Page 82 of The Hitman and the Psychic

“Well… no. But after that.”

Stone placed his hands on my shoulders. “I’m fine, Sen. Don’t worry about me. We can stay as long as you want.”

My lips twisted at his use of my nickname. “If you say so, Nate. But don’t tell me I didn’t warn you.”

He chuckled and put his arm around me before we stepped back to the table. I didn’t even try to stop him. It was hard not to believe he meant it. Could my heart get any bigger without bursting out of my chest? I couldn’t stop a goofy grin from spreading over my face. I caught Felicity watching me and tried to wipe it off, but she sent me a raised brow and a knowing dip of her head.

Mom brought out the cake, and we all sang to Gracie. She had to compete with the other kids to blow out her candles, but managed to get them out with the first try.

After eating our cake and ice cream, the presents came next, followed by all the kids running off to play. I wentinside to help Felicity clean up. As I washed the plates, I glanced out the window and noticed that my brother had cornered Stone. “Ugh.” I rolled my eyes. “Can’t they just lay off him?”

Felicity glanced up to see them talking and shrugged. “You can’t blame Will after what Brandon pulled. But I wouldn’t worry. Your man is like testosterone in a bottle. I’m a little surprised that Will would even dare.”

I glared at her. “He’s not my man.”

Her brows rose. “Yeah. Right.” Her gaze moved to the window. “Uh-oh.”

“What?” I glanced up to find my dad joining Will.

“They’ve ganged up on him.”

I closed my eyes. “I didn’t want Stone to come, but he insisted.”

“Your text said he was a client.” Her brows dipped. “Is that true? He made it sound like you’ve been dating for at least a little while.”

My shoulders slumped and I let out a sigh. “Yeah, he’s the twenty-four-seven client.”

“Oh.” Her eyes widened, and she gazed out at him again. “I don’t think I’d complain about that situation.” She paused. “You two have some serious chemistry though. Have you…?” She raised her eyebrows at me.

“No.”

“You’ve at least kissed him though, right? He seems like he really likes you.”

I squeezed my eyes shut, a blush heating my face.

“Oh, you have!” She gave a small squeal.

“Shut up.” I widened my eyes at her. “It was… I wasn’t thinking.” I didn’t want to tell her about the vision, about how much danger he was in. Or how much dangerIwas in because of this job. “We just, sort of… kissed.”

“Oh, I get it. It was an accident. You both just turned around at the same time and your lips touched, huh? Kind of like Tommy in second grade?”

“Shut up!” I flicked water at her.

She laughed and flicked me back. After our mini water fight, we finally settled down and got back to the dishes.

“Well, either way, it’s been fun having him here. And that gift was really thoughtful.”

I sighed. “Yeah, I guess. But, did you hear what mom said?”

She chuckled. “Yeah… I did. She obviously sees the same thing that I do.”

My lips twisted. “I think you’re imagining it.”

“Girl… you can’t deny the attraction between the two of you. It’s off the charts. We can all see it, even if you won’t accept it.”

My stomach dropped. This was not helping. “Sure… I admit we’re attracted to each other, but he’s off-limits.”

“Why?”

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