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“That’s what I called you, yes.” It was his turn to sound amused. “Should I have said something else? Girlfriend sounded… weird.”
“I like special friend,” she teased. “Because I have a few special things planned for you when we’re alone.”
“Yeah. About that…”
“What?” She was grinning now.
“Mom suggested that Delilah stay at theirs tonight. So the party can go on while the kids sleep. Obviously Delilah said yes.”
“That’s… convenient.” She bit down a smile. “Because I have a skintight leotard that needs your attention.”
“I was hoping you’d say that. Because all I want for my birthday is you in a fucking bow and nothing else…” He cleared his throat. “No, sweetheart. I don’t think furry boots are gonna work in this weather.”
And now her smile was huge, because Delilah was almost certainly wearing the most inappropriate outfit. “I’ll let you go,” she told Presley. “And I’ll see you later.”
“That you will.” His voice was full of a promise that sent a shiver down her spine.
This man… He’d be so easy to fall for. It would be the getting up again that would be almost impossible.
“Ah, no.” Their mom slapped Marley’s hand as he attempted to steal a cookie. “Don’t touch. Those are for the kids.”
“But it’s my birthday.” Marley pouted. “And I want a clown face cookie.”
“Because he’s a clown,” Hendrix said, grinning. Their younger brother had been away for a week, spending time at the beach with friends. He had a glow to him that could light up half of the town.
“Shut up, golden boy.” Marley flicked his ear and Hendrix groaned.
“Don’t do that. You know I hate it.”
“Then don’t be mean to me on my birthday.”
“How old are you again?” their mom asked. “Six?”
Marley gave her a big grin. “Not being able to remember your kids’ ages is the first sign of losing your brain.”
“I lost my brain when I gave birth to you,” she muttered. “Now get out of here and help your dad.” She looked at Pres. “Not you, I need you.”
“Why can’t I stay?” Marley asked, grinning at Pres. Pres rolled his eyes at his twin. They’d long since grown out of competing for their parents’ love, but it didn’t stop Marley from pretending.
“Because I say so. Now shoo.” Their mom pointed at the door, and Marley leaned forward to kiss her cheek, before he and Hendrix left the kitchen. The wall of glass doors were open that led to the backyard, and his two brothers walked onto the grass, joshing each other as they made their way over to where their dad was setting up the grill.
“So…” His mom smiled at him. “How’s your morning going?”
“Good.”
“Delilah seems excited about the party,” his mom said, reaching up to push his hair out of his face. “Especially about seeing Cassie again.”
Ah. So that’s the reason his mom wanted him to stay. Pres bit down a smile because damn, news got around fast.
“Uhuh.” Not that he was going to make it easy for her. It was his birthday, he could have a little fun teasing his mom if he wanted to.
“Delilah said you and she had a chat this morning,”
“Did she tell you she woke me up at five?” he asked.
“No. Ouch.” His mom grimaced. “I remember when you were like that. One Christmas you got so excited you made yourself sick. We had to wait until four before Santa could fill yours and Marley’s stockings. Your dad wasn’t pleased.”
Pres grinned. “Yeah, well I’m paying the price now.”
