Page 38 of Hideaway Reunion

“How?” She looked at the security system panel near the door. “When?”

“An hour ago,” he shrugged. “I unlocked the door, the camera came on, and the panel beeped a couple times before it went quiet.”

Brayden must’ve handled it while she slept.

“The office is flooded, naturally,” Bobby continued. “I had the extra shirts in my truck, so…” His voice trailed off while he opened and closed drawers, in search of utensils.

Roni found the whisk and handed it over.

“Thanks.” He beat the eggs, then set a skillet on the burner to heat, dropped in butter to melt. Returning to the eggs, he added milk, salt, and pepper.

She gulped down some coffee and went to the freezer for sausage patties. Impromptu or not, this was a work party and she’d do it the Hargrave way. Before Celeste arrived and took over the entire show.

Cav nodded his approval as she lined a sheet pan and set it to cook in the convection oven. “That’ll be a welcome addition,” he said. Once the oven started, he came closer, showing her the pictures Bobby had taken.

As expected, the photos showed the beach was littered with palms and small branches. Even without a picture, she knew the tide would be higher too. They certainly had their work cut out for them if they hoped to host the dance club in approximately twelve hours. She sucked in a breath as Cav scrolled to the images from the trailer.

“Yeah.” He patted her arm in a friendly way. “Thanks for saving our butts.”

“Seconding that.” Brian gave her a mock salute. “Morning to you, Leggett,” he added, looking past her.

“Morning.” Brayden paused at the coffee maker and for a moment Roni got lost in the admiration of his biceps highlighted by the closefitting t-shirt he wore over faded cargo pants. “She’s letting you cook?” he asked Bobby.

“I insisted,” Bobby admitted. “Least I could do after, well, everything.”

“Brace yourself for an argument,” he warned. “Her sisters are here and they aren’t entirely caught up.”

Roni rolled her eyes. “Celeste is the oldest and hospitality might as well be her new religion.”

Cav and Brian laughed, but Bobby shook his head. “She can do whatever she wants as long as I finish the eggs.”

“Isn’t the customer always right?” Brayden queried.

“I guess we’ll find out.” Roni was smiling as her sisters rushed in on a wave of concern. Concern that quickly shifted to curiosity as they took in the full kitchen.

Roni made introductions, and to her complete shock, Celeste scowled at Bobby. “You.” She stepped forward. “You have been a jerk for weeks.”

Bobby moved the skillet so the eggs wouldn’t burn. “My apologies. For every inconvenience.”

Celeste opened her mouth. Snapped it closed. “You’re cooking in my kitchen.” Her gaze locked on Roni. “Why?”

“It’s really early, Celeste.” Roni found herself on the receiving end of what she and Nat called the oldest-sister stare of judgement. She sighed and shrugged. “He got to the eggs first. Cav made coffee. I put the sausage in.”

Natalie’s cheery laughter drew everyone’s attention. She’d sat down with Brian and the two of them were chatting. Their conversation went quiet as they realized they’d become the center of attention.

That was her baby sister through and through. Always quick to make a friend in any situation. She and Celeste had relied on those strengths through the years. Probably too much, if she were honest about it.

“What?” Nat queried, taking in the room. “Ignore them.” She patted Brian’s shoulder. “I’ll be right back with your plate.”

Roni stifled a giggle. The situation was too ridiculous. Too many things to get wound up about. Her night with Brayden. Storm damage here. Storm damage at the construction site. Along with an unexpected-guest list that included the man who’d been deliberately mean and working against them, cooking eggs for everyone in the house.

This was the perfect morning to follow Nat’s example.

So that’s exactly what she did.

She went with the flow of the awkwardness. She ate a hearty breakfast with her sisters, the man she loved, and three strangers who weren’t exactly villains after all.

CHAPTER 13