Page 37 of Until Never

“Ally, sweetie,” Andrew starts with a grin, holding out his own hand to Dillon, “you didn’t tell me the level of hotness you’d be around.”

Dillon’s hand jerks in Andrew’s and he quickly pulls it back. “Uh… excuse me?”

Using the back of my knuckles, I slap Andrew’s hard abs.

“Don’t be rude,” I hiss.

“Me? Rude?” His look turns innocent, then he slides his eyes to Ashlyn. “Oh, sorry.” He grins. “No offense. You’re beautiful too.”

I snort and roll my eyes.

Ashlyn laughs. “No offense taken.” She moves her arm around Dillon’s waist and pats his stomach. “I know how hot my man is.” She looks to me. “And I totally see what you mean.”

Andrew can be a lot to take in when you first meet him. I felt it prudent to forewarn my friend. Apparently, from the look in Dillon’s eyes, she didn’t pass along the message to her husband.

“Mom!” Destiny yells running into the living room. “Can I—?” She skids to a stop when she sees Andrew and Jase. “Whoa!” She tips her head way back, taking in all of Andrew. “You’re really big.”

Chuckling, Andrew gets down to a knee before her. Even then, he still towers over her. “Is that better?”

“Yeah, but not by much,” Destiny replies. “Are you Ally’s dad?”

Andrew nods. “I am. And you must be Destiny. Ally’s told me about you.” He leans closer and lowers his voice. “Thank you for letting Ally stay with you.”

Destiny’s head bobs up and down and answers in a serious voice. “You’re welcome.” She looks at Andrew’s arms. “You have a lot of tattoos like my uncle Nico.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Uh-huh.” She moves her eyes to Jase. “Who’s that?”

Andrew looks up at Jase before bringing his eyes back to Destiny. “His name is Jase. He’s my boyfriend.”

Destiny peers up at Jase again. “I like his hair. It’s pretty.”

Jase smiles, showing off a pair of dimples in his cheeks. “Thank you.”

Andrew chuckles. “I like his hair too.”

“Destiny, honey, why don’t you go wash up? Dinner will be ready in a few minutes, and I could use some help setting the table.”

“Okay.” With a wave, she darts off back into the hallway.

“Cute kid,” Andrew remarks, getting to his feet.

“Thanks,” replies Ashlyn. “Ally said you rented a room in town. I’m sure you’re both tired from driving, but if you’re up for it, I made enough dinner for everyone.”

“You hungry, baby?” Andrew asks Jase.

“I could eat.”

“Thank you for the hospitality. We’d love to stay for dinner.”

* * *

With the medicinemy doctor gave me a couple of weeks ago to help with my nausea, I’ve been able to keep down food a lot easier. I lean back in my chair, my stomach fuller than it has been in weeks. The beef stroganoff Ashlyn made really hit the spot.

My eyes follow Destiny as she skips off back to her room after asking permission to be dismissed from the table. Apparently, she has this new computer game she’s been dying to play.

I look around the table, and a small smile forms on my face. Everyone looks relaxed and happy. Even Dillon, who took a little time to warm up to Andrew after his remark in the living room. As good looking as Dillon is, I’m sure it’s not often he’s hit on by a man. Andrew may have flirted a time or two with him, but it was innocent. He’s one hundred percent committed to Jase. The hounds of hell couldn’t change that.

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