Page 87 of Until It Was Real

Miles collapses on Rhett’s sofa. “I already ordered takeout.”

Rhett growls and I pat his chest. “What’s the big deal? It’s a family dinner.”

He leans close to whisper in my ear. “My brothers are cockblockers.”

I shiver at the feel of his breath against my skin. “Do you want me to kick them out? We can eat together some other time.”

He sighs. “No. I want you to enjoy spending time with a family.”

“Good. Because I’m not leaving this guy alone anyway.” I lift Viking in front of his face. “And I don’t want him watching us. He’d be scandalized.”

He chuckles. “You obviously haven’t heard the story about Viking and the cat.”

The doorbell rings and Miles rushes to answer it. “Pizza!”

Rhett grabs plates and silverware from the kitchen and I help him set the table. It’s a simple domestic task. A task thousands of couples perform every day. But it makes me feel all warm and gooey inside to work beside Rhett while his brothers fool around.

I’m falling hard and fast for Rhett. And his family, too.

Chapter 27

“Drunk guests have their uses.” ~ Dakota

Dakota

Rhett pulls to a stop in front of the motel.

“I could have driven myself. You didn’t have to drop me off.”

He squeezes my thigh. “It’s no trouble.”

“Except you now have to pick me up in the morning since my car’s still at the distillery.”

“I don’t mind.”

I narrow my eyes on him. “Admit it. You hate Matilda.”

“Matilda needs to retire.”

“Matilda got me to the island.” Barely. But she made it here.

“Your car is not safe.”

“Matilda is perfectly safe. Besides, you know I can’t afford to buy a new car now.”

Shame tries to lift its head, but I push it down. I will not be ashamed of being in financial trouble. I’m proud of how hard I’m working to pay off my debts. The reason I have those debts? That’s a bit shameful, but I’m ignoring my past.

“Hmm…” He drums his fingers on the steering wheel.

I can practically see the wheels turning in his mind. “No way.”

He bats his eyes – the picture of innocence. “No way, what?”

“No way are you buying me a car.”

“Just a small one for your birthday.”

Rhett has lost all touch with reality. “You don’t buy a car as a birthday present. Besides, my birthday is months away.”

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