Page 172 of Scandalous

“Yeah, that’s actually why I came in here. I wanted to tell you I’m heading to the airport to pick them up.”

I roll across the bed and stand. “I’m coming with.”

“Are you sure?”

“Is Santi staying here or coming with us?” I ask, ignoring his question as I move to the door.

“He’s staying here. He’s been cooking up a storm,” Drake says from behind me.

Walking down the hall, I come to a stop outside of the kitchen and instantly see what Drake meant. The kitchen island is covered in dishes and it all smells absolutely delicious. My stomach rumbles and I frown. When was the last time I ate?

“You guys need to head out, or you’ll be late,” Santi says over his shoulder as he pulls something out of the oven.

“Did you make all the food in the pantry?” I tease as I walk up to the island and grab a pastry.

Santi shoots me a dirty look as he sets a baking dish on a hot pad. “I had food delivered.”

I reach for something else and Santi reaches out, slapping the back of my hand.

“What the fuck, man!”

“No more.” He points at me. “You can eat when you get back. Now go.”

“Come on,” Drake mumbles as he grabs my arm and starts pulling me toward the garage.

Once in the car, my leg starts bouncing in anticipation. As much as this entire situation sucks ass, I can’t wait to see Aurora.

Drake reaches over and places his hand on my leg, keeping it still. “You need to chill the fuck out.”

I sigh. “I know.”

“It’s going to be fine.”

“I hope so,” I say as my stomach growls again. “Do you think we could stop for something to eat?”

Drake laughs. “I’ll stop for you to grab a snack, but that’s it. We’re already behind.”

True to his word, Drake stops at a gas station on the way and I run in and grab a bag of chips. It’s not the best thing, but it will tide me over in the meantime. Before we know it, we’re pulling up to the airport. My leg starts bouncing again in anticipation.

Then we spot them, standing in the shadows away from prying eyes. Before Drake can fully stop the car, I jump out and rush toward Aurora. As soon as she’s within reach, I grab her and pick her up, spinning her around.

The sound of her laughter soothes my soul. I don’t know how I know, but I know everything will be okay.

“Come on, let’s head home,” she says as she presses a kiss to my cheek.

* * *

As soon as we pull into the driveway, a wave of exhaustion hits me. Rubbing my eyes, I give myself a mental pep talk.

Sit down with the guys and find out what they know. Reassure them and myself that this is what we really want. Then bed.

“You okay?” Liam asks next to me.

I roll my head on the back of the seat and smile at him softly as the car comes to a stop. “I’m good. Just a little tired.”

“Let’s sit down together and talk, then you can go to sleep,” Ezra says from the passenger seat.

“We got your bags,” Drake says.

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