Page 141 of Five Days to Be Mine

Julian raises a cool eyebrow. “Speaking of little brothers, mine has it in his head that he wants to live here. I’m not kicking you out but wondering about your future intentions.”

Across the room, Mara is laughing with Holly and Holly’s friend Patricia.

“Tell your brother he can have it. I need to find a home with a garden.”

And I’ll learn to like the scent of flowers if that’s what it takes.

“No rush. I prefer you as a neighbour.” Someone calls Julian over, and he claps me on the back.

Speaking of little brothers, Hunter’s striding towards me, a huge grin on his face that reminds me of my father, his blond hair curling at his collarbone.

"Hey you old man.”

"Watch it you young punk. I'll tell mom that it was you who destroyed that car."

Hunter steps back. "It's your birthday? You don't look a day over twenty.

I laugh and man hug my little brother.

"Happy you're here tonight."

Mara comes up behind me and wraps her arm through mine.

“I wouldn't miss it for the world. And this must be Mara, the woman you convinced to be yours somehow.”

“Car.”

“Hey, it was only that one time.”

Mara laughs, her blue eyes glow as Hunter takes her hand.

"The restaurant industry must be good for the size of that ring. I can't wait to get to know you, Mara. Welcome to the family.”

"Thank you"

"Oh cool, I see Griffin, he’s always a good laugh." Hunter claps me on the back. "I'm going to enjoy your party now, see you later."

"He's fun,” Mara says.

"He's a pain in the ass" I grumble but then I catch sight of the little pearl earrings I gave her and pull her close to me.

"I love that you're here tonight. I'm going to dance with you so I hope those heels are comfortable."

“What, these old things?”

Holly, Noel's fiancée, gives me a smile and laces her hand through Mara’s

"I have something I need you to see," she says.

"Do you mind?”

“I guess I can spare you for a few minutes.” I pull her down to me and kiss her, tasting red wine on her lips.

“Okay!”

I grin. Holly and Mara had met earlier to go shopping.

I got to spoil my girl with the new dress, and new heels that make her calves go on for ages.

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