

I swallow the ball of emotion as he kisses the tip of my nose before releasing me.

We arrive at the restaurant just on time. It’s Jessica’s unofficial opening for close friends and family. I’ve met up with her a few times, as has Avery, and we’ve quickly become good friends.

“There you are,” River says, pulling me in for a deep kiss. “Missed you,” he says when he pulls back.

I roll my eyes. “You saw me less than an hour ago.”

“Exactly, too long.” He holds my hand at arm’s length to take in my outfit. “Damn it, Vixen. You know how much I love you in this colour blue. How about we just skip tonight,” he says with a wink.

I shake my head. “No chance, we’re here to support Jess. Besides, they’ve all done so much for us.”

He holds up his hands. “I know, but you can’t blame a guy for trying. I mean, have you looked in the mirror?”

His words heat my entire face, and I worry that I’m about to sweat off my makeup if he carries on like that.

Elliot pulls him back by the neck and gives him a chaste kiss.

“Stop it. Can’t you see you’re embarrassing her?” Elliot steps up beside me and kisses me softly. “Hey, Sweetheart, you look lovely.”

“Thank you.” I wipe my palm over my thigh, feeling self-conscious.

“Stop it, you’re perfect.” He takes my hand and kisses the inside of my wrist.

“Ready?” Jackson asks, his palm going to my lower back.

I look around and smile when I see Tommy heading straight for us.

“Sorry, I’m late, Sunshine. I got caught up in traffic.” He walks straight up to me and kisses me softly.

I can’t contain my smile when he pulls away. He’s so much more tactile with me now, and it’s not something I take for granted. We get the occasional looks when we’re out as a group, but they told me early on they had no intention of hiding what we have, and it only made me love them that much more.

Now we’re all here, and I feel ready to go inside.

No expense has been spared as cocktails and champagne are handed out freely.

This place is amazing. Even after Jessica told me about it, the picture I had in my head didn’t do it justice.

“You came,” she says, approaching us. Caleb and Noah are a steady presence on either side of her. I wonder if she knows how they all move as one.

“Of course. Congratulations, this is amazing!”

She blushes and brings her thumbnail to her mouth, clearly nervous.

“Sweet girl, stop it. Everything is perfect,” Caleb says, with an Irish lilt to his accent as he pulls her hand away from her mouth and wraps her hand in his.

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