Page 48 of Cause and Effect

“No, douchebag!” I spoke.

“He and Laurel had a little fun before returning,” Parker spoke.

“Ah. Good for you.” Roman grinned, patting my shoulder.

I grabbed a beer from the refrigerator and stepped onto the patio. Stella, Sophie, and Sara ran over the moment they saw me.

“Can we dance again, Julian?” Sophie asked.

“Again?” Parker’s brow arched.

“Julian was over our house last night and danced with us.”

“He did?” Parker cocked his head at me.

“Knock it off, bro. It was no big deal.”

“We had so much fun.” Stella grinned.

“Why don’t the three of you swim in the pool,” I said.

“Good idea!” Sara said, taking off her bathing suit cover-up.

“Will you swim with us?” Stella asked.

“In a little bit.” I patted her head.

“Can you take Maddie while I put the hot dogs and burgers on the grill?” Roman asked, handing the baby over to me.

“Uh—where’s?—”

“Thanks, bro.” He walked away.

“Hey, kid.” Her tiny hands grabbed my nose as I held her before me.

Chapter Nineteen

Laurel

I was in the kitchen helping Morgan prep the salad.

“So, what took you and Julian so long to get back? Did you stop at his house first?” Morgan smirked.

“How did you know?” I asked.

“I can tell.” She smiled. “I thought you weren’t letting it happen again.”

“I know. I know. But?—”

“You don’t need to explain. I get it. Once you’ve had a Hamilton man, there’s no going back,” she said. “They’re like a drug, and you’re the addict.”

“Ain’t that the truth.” I sighed. “I need your help with something regarding the Bennett case.”

“Anything. What do you need?”

“This has to stay between us for now,” I said. “The guys can’t know.”

“Don’t worry. I can keep a secret like nobody’s business.”

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