Page 59 of Inked Craving

“You had an extra year with me. You should be fine. We’ve prepared for this. I would be more worried when Colin goes to college. That meansIam therefore old.”

The rest of us groaned. “If you get to call yourself old, then I am one foot into the nursing home,” Eli growled. “Let’s not make it an issue. Shall we?”

I shook my head, then grabbed a platter of wings. “Let’s go put this all on your dining room table, Jacob. It’s closer to the TV so we can watch the game.”

“It’s going to be a shitty game,” Jacob grumbled. “I don’t know how many times we can have a losing season and still call us a professional football team.”

“Don’t say things like that. It’s not good for our self-esteem.” Archer hip-checked Jacob slightly, and we all made our way into the dining room, setting down the platters of food before plating up snacks for ourselves and heading to the living room for pregame.

We all took our seats in the living room, some of us on the floor, others crammed onto the couch, but it was comfortable. A guys’ evening. One that didn’t include the bar or going around town. Maybe this was the next stage of life, but I didn’t give a shit. It was nice. And, frankly, I was exhausted.

“Is Clay out with Riggs?” Archer asked as he bit into his wing.

“Riggs had to work tonight, so Clay thought he would join him. The kids are with Annabelle and Eliza.”

I looked over then. “Really?”

“We’re all trying out this swapping kids thing. It’s working so far,” Jacob added with a shrug.

“Is Marc out of town again?” Austin asked before taking a bite of his dinner.

Archer nodded. “Yep. But he should be home tomorrow. Which is two days earlier than planned. And let me tell you, I am tired of phone sex.” He blushed. “Sorry, Leif.”

Leif just held up his hand. “Oh, no, it’s fine. Phone sex is okay, but I guess the real thing’s better.”

Austin put his hand over his face and groaned. “You guess? No, I don’t really want to know. When did you get old enough that we could have this conversation?”

“When I was twelve, and you told me about the birds and the bees? Or when I was going on my first date, and you handed me a condom, not knowing that Mom had already done so? Or maybe it was prom when you both sat me down and explained to me that enjoying the night meant enjoying consent, safety, and not growing up too quickly.”

I burst out laughing, as did the others, and Austin just groaned. “That reminds me, I guess we’re going to have to do this all over again. Three fucking times. Four kids. How did I end up with four kids?”

“Do we need to have the birds and the bees talk with you, too?” Archer asked with a laugh.

“Plus, I’m pretty sure the rest of your siblings are ending up with even more,” I teased.

Austin sighed. “True, of course, you and Paige over there have a little bit of time before you have to deal with that. How is Emery?”

“Freaking fantastic. I have pictures.” I pulled out my phone and grinned.

Eli gave me a sharp look. “You and Paige, then? Interesting.”

I scowled at the other man. “What’s so interesting?”

“What? I like it. The Montgomery girls are hot. You know Annabelle used to date Elliot,” Eli added, speaking of his brother.

“I do, but I don’t know why you’re bringing it up now.”

“This is fascinating,” Leif said and let out anoofas Austin elbowed him in the gut.

“Anyway, you and Paige are dating?” Eli asked.

I shrugged. “Yes. You got a problem with that?”

Eli held up both hands. “I don’t. Hell, I’m glad that she is dating you rather than that asshole who left her.”

“Do not get me started on him,” Beckett growled before biting into a nacho.

“Yes, let’s not get started,” Archer stated.

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