Page 32 of Stay for Me
“She sounds like my kind of people. These are my kids, Melanie and Sebastian.”
Melanie gives a little wave, clearly feeling out of place, and Sebastian is practically bouncing out of his skin. “Sebastian is who I was telling you guys about. We fished, and he caught three more fish than I did.”
“Five,” Sebastian corrects.
Declan laughs. “That’s impressive. Jacob is one of the best fishermen I’ve ever met.”
“Well, Sebastian is clearly better.” This kid beams, and Brenna’s eyes lighten.
God, she’s really freaking breathtaking.
Sean clears his throat, causing me to look away. Fucking observant bastard. “It’s great to meet you all, and welcome to our home. Devney is really excited you agreed to come.”
The girls come out as if they heard us mention their names.
“Brenna! You made it! I’m so glad,” Devney fusses over her. “And this must be Melanie and Sebastian?”
“It is.” Brenna hands Devney a plate of something. “I know you said not to bring anything, but . . .”
Devney laughs. “I understand. I’m the same way. Please, come in and have some wine. We were just bitching about the men in our lives and how dumb they are.”
I look over at my brothers’ faces and chuckle.
She tucks her hair behind her ear and smiles. “Thank you.”
Sean steps forward. “If you want, the kids are all out playing by the tree house—or, mansion if we want to be technical . . .”
“I’ll take them,” I offer.
Devney’s eyes meet mine, and I can see the questions swirling. Damn these women and their ability to make something out of nothing. “That’s sweet of you, Jacob.”
“I’m a sweet guy.”
“You most definitely are.” She winks, and I wonder if she knows why I offered. “Come on, Brenna, let’s head inside.”
With that, I head out, away from Brenna and my thoughts about how much I want her. It’s safer at the tree house.
Chapter Nine
Brenna
The Arrowood family is amazing. That’s all I keep thinking. Today has been so much fun. We ate, laughed, had some wine, and are now around the fire as they all make fun of each other. The kids are chasing fireflies, all getting along and playing nice.
When I pulled up, my heart was in my throat. I was so worried about what they’d think of me, if it would be constant talk about Luke, or how weird it would be to hang around with two famous people. Not to mention, I was terrified to see Jacob again.
But, instead of being weird, it’s been the most relaxing day I’ve had in far too long.
These people are a family. One that is filled with bickering and trying to embarrass someone else before they are the target. It’s everything I wanted growing up, and they welcomed me into their fold with open arms.
“I bet I could throw this farther with my left hand than you can throw it with your right,” Sean challenges Declan after they were arguing. I lost track of what the disagreement was this time.
Declan scoffs. “You’re on. You think you’re some hotshot, you’re not, pretty boy.”
“I believe the name is Stud.”
I giggle and finish my wine in one gulp.
“Brenna, you’ll have to forgive the boys for their bad behavior. I can promise you, their mother raised them better than this,” Sydney says as she slaps her husband’s chest.
