Page 33 of Emily's Essence

“It looks like you guys made up?” Meg said.

“We weren’t fighting. We’re just trying to find our way. Neither of us is used to this situation.”

“I remember that phase,” Kristina said. “I wanted to kill him part of the time.”

“But you got through it,” Charlie said. “We all had adjustments.”

“Yes,” the other girls replied.

“Let’s start breakfast,” Meg said. “We’re already behind.”

“What can I do?” Emily asked.

“I don’t want you to overdo it,” Alicia said.

“She can do the toast. We’ll take one of the stools over to the counter where the toaster is,” Charlie said.

Alicia nodded. “That would work.”

They got her situated and set to work making a meal that would feed fifty people. She didn’t know how they did it or how they made it look effortless, but she was learning.

After the majority of people were fed, the girls took a plate out to the picnic table. They ate, laughed, teased, and relaxed. It was one of Emily’s favorite times. She loved how Hawk would track her down and ensure she was okay. It showed he cared, at least.

“Can you guys tell me about the beginning of your relationships with your men?” Emily asked.

“Hell, I wanted to kill Blood within the first hour,” Willow laughed.

“I’m surprised you haven’t already,” Meg said.

“That’s because I have awesome willpower.”

The girls laughed.

“Taz was an asshole. I threw a wrench at him once,” Charlie said.

“Feral irritated me,” Meg said.

“Meg, he still does,” Kristina said.

Meg grinned. “That’s true.”

“I think they all drove us crazy initially,” Alicia said. “But there’s something about them that makes us want to stay.”

Charlie reached for her hand. “No matter what, even though they can be total assholes, they will always be with us, and we will always be protected and loved.”

Willow wiped an imaginary tear from her cheek. “Wow, woman, that was like poetry.”

Charlie scowled and threw a balled-up napkin at Willow, hitting her in the head.

Emily laughed so hard that tears came to her eyes. God, these women were hilarious. She hoped to stay just for them, but it would be even better if Hawk finally made a move.

Chapter Fifteen

Later that night, Emily relaxed back with the girl gang. All the girls were squashed together on one of the big sofas. The day had gone well. She stayed with them the whole time but saw Hawk check on her a few times.

No one could find any evidence about the attack the night before. It made her feel edgy, and she found herself looking around, hoping to see someone that would act out of character.

The girls turned toward the doorway where a few of the guys stood.

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