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Bowen nodded.
“Well, there are lots of ways to help you fall asleep. Hot tea. Stretching. Sex,” Bowen said, acting like he just said the most casual thing in the world.
My cheeks burned as I looked away from him, busying myself with adjusting the position of one of the glasses.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” I replied, catching sight of his smile before he headed back into the kitchen. Did he know? Did any of them know outside of Aziel, Amir, and David? I quickly fanned my face, hoping that I didn’t have a visible blush on my cheeks. “Alright, let’s eat!”
It didn’t take long for the others to come pouring into the dining area. Tonight, dinner was pan-seared chicken and warm bread rolls. We didn’t have a huge variety of food to work with, but enough to keep us fed was transported to us on a weekly basis.
David kissed my cheek before pulling my chair out for me so that I could sit between him and Elijah.
“Love you,” he spoke near my ear.
I smiled at him and leaned my head against his for a moment.
“Love you too,” I replied before taking a seat as Mo and Andre set the food out in the middle of the table. Per usual, the guys nodded at me, motioning for me to take my portion first. I took one small piece of chicken breast and a bread roll before the others nearly fought over the rest of the food. They all had big appetites, but they were all so cut and lean.
I bet that was nice.
My appetite took a hit from that thought, and I picked at the corners of my chicken, even if it tasted really good. I mostly spent dinner glancing between Aziel, Amir, and David while the others chatted about sports and things about their hometowns. It was nice hearing them talk about things outside of work.
It kind of felt like a true family dinner.
When my eyes caught Andre’s, my heart skipped when I noticed the smirk on his face. His brothers most likely told him about what happened last night. I certainly wouldn’t mind it at all if he joined next time. Because something told me that there would definitely be a next time.
Too much heated energy and tension fizzled in the air as all of us glanced at each other, sharing small smiles and smirks because we all knew what each other was thinking.
“You’re not eating,” Mo commented as he pitched me a concerned look. “Are you feeling okay?”
All eyes shifted to me, and embarrassment struck me when I realized that I hadn’t been as subtle as I thought.
“Oh, no. I’m just trying to lose a few pounds,” I replied in a casual manner.
I should’ve known that wouldn’t work because I was greeted with a flood of disapproval that I hadn’t ever received before.
“You don’t need to lose anything,” Emmett assured me from across the table.
“You’re perfect just as you are,” Amir added, prompting nods from the others.
David placed his hand on mine, giving it a comforting squeeze.
“They’re right. You don’t have to change a thing about yourself,” he said, his words making my heart skip. All of their words meant more to me than I could ever begin to explain.
We hadn’t all been together long, but it didn’t take me long to figure out that this was a great group of guys. They were smart, loyal, and talented in their own ways. Not only was I attracted to them physically, but I also yearned to know them more emotionally because they were so different from other men I had met, who told me that I needed to lose weight and look a certain way to be considered attractive.
“And I worked pretty hard on the chicken,” Elijah commented, putting on a sly smile that was a new look on him. He could be so reserved and shy at times. To my surprise, he cut into a piece of his own and offered it to me on his fork. “Nothing makes a chef happier than seeing people enjoy his food.”
I couldn’t help smirk and shake my head. He’d conned me, but I appreciated his kindness. I graciously took a bite, enjoying the juicy, well-seasoned flavor.
“It’s delicious,” I told him before going back to eating my own dinner.
Conversation picked up again, and none of us were ready to turn in right after eating, so drinks started to be poured. We fanned out throughout the cottage, occupying the kitchen, dining area, and living room. I found myself in the living room with Aziel, Amir, Erick, and Emmett, while David and Elijah lingered in the kitchen, and the rest stayed at the dining table.
“This is to you,” Amir told me as he sat to my left on the couch, lifting his glass of whiskey.
“You’re toasting to me?” I asked with a laugh.
