Page 164 of Beauty
But just looking at her has me wondering if I can cash in on one of those kisses I warned Ollie about.
“She’s my girlfriend,” I say, my tone a little less possessive than I feel.
Sienna ducks, hiding a smile.
“But Dad, you always said sharing is caring,” he reminds me.
Damn, the kid is trolling me, but I take the bait anyway.
“Not when it comes to her,” I tell him.
Sienna steps out and hugs Ollie to her side. “So I take it you’re okay with me dating your dad.”
He strokes his chin like he’s really thinking about it. Then he smiles. “Of course. Best news ever. Welcome to the fam, Sienna.” He hugs her again. “We’re going to have a great time.”
She turns misty eyes to me as she rubs his back.
Fuck. My kid is the best. And he’s right. She’s already part of the fam.
Nervous energy pours off Sienna as we park on the street.
I shut the car off and snag her hand before she can get out. “We can wait,” I offer as I peek at Ollie in the rearview mirror.
He’s conked out, his head tilted to one side and his mouth ajar. My heart pangs. He really is perfect.
She bites her lip. “I don’t want to wait. I just—” She sighs, picking at the hem of her shorts. “I have to tell you something, but I don’t want it to overshadow our day. I want my brothers to know about us. I want to have fun with you. Out in the open.” She shifts in her seat, surveying my little guy. “I want Ollie to have a good day.”
I don’t love that she still seems uneasy, but I respect her enough to give her whatever time she needs. So without another word, I rest my elbow on the console and press a kiss to her lips. “Then we’ll have a good day.”
“Thank you.” Her tone is so full of pain and gratefulness. Clearly, whatever has her worried is serious. Still, I don’t push.
“Anything for you, baby. I love you.”
She closes her eyes like she’s soaking in the words. “I love you too.”
We rouse Ollie, then give him a couple of minutes to really blink away the sleep before we drag him into the chaos. As expected, the moment we hit the playground, where a dozen or so kids are running around and screaming, he takes off with a burst of renewed energy.
The lawn around the pink carousel is littered with blankets. Lennox is sprawled out on one while Aiden serenades his wife obnoxiously from the stage he’s created among the colorful horses.
War stands in front of a grill, shaking his head and flipping burgers. When he sees me, he grins, and when his attention drifts to Sienna and our entwined hands, the look turns downright devilish. “I fu—” He slams his mouth shut and pounds his chest, then points an accusatory finger at us. “I ducking knew it.”
Sienna lets out a light laugh. “Not you with theduckingtoo.”
Aiden launches himself off the carousel. “Holy duck, they’re holding hands!”
I lift our joined hands so everyone can see, and the women all whoop and holler.
Sara, of course, is the loudest. “Get it, Harry! Those glasses scream BDE.”
Ava covers her mouth, her eyes dancing, while my sister lets out a loud laugh, rivaling Sara’s volume.
“Happy for you,” she mouths as she snatches a block from Maverick’s hand a second before he sends it sailing toward Beckham. “Naughty boy,” she chides lightly. “You’re just like Daddy.”
Daniel jogs our way. “Happy for you, man. This is what I think it is, right?”
Brooks is right behind him. Even with his tiny daughter in his arms, he’s scary as fuck. His expression is wary and he looks extra huge as he scrutinizes me. He may be a gentle giant, but he’s still a giant. He’s been one of my best friends for years, and here I am, showing up hand in hand with his little sister. “And what exactly is it?”
My girl steps in front of me. “We’re dating. You can thank Beckett for that. He’s got the Midas touch or something.”
