Page 70 of Family Bonds- Jarrett & Andi

“You too,” Griffin said. “You guys are in room D.”

“We’ve got a private room?” Jarrett asked. He hadn’t known that.

“Griffin bumped it up when he found out we were coming here last week,” Alex said. “But he didn’t tell Jennie until today.”

Jennie rolled her eyes. “He knows how I feel about these things. I’m not even sure the room was empty that late, but Griffin would never say. We at least get a lot of good food and privacy for dinner.”

It did explain why their dinner was earlier than he thought it’d be. Griffin most likely set it so they had a few hours before another party got the room.

They walked toward the restaurant once Griffin left but didn’t get far before Eli came overandlifted Jennieupoff the ground and spun her. “I’m going to get another niece or nephew. Adrienne is going to be so excited. Guess I need to get to work on number two.”

“Eli Bond, this is Andi Benson.”

“The new girlfriend,” Eli said. “Nice to meet you. Sorry to interrupt the dinner, but I had to give my sister a big hug. Enjoy and I’ll see you guys in the casino later, right?”

“We’ll be there,” Alex said. “I’m feeling lucky tonight.”

“Sister?” Andi asked.

“Room D,” Jennie said when they got to the restaurant.

“This way,” the hostess said with them following along.

When they were in the private room he’d never seen before—it’s not like he’d ever had the opportunity to rent one out nor would he spend the money for it—Alex turned to Andi and said, “Griffin is like a brother to Eli. So he treats Jennie like a sister. We’re all a prettyclose-knitfamily.”

“That’s sweet,” she said. “I’ve never had that close of a relationship with anyone before. I guess I missed out on those things being an only child.”

“Having siblings isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be either,” Jarrett said, scrunching up his nose.

Jennie had confirmed that she was pregnant, but it was obvious when Eli said what he had. She apologized that her brother and Eli spoiled their announcement. Jarrett didn’t care about those things though. He was just happy he’d have another niece or nephew to add to Mac’s twins and son Jace in June. He couldn’t wait.

And maybe Jarrett was starting to think that his time was finally coming. Much later in his life than he thought, but there was no reason to jump when it never felt right before.

It just felt so right now.

“I can’t believe I won four hundred dollars,” Andi said hours later.

They’d stayed until a few minutes after midnight and watched the ball drop. It’d been loud and thrilling and they’d gambled for a few hours.

Jarrett and Alex were at the blackjack tables, the girls at the slots for most of the night. He didn’t like leaving her alone but realized it was a nice thing that she got to spend time with his sister-in-law.

“Any time I come home with the same amount I started the night, it’s a win for me.”

“That was fun and exciting,” she said. “I’d love to do it again. But I know the next time I’ll probably lose.”

“The house always wins,” he said.

“I know. I can see where it’s addictive too.”

“You want to know what is addictive?” he said. “You.”

They were back at her house for the night. They switched back and forth. It never really bothered him either way.

“I feel the same way,” she said, her arms going around his neck. “And for such a wonderful night that you gave me, I want to give you something special in return.”

“And what is that going to be?” he asked.

He lifted her togive her a kissand she wrapped her legs around his waist. He took that as a sign to make his way to her room, their mouths attacking each other.

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