Page 136 of Downforce

“You know how those two are,” Mom says in response when I hadn’t even realized I’d spoken out loud.

I blink, glancing at my mom who’s grinning at my little sister and cousin.

“He’s standing too close to my baby.” Dad’s voice is almost a growl.

“What?” Mom blurts.

“He is. I know slick talking guys like him. Look at that smile.” Dad narrows his eyes at Max.

“Travis’ teammate is not flirting with our daughter or our niece at a one-year-old’s birthday party.” Mom’s voice relays how preposterous she thinks my dad is becoming.

I barely hear their bickering over the pounding of my heartbeat.

“Why don’t I go make sure those two are staying out of trouble?” I propose, already walking in that direction.

“You should stay away from him, too,” I hear my dad say to my back. “You’re too young for—” Whatever he’s about to say is lost when my mom cuts him off, or maybe I’ve just tuned him out because the draw of Max looking like my summer wet dream is overloading all of my senses.

“Lis,” Stasi greets with the widest grin on her face.

My stomach swoops at the bit of wickedness in her smile. I don’t think she’s even trying to hide it.

“You’ve met Max, right?”

Chloe laughs. “I’m sure they’ve met.”

I ignore the not-so-hidden meaning in her comment. I haven’t said anything to Chloe about Max, specifically, so I’m not sure how she’s figured out that he’s who I’ve been spending my time with when I’m not around.

I glare at Chloe, which makes her and Stasi laugh.

“You two are pests,” I say, trying to sound annoyed.

“Max doesn’t think so. Do you, Max?” Stasi asks, putting on her innocent act.

“Max hasn’t spent a lifetime with you two,” I answer before he can. “Why don’t you go supervise the cake cutting or something?”

“Because I made the cake,” Stasi quickly answers. “And all of the cake pops and desserts that will be served later on. I’ve already spent enough time with the cake.”

“And I was her taste tester,” Chloe adds. “I can’t look at cake for at least another week.” She pats her flat stomach.

They both have a point. Stasi is our family’s dessert chef, having gone to one of the best schools in the world to be a pastry chef. She’s been cooking and baking ever since she was a little girl. Though we often tell her we can hire someone to do the baking for family events, she insists.

“The cake pops were delicious,” Max says, drawing all eyes his way. “I had no idea so much talent resided in one family.”

“You haven’t seen anything yet,” Chloe replies. “Did you know my sister was a national debating champion in high school and college?”

“Oh, and she graduated top of her class at one of the best law schools in the country,” Stasi says.

“World,” Chloe corrects.

“What are you two doing?” I ask, looking between them.

“She’s probably one of the smartest people I’ve ever met,” Stasi says, ignoring me.

“And that’s saying a lot since we both know quite a few people who’ve gone to elite schools.”

“And my dad runs one of the most successful companies in the world and has for over two decades.” That’s Stasi.

“Right, and her brother is in position to become the next CEO. And trust me, Uncle Aaron did not go easy on Kyle.”