Page 18 of Targeted By Love

Now there was silence. Maybe my brothers were puzzling over the question as I was.

“Barbecue is just that. We assume it has salt added, as do the other flavors.”

Lake whipped out his phone again. “Hmmm, I don’t know the answer, and the internet seems to think just putting vinegar chips isn't enticing and would turn off consumers.”

Rhodes shrugged. “Thanks for clearing that up. It’s always bugged me.”

“One of life’s great mysteries,” Thiago said with a smile.

Someone buzzed at the door, and Boaz was the first to the intercom, but I checked the lobby camera on my phone to see a guy carrying two huge boxes.

“That’ll be my chips.” Lake was bouncing up and down.

“Boaz, can you and Ezra check the boxes?”

Rhodes sent me a “This is usual?” look.

“I’ve had other people’s deliveries brought here,” I fibbed. “And it’s a hassle trying to get the stuff to them.”

My two brothers vanished out the door, and Lake bounded up. “Maybe you can sample one of the vinegar chips before you go. Make sure they’re the ones you like.”

“I’m sure they’re perfect,” my mate responded.

Boaz and Ezra arrived with two enormous boxes.

“How is anyone going to eat all those chips?” I wasn’t that keen on salt and vinegar.

“Don’t worry, Bro. Rhodes and I will have a chip party and invite everyone we know.” I hoped Lake was making a great impression on my mate.

“We should be going. Don’t want to be late. A post-wedding brunch is special.”

“Honestly, I’d rather have a chip party, but yeah, obligations.” Rhodes sighed.

“Hope to see you again soon.” That was Riggs.

I wished Boaz would warm up, but that was probably asking too much. Maybe after he got to know Rhodes more, he’d accept him.

Riggs scuttled to the door and whispered to me that it would be fine about Rhodes and me. He was referring to the whole civilians and humans are not allowed in the pack deal, but my mate answered with, “I hope so.”

“Don’t be a stranger,” Thiago quipped.

They were trying to be nice and normal, whatever that was, but it was a little forced, except for Lake who was the most warm and loving of my brothers. He was a sweetheart, and if anyone could make my mate feel welcome, it was him.

“Bye.” Rhodes gave an awkward wave, and we strolled to the elevator while I checked the camera on my phone showing me the inside of the elevator and the lobby. There was a slight movement in the stairwell, and I caught my cousin’s scent. He’d done a great job.

“They seem nice,” my mate said as the elevator whisked us down.

“You can be honest.” I chuckled at the description of my brothers. They were many things and I loved them, but nice? They could be, and I hoped they’d grow to like Rhodes.

Lake did already, so one down and four to go.

11

RHODES

Somehow, my kidnapping had turned into a brunch date.

Except it wasn’t a kidnapping.

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