“Because why?”Raina asked.
“Because he makes her all tingly in the pants,” Naomi replied before I could.“And she doesn’t like being tingly in her pressed slacks.Right, Gabs?”She elbowed me.
I deepened my glare.“The man is fifteen years younger than me.I shouldnot—I cannotbe havingtinglesfor him.So the easiest thing to do isnotbe around him.”
Even Danica made a face like I needed to get my head out of my ass.
“He’s an adult.You’re an adult,” Naomi said.“Where is the felony, counselor?Argue me that.”
“Doesn’t have to be illegal for it to justfeelwrong,” I snapped back.
“I know I said earlier that it’s out of your character to do anything reckless,” Raina said, slicing the roast perfectly thin.“But maybe you should?”
I shook my head.“New topic, please.”
They all rolled their eyes.“So, what?You’re just going to tell Damon he can’t invite Maverick over anymore?How do you think that’s going to go over with your moody teenager?”Naomi asked.
“I haven’t said anything like that to Damon.He’s invited Maverick over both yesterday and today, but Maverick said he was busy and couldn’t.I’m sure he’ll come over again, and when he does, I will—”
“Hide in your room like a weirdo,” Raina finished.
“Exactly.”
They all snorted.
“I’m done with this conversation,” I said with my authoritative mom-voice as I carried the mashed potatoes over to the dining room table.
I caught my cousins all exchange smirks as I made my way back to the kitchen to grab more food.
“When was the last time you … didn’t take care of things yourself?”Naomi asked, turning off the burner and grabbing the gravy boat—our aunt Dolores’ vintage china one with the green and white Westbury pattern.
I glanced at her.“None of your business.”
“Which means you can’t remember,” she teased.
“Canyouremember the last timeyoudidn’t take care of things yourself?”I countered, carrying the bowl of Yorkshire puddings and the bowl of steamed peas to the table.“Besides Raina, can any of us?”
Danica went pink in the cheeks and Naomi looked properly put in her place.Truth be told, until Raina got together with Jagger, all four of us had been stuck in a sexual drought.Of our own making, of course, but a drought, nonetheless.We just didn’t have time for relationships, and as far as casual encounters on the island went … well, San Camanez didn’t really have the menu for it.Not that I’d ever done anything casual.My one other “relationship” besides my husband was a contractual one with no feelings.It was purely sexual for both of us, but it wasn’t casual.We both knew we would do better in school with the tension release, were attracted to each other, and I trusted him.That was it.That was enough.That was all I could manage with two small children at home and a full course load.
Add in all of our emotional and sexual trauma from our husbands, and we were the celibate Vino Vixens who had healthy relationships with our vibrators.
We finished carrying all the plates and bowls to the table, then called to the children—and Jagger—to wash up and join us.Jagger made a noise that had Raina running to his side, when he peeled himself up from the couch with the help of his cane.
“I’m fine,” he said, his face set tight.“I can do it.”
I knew my cousin felt guilty about the injuries Jagger had sustained rescuing her son, Marco, from his kidnappers.But if the two of them didn’t sort their shit out, the grief was going to eat her up, and he was going to get frustrated with her babying him.
Everyone washed their hands and joined us at the table.“Hat off,” I said to Damon, who wore a Portland Storm ball cap.
He rolled his eyes, but removed his hat and took his seat.
“So, Maverick’s going to be on thePucktasticpodcast, hey?”Jagger said, grabbing the plate of sliced roast beef and dropping a few pieces onto his plate.
“What’s that?”I asked, thanking Laurel for passing me the peas.
He shrugged.“Dunno, really.Jillian, one of our servers, was going bonkers about it today at the pub.Apparently, the host is this amazing young woman who used to play rep hockey herself.She does great interviews with athletes, but also goes deeper into more sports politics and stuff.Jillian said Maverick did the interview yesterday, and Jasmine—the host—is going to try to get it uploaded tomorrow.”
I pivoted my gaze to Damon.“Have you heard of her?”
