“You know them?” Sebastian asked curiously.
Emilia’s head tipped back with a laugh. “Everyone knows them. It’s a small town, and they’re a big family.”
“So will you be joining us for dinner, as well?” My father asked.
“No. I don’t know them that well,” she said, her cheeks flushing as she said it.
I was definitely going to talk to Bridger about lightening up with Emilia. Lulu and Henley had invited her to dinner last week, but she thought it would cause an issue with Bridger, so she turned them down, even though I’d all but begged her to come.
“Oh, got it. And Eloise is only going because we’re here?” my father said.
“Yes. I’ve gotten to know a bunch of the Chadwicks just from being here for the last few months, but it’s not like I’m hanging out with his family outside of work,” I said defensively, wondering why I felt the need to even say this much.
No one was suspicious. This was all in my head.
“I get that,” Sebastian said as he studied me. “I’m sure you see Chadwick more than you want to with the workout schedule. Your time off should be your time off.”
Oh, Sebastian. If you only knew how much of Clark Chadwick I’ve actually seen on my time off.
I had a flashback of him striding toward me, completely naked, with a sexy grin on his face.
I felt my cheeks heat at the thought and glanced over to find Emilia smiling at me, as if she knew exactly where my mind had gone.
But luckily, she was the only one who seemed to notice.
We just had to get through tonight, and we’d be out of the woods.
twenty-one
. . .
Clark
Easton
I’m proposing to Henley next weekend. Emerson, Nash, and Cutler will be coming in to town for it. Clear your schedules for Saturday evening. More details to come soon.
Bridger
Whatever happened to just taking a knee on a walk?
Rafe
Did you tell Emerson first?
Easton
You were all with me when I got the ring several weeks ago. I just decided to do it this weekend, so yes, I talked to her this morning.
Archer
It’s that twin bullshit. They always favor each other.
Easton
Yes. She’s my favorite because she isn’t an asshole.
Rafe
