Page 87 of Tempt Me Forever

“A boyfriend? Who is he? Have you met him?” I asked, my words coming out harsher than intended. I tried to rack my brain to remember what I was doing at twelve. I often said Paisley was a teenager, but she really wasn’t—yet.

Lexi pressed her lips together. "Oh, I thought only the male part of the family would react like that."

"I’m a total mama bear," I explained.

"Yeah, I can see that. They're just holding hands, and apparently, he brings her flowers at school."

"I approve," I said, nodding.

Liz pointed at us. "Yeah, make sure the boys don't find out. Not Tate or Declan. I'm sure he can come up with a hundred things that can go wrong.”

“Good point.” I’d forgotten that he did that. I didn't know if it was the lawyer in him or the oldest brother thing, but it was truly a habit of his. I zipped my fingers over my lips. "Secret’s safe with me."

"Oh, Reese is here," Liz exclaimed.

"How does she look?" I asked before turning in the direction Liz pointed.

Even from here, I could tell the date was nothing to brag about. My sister seemed deflated. I could tell Reese's mood just by looking at her. When she was happy, her body language was open, and her smile lit up her face. Right now, her shoulders sagged, and her mouth tugged downward at the corners. She needed some wine and a consolation prize. I didn't want to accost her, though.

She greeted the group around the grill, then Gran and John before coming to us.

Lexi took Sophie from me when she started to fuss. She immediately calmed down in her mom’s arms.

Since there was nothing else to do, all of us sat down at the table. My niece was determined to talk to me. I had no idea what she was saying, but her smile mademesmile. Reese ruffled her hair, looking at me pleadingly. She needed the cuddles even more than I did.

“I know you want to ask how the date was,” Reese said.

Kendra nodded. Lexi and Liz exchanged glances.

“You were on a date? Good for you,” Liz said.

"So, how was it?" I asked.

"Eh," Reese said, waving her hand. "I don't understand why some men even bother going out on dates. And speaking of that....” She turned her head around to the grill. "Drake seems to be doing fairly well. Think he needs our help? Should I go rescue him? If I bring up the crappy date, our cousins will for sure focus on me."

That was my sister. She'd just come from a crappy date but still took the time to look after me. I loved her so much.

“Nah, I think Drake’s lucky anyway because John’s here. He’s definitely sharing the spotlight.”

"Okay, everyone, the food's ready," Declan exclaimed from across the garden.

I jumped from the table. "You all sit down. You've done enough," I said, heading over to the grill.

The guys had put the veggies on two plates, the meat on two separate ones. There was a fifth platter with tofu and halloumi cheese.

I caught Drake's eye, and my breath quickened.

I wondered if I’d ever make eye contact with him and not feel like my entire body was responding to it. I couldn't ask him how it went, not with my cousins around.

He winked at me, and I decided to take it as a good omen. He carried the corn to the table. Declan and I went next, each carrying a plate. He was suspiciously quiet.

"I have to ask, how come you're not warning me of any potential legal trouble?" I’d been certain he’d tell me all about the issues with workplace romances.

He shrugged. "Hey, I try to get better with age. I've learned from my mistakes, and now I'm trying to see things from an optimistic point of view."

"My, my. You’ve changed, cousin. Liz is a good influence on you."

"She is,” he confirmed.

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