Page 75 of Snowed In with Four Firemen
They all fall silent, glancing at each other sheepishly, and I take a deep breath, trying to get my racing pulse under control. God, they’re like…likekids.Jealous, competitive kids.
“Here’s what we’re going to do,” I say firmly, lifting my chin. “We’re all going to walk in—together.Because I’m not goingto stand here and watch you guys argue about something so stupid.”
“I’ve no idea what you’re talking about,” Ben says.
I feel my cheeks heating up.
“We’re all going to walk in, and we’re going to sit down like adults and have a nice dinner. No fighting, no pouting, no—” I break off, gesturing vaguely. “None ofthis.Got it?”
There’s a moment of silence, and then, slowly, they all nod, exchanging wary glances.
“Got it,” Ben murmurs.
“Sure,” Tanner grumbles.
“Whatever you say, Em,” Axel drawls, but there’s a hint of a smile tugging at his lips.
Jace just rolls his eyes. “You’re the boss.”
“Good.” I exhale, some of the tension easing from my shoulders. “Now, let’s go.”
But I can practicallyfeelthe tension radiating off them as we walk towards the long, beautifully decorated table in the center of the room. Servers are already serving wine and cheese, and the air is crisp and hot.
No one can literally tell we’re snowed in. I mean I’m not surprised, Jace and Hailey come from a rich family, and Sam probably makes thousands of dollars a month as a lawyer. It’s a jarring difference from my life working my marketing job in the city where I almost always ran out of money by the end of the month.
There’s another thing I notice. Most of the seats are taken up. There’s no way all five of us are sitting together. Jace spots one of the empty chairs and gestures for me to sit down. “Ladies first,” he murmurs.
The four of them hesitate, and I canseethe silent argument unfolding as they all glance between me and the remainingchair. Axel’s jaw tightens, Jace crosses his arms, Tanner arches a brow, and Ben just…sighs.
“Guys,” I say, my voice low and pleading. “Please.”
“Yeah, guys,” Tanner echoes, smirking as he reaches for the chair. “Let’s not make a scene.”
But before he can pull it out, Axel steps forward, his gaze hard. “I’ll sit next to her.”
“Like hell you will!” Jace snaps.
“Actually,” Ben cuts in, his voice tight, “maybe I should?—”
“For God’s sake,” I mutter under my breath, feeling my cheeks burn as a few of the guests glance our way, curious. “Just—someonesit down, okay?”
There’s another beat of tense silence.
Then Tanner huffs, rolling his eyes dramatically. “Fine. Go ahead,bro,” he mutters, stepping back and crossing his arms. “Be my guest.”
Axel glares at him, but he takes the seat beside me. I sigh in relief. Thank God that didn’t escalate. The rest of them scatter around the table, but once in a while, I catch them glaring at me.
As much as I want to enjoy the evening, there’s a sinking feeling in my chest.
Because sooner or later, I will have to face the truth.
I like all of them, and I like being around them. I don’t want to give any of it up.
But that’s not how this works, is it?
Axel keeps on talking. He’s funny, and really smooth. Out of the corner of my eye, I can’t help but notice the way Chloe flounces in, her tight red dress hugging her willowy frame as she saunters over to the table.
I frown. What is she doing here? And why is she wearing that? “She’s not even part of the wedding party,” I mumble.
