Page 21 of Finally Home

My mother’s gaze drops to my outfit, and she crosses her arm and frowns. “Where are you going dressed like that?”

“Out.” I mean, my answer isn’t exactly a lie. We are going out. I just don’t know where we’re headed. I spin us so that we can head out to the door and stop being stalled.

“But your brother’s engagement party,” my father adds.

This time, instead of letting Oliver stand up for me, I take a stand. “It’s notmyengagement party.” I guess I was tired of Oliver doing that, and for once, I wanted to take the stand. There’s something about having him here, holding my hand, that gives me the strength to do so.

“Mrs. Armstrong,” Oliver cuts in, ignoring her gasp that he refuses to call her Dr. Armstrong. “I promise we will make it back in time. Everyone, have a nice day.” He smiles and waves before leading us out to the valet spot.

Oliver lets the attendant know which car is ours before coming over to me. Call it a delayed reaction, but my brain is firing off on all cylinders. “Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God. I cannot believe I just said that to my parents. Did you see that?”

When I look up at Oliver, all I see is pride. “You did.” His eyes lift to something behind me, but he stops me, holding my shoulders when I try to turn around. “They’re still watching.”

Quickly enough, the jeep pulls around, stopping in front of us. In true Oliver fashion, he jumps in front of me and opens the car door. But before I can get in, he stops me and spins me to face him. His lips descend on mine in what can only be called a kiss of all kisses. Thankfully, the jeep at my back keeps my legs from giving out.God, can this man kiss?I’m still in a bit of a daze when our lips finally part.

“Okay, now you can get in.” He smiles and slaps my ass. I gasp but smile as I get into the jeep and allow him to shut the door. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Ollie look toward the main entrance, and when the doors slide open, my family is gone, but Brett is still standing there, staring at us.

I don’t know if it’s because my brain is still a little mush from that kiss or what, but I’m tempted to wave my middle finger at him. But Ollie must not have that part of his brain telling him not to. It’s not a middle finger, but it might as well have been. I let out a laugh when I see Oliver wave his fingers with a toodle-oo before rounding the car.

“And we’re off!” he shouts before pulling away from the curb.

Chapter 11

Ollie

“So you mentioned you have a sister the night we met, and you run Tilley’s with your brother. Any other siblings?”

“Nope, that’s it. I’m the middle child, yet I don’t suffer from middle child syndrome. I know I’m my parents’ favorite.”

She laughs, reminding me of the carefree version of herself. This morning while she was in the bath, this idea came to mind to just let herself get out of her head without a full make-out session. A quick Google search told me there were no rage rooms nearby. At least, not close enough for us to get there and back in time for the party.

I even thought maybe there would be a puppy yoga studio, but all I found was one with baby goats. Puppies? I totally get the appeal, but I might have to draw the line at goats. All I could think about was picturing them trying to eat my shorts while I’min a pose. Thankfully, there weren’t any open slots available for the class.

So my next idea was to see what sort of out-of-the-box activities there were close by. When I came across the website for where we’re headed, I knew it checked all the boxes.

“Tell me about them.”

“You wanna get to know my family, babe?” I tease.

She shrugs, and I watch her carefully to see if she reacts to the nickname, but there’s nothing. “I mean, you’re getting an up close and personal weekend with my brother, so why not?”

She’s got a point. And what a joy he is. If only she knew about my run-in with Brett and him last night. But I don’t need to add to the drama. I almost feel sorry for Topher’s fiancée. What would she think about what they got up to last night? She doesn’t seem like a gold-digger type to be marrying him for his money, but who knows, maybe he has a magical dick or something. It sure as shit isn’t his stellar personality she’s attracted to him for.

“Well, like I said, there’s three of us. Archer is the oldest. He’s who I run Tilley’s with. He—”

“Actually, I have a question,” Hollie cuts in.

I glance over at her and chuckle that she actually raised her hand like a child in a classroom. When she follows my gaze to her hand raised in the air, she quickly pulls it back.

“You’re adorable.” Her cheeks flush at my compliment. “What’s up?”

“Tilley’s. That’s an interesting name. Is it named after your family or something? How did you guys come up with it?”

I should have seen that one coming, yet it also throws me off guard. I tap the steering wheel a few times, pursing my lips together, debating what to actually tell her. “It’s actually a long story that, well, we don’t really talk about much.”

“Was it named from a bet or something?”

“No, that probably would have been a more interesting story.”

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