Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 97426 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97426 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
“You need anything?” Deacon is the first to turn to me and ask.
“I’m good.”
“What about you, sweetheart? True can’t stop asking about you. He’s been writing nonstop. I owe you. If there’s anything I can do, let me know.”
“Páre ton kólo tis stin Elláda mazí sou kai áfisé tin ekeí,” I say in Greek.
“What did he just say?” Alexis says with a glare thrown in my direction.
“Nothing,” Kelex chuckles.
I narrow my eyes on him, half expecting him to tell her I said he could take her ass to Greece with him and leave her there. He looks back at me and gives a small smile and wink. Yeah, I guess telling her what I said would blow up his own secrets.
“All right, all right. It’s my motherfucking birthday and there’re too many kids here and not a drink in my hand,” Pit says.
“Shut up,” Skittles laughs. She picks up a sippy cup from the table. “Here’s to your last year partying without your own kid present.”
We all look at Skittles as she smiles up at Pit. He does a double take as he turns to her. She gives him a nod.
“Happy birthday, baby. That’s why I wouldn’t let you in the bathroom this morning.”
“Get your ass over here,” he croons and opens his arms.
I can’t help smiling. I’m happy for them.
“Go wash that shit off your face,” Luke walks over and says.
I laugh as it registers how tight my face feels. I look to AJ, safe with his mom, and turn to head for a shower. It’s not lost on me that the assholes are pulling me in.
This was a prank of love and invitation. It’s on. I’m ready, I hope they are.
* * *
Alexis
I bite my lip as I watch Ant walk away. As mad as I am at him, I can’t deny he does it for me all the way. The bare chest, the gray sweats. From what I can tell, unlike most of the guys here other than Leo, Ant is still inkless.
All that smooth skin over those muscles and the veins that pop around his V and abs. Not to mention the fact that his sweats leave little to the imagination in a big way. It takes AJ munching and humming happily to pull me from my musing.
I look to my son and find him chomping on the bag of sliced apples I handed to Jenny to hold for me. He’s chewing with a big smile on his face. I have to admit, he’s been so happy since Ant showed up and since all of his father’s friends arrived this morning, he’s been in heaven.
It dawns on me how many bonds AJ has made coming to visit Ant. I can see how Ant feels about what I’ve done concerning Jenny. I did place someone in his life who took up a place of friendship. Just like I’ve placed all these people in AJ’s life.
Knowing Ant the way I do, that’s a big deal. I don’t know how to fix this yet, but I do see all the things I need to fix. One thing is for certain, I’m not giving up until I do.
“Hey, little guy, why don’t you come hang out with your uncle Leo?” Leo croons as he comes to get AJ.
I’m not surprised when AJ leaps into his arms. He seems to gravitate toward Pit, Skittles, Kelex, and Leo. He’s friendly with the others but reluctant to run to them right away.
“The party has arrived.”
I look toward the door as the words are sung. This must be Scarlett. She has Leo and Pit’s dimpled smile and Leo’s light-brown hair. She’s gorgeous. Tall like all her brothers. She looks like she could be a runway model.
“She’s alive,” Pit teases.
She rolls her eyes and plops in his lap to wrap her arms around his neck and kiss his cheek. “I text Skittles every day. It’s not my fault you got married and forgot about me.”
“Bullshit and you know it.”
She laughs. “Yeah, I thought I’d go with a guilt trip before I hit you up for a new car.”
Pit smiles wide. “I don’t know. I have a wife to think about. I can’t just keep spoiling your grown ass.”
Scarlett gasps. “I knew you were going to start that. Ugh, Skittles, you’re going to have to help me out here,” she huffs to Ven. “Oh my God, that reminds me, where’s my first nephew and sister-in-law? That kid is adorable, she has to be a knockout like Mayven.”
“I’m all right,” I laugh and wave as she looks over her shoulder.
She gasps. “You’re fucking gorg.” She jumps up and rushes over to pull me into a hug. “I’m Scarlett, your new bestie, but not the one to leave your kid with.”
Pit scoffs. “Got that right.”
“Mind your business.”
“I’m just saying, you’re not babysitting for me.”