Page 12 of Wanting the Winger

“Lainey, do you know how many hearts an octopus has?”Charlotte asks me.

Grateful for the distraction, I say, “Three.”

“Is the plural of octopus octopi?”Carter asks me.

“It’s octopuses.”

“Lainey, geez.”Bash puts his hands over Hallie’s ears.“There are children present.”

Carter laughs.“They hear a lot worse than octopuses from me.And Aunt Mara.”

Mara nods.“Aunt Mara needs her mouth washed out with soap.Preferably by Jason Momoa.”

“Okay, people!”Suki calls from the kitchen.“Dinner’s ready!”

Everyone makes their way into the kitchen, where Harry and Suki have prepared an elaborate taco bar on the island.There are hard shells, soft shells, tortilla chips, grilled steak, chicken and shrimp, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and several kinds of cheese and sauce.

And best of all, a heaping bowl of fresh guacamole.There are also bowls of rice and beans for the side and a big glass pitcher of margaritas.

“Lainey?”Suki offers as she pours a margarita.“Can I get you one?”

“Not tonight, but thanks.I have an early morning.”

“I want to hear more about your work sometime.I had no idea the bacteria in our intestines could have anything to do with mental health.”

This is my catnip—people who like hearing about what I do.I’m passionate about it.

“Anytime.”

A teenage girl comes into the room, AirPods in her ears.She silently makes herself a plate.

“That’s our oldest, Olivia,” Suki says.“I’d introduce you, but she’s a teenager, so she can’t even.”

I laugh.“I get it.I’ll meet her another time.”

Carter walks over to Suki and puts a palm on her lower back, his other hand on her hip as he pulls her closer and kisses her.“This looks amazing, babe.”

She smiles up at him, radiating happiness.“I didn’t try to cook the steak.I left that to Harry.”

“You ruined itone time,” Harry says.“You need to get back on that horse.”

“She has something better than a horse to ride now,” Mara quips.

“What?”Hallie gives Suki a questioning look.“What do you have that’s better than a horse?”

“Aunt Mara can explain,” Suki says breezily.

Hallie turns to Mara, who smiles brightly.“I meant the wave of life, honey.She’s riding the wave of life.It’s metaphorical.”

I make myself two tacos with grilled chicken and veggies, avoiding the cheese and steak because I don’t think they’ll agree with my stomach.

When I’m back in the dining room, Bash comes in carrying a plate loaded up with steak, chicken and veggies.

“This is okay for you, right?”he murmurs.

“Yeah, it’s fine.”My cheeks warm.“It looks like you’re eating for three.”

He grins.“I’m a growing boy.”

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