Page 52 of Hot for the Boss

Behind him, Harlow emerges in a red strapless dress, her dark hair a silky cloud of curls around her slender shoulders as she walks toward me without her normal easy gait.

I blink. “Wow, you look so pregnant.”

Nia elbows me. “You did not just say that.”

My sister laughs as she approaches me for a hug. “I am so pregnant. Blame the big guy.”

“I don’t mind being guilty.” Noah presses a kiss to her cheek, then turns toward the patio. “I’ve got to get back to the grill before I burn dinner.”

When he’s gone, Harlow sizes Nia up with a glance and an approving smile. “Welcome. When the guys break away for ‘man talk’ after dinner, I’ll ply you full of wine, pump you for information about this one”—she points at me—“and totally ask about your eye shadow technique. Whatever you did looks great.”

Nia’s smile widens, and I can tell she already likes my sister. “Deal, but I’ll be asking you questions about your guy, too. How did you even meet?”

“Griff and Maxon had me housesitting this place before Noah moved in. I had no idea who he was when he showed up, but I told him I wanted sex.” Harlow winks. “He let me stay.”

While Nia apparently finds that funny, I groan. “I didn’t need to hear that.”

“Yeah, we didn’t, either.” Maxon grimaces.

Griff nods, and they both disappear into the house, rolling our luggage. I take my computer bag and follow as Keeley and Britta bustle forward. Actually, waddle might be a better word. They look even more pregnant than Harlow, but I refrain from mentioning that since it’s apparently not tactful.

“Hey, cutie,” Keeley says playfully as she moves in for a hug. “Happy to be out of Seattle’s cold and rain?”

“I have to admit it’s nice for a change.” I turn to my side. “Ladies, this is Nia Wright.”

“Your assistant?” Britta looks surprised as she hugs me, too.

“And…my girlfriend. I asked her to come with me for the holiday.”

“We’re glad you could make it. I’m Britta, Griff’s wife.” She smiles.

Keeley squeals as I finish off the introductions. “So the playlist I made for your first date was with Nia?”

“It was,” I admit as I head into the cool, shaded house.

“I really liked the songs,” Nia says. “Thanks for thinking of us.”

Keeley beams and rubs her distended belly. “I have to do something now that the doctor wants me off my feet most of the time. I’m certainly not teaching any more yoga classes or singing karaoke unless I’m lying down.”

“Is it a boy or girl?” Nia asks.

“I want it to be a surprise. My mom and Britta’s mom know. They’re arranging all the stuff for the nursery and they’re going to decorate everything while we’re recovering at the hospital.” Keeley bites her lip. “I’m getting nervous. Less than two months to go now.”

“You’re going to be fine,” Britta assures.

“Evan says you two are due at almost the same time,” Nia mentions.

“It will be a race to see which of us gives birth first.”

“I’m hoping it will be you,” Keeley squeaks. “I’ve never done this birth thing. You’re the pro…”

“Once doesn’t make me a pro. It was just enough for me to know there are parts to the process I’d rather forget.” Britta grins.

Nia smiles, too. “Do you know the sex of your baby?”

“We’re having another boy. I was hoping we’d give our son, Jamie, a sister, but no.”

“Next time…” Griff slides by his wife, pressing a kiss on her shoulder and a caress to her hip.