Page 65 of Entirely Yours
But I don’t. Guess I’m maturing.
Thankfully, I was able to avoid answering that last question when Cattington brought in a dead bird. Chloe wouldn’t look at him for a week, she was so mad that he would disrespect another creature like that.
“Youronlynephew is great, just like he was yesterday,” I say, coming back to Ben’s question.
Gabe chimes in. “I can’t wait to take him to go throw the football around. Babies kind of freak me out, but I like the idea of hanging out with him in about six years.”
After getting to know Gabe, that checks out.
“How are y’all feeling about the grand opening?” Looking around, it seems like there’s still a lot of work that needs to be done.
All three of the boys eye each other. “It’ll get done,” Ben finally answers, ever the optimist.
“Well, if I can be of any help?—”
“No,” Jules interrupts. “Unless by ‘help’ you mean sitting over there and telling me how hot I look.” He smirks.
Gabe elbows Ben, whispering in a volume that’s clearly meant to be heard, “I’ve never seen him like this. Have you?”
“Nope,” Ben replies, making sure to pop the “P,” then adds, “And I’ve been with him since the womb.”
A blush climbs up my neck. “Alright, I can see that I’m adistraction. I’m going to get some work done next door. See you at home?”
The word falls so easily out of my mouth. Jules definitely notices because he gives me a raised eyebrow. “See you athome, Rosie girl.” And the bastard winks.
The entire Bardot family, including the Bardot-Olssons, are having dinner at Elaine and Hugo’s tonight. Bex, Anders, and their kids are in town for the opening of the coffee shop—“Memories,” Anders muttered when he walked in and saw the updated space. When I first met Bex, she kept giving me weird looks and then muttering in her husband’s ear. Jules finally told her to knock it off, to which she responded with an eye roll and a chuckle. It felt like I was missing something, but I’m terrified to find out what exactly that would be.
Dad and I are about to load Chloe into the car when my phone rings.
“Jules? What’s up? We are about to head to your parents’ house.”
Over the line, I hear him sigh. “Change of plans. We are moving dinner to the coffee shop. There are too many finishing touches, we can’t afford to take the night off. Everyone can come here and eat, and then we can get back to work.”
“Let us help you, Jules.”
I can picture the furrow in his brow as he contemplates this. “Maybe. Come eat, and then we can talk about it.”
When I sit down next to him at dinner—tables pushed together to fit all of us—he pulls me closer and ghosts his hand down my thigh. I’m learning that Jules is a feeler in every sense of the word. It’s almost as if he’s subconsciously checking to make sure I’m still there. I lean into him and give him a quick peck on his cheek.
Bex immediately breaks into a fit of giggles.
“Is your sister okay?” I whisper into Jules’ ear, eliciting a shiver. “I feel like I’m missing some secret you two are in on.”
He turns toward me, nose brushing mine. “I’ll explain later, promise.”
Just then the door bangs open and Cole walks in. “Sorry I’m late!”
Ben rises from his seat. “We aren’t open, Collette. What are you doing here?”
“I invited her,” Elaine responds.
Oh damn, she is good. Bex seems to think so, too. Her attention is firmly on the new drama unfolding before us, and she has a feline smile unfolding across her face. I think I hear Anders say, “Down, girl,” but it’s too soft for me to make out.
“Cole! Come sit by me!” Chloe can’t resist a budding friendship. Ben looks at Chloe with heartbreak in his eyes.
“Really, Princess Chloe? I thought we were closer than that.” Ben’s shoulders slump.
“Don’t be mean to Princess Cole and maybe we can be friends again.” Kids are brutal.
