Page 60 of When You Blush
Billie giggles and pats me on the shoulder. “You’ll figure it out. You already know at least half of these ladies.”
Before long, we dig into talking about the book and what we loved about it.
“It was sweet how healwaysreminded her that she’s gorgeous. That she shouldn’t be self-conscious no matter her size because he thinks she’s incredible,” Ava says, and there are nods all around.
“But can we talk about the hot tub?” Alex asks. “Becauseholy shit, that was hot.”
“And the mirror,” someone else joins in.
“And the limo,” Millie adds, and we’re all chuckling before long.
“I think the shower was my favorite.”
Our heads turn at the sound of a man’s voice, and I almost swallow my tongue when I see that it’s Blake, along with Bridger and a couple of men I don’t recognize.
“You know,” Billie says, “I wish we could get through justonebook club without my brothers interrupting.”
I blink at her and turn back to Blake.
“He’s yourbrother?” I demand.
“Those three are,” Billie replies, pointing at Blake, Bridger, and another man whose name I don’t know. “And that one is my husband.”
“Hey, bumble. I missed you,” her husband says with the same accent as Skyla, and I start to connect the dots.
“Whoa. That means that Skyla’s with …”
“Me.” The one who must be Beckett speaks up and walks right to Skyla. He picks her up and sets her in his lap. “You’re fucking gorgeous, Irish.”
“Holy swoon,” Ava says under her breath, making me huff out a laugh.
Staring at Blake, I shake my head. “Is there anyone in town who you’renotrelated to?”
“A lot of people, actually,” he says. “But there are a few I’m related to by marriage.”
Bridger snuggles Dani, and Blake’s suddenly sitting in the seat next to me. He reaches for my hand and lifts it to his lips, nibbling my knuckles.
“That’shim?” Ava asks me in a whisper-yell that has Blake grinning. “Christ on a cracker, Harpsichord.”
“Harpsichord?” Blake eyes me. “That’s cute.”
“Hi.” Ava sticks her arm in my chest, reaching over to shake Blake’s hand. “I’m Ava. Nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard a lot.” She glances at his lap, and I want todie.“Like alot.”
“CAN WE NOT?”
“It’s a pleasure,” Blake replies, shaking her hand and grinning at me. “So she talks about me, huh?”
“Why is book club suddenly turning into torture Harper club?”
“It’s fun,” Ava replies and turns back to Blake. “She doesn’t tell me enough, but she’s said a couple of things, especially after Thanksgiving.Thatwas a story.”
“I want to die.” I close my eyes and wish that I was anywhere but here. “Just a handy heart attack or a little lightning strike would work.”
“I’m a doctor,” Blake reminds me, kissing my hand again in front of everyone. He has mischief in his dark eyes, and I want to climb him. “I won’t let you die.”
“Wow, that’s super hot,” Ava says with an approving nod.
“Why are you talking?” I ask her, but she just rolls her eyes and keeps going.
