She studied me for a moment, expression curious. “You don’t think you’ll be moving in with him?”
My heart skipped a beat at the thought. With everything going on, we hadn’t had time to actually go on a date, but that one night together had basically resuscitated my old crush and I could admit that I wanted us to go far. There was just one thing holding me back.
Vegas appeared in the doorway, his phone pressed to his ear and an indulgent smile on his face. “I’m pretty sure that’s where I left it. Why not check there first?”
I didn’t have to guess who had called him on his day off. I heaved a sigh after he gestured to let me know he was stepping outside and disappeared again.
Mel frowned at his back. “Since when does anyone call Vegas outside when he’s at the casino? He hates working after hours. He said he started his own business so he wouldn’t have to work when he didn’t want to.”
I almost snorted at that. “If I was a betting person, that was probably his casino manager. She’s been… clingy since I showed up.”
Mel grimaced. “Ugh. I hate people like that. I’ve had women flirt with Wraith while I was literally standing beside him. These guys are too good looking for their own good. Don’t worry, though. None of them are the kinds of guys to cheat.”
No, I didn’t think he would do that. I did wonder sometimes if he might regret choosing me at one point. If Charlotte showed up one day saying she wanted a relationship, would he only stay with me out of obligation? She wasn’t a complete mess like I was. She matched him better than me.
Pushing past that recurring thought, I forced myself to smile at Mel. “No, I don’t think I’m going to move in. Not right now, anyway. We’re still getting to know each other. It was only a hookup that led to this.” I rubbed my hand over my belly inemphasis. “I don’t want to rush anything. There’s too much at stake.”
She nodded in understanding. “I get that. And it’s smart. Taking things slow. You’ve got a little one to think of and happy parents are what’s best, even if you don’t live in the same house. But Vegas obviously cares about your opinion. Would you be comfortable with him having the baby here on his time?”
Glancing around the kitchen again, I nodded slowly. “I think so. Especially if he has the nursery upstairs. It’s safer that way.”
We discussed the logistics of potentially having the nursery upstairs. Technically that was where the master bedroom was but there was no attached bath, so it was just a bigger room. If Vegas was willing, it would be fine to have the nursery up there.
Vegas came back in a few minutes later, a frown on his face. “Hey, sorry, apparently I need to head to the casino. Charlotte said she can’t find some licensing paperwork we’re supposed to submit soon. I thought I left it in the outbox on my desk for her but I guess I forgot.” He turned to me, his smile apologetic. “See you after?”
I shrugged noncommittally. I wasn’t going to hold my breath for that outcome. Not when Charlotte was involved.
I saw Mel make a face that made me think she was on the same page as me. Vegas missed it because his phone buzzed and distracted him. When she raised an eyebrow at me, I just shrugged again. I didn’t want to be one of those women who said the guy she was seeing couldn’t talk to other women. Even if I knew he had feeling for her. If he wanted to be with her, he wouldn’t have asked me. Right?
“Come on,” Mel said once he left, pushing her chair away from the table and standing. “I have at least one meal a week with my besties. You’re coming too. You can get to know the brood. Your little one will be part of that eventually.”
Xander appeared by my side, offering me a hand to help me up. I had a serious urge to squeeze him silly, but resisted. Barely.
“How did you end up so sweet?” I asked as he helped me stand.
He flushed bright red, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.
“It’s genetics,” Mel answered with a grin. “He’s a carbon copy of his brother. They’re both sweethearts to the core.”
That made Xander wrinkle his nose, but when Mel turned away to call for the dog, I saw a secretly pleased smile flash across his face before he ducked out the door to wait out front.
“I think you just made his day,” I murmured as we followed behind Wraith out the door.
Mel hummed, keeping her tone low to not be overheard. “He needs it. His self esteem has been shaky since he got here. I like to remind him not all of his genetics are bad. There were some good apples in the bunch.”
I got the feeling there was a story there but I didn’t pry. I didn’t want to dig my nose into his business. People had given me that courtesy since I arrived, it was only fair if I did the same. If it was important for me to know, I was sure someone would fill me in. This group didn’t seem to have secrets.
“Last one there is a rotten egg!” Xander called as he bounced beside his brother’s motorcycle, already in full gear. I was surprised he was allowed to ride, but they obviously cared about his safety because he had every safety precaution they could muster, down to gloves and special boots. And his grin through the helmet visor when he climbed on behind his brother was so filled with joy it was practically spilling out.
“Cheaters! I’ve got special cargo!” Mel called as Wraith revved his engine.
“Stop acting like my dog is your baby!” Wraith shouted, his own smirk in place. “He could eat you!”
“He would never!” Mel gasped, offended, before turning to said dog and kneeling so she could rub his ears and coo at him. He just smiled a big doggy smile and soaked up her affection, not a complaint in sight.
“They really are just all big softies, aren’t they?” I laughed as I headed for Mel’s car. She’d been nice enough to pick me up since my dad needed the truck and Vegas’s car wouldn’t start. He’d been unbelievably apologetic when he met me here, but it turned out for the best. He wouldn’t have been able to bring me home anyway.
Mel laughed and nodded, opening up the back seat for the dog. “Not a grouch in the group. A couple are quiet, but they’re all kind and will be the first to volunteer to help if needed. I barely had to lift a finger moving in with Wraith. The crew showed up for me.”
