Page 216 of Pucking Sweet

“Downstairs in the lobby,” says Colton.

“Yeah, we met your dad too,” Lukas adds with a glare. “And Rowan. You were sure keepingthatwild card close to the chest.”

I wince. “Was my brother rude?”

“Babe, scientists are already investigating the masterclass that was his dickholery,” he replies.

“I know,” I admit with a tired nod. I’ve been dealing with his snide comments and cutting stares for two days. “For a while, I thought it was just typical older brother meanness. But I really think working for Daddy takes a toll on him. He can never stick up for himself, so he copes by bullying others. It’s childish. I just try to ignore him.”

Lukas sighs. “Yeah, well, rules one and two mean I just had to stand there and take it, like I was a goddamn goalie with my arms taped to my sides.”

I glance over my shoulder, hairbrush in hand. “What are rules one and two?”

“Rule one: we have to be polite to your family,” he replies, holding up a finger. “Rule two: we can’t punch your ex in the face.”

“Seriously? What do you get if you win?”

They both smirk.

“What do you get?” I say again.

“We don’t wanna say,” says Lukas.

Now I’m smiling. “Well, what do you get if youbothwin?”

“We both get to win,” says Colton, his gaze heating.

I raise a brow, curious. “And if you lose?”

“Eh, I’ll owe him fifty bucks,” Lukas says with a shrug.

“What—fifty? That’s it? Can we up that please?”

“No way. The chances of us losing are too freaking high,” he replies.

I glance between them again. “Well, are those the only two rules?”

“Nope,” Lukas replies.

I narrow my eyes at them. “Well, what are the other rules?”

“Only one more,” says Colton. “No fucking like rabbits in the church.”

I giggle. “Well, that one should be easy, at least.”

They both toss a heated look my way.

“Okay, enough,” I cry. “Get out of here.” I wave at the open door connecting our rooms. “Go back in there and leave me to get ready.”

An hour later,the three of us make our way downstairs to the restaurant Daddy bought out for the night. My guys look divine in suit andtie, Lukas in charcoal, Colton in a pretty, dark green. I’m wearing a black Banana Republic dress that wraps around my neck, falling to the floor in pleats. There’s enough fabric, and the color is dark enough, that from the front, at least, you’d have to squint to tell I’m pregnant. From the side? Well, honey, there’s just no sucking this in.

I paired the neutral dress with a bold red lip, full curls, and a pair of absolutely gorgeous opal stud earrings, a gift from Colton last month.

The dining room is already filling as we make our way inside. I smile and wave as I walk past people I know, cousins and old friends of the family. I laugh out loud as I see who’s standing at the bar. I hurry over to her, knowing the guys are following right behind. “Bitch, who invited you?” I tease, throwing an arm around Tina.

She laughs, hugging me back. She’s changed up her hair, opting for a deep fade along the sides. Her petal pink hair on top is done up in curls and pinned like a faux hawk. “I thought it was you.”

I just shake my head. “You didn’t say a word.”

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