Page 50 of Returning to Everton

“Logan and I took care of the drinks,” he winks at her then turns to put said drinks in Rowen’s pretty empty fridge.

She turns to Nate with her face a little redder than it was earlier. “Nate? You okay?” she questions.

He clears his throat. “Yeah, I’m fine Rowe. Wanna tell us what that was about?” he asks.

She looks around and sees all of our faces are some mix of confused and pissed off. “Ummm... not really?” she says.

“I think what Nate meant to say was what the hell was that about Rowen?” I rephrase.

She sighs, “Is this going to be a thing? It was just a kiss guys, damn. And only my second one in months, so I’m not going to feel bad about it.”

Damn it. I don’t want her to feel bad about it. I just want her to kiss me like that too. Is that too much to ask? Wait, second?

“Second kiss?” I ask at the same time Hudson says “It’s not going to be a thing, Rowe.” He looks at me and I huff and walk away. If Declan is keeping secrets from us this isn’t going to work.

As I walk outside to get some air and calm down, I see the playhouse Nate told us he made for Violet. Speaking of, the little girl comes rushing out of the playhouse and almost runs into me. When she stops, she looks up at me with her head tilted.

“Who are you?” she asks.

I squat down so she doesn’t have to strain her neck to look at me. “I’m Ayden. I’m one of your mom’s friends,” I tell her.

“Oh, you mean like Nate and Hudson?” she asks.

“That’s right. They’re all inside putting dinner in the fridge,” I tell her. “What are you up to?”

“I was playing in my new playhouse. Nate made it for me! You wanna see it?” she asks excitedly.

“I would love to Violet.”

“Hey how’d you know my name?” she questions me.

I chuckle at that. “Well, I live with Nate, Hudson, Declan, and Logan. They’ve all talked a lot about you.”

“Oh. Well, okay then. Is that all of you or are there more?”

“Just one more. My twin brother lives with us too. He’s inside, so you’ll see him later.”

“You have a twin?! That’s so cool!” Violet squeals.

“Yeah for the most part it’s pretty cool. Brothers can be annoying sometimes though.”

“I wouldn’t know. I don’t have any brothers,” she pouts.

“Do you want any brothers or sisters?” I ask her.

“Yeah, I think it would be nice to have someone to play with all the time.”

“Well, you have Logan now. He can be like a brother if you want. Nate and Hudson have been like brothers to me my whole life. Now Declan is too. You don’t have to be blood to be family.” I tell her.

“Yeah, like Aunt Quinn,” she offers.

“Exactly, like Aunt Quinn.” I agree. “So, you ready to show me this amazing playhouse?”

Her face lights up as she grabs my hand and starts pulling me toward the playhouse. “Yes! It’s so awesome! Come see!!”

I laugh at her enthusiasm. The guys weren’t exaggerating. This is one very excitable kid. When we get to the door, she opens it then walks in. I follow, ducking my head like an idiot when I know damn well this is a magical house and I probably won’t hit my head. But better safe than sorry. I stand up straight once I realize the inside is actually a full-size house.

I look around and see the room is full of different toys. She has it pretty well organized though. She has a little reading nook with beanbags and a bookshelf full of books. There’s a small table and chair set, with a tea party set up. There’s even a small trampoline in here. Damn, I wish I had a playhouse like this when I was little.

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