Page 28 of Taming Waves

Yet Sebastian and Parker are discussing a barbeque at Sebastian’s brother’s home on Sunday, and Avie casually invites me to come along.

“I wouldn’t want to impose,” I say, trying to decline politely.

She waves me off. “Oh, please. Amiya would love for you to come. It’s the more, the merrier with her. And since they moved into the new house, she’s turned into Suzy Homemaker.”

Sebastian and Parker burst out laughing.

“What? She has. Every time I turn around, she’s planning a barbeque or girls’ night. She even offered to host Eden’s baby shower,” Avie says.

“Excuse to get together and drink, excuse to get together and drink, and excuse to get together and drink,” Sebastian says, making a checkmark in the air after each one.

“Yes, at her house,” Avie stresses. Then, she turns around to look at me. “You’ll come, right? Heather, too.”

“It sounds lovely, but we’ll be at the bar,” I say.

Parker gives me a look. “You don’t work Sundays.”

“I don’t work all of them, but I do some,” I retort.

“You’re listed off on the schedule you sent yesterday,” he says.

I narrow my eyes at him and the bastard smiles.

“See, you should come,” Avie insists.

“I’ll try.”

The lie seems to pacify her because she smiles and turns back around.

Parker leans over and whispers in my ear, “Don’t worry. I won’t be there because Iwillbe at the bar, so you’ll be safe.”

I tilt my head to glare at him, and we talk nose to nose.

“Are you implying I’m not safe when you’re around?”

His eyes fall to my lips and back to mine. “From me? Yes. From yourself?” He doesn’t finish the thought. He just grins and sits back against the seat.

Insufferable ass.

This entire situation is unnerving. In my element, in my bar, I’m completely in control, and Parker Alston can’t penetrate my defense, but last night—in his home, with his friends, andsleeping in his bed—I felt different. Even now, in the back of his best friend’s vehicle, chatting like it’s normal is maddening.

I like Avie and Sebastian. I like how close their group of found family is.

I envy it.And that’s not me. I’m not some sappy chick who walks around with fear of missing out. I have a small circle—minuscule, if I’m being honest. I don’t need many people. I have Brew, my parents, and Heather, and that’s always been enough.

The last thing I need is to start wanting more.

“What’s going on in that pretty head of yours?” Parker asks.

We made it to Sebastian and Avie’s house, and Parker helped Sebastian remove a tree that had fallen during the storm and blocked his grandparents’ driveway. I accompanied Avie to retrieve Leia, and we sat out on Sabel Hollister’s back porch, drinking fresh-squeezed lemonade and eating finger sandwiches. Then, Leia insisted I come in to see her room before Parker and I left, and I ended up sitting on her bed with Avie and a glass of rosé while the adorable little girl gave us a preview of the dance routine her class would be performing at their fall recital.

Now, we’re in his truck, heading back to his condo to pick up Heather so he can give us a ride home.

“Nothing,” I say.

His eyes flit to me and then back to the road. “Oh, come on, Audi. I can practically hear your thoughts screaming at you from here.”

I let out a frustrated breath. “You cannot.”

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