Page 39 of Connected By Souls

“Did you know he sleeps naked?” I blurt out.

Roaring with laughter, they almost fall out of their chairs. “I so didn’t need to hear that or picture that in my head,” Bella says, wiping the tears from her eyes.

“I take it your conversation went well?” Sophia asks, wiping her eyes.

I grin at them. “It went really well. He’s coming to get us soon.”

“I saw that coming. Why’s he got to be a party pooper?” Sophia asks, frowning.

“Because he’s the big brother—that’s what they do.” Bella rolls her eyes. “Mav does the same thing to us. Always trying to ruin our fun.”

“I think they’re just looking out for you both.” I laugh at their pouty faces.

“Yeah, well, it’s annoying,” Sophia hiccups.

“The bar is closing soon anyway, and this way, we get a free ride, so the jokes on him,” Bella giggles.

Laughing, we finish the rest of our drinks and pay our tab while we wait for Noah.

ChapterSeventeen

Noah

Driving up to the girls,I see them giggling in a circle. I immediately spot Emma and grin. She looks so happy and carefree that it takes my breath away. My eyes roam down her body taking in the way she looks in those yoga pants hugging her curves, her flat stomach peeking out above the waistline.

Laughing at something Bella says, she throws her long hair over her shoulder. Sensing my stare, she meets my gaze through the windshield. Heat flares and I instantly start to go hard. Willing myself to calm down, I adjust myself and get out of the truck.

“Well, it looks like you guys had fun.” I cross my arms and lean against the hood of the truck so I don’t grab Emma.

“We did, big brother. Thanks for the ride.” Bella hugs me and gives me a loud, sloppy kiss on the cheek. Whispering in my ear, she says, “Emma’s the best. I’m so happy you found her again.”

Smiling down at her, I whisper, “Me too.”

“How’s my brother from another mother?” Sophia asks and gives me another sloppy kiss on the cheek.

Laughing, I wipe my cheek. “Geez, how much have you guys had to drink?”

“Not enough!” Sophia yells as she and Bella climb into the backseat, giggling.

I walk up to Emma and smile. “Hi again.”

“Hi,” she softly says and smiles back at me. “Thank you for picking us up.”

“I can’t have my favorite girls getting rides from strangers now, can I? Plus, this way, I get to see you again.”

“You wanted to see me again?” She asks, giggling.

Laughing, I lead her to the passenger door. “Babe, you have no idea,” I say under my breath. I open the door for her and help her inside.

Blushing, she gets in and buckles her seatbelt. “Will my car be okay here overnight?” She asks as I get in the truck.

“It’ll be safe here. I know the owner, and I already called to tell him we’ll get it in the morning. It’s not the first time these yahoos in the back had to leave a car.”

“Hey!” Bella says, playfully slapping me on the back of the head. “Who are you calling yahoos? I know for a fact that just last weekend, Mav left his truck here, and you’ve done it too. Plus, this was a special night because I got to meet my new sister.”

Subtle much, Bella? Get wine into her, and she spills everything. “Let’s try not to freak Emma out, ok? I just got her to agree to go out with me on Saturday. We don’t want to scare her off.” I wink at Emma so she knows we’re all joking.

“I just call it as I see it. And you two are made for each other.” Bella leans forward, “Ohh! I love this song! Turn it up!” She shouts too close to my ear.

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