Page 81 of Returning to Everton

I can’t make myself talk, so I just nod.

“I’ll go with you, Sugar. We’ll make sure everything is fine. I promise,” he attempts to reassure me.

I finally calm myself, and pull back from Nate. I look around at all of the guys, who are watching me with concern. “I’m scared,” I admit with a tremble in my voice.

Ayden rushes over to me and pulls me into his arms. “It’s okay to be scared. Hell, I’m scared. But we’re in this together now, Rowe. You’re not alone anymore,” he reminds me as he holds me close and runs his fingers through my hair trying to calm me further.

It’s working. Being in his arms surrounded by the men I love, gently reassuring me that everything will be okay and they’re here for me. I start to believe their words. What a mess. Today was supposed to be a happy day to celebrate my little girl starting school tomorrow, but instead, I’m on the verge of a breakdown. I’m so thankful I have these amazing men to hold me together when I feel like falling apart.

“Okay.” I wipe the tears from my face. “Change of subject, please. Today was supposed to be a happy day. One of you better make me start laughing instead of crying,” I demand half-heartedly.

In hindsight, I probably shouldn’t have said that while Ayden was holding me. I should have seen the tickle attack coming.

“Ay-den! Stop... It!” I squeal between giggle fits as I smack him in an attempt to get him to stop tickling me.

I suddenly remember he’s just as ticklish as I am, so I return the assault on him. He starts laughing and wiggling, but still not letting me go. We’re both laughing hysterically, and the other guys are just standing there watching us like we’re crazy, smiling and shaking their heads. I finally give up because I can’t breathe.

“Okay, okay, I give!” I gasp. Ayden finally releases me from his clutches and I’m able to take a deep breath for the first time in forever. I should have remembered Ayden is too stubborn to give in.

“Here, Lovely,” Kayden offers me a drink.

“Thanks, Kay. You’re my favorite now,” I declare.

“What?!” Nate exclaims. “You’re not supposed to have favorites, Rowen,” he huffs.

I giggle, “Sure I am. With five boyfriends, I’m bound to have a favorite.” The guys all glare at me, well everyone except for Kayden since he’s my favorite. “Oh, don’t look so grumpy. He’s my favorite rightnow. Doesn’t mean he’llalwaysbe my favorite,” I explain then stick my tongue out at them for doubting me like that.

Declan chuckles, “So, we all have the opportunity to be your favorite at any given moment, depending on how we treat you huh?” he guesses.

“Pretty much,” I laugh, “Gotta keep things interesting. Plus, you’re guys, I know you’re going to compete. Might as well give you a prize.” I justify.

The guys all look at each other and nod. “Yeah, I can get behind that,” Nate informs me. “What do we get for being your favorite?”

“Oh, is the title not good enough for you?” I pout playfully.

“I mean yeah, I’m all for the title that I can rub in everyone else’s face, but I should get something else too,” he argues.

“Hmmm.” I tap my finger to my chin as I think of what the prize should be. It can’t be too good, because let’s be real, my favorite can change on a dime. Oh, I know! “The favorite gets a kiss, gets to sit next to me, and cuddle me as long as they remain my favorite,” I declare.

“Well get over here and give me my kiss then woman,” Kayden teases.

I fake gasp at him in outrage, but I quickly walk over, wrap my arms around him, and give him his much-deserved kiss. The rest of the guys stand there watching us make-out in envy. I pull back and place a kiss on his cheek. I smile at him then grab his hand and pull him to the couch by the fire pit. The others quickly follow.

“I know it’s not dark out, but I just love it out here. Y’all don’t mind relaxing here instead of inside, do you? It’s such a nice day. It’s pretty cool for August. I’d like to enjoy the nice weather while it lasts,” I reason with them.

“Not at all Sugar,” Hudson says. “Whatever makes you happy.” He sits on my other side before any of the other guys get the same idea.

31

Rowen

Isigh as I cozy up to Kayden. He gives good snuggles. Hudson places my feet in his lap and just rubs his hand up and down my calf. It’s very relaxing, and I have a feeling I’m going to fall asleep on them again. I start drifting off and hear the guys talking quietly.

“What’s the deal with this potion, Hud? You think that’s what he was giving her?” Nate asks.

Hudson sighs and answers while he continues to rub my legs. “Yeah, I think this potion sounds exactly like what he would want. If I find out who gave it to him...” he trails off.

“Yeah, Hud. They’re gonna have all of us to deal with,” Nate growls softly.

---