Page 79 of Bragg's Christmas

Riley and Brody bump fists before shouting, “Twin powers activate!”

I giggle and everyone’s attention switches to me. I hold up my hands. “Sorry. I’m leaving. Have a lovely evening.”

“Why are you leaving?” Harmony asks.

“Don’t be silly.” Eden grasps my elbow and tries to lead me to the table. I plant my feet. I’m not going anywhere.

“We promise we only talk about you behind your back. Not in front of you.”

My mouth gapes open at Moon’s announcement.

“Kidding. I was kidding. Can’t anyone in this crowd take a joke?”

Elder raises his hand and his brothers groan. “What’s the definition of embarrassment?”

Me. At this moment.

“Running into a brick wall with an erection and breaking your nose.”

Damon growls at him. “No dirty jokes when my five-year-old is within hearing distance.”

“Skye doesn’t know what an erection is yet,” Elder claims.

Moon points to Mrs. West who’s sitting with Daisy and Skye. “I wouldn’t count on it. Mrs. Teach The World About Condoms is here.”

Damon steps forward but I stop him. “I’ll get her. You enjoy this time with your family.”

He scowls. “This is your night off.”

I roll my eyes. “Which is why I was leaving.”

“Don’t you enjoy being around my family?”

“Uh-oh. Mommy and Daddy are fighting,” Brody whines.

Soleil slaps his shoulder. “You’re supposed to be an adult now.”

Brody smirks. “I have an exemption for when my entire family is gathered together.”

She moans. “What did I get myself into?”

He wraps an arm around her shoulder and pulls her near. “Love and orgasms for the rest of your life with a bit of laughter thrown in for fun.”

I want what she’s having.

I don’t realize I spoke aloud until Damon’s gaze meets mine and he cocks his eyebrow.

Backpedal, Love. Backpedal like there’s an alligator in the road and he’s giving you the ‘I haven’t eaten in a week’-look.

“It was a joke. Elder tells bad jokes all the time and everyone ignores him. Ignore me now. Please, ignore me.”

“Hey! I don’t tell bad jokes.”

Harmony rolls her eyes at her husband’s denial. “He does. He really does.”

Phew. Attention’s off me. Time to sneak out of here before I make a fool of myself yet again in front of Damon’s family.

I’m down the stairs and nearly at the door when Damon places a hand on my lower back directing me away from the exit and down the hallway to the restrooms. Someone walks out of the family room and he catches the door before urging me inside.

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