Page 94 of Beautiful Storm

“Shut up. It’s not hell. You’re having a great time.”

“Been keeping track of me?”

“No more than you’ve been keeping track of me. You haven’t exactly been subtle.”

“Touché.” He nods before giving me a shrug.

“Why is that?”

“Just making sure you’re okay.” He shrugs again and the sincerity in his tone throws me off guard. Though it shouldn’t. He’s shown me time and time again that he cares about Jelly Bean and me.

“Thank you,” I rush out as a new warmth settles in my chest.

“Anytime. But I better get back to the game. Tonight?” he confirms as he walks backward through the crowd, his eyes on mine as he hits me with a killer smile, sending my heart into a spin.

“Yes, tonight,” I mouth, shaking my head as I bite back a smile, trying not to draw too much attention to the fact that he’s coming over to my place.

When he’s gone, I make my way over to Keeley, joining her as she chats with a woman I haven’t met before. The woman’s eyes meet mine when there’s a pause in conversation, and as she brushes her long, caramel hair away from her face, I smile in return. I’m about to introduce myself, assuming she’s one of the partners, when Keeley grabs my arm.

“Just the person I wanted. This is Emery. She’s going to be taking over my role while I’m away next week.”

“Hi, Emery. I’m—”

“Amelia. Yes, I know. Keeley told me all about you and the project.”

“Oh, great.” That saves me time. “When do you start?”

“I’m officially starting tomorrow. Keeley thought it would be good for me to meet everyone here. Speaking of, I’m being summoned.” We all turn to find Zane waving her down. “He’s one I have to watch, right?”

“Yep,” Keeley and I answer in unison.

“He’s nice enough. But a little full of himself.”

“And he will absolutely try to get in your pants.”

“Noted. Thank you.”

As soon as Emery’s gone, I turn back to Keeley. “You’re going away?” I ask because this is news to me.

“I am. My sister’s getting married in Cabo. It’s a last-minute thing—which is typical of her—but I finally get my vacation, so I’m not complaining.”

“That’s amazing, Keeley. I’m jealous. I would love a few days on the beach and…” I trail off as a thought hits me, making me smile. “Does that mean your brother is going with you?” I grin comically. “Because if that’s a yes, I really should know who will be missing from filming.”

“Yes, he’ll be there.” Keeley grins, seeing through my ploy to figure out who her brother is. “But he’s flying himself and his family in on the morning of the wedding and flying out the next day. Thankfully, she’s getting married midweek.”

“His family, huh?” My eyes narrow.

Keeley laughs again as I search the yard. There are quite a few guys that have families, but none that are from around here.

“And you said you were local?”

“Nope. You assumed.”

“Dammit. Where are you from?”

“I’m originally from North Carolina. My sister still lives there. She’s marrying one of the guys from the Carolina Bulls baseball team.”

“Bullshit.” I bark out a laugh, drawing attention. “Sorry, I mean…bullshit,” I whisper. “Guess you and your sister are alike then.”

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