Page 85 of Paths

When Grady opens his door, I hear excited screams and shouts from the women, but I stay where I am. I know I can’t hide in Grady’s SUV forever, but for now, I feel safer in here.

All four women have darkish hair similar to Grady’s. They all have his coloring, especially the most enthusiastic one running to him. Even from here, I see she has the same vibrant blue eyes I’ve been falling for.

Shorter than me, she’s petite. When she gets close to Grady, she jumps, leaping into his arms where he catches her, leaving her feet dangling at least six inches off the ground. She wiggles from side to side, excited to see her big brother.

But I barely have a moment to appreciate her love for Grady when the other three reach him. At least they don’t run and jump, but they do attack him. It’s like he’s turned into a huge tree smothered in vines.

It’s honestly one of the sweetest things I’ve ever witnessed. I know I’m the same way with Joe, but to see Grady being loved on by his family, especially after I learned their parents are gone, makes it even sweeter.

They finally give him some breathing room, breaking away even though they all seem to be talking a mile a minute. But just when I think I’m safe, tucked away in Grady’s big SUV, one of the sisters looks over and catches my eye.

I can’t help but tense when she doesn’t look away. I’m not a professional lip-reader, but it’s easy to see she just asked who I was as she gestured to where I’m hiding. When they all look over, I give them a half-smile with a little wave. Grady gazes straight into my eyes, and his smile is bigger when he lifts a hand, crooking a finger for me to come to him.

Well, I’d look like a freak if I just sat here, but none of my mother’s incessant lessons in composure taught me how to meet the family of the man I’m sleeping with when my face is scraped, swollen, and starting to bruise. It’s not like I can simply explain that my ex-fiancé and his mob family are after me and my face skidded across the tarmac of a runway. They obviously love Grady, they’re going to want more for him than some woman with baggage so big and heavy, it requires an eighteen-wheeler to haul it around.

But the longer I sit here, the longer they’ll stare, and the weirder they’ll think I am.

I finally reach for my door handle and climb down from my seat. The second I start toward the Cain huddle, Grady breaks away from his sisters and moves to me. I instantly feel at ease when he reaches for my hand and pulls me to his side with his arm around my shoulders.

He turns me to our captive audience and announces, “This is Maya Augustine. Maya, these are my sisters.”

I open my mouth to greet them, but it’s like I never had a chance. They prove just what I thought—their interest in the woman standing with their brother is off the charts.

“You’re dating someone?”

“No wonder he won’t return our calls.”

“Obviously, he’s been busy.”

“Look how cute they are.”

“How long have you been together?”

“You’re the most hypocritical man ever. You demand to know everything about us, and you didn’t tell us you have a girlfriend?”

“I mean look, with her blonde hair against his dark complexion? They’re soooo cute.”

“I agree.”

“I bet they’ve been together a long time, it’s why he hasn’t come to visit. He’s been relationship-busy.”

“But he’s never been in a real relationship.”

“That’s why he’s been so busy—he doesn’t know what he’s doing.”

“What happened to your face?”

“Seriously, Grace? You need a filter.”

“Sorry. But really, what happened to your face?”

Holy shit, the way they talk, I doubt they ever need anyone to answer. I’m usually good with people, but really, it’s four versus one. I’m not sure what to say, who to answer first, or how to lie about my face.

Grady’s arm tightens around my shoulders and he tucks my front to his side. I try not to look pained when I offer a little wave accompanied with a lame, “Hey.”

“What the hell?” the tallest of the Cain sisters screams, staring at my hand. “You’re engaged?”

I quickly pull my hand back, but Grady catches it in his.

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