Page 79 of Her Marine
“You got put out as well, I see,” Slate stated.
“I did, but at least I didn’t get kicked out of my own kitchen,” Killian replied, smirking at Maximus.
“Listen, if someone wants to make a meal for me, I will not refuse. They can happily kick me out of the kitchen,” Maximus responded, and Killian had to agree.
When the women called them into the kitchen, the other three had joined them. They’d set the food up buffet style and went around making their plates before sitting at the table and bar. They thanked them for cooking, and conversations broke out around the kitchen.
When they finished eating, Journee went to pick her plate up, but Maximus stopped her.
“You can leave it there. Matteo, Jax, and Gram are going to clean the kitchen,” he informed her. “Last ones up do the dishes.”
Matteo snorted. “You know we aren’t kids and don’t live with Ma anymore, right?”
“Doesn’t matter. You runts can do the cleaning,” Ace teased.
“I’m pretty sure this is bullying,” Jax stated. “But the food was delicious. So, we’ll clean the kitchen. Not for you all,” he stated, pointing at the five men not named for cleanup. “But for the lovely ladies who were nice enough to feed us,” he finished, leaning over, and kissing his sister-in-law’s temple.
“Thank you, Jax,” Kaydence replied, ruffling his hair, and the women excused themselves.
A few minutes later, Killian exited the kitchen after Maximus suggested they light his firepit and play a few games before everyone needed to leave. He went down the hall to the bedroom, closing the door behind him. He walked to the bathroom door and found Journee had changed out of the shorts and T-shirt she’d worn to bed and was doing her hair.
“I forgot to ask you how the gift exchange went yesterday. Did everyone like what they got?” Journee asked, glancing at him before returning her attention to the mirror.
When all eight men had arrived yesterday, they exchanged Christmas gifts while the women admired Maximus’ backyard. Since they always got together for the New Year, it’d become where they exchanged Christmas gifts Secret Santa style.
“It was good, and yeah, they did. Gram was excited.”
“I bet he was. You got him tickets to see his favorite team play twice.” She placed her brush down. “I like Matteo’s gift to you, especially since you can choose the dates.”
Matteo had gifted him a weekend resort getaway for two. Killian was sure he had Journee more in mind when he’d purchased it, but that was fine with him. He would have enjoyed it either way. He’d enjoy it more since he could take her with him.
“Tell me when you want to go, and we can,” he stated, and she smiled at him. “Maximus wants to light the firepit and play games before we start leaving.” He pushed off the doorframe and stepped back so she could exit.
“Games sound like fun. I’m going to check in with my sisters and grandma, and I’ll be out in a few minutes.”
“Take your time, baby.”
Killian exited the bedroom. He’d texted Ziggy and his parents a little after midnight and would contact them when he landed to let them know he’d made it home safely. The youngest three were finishing up in the kitchen when Killian walked to the patio. Maximus and Ace were already outside, starting the pit.
A container of games was sitting by one of the chairs around the pit, and he sat down to look them over. He didn’t care which one they played and would let the others decide once everyone was outside.
When Journee joined them ten minutes later, she placed her coat on the back of Killian’s chair. It was cold out, but they’d be fine staying around the pit. He pulled her to sit on his lap.
Once everyone was in attendance, Talia chose Pick Your Poison for them to play, and from the first question and the scenario Kaydence came up with for her answer, which was not part of the game, and Journee and Talia countering with different perspectives, he could tell it was going to be a bit chaotic, but he knew he’d be thoroughly entertained.
21
Journee was just about to walk out of her front door, headed to work when there was a knock. She furrowed her brow. It was a quarter past eight, and she wasn’t expecting anyone that early in the morning. She saw a delivery person holding a flower arrangement through her peephole. Opening the door, Journee was met by a smiling face.
“Journee Edmins?” they questioned.
“That’s me,” she responded, taking the flowers they held out to her. The vase was a beautiful crystal and held two dozen red roses. She thanked them as they returned to their van, closing the door behind them.
Journee sat the vase on her entry table, pulling the card from the flowers. They were from Killian, and the card read that he was sorry he was missing their first Valentine’s Day together. She had already told him she wasn’t upset and understood that he had to work. Hell, she was on her way to work.
Grabbing her purse, Journee left her house and got into her car. She would send Killian a text thanking him when she arrived at the office. She knew it would be better to call him, but she didn’t like to do that when he was working, and she preferred to tell him sooner than wait until she got off.
She weaved her way through traffic, going to her office. Her first appointment wasn’t until nine-thirty, but she wanted time to review her schedule and ensure she had everything set up for them when they arrived.
