Page 22 of For the Promise

We walk out of the brewery – the real brewery that has been rebuilt to its original glory – to my car. We moved the brewingfacilities ofFive Fathoms Brewingback to its original location a month ago.

And I’m not sad to miss seeing Jaxon every day. I don’t miss those geeky t-shirts stretched over his chest. Or his hair sticking up in every direction. Or those ocean blue eyes. And especially not those nerdy glasses. I don’t miss any of it!

“I hope everything works out between Rhett and Dakota,” I say as I drive toward theHideaway Haven Resort.

Rhett really messed up and broke Dakota’s heart. But he’s determined to win her back. Despite my past, I’m siding with love. I do hope he convinces her to forgive him.

“Rhett is a Raider. He’ll convince Dakota to give him another chance.”

I smirk at her. “You sound experienced.”

“Eli is very persuasive.” As evidenced by the fact that she’s now living with him.

My stomach cramps but I ignore it. I’m happy for my friends. I am. Paisley and Dakota deserve all the happiness in the world. It’s not their fault I’m obsessed with a Raider brother who pretends I don’t exist.

We arrive atHideaway Haven Resortand make our way to the restaurant. I gawk at my surroundings. The resort is super fancy and not somewhere I can usually afford to visit. Although, I could afford it if…

Nope, not thinking about him today. Today should be a happy occasion. And not a trip down hell lane.

I frown when I notice the Raider brothers are waiting in the hallway outside the restaurant. “What’s going on?”

Eli points inside. “Rhett is still groveling.”

Miles chuckles. “It’s hilarious.”

“We should have planted a microphone at their table,” Zane says.

Kai sighs. “I tried. The hostess wouldn’t take a bribe.”

Only one Raider brother doesn’t speak – Jaxon. He fiddles with his glasses. Why are his nerdy tendencies sexy? Since when am I into nerds? The jeans hugging his hips don’t scream nerd, though. No, they scream for me to touch him. I clutch my purse instead.

“Uh oh,” Miles mutters and I force my thoughts away from Jaxon. He doesn’t deserve my attention anyway. “Dakota’s crying.”

“Those are happy tears,” Paisley says.

“How can you tell?” Zane pushes his way to the front. “Oh.”

“Oh, what?” I elbow my way through the brothers. “Ah,” I say when I catch the couple making out.

Kai smirks. “Time to interrupt.” He marches through the restaurant with Miles and Zane hot on his heels.

I chase after them. “Can’t you let them kiss for a while?”

“And miss the fun of disturbing them?” Zane asks.

He has a point.

“Hey!” Kai shouts when we reach their table and they startle apart.

“What’s going on?” Dakota asks.

I throw my arms in the air. “We’re here to celebrate your relationship!”

Jaxon flinches, and I glare at him. “Excuse me. I’m sorry it’s impossible for you to pretend I don’t exist when I shout.”

“I’m not pretending you don’t exist.”

I snort. “Liar. Liar. Pants on fire.”

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