Page 46 of Vegas Baby!

If I had to suffer Bryce to keep her, I would do it.

“Do you like it enough to put in an offer?”

“I can’t do that without talking to the pack. Could you let them know I’m interested and make an appointment for us to view it tomorrow?”

“Absolutely.” The realtor grinned. “I’ll contact them right now. Time preference?”

“Afternoon.” The time difference between Vegas and New York was negligible, so I wasn’t worried about jet lag, but they would probably be tired from the travel and appreciate a decent rest before I brought up my suggestion.

I’d been expecting all of them to be gone for a full week, but then Jesse had messaged me to say they were coming home tomorrow morning. At first I wondered if they were bailing on Bryce, but I had no such luck on that. I wasn’t privy to whatever had happened, but I knew something went down if Bryce was coming back to Vegas in the middle of a work week.

I slept like shit that night in the oppressive quiet. It was strange how empty the apartment could feel even though on the other side of the walls were more people in the rest of the building.

Waking bright and early didn’t put me in the best mood for the day, but I compensated with a double espresso before driving to the airport to collect everyone. Arrivals wasn’t that busy, but I still navigated close to the doors so I wouldn’t miss them.

Ava came through, flanked closely by Jesse and Bryce, Micah trailing after them, all four looking half-awake. I braced myself for the moment Ava noticed me, expecting derision for how Ihad behaved. Instead, her expression brightened and she waved to me. I took it as an invitation and wrapped her up in my arms. The universe put itself to rights again now that I held her.

“I wasn’t expecting to see you at the airport.” Ava nuzzled her face against my chest.

“No sense taking a taxi when I’m right here. I’m sorry I didn’t come to New York.” Sharpness seared through me, Ava’s fingers pinching my nipple hard enough to make me yelp.

“Youshouldbe sorry, you jerk. Don’t do that again.”

I cupped a hand protectively against my chest, bursting into laughter. “You haven’t done that to me in about fifteen years.”

“I never thought I would need the skill as an adult.”

I extended a hand to Bryce, an olive branch handshake. He stared at it for a moment before putting his hand in mine.

“I’m sorry I’ve been an asshole. Ava deserves a whole pack.”

Bryce was hesitant, and I didn’t blame him. “I agree.”

“Do you all want to rest for a while?” I asked.

“I could use a nap.” Ava leaned heavily against Jesse. “Planes are exhausting.”

“Your wish is my command.”

I took Ava with me to the vehicle while the others waited for their baggage. “How was your flight?”

“Pretty decent in business class. I like having room to stretch out.”

“And how was New York?”

“Not what I expected,” she replied. “I had fun with everyone, but it wasn’t really my vibe.”

Relief washed over me. If she didn’t like the city, that was a mark in my favor. “Did something happen?”

Ava quirked her head, watching me carefully. “Bryce quit his job. He’s going to be staying in Vegas with us.”

That wasn’t what I had expected at all, though I shouldn’t have been surprised, given that they were flying today. That leftJesse as the only steadily employed one of us. Hopefully that didn’t fuck up our housing opportunities too badly.

“I really am sorry,” I said, leaning in her open window while she sat and I waited for the others. “I know saying it doesn’t mean much, but I got some fresh perspective while you were all away.”

“Good.” She tugged me in by the collar of my shirt and kissed my cheek. “I’d hate to have to purple nurple you into submission.”

I chuckled. “Someone got more confident and bratty on this trip.”

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