Page 106 of Designs on You

“Because you’re wearing too many clothes. But I’m happy to get into it in depth with you later, when we’re alone.”

“Sounds ideal. Now, what kind of wine did you bring? Hazel has reds and some sweet stuff.”

“I got your favorite, a pinot grigio.”

“Excellent. Pour me a glass and let’s go outside. It’s a beautiful night and we might as well enjoy it before the heat and bug season starts.”

“Before we do that, and since we’re alone…” He drew her into his arms and they lost each other in another deeply passionatekiss, making him wish they were actually alone so he could explore every inch of her. But they weren’t, so their kiss was woefully short.

He’d fix that later, though. For now, they headed outside to join Hazel and Linc and all the dogs.

“You’ve been busy,” Linc said once Eugene took a seat next to him. “I’ve hardly seen you.”

“No one has seen me.” He explained about all the fuckups at work, and what he and his team had to do to fix them.

“Ugh,” Linc said. “I hate when something goes awry and it takes forever to fix it. It’s like the faulty wiring in this house I’m working on right now. Had to rip it all out and start over from scratch.”

Eugene gaped at him. “Dude. You’re working on my house.”

“Huh. I am, aren’t I?”

It took him a few seconds to recognize that look on Linc’s face. Eugene rolled his eyes. “Asshole.”

Linc laughed. “Yeah, but I had you going for a while didn’t I? Anyway, you should come by and see the house. It’s nearly done.”

“Yeah? I’ve tried to stay out of the way so you and your crew can do your jobs.”

“And we have. Come by.”

“I’ll do that.”

“Bring Natalie, too.”

“Will do.”

“How’s that going, by the way? With Natalie?”

Eugene looked over where Natalie was engaged with Hazel and the dogs. He smiled. “It’s good. Really good.”

The back door opened, and Warren and Joe walked through. “We were told to let ourselves in.”

Eugene was surprised when their mother strolled in with them. Before he could say anything it was instant chaos with a barrage of barking dogs and everyone going over to greet them. Once the dogs had been properly greeted and petted and Hazel had taken them to their section of the property with a treat, Eugene went over and took Natalie’s hand.

“Come meet the rest of my family.”

She looked up at him with a nervous smile.

“Natalie Parker, this is my mother, Lisa Kennedy. And this is my brother Warren and his husband, Joe.”

Natalie shook hands with them one by one. “It’s so nice to meet all of you. Hazel has told me wonderful things.”

“That’s because we’re all awesome,” Warren said with a wink. “Great to meet you.”

They all went inside for drinks and snacks. Natalie pulled up a spot at the kitchen island next to Lisa. Eugene poured them both glasses of wine.

“Nice to see you, Mom,” he said, squeezing her shoulder. “It’s a good surprise.”

She patted his hand. “I’m happy to see you, too.”

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