Page 52 of My Ex-Best Friends

“You have to help me, Brookie. Help me show him that we’re okay and I’ll never cheat on you again.”

“That’s not something most people have to promise. It’s just implied.” I pushed him away. “Go away. Henry is about to bring out my breakfast and I don’t want you breathing all over it.”

“Don’t be stupid, Brooke. We can help each other out here.” He grabbed my hand and squeezed tight. “Besides, I know you miss me.”

Boomer Perry chose that moment to have his listening ears on. He leaned back from the table he was at behind Finn and slapped him on the back with his cane. “You’re wasting your breath, sonny boy. Brooke has three boyfriends and I hear they’re very well endowed. You don’t seem like the type.”

I groaned. “Boomer!”

“What? It’s true. You told everyone you’re screwing all three of them. And then you did that eel dance that one of your exes did and it was a wild night.”

Finn shot to his feet. “You didwhat?”

Aunt Karlene laughed even harder. “You’reeel boy? Of course, you are!”

His fake kindness had worn off and he stared down at me with rage oozing out of his pores. “Fuck you, Brooke. Meredith is a way better fuck than you.”

Boomer shot out his cane when Finn tried to stalk off and instead of walking to the door, he stumbled and fell his way across the restaurant. It was a debacle. Boomer cheered. “It’s just too bad he didn’t open the door with his head. Then maybe he’d have some decency and respect. This is a nice town, boy!”

41

***Brooke***

“Iheard you had a run-in with your ex again today.” Colt’s voice was quiet as he leaned across me to grab a cutting board. His arm brushed my breasts and his lips quirked up at my intake of breath. “Don’t try to distract me.”

I leaned against the counter, my job of rolling out dough for homemade pizzas forgotten. I told him everything, not skimping on the details of Boomer bullying Finn. “He left after that. I’m assuming he got the point, especially since he was letting his mask slip in the end there.”

“I don’t know.” He pinned me to the counter and leaned down to kiss me. “If I see him, I’m going to politely escort him out of town. With a boot to the ass.”

“Just don’t get in trouble. His family is full of monsters. And lawyers.”

“Brooke.” Shaking his head like he was horribly disappointed in me, Colt sighed. “Baby. Do I look like the type to get in trouble? I’m a goddamn saint.”

I wound my arms around his neck. “You’re a lot of things, Colt, but you’re not a saint. Not even a little bit.”

“You like it.” He lowered his mouth to my neck and nipped me. “Great. Here come the clingers.”

I turned my head and glanced back at where Logan and Noah were entering the kitchen. Smaller footsteps followed them and I grinned when I saw Sinclair. “Sin! Hi!”

Colt groaned when I slipped away from him. “Great. Bested by a child.”

“Brooke!” Sinclair ran around her dad and flew into my arms. I was struck once more by how loving she was. It was clear that Kelly and Noah were raising her with so much love and care. “Daddy said I could come and see you and eat pizza. You’ve got white stuff on your face. Are you playing? Can I play, too?”

I laughed and easily picked her up. “I’m rolling out pizza dough. Want to help? Colt was just getting in my way so I could use a serious helper.”

Noah slid his arm around my waist and kissed the side of my head. “I’ll help, too.”

“No! No boys allowed. It’s just me and Brooke.” Sinclair wagged her finger at Noah and clutched me tighter. “It’s girl time, Daddy.”

I stroked the little girl’s head and felt a wave of longing. “She’s right. It’s girl time. You smelly boys go and get washed up for dinner.”

She giggled. “Smelly boys.”

Logan kissed the back of my neck and patted my hip. “You’re both lucky you’re so cute.”

Sinclair and I made four different pizzas while the guys stayed away. She was talkative and told me all about her day while we worked. Just before the last pizza was finished, she looked up at me with a wide smile. “We should have a dinner party!”

I pretended to think about it while tapping my chin. “Hmmm. Do you have a pretty dress to wear? You can’t go to a dinner party in just any old clothes.”

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