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“Fine,” I huff, opening the fridge and getting some more Coronas. Ryan’s wife came with him today so she’s outside with Syd and me. I haven’t asked Syd what happened last night because we haven’t had any alone time, but both she and Max are acting like nothing happened.
“We’re not going to be much longer. Then we’ll start the grill and join you beautiful ladies,” he wiggles his eyebrows.
“Okay, Casanova, get back to work so we can finish today,” grunts Ryker as he sands the spots. I laugh as they all start taunting each other.
“They kick you out again?” Syd asks, grabbing a Corona from me.
“Yes. They better not think because I’m a girl that I can’t help.” I pout, dropping on to my chaise lounge.
“They have this thing,” Macie says. Syd and I look over to her. “It’s like a club. Unless you’re in it, you’re not allowed to help.” She laughs.
I keep forgetting she was around the entire time they fixed up this place. What I haven’t forgotten is that Jessie is her best friend. I’m glad she hasn’t come up yet in conversation, but I’m sure it’s only a matter of time.
“I can just imagine how tight that boys’ club was,” I laugh.
“Oh, it was. They even had this ridiculous hand shake thing. Je—” She stops herself. “We used to make fun of them all the time. They all thought they were hot shit,” she says, laughing.
“Woman, we were. Shit, we still are!” exclaims Ryan. We turn toward the door and the guys pile out of the house, grabbing a seat by us.
Aiden sits next to me on our chaise lounge. “A secret handshake, huh?” I tease, trying to hide my irritation with hearing about Jessie. He stares at me for a moment before nodding and smiling.
“We have a secret shake, too,” he teases, climbing on top of me and tickling me.
“Aiden! Get off,” I laugh, trying to push him aside.
“I am, baby,” he says slyly, winking and pushing his pelvis bone into me.
I stop fighting and shake my head. “You’re such a nerd.”
“A horny nerd,” he replies, attacking my neck with his lips.
My phone vibrates in my front pocket. Aiden’s eyes go wide and a slow, mischievous grin spreads across his face. “Maybe we need to take this inside,” he says.
“Would you get off me,” I say, pushing him and trying to get to my phone. He laughs and finally moves aside. When I look to see who is calling, I don’t know who it is, but it’s a Dallas number. I answer quickly, afraid something is wrong with Lexi. I walk into the house listening to the person on the other end. Aiden follows me in.
“I understand. Whatever you feel is best for Lexi,” I say. I twist my lips. Aiden grabs my hand, waiting for me to end my call. “Okay. Thank you for calling me.”
When I hang up, Aiden stays quiet, watching me. “So, they want Lexi to stay there in Texas for a month for counseling and therapy. Her doctors feel that it’ll benefit her to stay at the ranch for another month.”
“Are you okay with that?” he asks slowly, winding his fingers through mine.
I shrug. “I’m sad, but I definitely understand.”
“We’ll go see her in a couple weeks.” We both turn and see Max standing in the doorway.
“Asshole. Let me be my girlfriend’s hero,” Aiden growls, pointing at Max. I can’t contain my smile hearing him call me his girlfriend.
Max flips Aiden off. “I have the plane.”
Aiden narrows his eyes at Max. “We don’t need your plane to get somewhere.”
“Fuck you. I’m going to go see Lulu.” Max crosses his huge arms and stands tall. My heart melts seeing this ginormous guy going to bat to see a little girl.
“Guys,” I say sternly. “We can all go see Lexi.” I pick up our joined hands and kiss Aiden’s hand, looking up at him, my eyes telling him to play nice.
He pulls me into him. “Fine. He can go. But only because I’m saying he can.”
“Whatever, ass. I’ll let you think that,” Max murmurs as he walks back out the door.
