“I did some research on you on the way over,” Ember says, “and romantic isn’t the way I’d describe the things I read.”
I wave a hand dismissively. “Stories in the media are greatly exaggerated, if not entirely falsified. Besides, can’t a person change?”
“A person could also take their time and be cautious about things,” Ember counters. She stands, and the two men flanking her immediately follow suit. “Hazel, why don’t you come home with us, and you and Conal can back things up a few steps. Maybe he can ask you out on a date.”
I tilt my head, giving Hazel an inquiring look. If she wants to leave, I’m not going to stop her. She searches my eyes for a long moment before she turns to her sister and says, “No.”
“Look, I’m not trying to interfere. I just want what’s best for you, Hazel.” She holds out her hand, but Hazel slides an inch closer to me and shakes her head.
“No, Ember. I’m going to stay.”
This marriage has already had some gratifying side effects. I’d be okay if she wanted to leave, but damn if it doesn’t make me happy that she wants to stay.
“You’d better treat her right,” the red-headed guy with Ember says. Can’t remember if he’s Zeb or Griffin. The other men echo similar warnings about keeping their eyes on the situation, and I smile through it all, even though inside I’m flipping them off.
“I’ll call you if I need anything,” Hazel assures her sister before they hug at the door. Frank throws me one more dirty look, and then they leave, and Jack follows them out.
I put my arm around Hazel’s shoulder and pull her close. “That was a good time.”
“I’m sorry about that. Sometimes Ember forgets that she’s my sister and not my mom.”
“Hey, don’t worry about it.” I turn her toward me and press a quick kiss to her lips. So sweet. The urge to take her into the bedroom is strong, but I’m not as big of an asshole as her sister thinks I am.
“Can you eat something else? How about some eggs?”
She shakes her head. “Maybe later. I’d like to let the toast settle. I could try some tea, though.”
Bron gets up from the barstool where he’d been sitting. “I’ll make it.”
Good to hear, because when Hazel’s in my arms, I don’t want to let her go. I lead her to the nearest sofa, stopping along the way to snag another blanket, and settle down with her resting against my chest.
After I cover her with the blanket and give her time to get comfortable, I gently stroke my fingertips over her scalp, from her forehead to the crown. “That feel okay?”
She nestles closer and lets out a sigh. “Yeah, that feels good.”
Bron arrives with her tea and sets it on the coffee table in front of us, saying, “Whenever you’reready.” Then he sits down next to Hazel. “Want a foot massage, too?”
Her body stiffens and she looks up at me, as if to gauge my reaction to my brother’s offer.
“I wouldn’t turn down a foot massage if I were you,” I tell her.
After I give her a smile, she turns back toward Bron and softly says, “Okay.”
Hazel wasn’t throwing herself at us last night, but today she’s much more …demure.I like it, actually, but I want her to be comfortable.
As my youngest brother moves closer and takes her feet onto his lap, I resume caressing her head. “So you really don’t remember getting married?”
Rafe had been pacing the room, but he comes over and sits down across from us. “It’s embarrassing to admit,” Hazel says, “but no, I’m afraid I don’t.”
“No reason to be embarrassed,” Bron says.
“I just wish I’d realized how much you’d had to drink,” I tell her.
“It’s okay. I’m not upset. I’m guessing you all had a good bit to drink, too.”
“It was a fun night.” I’m sure I drank much morethan Hazel, but I’m used to it, and I remember every minute.
“In fact …” Hazel starts out, then pauses, her body tensing, despite the ways Bron and I are working to soothe her. “If you’d like to have the marriage annulled, I wouldn't blame you. I wouldn’t be upset. I don't think marriage is exactly your style, anyway.”
