Page 5 of Only Forever

“Go get him, Lilac!” A woman encourages from behind her.

I glance past her and notice a tall, blonde woman waving at me. “Who is she?”

“She is none of your business. My private life is none of your business. I concede you are my boss.”

I snort. “How gracious of you.”

“But being my boss does not entitle you to information about my private life. I’d prefer it if you left now.”

The woman skips over to us. “Hi.” She holds out her hand. “I’m Ashlyn.”

I reach forward to shake her hand. She latches onto my hand and drags me further into the yard. “We’re having a party. Come join us. I’ll introduce you to everyone.”

I glance back at Lilac over my shoulder. She’s glaring at Ashlyn. I can’t help the smile from creeping onto my face. Annoying Lilac is one of my favorite things in the world.

Ashlyn leads me to a group of women. “This is Aspen.” A woman with dark, curly hair waves. “And this is Ellery.” A short woman with reddish-blonde hair nods to me. “Our other sister, Juniper, is still in the house.”

Sister? I cock an eyebrow. “You’re all sisters of Lilac’s?”

Ashlyn giggles. “Lilac didn’t tell you about us?”

“Lilac doesn’t share her private life with me,” I mutter under my breath.

“Interesting,” Aspen says.

Ellery wags her finger at her. “Don’t. Leave Lilac alone. Don’t interfere. You’ll make things worse.”

What things will she make worse? What are they talking about? I know from having four sisters, women have a secret language men are bound to never understand.

“I thought we agreed. Lilac’s next,” Aspen says.

“Just because she doesn’t have a man doesn’t mean it’s her turn,” Ellery argues.

“Lilac has a man,” I point out. More than one, I think but know better than to say.

The sisters look at each other. They don’t speak, but I’m certain they’re having some kind of private conversation only they can understand. They seem to come to some sort of understanding before turning to me.

Aspen grins. “This is going to be fun.”

“We need to get the betting pools set up,” Ashlyn says.

“Can we at least wait until Juniper and Maverick come out before we start on the next one?” Ellery’s question does nothing to clear up the confusion their conversation is causing.

“I think I should go,” I say as I begin backing away.

“But you haven’t met Juniper yet,” Ashlyn argues.

“Another time,” I mumble and then high-tail it out of there.

I know the look of scheming sisters and those sisters are definitely scheming about something. Besides, I don’t need to be here. I came to check on Lilac. She’s obviously fine and doesn’t want me here. My mission here is complete.

I scan the yard until my gaze falls on Lilac. She’s glaring at me with her hands fisted at her hips. Her obvious anger does nothing to distract from her beauty. It doesn’t matter. I can’t get involved with the woman. Not only is she my employee, but she’s a player. I know better than to get involved with a player.

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