Page 46 of Marked
“It’s about time we did this again,” I remark, picking up my beer and tipping it toward Javi.
He nods in agreement as he lifts his own bottle, clinking the neck of it against mine before taking a swig.
“You’re lucky we agreed to another double date, after last time,” Lo mutters, giving me a pointed look.
“What do you mean?” I ask innocently. “That was a great date, wasn’t it, Chey?”
My mate slides her hand onto my thigh beneath the table, a smirk curling her lips. “One of my favorites,” she agrees.
Javi brings a fist to his mouth to stifle a chuckle while Lo rolls her eyes beside him.
“Whatever, you two better be on your best behavior tonight,” my sister admonishes. “No sneaking off to the bathroom before the entrée.”
“So, after is fair game, then?” I tease, waggling my brows at her.
She huffs out a breath, whipping her head toward Javi seeking backup. He just shakes his own, lifting his hands in surrender.
“Hey, I’m not gonna tell anyone how to live their lives,” he laughs.
“Easy for you to say when you weren’t subjected to hearing things that no sibling should ever hear,” Lo grumbles, her face screwing up in a grimace.
“Hey, Chey’s like my sister,” he shrugs. “Doesn’t mean I don’t want her to get some.”
I grin, extending an arm across the table to offer him a fist-bump.
Though my sister still looks appalled, Chey laughs softly, unashamed of the scene we made on our last double date with these two, months ago.And why should she be?It’s not like it was a random hookup. We’re fated mates.
Honestly, Lo clutches her pearls way too much for a child of Jax and Quinn Anderson. Our parents practiced PDA like a religion while we were growing up. Though it embarrassed Lo to no end, it gave me something to strive for in my own life– a partner to support me, challenge me, and love me unconditionally. I wanted a mate that made me as happy as my mom makes my dad, and now, that’s exactly what I’ve got.
I glance over at Chey, her amber eyes meeting mine like a magnet. She looks stunning tonight. I surprised her with the dress she’s wearing– forest green, like the landscapes she captures– and from the moment she put it on, I’ve found it difficult to look away. It’s always like that when I see her in something I bought, satisfying my primal need to provide for my mate. Spoiling her is definitely my love language.
“Oh, before I forget!” Chey exclaims, eyes rounding as she snaps her gaze to Javi and Lo. “I brought you guys something.” She leans over to reach into her purse, pulling out a framed photograph and passing it across the table to them. “Since you’re breaking ground on your new territory soon, I wanted to be the first to get you a housewarming gift for your new packhouse.”
The two of them peer down at the picture, Lo’s blue eyes turning glassy as she leans in closer to Javi. “Our cabin,” she breathes, a soft smile curving her lips.
“Where it all began,” Javi muses, turning to press a kiss to her cheek.
Lo lifts her gaze to Chey, hugging the frame to her chest. “Thank you.”
“Thank Iver, it was his idea,” Chey quips, knocking her shoulder into mine.
“All your pictures belong in frames,” I scoff.
She waves me off, downplaying her talent like usual, but she should know by now that my praise isn’t just lip service. I’ve made good on my promise to put one of her photos in every room of our packhouse, and visitors are constantly admiring them. My parents even have a big print of one of her photos over their own fireplace. She’s good, and if she refuses to acknowledge that, I’ll just have to do it for her.
“You know, with the plans for the ski resort to re-open, they’ll need some fresh photos for marketing,” Lo says slyly. “Probably an event photographer, too.”
“Seriously?” Chey blurts, sitting up a little straighter.
Lo’s mouth splits into a wide grin. “Would you be interested?”
“Hell yeah she would,” I cut in, feeling Chey’s excitement through our bond. I turn to her for confirmation. “Right?”
“Definitely,” she laughs, nodding eagerly.
Our server approaches the table, clearing off our appetizer plates and plucking up the empty glasses and bottles in front of us. “The food will be out shortly, but can I get anyone another drink?” he asks politely.
“I’ll have another beer,” I reply.
