Page 53 of Calling a Cease-Fire

“You know you love it.”

I couldn’t deny it, because I did love her sass. “It’s better than your bite.”

She made a hissing sound, and I laughed, glancing over just as Adam and Lyla appeared at the top of the steps. There were a few others behind them I didn’t recognize. Maybe from Izzy’s job at the hospital? I tipped my chin in their direction and headed over to the small bar set up in one corner.

It was a shame Jay and Sarah couldn’t make it. But Sarah had been having some Braxton-Hicks contractions on and off for the last few days, and with the baby’s due date coming up fast, they decided to stay home and be ready to head to the hospital.

Adam stepped up next to me once I ordered the drinks. “How’d it go?”

“She was talking with the manager and then Nicole, so I haven’t even gotten a moment with her.”

“Patience.” He slapped my back and then stepped up to order his drinks.

It was probably for the best. Nothing good could come of us being alone together. It didn’t stop me from wanting it though.

Drinks in hand, I made my way back, delivering Nicole her Coke first. She was talking with someone I didn’t recognize, and she gave me a smile and a soft thank you. I found Mia sitting next to Lyla on one of the couches and headed that way. I handed her the Long Island iced tea and sat in the chair to her right.

“Thank you.” Her voice was low, rich, and slightly sultry. The smile she sent me had my pulse picking up. It was seductive and beautiful, with so much desire it was killing me.

“Of course.”

More people started showing up, crowding into the upstairs space. Seth and Violet grabbed a nearby high-top while Owen and Cece pulled up some chairs, rounding out our little group. We just needed Logan and Izzy. I glanced at my watch. They should be here any minute.

As if I conjured them, they appeared at the top of the steps. Nicole jumped up, squealing in delight and making Izzy smile even bigger. She doted on Izzy, getting her and Logan settled into special chairs in the middle of the space, then dropping funny hats that said Mr. and Mrs. on their heads.

Mia, of course, stayed put, letting Nicole take over. I couldn’t help but wonder if she was okay with that. She was the one who did most, if not all, of the planning. As usual, her expression gave away nothing. It was definitely a talent of hers, masking all those feelings I knew she buried to keep herself safe.

I pulled out my phone and shot her a text. Her phone vibrated on the table and she bent forward, revealing a nice glimpse of her cleavage in that killer black dress. Just like the back, it was cut low in the front, and I curled my hands into fists to keep me from reaching for where it tied around her neck.

Me: You okay with Nicole taking the lead when you did all the planning?

Raven: Totally. I see it as teamwork. I’m better with the behind-the-scenes stuff and she’s better with…well, this crap.

I smiled. The funny thing was, I could hear the exact way she would say this crap.

Me: You mean the fun part of hosting an event?

Raven: Fun for you maybe.

Me: You look beautiful tonight by the way.

Raven: Thank you. But if you don’t stop staring at me like that you’re going to make everyone think we’re fucking.

Me: Dance with me later?

Raven: That’s a bad idea.

Me: Maybe.

Raven: I love bad ideas.

Me: I know you do, Trouble.

Raven: Didn’t you name one of the kittens that?

Me: Yep. The black one. She reminds me of you.

Me: *video of Trouble dumping the water bowl over with her paw*