Page 22 of Saving Grace
“And?”
“And I shouldn’t tell grown-ass men where they can and can’t walk.”
“And?”
Noah’s face softens as Jett’s expression takes on a teasing edge. “And you’re the most beautiful girl in the room, chaos,” he says, leaning into Jett. Their noses brush in a sweet almost kiss.
Some random patron yells for them to get a room, but everyone laughs good naturedly.
I can tell this conversation is way over my head, but Drew eases Noah’s concerns. “We drove, man. I just strapped her to me outside because there’s not really room for a stroller in here. Besides, do you see how freaking sexy I look in this thing?” He puts a hand on his hip and kicks his butt out, imaginary hair flip included. “I’m gorgeous.”
Noah and Jace snort laughter while the girls roll their eyes.
Jace looks at me. “Been a long time, Leila. How’s it been being a mom?”
“Like nothing I imagined,” I say honestly. “Still learning. Always tired, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
He nods. “I get that. Want something to eat? Buck makes a mean plate of cowboy nachos.”
“What’s that?” I ask, scrunching my nose.
“Only the best thing you’ll ever put in your mouth,” pipes Jett.
Noah scoffs at his girlfriend’s response. “I take offense to that, ma’am.”
“None of that shit at my bar,” Jace groans. “This is a public eatery, and not all of Havenwood wants to know about your birthday suit shenanigans.”
I notice a few patrons glance our way, and Jace’s ears turn pink as he realizes more people heard him than Jett’s comment.
“You’re just jealous you aren’t gettin’ any, little brother,” Kelsey chimes in, never one to leave well enough alone.
“By three minutes, and neither are you.”
A knowing glint fills Kelsey’s eyes as she takes a bite of another fry before pointing the remaining portion at her twin. “Hmm, keep thinkin’ that, bubs.”
I hide my giggle behind my hand while Drew coughs to cover his laughter.
Jace throws his hands up, clearly exasperated with his sister. “Know what? Forget it. I’m going to the kitchen. I’ll come back when you guys grow up.”
“He’s just salty because he’s lonely. All he does is work and go home to that huge empty house,” Kelsey says.
“Wait, wasn’t he engaged right at the end of your senior year? Whatever happened to her?” I ask.
The collective silence from the group makes me regret opening my mouth. Clearly, nothing good came of it.
“We’ve all seen our share of hurt over the years, sunshine,” Drew says before placing a chaste kiss on the top of my head.
Jett reaches for my arm, pulling me closer to her and Kelsey. I can’t help but glance back over at Drew, but he’s already in discussion with Noah, steadily bouncing on his feet. His large, calloused hand rests against the back of Kaia’s head protectively.
“Somebody’s swooning,” says Kelsey, a grin plastered to her face.
I jump, suddenly aware of my staring. “What? No.”
“Mhmm. Whatever you say, Lala.”
“Lala?” Jett asks.
I roll my eyes, sliding into the open stool next to them. “My brother’s childhood nickname for me. Kels thinks she can use it because she’s got an in with the guardian.”
