Page 68 of We Never Kissed

For some reason, I looked to my mother then, feeling an unexpected sense of obligation to make sure she was comfortable.

She grinned and nodded her approval, then said to Sue, “I’d love to help with whatever you need.”

Sammy and I quickly gathered the chairs and placed them at the table. We could hear all four women in thekitchen, talking and laughing as if they’d all been doing it for years.

“You know this means we’re outnumbered, bro,” Sammy said with a head gesture toward the kitchen.

I barked out a chuckle. “I hadn’t thought of that.”

“I’m married. I always think of that.” His smile faded as he stepped closer. “Hey…I know I’ve been giving you a lot of shit lately.”

I cocked my head to the side. “Payback’s a bitch, right?”

“Yeah, you deserve it, but”—he gripped my shoulder, hard—“I’m ready to let it all go, as long as…”

“What?”

“I know the days of us making life hard for Ava’s boyfriends is over, but I’ll come out of retirement if I have to.”

I let out a hearty laugh and deliberately removed his hand. “That won’t be necessary, man. You know that, right? Shit, I hope you do.” I released an unsteady breath, but I was ready to put it out there for him. “This is it for me, Sammy.She’sit for me.” I held his gaze.

“I know.” He nodded. “I just wanted to hear you say it.”

For a second, I felt for all the poor schmucks we’d tortured in the past, but then I grinned and said, “I’m starving.”

We both laughed and headed into the kitchen to join the women. Cass and Dax had come in from the backyard and the whole scene—everyone snacking and chatting, smiles all around, felt so perfect.

Denny eventually came out to join us, just as we all finally gathered around the table. I sat between Ava and my mother, with Sue across from me, not an ounce of uncertainty in her sweet smile. Denny said a quick prayer, and once we all had our plates filled, we went around the table as we ate, sharing all the blessings we were thankful for. When it came to my turn, I had no shortage of things to say. In that moment, I felt the most blessed I’d ever been in my whole life.

Chapter 40

Ava

Alex hung back by the entry as Gunnar and I chatted with a few of the dancers backstage. We were both as giddy as two kids meeting Mickey at Disneyland, even though we’d both been in their position as dancers in this venue ourselves. I was a little worried that coming to Vegas and seeing all my friends still performing in shows was going to feel like a blow, but it didn’t. I was just grateful to see their beautiful faces again, and I didn’t have an ounce of regret for the current state of my life.

Kieran rubbed a hand over Gunnar’s bicep. “Boy, you still got it. Not even letting yourself go.”

“Please, I’ll never neglect this body,” Gunnar said matter-of-factly.

As our friends laughed, I glanced over at Alex, who rolled his eyes. I was actually surprised he’d been the one to invite Gunnar on this trip with us. Given it was an early birthday present for me, I appreciated it.

When we said our goodbyes, I heard Claire say to Gunnar, “See you in a bit.”

I assumed she was talking about the after-party Sydney was having, but Claire had a new baby, so it seemed odd she’d go. I was sure Alex would not want to attend, but by the time I thought about making an excuse, Gunnar was suddenly ushering me out of there.

We made our way to our seats, which were perfectly selected for the best view and experience. Not the front row but just a few rows back. Gunnar was on the aisle, then Alex next to him and then me. I noticed the two of them were chatting while I checked some things on my phone. Grinning, I mused how lucky I was to have two such wonderful men in my life. The last six months—since Alex and I found our way back to each other—had been pure bliss. It was almost like a brand-new courtship. We went on dates, got to know new things about each other, and had some of the most incredible nights together.

I felt Alex’s lips next to my cheek. “Do you know howamazing you are?” He placed a soft kiss behind my ear, sending chills over my skin.

I flinched and giggled like a school girl. “Alex!” I turned my head so our gazes connected. Then quieter, I said, “I love you.”

He leaned in until his lips were just brushing mine. “I love you more…”

“Thank you for the trip.”

He smiled. “I just love seeing you so happy… We can come here anytime you want, you know.”

I nodded. “I know. Honestly, as great as it is to see everyone, it also solidifies everything I’ve been feeling lately.”

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