Page 89 of When You Blush
Ryan is her brother, and he’s sitting to her right. Even I’ve heard of Ryan Wild. It’s unbelievable that I’m just casually hanging out with a couple of billionaires over the next few days.
Whose life is this?
“I didn’t see it,” he replies. “And I’m not psychic, so I don’t know.”
“You’re the star guy.” Millie glances over at me. “He has a whole conservatory on the roof of his house. It’s amazing.”
“It sounds amazing.”
“We’ll have pool parties this summer,” Polly, Ryan’s wife, says with a happy sigh. “And when you come, we’ll show you.”
I lift an eyebrow. They’re already including me in pool parties.
It’s like Blake decided I’m his, and all of these people just followed suit as if it’s the most normal thing in the world. It’s overwhelming, but it feels good to be accepted by them. To be a part of this group of people.
Blake reaches over and brushes his hand over my hair.
“You okay, sugar?”
“I’m great. It’s nice out here.”
We’ve spent an hour out here by the fire, and I love that no one has been shy about asking me questions about myself. I talked about being a nurse, being from Silver Springs, and living with the Hendrix family.They’re curious about me, and Blake was right when he said that everyone is nice.
They remind me of my own family, and that makes me feel at home.
“Can you ride a horse?” Holden asks me.
“I was raised on a ranch.” Holden smiles at me, and it hits me in the solar plexus. I mean, every man here isincredible, including my brothers, but there’s something about Holden, with all of his tattoos and that cocky grin, that does something for me. He makes me nervous because he’s so attractive. “Of course, I can ride a horse. I can fix fences, I can bail hay, I can do a lot. But I’m not looking for a job.”
Holden laughs and shakes his head. “I was just curious. We have some rescue horses at the ranch that need the mileage, so if you want to ride, you’re welcome.”
All of a sudden, there’s a splash at the pool and some giggling, and we all strain our necks to see who’s swimming at this time of night.
“Jake! There are people over there.”
Holden smirks over at Ryan. “Your boy is making the moves on his girlfriend in the pool.”
Blake laughs beside me. “The kid is eighteen. I’m sure he’s made quite a few moves on that girl.”
“We try not to think about it.” Polly cringes. “Christ, I don’t want to be a grandma. I’m too young.”
Ryan kisses her on the head. “He’s being responsible.”
“I don’t want to know,” Polly insists. “He’s an innocent boy who loves me and wouldnevertouch that girl.”
Now we all laugh at that.
“I come bearing midnight snacks,” Ava announces, carrying a tray. Billie’s right behind her with another tray. “Cookies and hot chocolate.”
They pass the goodies around, and Ava collapses in a chair next to me.
“And I brought the Irish cream.” Connor joins us, passing the bottle around so we can add it if we want it.
I totally want it.
Blake passes and then presses his mouth to my ear.
“Don’t get drunk, Harper. You’re going to be completely sober when I fuck you later.”
