Page 90 of Taken By the Pack

He holds up a bottle of wine in one hand and a bag in the other. “Brought fish.”

I snort. “You justhappenedto have fish?”

He smirks. “Got them from the docks this morning. Figured you’d know what to do with them.”

“You bought fish from someone else?” I ask.

He actually looks away, a smirk on his face. “Just this once, Rowan.”

I take the bag, already moving to the kitchen. “You’re lucky I like cooking.”

Jake follows, setting the wine on the counter. “Figured you’d want to impress her.”

I give him a look. He grins. I shake my head and start prepping.

An hour later, we are sipping on beer as we discuss the best ways to scale fish when we hear her.

Another knock.

But Ismellher before she even steps inside.

She walks in wearing a red floral dress, mid-length, swaying with every step. Wedges on her feet. Her hair down. Soft.

She’s buzzing with energy, like she’s got news she can’t wait to spill.

Ash steps in behind her in khaki pants and a button-up. Casually rich. Figures.

Grace barely gets two steps in before she’s in my arms, hugging me tight. I breathe her in before she pulls back, pressing a quick kiss to my cheek. Then she moves to Jake, giving him the same greeting.

Ash uncorks the wine. “Smells fucking amazing in here.”

I nod toward the stove. “Fish. And some other things.”

Grace claps her hands. “I’mstarving.” She leans against the counter, eyes bright. “So, listen, I had the best idea today.”

Ash groans and Grace lets out a small laugh that settles in my chest. “Okay, it was mostly Ash’s idea.”

Jake takes a sip of wine. “Oh yeah? What is it, baby?”

She grins. “A farmers’ market stand. Selling discounted flowers instead of tossing them.”

Jake nods, impressed. “That’s smart.”

I lean against the counter. “I can build the stand. Timber, maybe a nice setup.”

She blinks. “Wait.Youdo woodwork?”

I smirk. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me.”

She stares for a second, then beams. “That would beamazing.”

I roll my shoulders. “Shouldn’t take too long.”

She launches forward, hugging me again, murmuring, “You’re the best,” into my chest.

Yeah. I like hearing that.

Dinner is almost done when she settles into Jake’s lap, legs draped over his. Ash pours more wine, watching with a smirk.

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