Page 154 of Beauty
Sienna, who’s seated between Liv and Noah, wearing a big smile as Liv talks about Beckett’s latest role as T-ball coach for the twins’ team, dips her head in a simple nod of thanks.
“I agree,” Noah says, giving her a look that lasts a second too long. “Every dress is gorgeous.”
My sister’s smile goes softer. “Thank you.”
She holds his gaze, the two of them locked in some kind of silent interaction.
Before I can decipher what’s going on between them, my wife stands and tugs on my arm. “Come on, let’s dance.”
I follow her, eager to get my hands on her again, and the minute her body is pressed to mine, my focus goes back to her, and all other thoughts are forgotten.
The event tonight has been nothing short of a success. Josie is in the center of the dance floor with Beckett’s two older daughters, the three of them spinning in their pink dresses, having the time of their lives.
Vivi is at home with a sitter, but it’s hard not to picture her out there with them in a few years. Fuck, the thought makes my throat go tight.
The crowd tonight is made up of pro hockey and baseball players, their dates, and the who’s who of Boston here to help us raise money to support children fighting cancer.
We donate to research as well, but tonight’s purpose is to raise funds for the extras that insurance doesn’t cover. The special days that kids with cancer often miss out on. When Josie was in the hospital, Sara and Ava brought cupcakes and movies and board games to the hospital on Sundays. Before Ava met her, she’d sometimes go days without visitors, and she’s talked openly about how such simple offerings brightened her day and made it a little easier to stay optimistic, to continue to fight.
Since then, Beckett has bankrolled all kinds of upgrades to the facilities at the local hospital, including a movie theater andmonthly events, like bringing in musicians to play for the kids. But this event is for a national fund that will allow us to do the same around the country.
My big brother may be a grumpy bastard sometimes, but there’s a huge heart hidden behind that façade.
If I told him how proud I am of him, it’d totally go to his head, so I keep those thoughts to myself.
“Beckett did good,” Millie murmurs, echoing my thoughts.
I kiss her forehead and inhale her scent. “And this is a wonderful excuse to get my beautiful wife pressed up against me.”
She snorts. “My dad isrightthere.”
I don’t doubt that my best friend is shooting daggers at me as I pull his daughter even closer. She’s my wife now. He’ll have to get over it. “Like that’s ever stopped you before.”
Her eyes glaze over with lust and she sucks in a breath. “You are a bad influence.”
“Not as bad as you, Peaches.” I nuzzle her neck and nip at her ear. “Admit it, you’re wet right now.”
When she sucks on her bottom lip, I groan, determined to come up with an excuse to sneak out of here with her.
“Oh,” she says, her pouty lips parting.
I turn, guiding her with me so I can get a look at what she sees.
All I find is the table we just left, where Sienna is chatting with Beckett and Liv and Noah.
When I don’t see anything out of the ordinary, I turn back, assuming the little gasp must be in response to an idea that came to mind. “You have a dirty thought you want to share?” It’s not unlike my wife to randomly come up with challenges for me that involve making her come, and I’m down for any suggestion. Pregnancy hormones have been very good to the both of us.
She giggles. “No, Coach. Head out of the gutter. Did you see the way your sister was looking at Noah? I don’t think I’ve ever seen her smile like that.” She nods to the table again.
Fuck. So much for getting laid. As all my excitement drains, I keep my focus on my wife. I’m still hard, so the last thing I want to do is look at my sister.
“Gavin,” she reprimands when I don’t immediately reply.
With a grunt, I adjust myself discreetly. Then I turn, following her instructions.
Noah’s chair is turned so he’s facing Sienna rather than the table, and he’s hovering close, whispering in her ear.
Her eyes light up, and as she tosses her head back and laughs, she clutches his arm.
