Page 98 of When You Blush
“Girl, you pushed a human being out of your body. Like, less than two months ago. The fact you’re even here is amazing, and you need to pat yourself on the back. You’re a badass, Dani.”
Dani grins, then eyes the water again and takes a step away from it.
“Wanna take a swim?” I ask her. “I have time before Blake and I go hike.”
She shakes her head. “Nah. I don’t like water. Childhood trauma.”
I nod but don’t ask any more questions. It’s none of my business.
“Hey, pretty girls,” Billie says as she and Ava join us. “We’re going to have a girls-only cocktail hour this evening before dinner. I have a signature drink planned, and I thought it would be fun. Thoughts?”
“I’m down,” I reply.
“Me too,” Dani says.
“Girls’ cocktails?” Alex asks as she joins us. “Hell to the yes.”
Suddenly, twoveryattractive men join Alex. One takes her hand and kisses it, and the other slides his arm around her shoulders and kisses her temple.
And the smug smile on Alex’s face isadorable.
“Harper, this is Adam,” she gestures to the hottie holding her hand, “and this is Gabe.” The one with his arm around her shoulders grins at me. “They’re mine,” she adds with a grin.
“And we’re stealing you away,” Gabe says. “It’s throuple massage time, butterfly.”
“Oh my God,yes,” Alex says. “See you later, guys.”
She waves, and then they’re off, and I blink after them before turning to Daniand Billie.
“They’re the hottest people I’ve ever seen in my life,” I inform them.
“I know,” Billie says. “They’resosexy. And I’m happy for them. They’ve been together as long as Connor and I have.”
“Well, I’m happy for them too,” I reply as Blake heads my way. “Hey, handsome. Everything okay?”
“It will be.” He steps behind me, wraps his arms around me, and buries his face in my neck.
“Dude, that’s my sister,” Xander says, scowling from a few feet away.
“I know,” Blake replies and kisses me again. “Let’s get out of here, sweets.”
“Have a fun day,” Billie says. “Be nice to her. I like her. Let’s keep her, okay? I’m going to add her to the text thread.”
My heart stutters. God, they’re all so sweet and welcoming.
“The goal is not to chase her away,” Blake says. “Now, stop being a brat. I’ll see you later.”
“Bye!” Billie waves, Blake takes my hand and leads me inside.
“Your family is incredible,” I inform him as we take the stairs up to our floor.
“I know.” He kisses my hand and leads us to our room. “And they obviously like you back.”
“That’s a relief.” This has been nothing like family time with Nathan’s family. I feel accepted and wanted here. Welcome. Like I’m one of them already.
As soon as we’re inside the room, I peeloff my sports bra because it’s sweaty and then do the same for my leggings. “I have to change for the hike. These are too sweaty. That girl gave us a workout this morning.”
“I’m changing too,” he says, but his eyes are glued to my body.
