Page 50 of Fourteen of a Kind

“Thank you, sweetheart.”

CHAPTER 15

Graham

“How are you liking Los Angeles so far?” Nathan asked, handing me a beer.

“I like it.” I smiled. “I’m already learning a lot from Dr. Ashley.”

“She is one of the best.” He smiled. “Is your family back in New York?”

“My Aunt Dorinda is. She took me in after my parents passed away.”

“I’m sorry for your loss. I know how difficult it is.”

“Thanks, Nathan.” I tipped the bottle to my lips.

“So, Dr. Malone.” Conner walked over and hooked his arm around me. “Are you having a good time?”

“I am.” I smiled. “I think this is the best barbecue I’ve ever been to.”

“Damn right, it is. Come on. Let’s go sit around the bonfire and play some music. Things are about to get a whole lot better.” He grinned.

“What are you doing, Uncle Conner?” Ella walked over.

“Just asking Dr. Malone if he’s having a good time. Grab your guitar, Ella, and let’s play.”

Conner unhooked his arm from me, and he and Nathan walked away.

“I hope they were being nice,” Ella said.

“They were. All of your family has been very nice.” I smiled.

We walked to the bonfire and sat in the chairs that gathered around it.

“I’ve been sitting around this bonfire since I was six.” Ella smiled, taking her guitar from its case.

“So, your family always does this?” I asked.

“Almost every night.”

I sat and watched Ella play her guitar with some of the other family members. This was strange to me because I never knew any families that were so close to one another. I had a great time. It was probably one of the greatest days of my life. It was getting late, and everyone was returning to their homes.

I took hold of Ella’s hand as we walked back to her house. I didn’t want to leave and hoped she’d let me stay.

Bringing my hand up to her cheek, I stared into her beautiful blue eyes as we stood in the kitchen.

“I don’t want the night to end,” I softly spoke.

“Neither do I.” She smiled.

Leaning in, I brushed my lips against hers. She forcefully returned my kiss, letting me know she wanted me as much as I wanted her. Lifting her on the island, she wrapped her arms around my neck and her legs around my waist as our passionate kiss continued.

“My bedroom is up the stairs, and the second door on the left,” she spoke.

I lifted her from the island and carried her up the stairs. Setting her on the floor in front of the bed, I gripped the bottom of her shirt and lifted it over her head, taking note of her beautiful cleavage in the bra she wore. She did the same and tossed my shirt on the floor. Unbuttoning her shorts, she pulled them down as I took off mine.

“You are so sexy,” I whispered as my lips traveled to her neck.

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