Page 79 of Stealing Forever

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Four Weeks Later

A sharpboomslams behind me, pulling my attention away from the barbecue and over to where Hailey sits at the patio table. Her phone’s face down, her hand still resting on it, and it looks like she’s trying her damndest not to cry.

Closing the lid on the grill, I go to her. “What’s wrong, sweetheart?”

She looks up at me, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears. I hate being right sometimes. Placing my hand on her back, I begin to rub it gently.

“Hartley’s flight was canceled. She can’t get another until tomorrow morning.”

Hailey’s been dying for her sister to come up again, and she’s been so excited to have her here for our first hosted event as a couple. Although it’s just a small barbecue with Gareth, Jensen, and Austin, she was looking forward to Hartley being here, too.

“That’s okay. We’ll get her in the morning.” I try to console her, but the glare she sends in my direction tells me I’m not helping much. Leaning toward her, I kiss her on the tip of the nose. “First I’ll take you to that coffee shop in Ridgewood you love.”

“I just miss her.” Hailey sighs.

“I know you do.” Through the open windows of the house, we hear the doorbell ring. “Keep an eye on the grill?” I ask, passing her the tongs.

With a quick glance at Sailor, I confirm she’s still playing happily in her sandbox, then I go inside.

“Damn, Declan, I knew you were loaded but this house is something else.” Austin pats my shoulder as he walks into my home. Gareth and Jensen file in behind him, both of them stopping to shake my hand.

“Do you want us to kick off our shoes?” Jensen asks, lingering in the doorway.

“Nah, it’s fine. We’re headed outside, anyway.” Locking up behind them, I gesture to the kitchen where the French patio doors are open. Through them, there’s a clear view of both the barbecue and Hailey, who’s now walking in our direction with a smile on her face.

“There’s the woman of the hour,” Gareth greets, pulling her in for a hug.

Austin hugs her next, but not before extending his hand to spin her around. “Lookin’ good, Hailey. Don’t you have a sister? You should set me up.”

“I have a twin,” she emphasizes. “But sadly, she’s taken.”

Austin beams. “Sadly? Sadly sounds like it could work in my favor.”

“I think her boyfriend would have something to say about that,” she says with a hint of sass in her tone.

“Oh yeah,” Austin taunts, “and who’s her boyfriend?” He smirks like he actually has a chance with Hartley, whom he’s never seen a picture of, let alone met.

That should raise my hackles since he assumes they’re identical, which means he could potentially be attracted to mygirl, but it doesn’t. Austin wouldn’t stand a chance with a woman like Hailey—he’s far too goofy.

“Owen Marsh.” Hailey shrugs. “I actually really don’t like the guy, but she doesn’t listen to me.”

“Your sister is dating Owen Marsh?” Jensen speaks up from where he’s lingering in the doorway. His eyes narrow in a lethal gaze.

“Yeah, why,” she asks, not having a clue about their background. I never told her about their history simply because it’s never become the topic of conversation at any point.

Walking closer to the rest of us, Jensen focuses his gaze on Hailey, although it’s slightly softer than before. “Owen Marsh is possibly the biggest piece of shit I’ve ever met in my life. I sure as hell wouldn’t want him dating my sister.”

“Trust me, I don’t, but it’s not my decision. Hartley is a grown woman, she can do what she wants.”

Jensen just shakes his head in response, and I see my opportunity to guide the conversation in a different direction.

“Well, on that note.” I pull open the lid to the grill, the smell of barbecue immediately wafting out. “Who’s hungry?”

“Starving.” Gareth pats his stomach appreciatively, reminding me of a childlike move Sailor would do. “What can I do to help?”

“Everything’s pretty much done,” Hailey interjects. “But I’ll run inside and grab the cold stuff.”

---