Page 62 of Chasing Storm

We hug, and when Joey offers her his hand, she pulls him in, too. I’m admiring her ring while the door closes behind us, as we walk into their refurbished home. Their house is gorgeous. Elijah didn’t spare any money. He had the entire place repainted neutral colors, adding crown molding and floorboards. Elijah figured Erin could choose other colors later. Joey holds me against his front as we enter the back area, which is stunning. A glass roof covers half the terrace that lightens and darkens in accordance with the brightness of the sun. Beautiful hanging lanterns and candles scatter the perimeter. There’s a ton of seating, couches, tables, and chairs, along with cocktail tables. The grass area has tables setup for board games, a bean bag toss game, and in the farthest most part of the yard, a pickleball court. Elijah went all out.

Joey hugs me from the back, kissing the top of my hair. He struggles at these types of events. An introvert by nature, and growing up with only Sean as his friend, Joey isn’t a social guy. The man would much prefer to stay at home than go to a party or dinner. I feel for him, knowing he is uncomfortable in these settings, so I periodically check on him.

Elijah comes over to say hello, pointing out Sean by the bean bag toss game. I take Joey’s hand, approaching Sean and another man. A smile stretches across Joey’s face.

Sean greets me in a bear hug, punches Joey’s arm, and says, “Joey, Teagan, I’d like you to meet Micah, my date.”

I try not to make a big deal about it, but I can’t help it. This is Sean. And he brought a date. My mouth drops open. Shuts. My God, he’s gorgeous. Nowhere near as stunning as Joey, yet Sean did very well for himself. The man has an exotic look; a darker complexion, dark brown hair, and incredible bronze eyes. He has a much smaller build than Sean. Then again, many people do. Sean is a brick house. Joey nudges me, snapping me out of gawking, and frowns at my behavior.

My hand reaches out to Micah, and I say, “It’s so nice to meet you.” I purse my lips, smiling at Sean and I give him a wink, causing him to shake his head. “I didn’t even know Sean was dating anyone. Where did you two meet?”

Micah’s bass voice says, “At Sean’s gym. I relocated here a few years ago. When the gym opened, I decided to get back into shape.”

My eyes wander over his body, and Joey clears his throat, glaring at me.

I slip my arm around Joey’s waist and say to Micah, “I’m looking forward to getting to know you.”

“Me, too, Teagan. Sean talks a lot about you and Joey.”

I’m thinking,Yet we know nothing about you. The conversation dies and Micah excuses himself to get another drink.

Joey turns to Sean and asks, “When did this happen? Why didn’t you say anything to me?”

“Because you can be a dick sometimes. I wanted a moment to…deal with this kind of relationship. It’s new. And you don’t make it easier.”

Joey digs the toe of his shoe into the ground. “I didn’t realize I made your life such hell.”

Sean and I look at each other, and he approaches Joey. “I didn’t mean it. You’re my best friend, Joe. My lifestyle is new to both of us, so I need to adjust to it.” Right before Micah returns, Sean adds, “And you’ll always be my first love.”

I’m surprised his comment doesn’t make Joey flinch. Instead, we all smile at his admission. I leave Joey with them and return to Erin. She introduces me to a couple of women, Courtney and Ella, who look like Sport’s Illustrated models. It turns out they are runway models. Talk about uncomfortable. Their legs are endless. Both are brunettes, sporting high-end tailored summer dresses, and their smiles are whiter than the hem of my dress. They’re so sweet, complimenting me on my outfit, even though they’re probably cringing inside that it’s not designer material. Even so, I appreciate how easy it is to talk to them. We hitch onto a subject that suits all of us—shopping.

Waiters come around, offering appetizers, which I don’t shy away from. I didn’t have much of a breakfast, so I’m famished. Also, I need to replenish after the orgasm Joey gave me, which has me spying at him. Our eyes meet, and as if he’s wiping his nose, he runs a finger under it. The heat of embarrassment reddens my face, so I turn back to my food.

As I’m stuffing a shrimp cocktail into my mouth, the women are staring at me. Maybe it’s been a long time since they’ve eaten.

When I’m done chewing, I ask, “Do I have something on my face?”

They wave my comment away, and Courtney says, “No. I just can’t get over how beautiful you are. Are you sure you haven’t modeled before?”

I let out a small laugh. “No model here. If I wore the heels you women wear, I’d be flat on my face in no time.”

Even their giggles are petite and classy.

I’m still eating the appetizers on my plate, when Joey approaches and asks if I want something to drink.

“A white wine, please.” He glances at the other women. “Joey, this is Courtney and Ella. Ladies, this is my husband, Joey.”

My ever so sweet husband asks, “Can I get you two anything?”

Their eyes and smiles widen as they both say, “White wine, please.”

He leaves for our drinks, and Ella’s eyes follow him as she says, “My God, woman. Your husband is captivating.”

I’m mid-chew and stop. They’re checking out my husband. I can’t blame them, but they’re not subtle about it. Are they going to hit on him?

She notices my discomfort, and hurries by adding, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend. It’s just we’re on the road a lot, meet plenty of men, yet none of them stand out like your husband.” I remain quiet. What can I say to that? Ella shakes her head and says, “Okay, my comments are totally inappropriate. It’s not like we’re best friends for my comments to be acceptable, and I had no right to say anything.”

Joey returns, hearing the last of what she says, hands out the drinks, and asks, “Had no right to say what?”

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