Page 49 of Returning to Everton

Me:Haven’t stopped thinking about it. Pretty awkward watching Frozen with your daughter when all you can think about is the hot kiss you shared with the sexy Irishman in said daughter's playhouse!

Declan:Good. Just wanted to make sure it was as memorable for you as it was for me. Good nighta mhuirnín.

Me:Night Declan.

I get out of the tub, dry off, get dressed, and crawl into bed. I have the best night sleep of my life that night. I dream sexy dreams about Declan, Hudson, and Nate all sharing me. In one dream, a set of twins joins in on the fun, and I feel complete for the first time in a long time.

19

Ayden

It’s finally Saturday. When Kayden and I got home from work Tuesday, the guys told us all about their day with Rowen. It really sucks that we had to work and weren’t able to see her. I’m a little... maybe a lot, jealous that everyone has spent some time with her already, yet Kayden and I haven’t even seen her since she got here. I wanted to go over there and see her earlier this week, but the guys convinced me to give her some space and just wait until Saturday. They all agreed that they would try to back off some so we could get some one-on-one time with her.

We’re all ready to go. Hudson made more coffee cake, Nate has some burgers and hot dogs he’s going to grill, Declan and Logan have drinks covered, Kayden made a huge batch of his homemade mac & cheese (I told him to just make a few boxes of Kraft, but he wouldn’t hear of it), and I’ve got pasta salad and a bouquet of chocolate cosmos. Rowe may have invited us, and be hosting this cookout, but she’s not used to feeding this many people, so we’re supplying the food and drinks. I hope someone thought to tell her that or we’re going to have a lot of food.

“Hey did anyone tell Rowe she doesn’t have to cook anything?” I ask the guys.

“Of course, I did,” Hudson rolls his eyes at me. “I wouldn’t let her cook for all of us just to have us bring food too. I’m not an idiot Ayden.”

“Okay Hud, no need to get your panties in a wad. I was just double checking. I’d feel really bad if we got there and she had a ton of food waiting for us,” I defend myself.

We’ve got so much food, drinks, and people we have to take two cars. We get the cars loaded up and head over to Rowe’s. I am so excited to finally see Rowen I can’t sit still the whole ride. It’s probably a good thing I’m not driving. We pull up the driveway, and I’m thankful Declan has such a long driveway so all the cars fit.

We get out, unload, and walk up the porch steps. As soon as we get to the door, it opens to the most beautiful sight I have ever seen. Rowen is standing there in a white sundress with dark purple flowers on it. Her blonde hair is shorter than the last time I saw her, it’s just above her shoulders now. She’s wearing minimal makeup, just some eyeliner, mascara, a little blush, and some shiny lip gloss. That gloss all over her plump lips makes me want to kiss it right off. Her hazel eyes light up when she sees me and she rushes over and throws herself at me. It’s a good thing I wasn’t carrying anything breakable, just her flowers.

“I’ve missed you so much Ayden! Where have you been all week?? I’ve been waiting for you to stop by,” she says as she clings to me.

I kiss the top of her head and say “I’m Kayden, Rowe. You’ve been gone so long you forgot how to tell us apart?”

She pulls back and punches me in the gut. Now that she’s not in my arms anymore I regret joking with her. I want her arms around me again.

“Shut up Ayden. I’ll always be able to tell you apart and you know it!” She turns and looks around me and smiles when she sees the rest of the guys. I step out of the way so she can see them. “Oh my gosh, that’s a lot of food! Come set it down so I can get my hugs. You know where the kitchen is.”

We walk in and put everything on the counter, then the hugs begin.

“Kayden! I haven’t seen you since I’ve gotten home either. Where have you two been hiding?” she asks my brother.

Kayden gives Hudson the evil eye, then looks back at Rowe with a smile. “Just wanted to give you some time to get settled, sweetie. You were pretty much bombarded by the other guys since you got here. We didn’t want to overwhelm you. I’m sorry if we hurt your feelings by not coming by sooner,” he apologizes.

She gives him a big hug and I see him kiss the top of her head too. “That’s okay Kayden. I appreciate your thoughtfulness,” she reassures him. “We’ve mostly been getting everything unpacked and the house setup how we want it. I still have to go shopping with Quinn to get some more stuff to fill this huge house, and I suppose if you guys are going to be here often, I should get a bigger table,” she chuckles.

“Yes, you definitely need a bigger table. We’re gonna be here as often as you’ll let us,” I tell her.

She just shakes her head and rolls her eyes. “Alright, what did y’all bring me?”

“Well, I brought the promised coffee cake, but I’ve yet to get my hug so...” Hudson trails off, the threat evident.

“Well I haven’t gotten a hug from you either,” she sticks out her tongue. “What are you waiting for anyway?”

Hudson pushes Kayden out of his way good-naturedly and wraps Rowen up in his arms. He squeezes her tight then kisses her on the cheek. Nate pushes in next and swings her around once she’s in his arms. She giggles as he sets her down and backs away.

Declan is last and he walks up to her slowly like he’s reading her to see if she wants a hug from him. I’m surprised when he gently cups her face and rubs his thumb on her cheek. They’re both staring into each other’s eyes like this is completely normal. Then Declan leans down and kisses her.

I’m standing there in shock watching Declan kiss Rowen like his life depends on it. I’m suddenly irrationally jealous of my best friend. I mean this is what we wanted, but I want to be in on it too. Declan isn’t supposed to have her to himself, but she’s not kissing any of us like that. I look around to see if I’m the only one in shock, and feeling like punching Dec in the face.

That thought must have gotten through to him, because he backs away and wipes Rowe’s lips with his thumb before finally stepping back. She smiles up at him then comes back to herself.

“And what did you bring me Declan?” she smirks at him.

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