Page 66 of The B!tch List

“Where did you go?” Bronte asked, patting the chair next to her. “We thought that you were following us into the house.”

I sat down. “Sorry, I didn’t know you were waiting for me.” As the chair next to me shifted, I turned to see Shaw and Austen sitting down. I smiled at them and got a grin from Shaw and a wink from Austen, the little shit.

“Looking lovely, ladies,” Austen said to the group of us.

“For fuck’s sake, Aust.” Shaw rolled his eyes. “You’re a dick.”

I burst out laughing because Shaw and I seemingly had the same thoughts about his little brother.

“What?” Shaw asked.

“I think we’re on the same wavelength about Austen.”

Shaw gave a short laugh. “Well he is.”

“Whatever,” Austen replied. He looked around and when his eyebrows arched and his mouth turned up, I guessed a girl was responsible. I was right when he stood up and waved to us all. “Laters old folks.”

“What the hell is going on with that kid?” Hunter appeared, clinging on to Ellie’s hand.

“He’s found his dick,” Shaw grunted.

“Hey sweetie.” Ellie leaned down and kissed my cheek. “You look lovely.” She then turned to Bronte. “Have you had sex today?”

“Ellie, really?” Carter threw his hands in the air. “Do you have to be so fucking nosey?”

“At least if she’s asking you questions then she’s not begging me for sex…oof. Ellie that fucking hurt.”

“Good but you do know that once you’ve impregnated me, I’m only going to be begging for more.” She reached up on her tiptoes and kissed him hard on the lips and then dropped into the chair that Austen had vacated.

Lily appeared again and plonked herself in a free chair and heaved out a breath. “Oh my god, Hunter your dad is freaking out.” She slapped a hand to her forehead. “He’s nervous as hell.”

Hunter grinned and put his arm around Lily, dragging her to him. “He’ll be fine little sis.”

Lily grinned and patted Hunter’s chest and it was lovely to see them together. I knew that she already had Tate as a big brother, but from what I’d seen the three of them already had a great bond. And there was that loneliness again.

“You okay?” Shaw’s mouth was right near my ear, and it made me jump.

“I’m great. How are you? Bronte told me about Tia.”

His shoulders sagged. “Fucking bitch just decided that she wants her back.”

“I’m sorry.” I put a hand on his thigh and gave it a squeeze. “I know that you didn’t want to talk about it. Bronte said you didn’t. I’m sorry.”

“Tonight is about Kitty and I don’t want to bring the mood down.” He forced a smile. “Anyways, I meant to call you to tell you that Ruthie’s lawyer is going to get her to consider her options.”

“Thank you but no work tonight, just try to enjoy yourself.”

He tipped his beer bottle at me and both subjects were forgotten.

* * *

“You want a beer?” Shaw asked as we watched Hunter and Ellie doing some weird dance with Ellie’s dad, Henry.

I looked at him and shook my head. “I was thinking maybe vodka.”

He reared back and laughed, slapping his hand against his chest. “Woah, Nance. You know what happens when you drink vodka.”

“Huh, as if,” I said, feeling as if I just might, seeing as he looked so hot. Seeing as I was well on my way to being a little more than giggly drunk.

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