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“Who’s that?”
Normally, I wouldn’t care, but Rhett looks like he’s two seconds from passing out.
And maybe…maybe I don’t hate my teammates anymore.
I might even…ugh, never make me admit this out loud, but I might like them.
“Ari—” He clears his throat, thumping his chest with his fist. “That’s Arizona, Tenny’s younger sister.”
I glance at the two of them, noting the similarities. Same dark-brown hair. Blue eyes. Same wide smile. But while Tenny is tall and lean, Arizona is short and curvy. She’s also wearing a sundress, though hers is bright red and much snugger than Willow’s whimsical style.
My focus shifts to my teammate as he rubs the back of his neck, his gaze still locked on Arizona. I glance between Rhett and Tenny’s sister, wondering if this is what I look like whenever Willow enters a room.
“If you keep staring like that, she’s going to catch on fire.”
“I’m not staring.” Rhett coughs, drops his gaze to the ground, and then helplessly looks back at Arizona.
I grunt. “I assume Tenny doesn’t know.”
“I liked you better when you didn’t talk.”
My shoulders bounce like, Yeah, me too.
“Nothing is going on. Tenny is like a brother to me. He treated me like family when mine…”
The sentence drops off before Rhett takes a long drink of water.
“Anyway, nothing can happen. Tenny’s my best friend. He’s very protective of Arizona, just like she is with him.” The corner of his mouth kicks up. “You won’t believe the crazy things she’s done to enact vengeance on his behalf. Most of it, he doesn’t even know about. Ari once tanked an ex-girlfriend’s stock value.”
“With other people?”
“No. Literally. On Wall Street. Tenny’s ex is a makeup mogul.” Rhett rubs at his five o’clock shadow, his blatant admiration shining through. “Though she be but little, she is fierce.”
The old me would tell Rhett to snap out of it, but this is exactly how I behave whenever Willow paints or laughs…or even breathes.
Arizona glances up, giving us both a jovial wave. After handing the tongs to a grateful Kai, she jogs over. Rhett mutters something about mercy before plastering on a smile.
“Hey, Ari.”
“Rhett.” Arizona’s gaze tangles with my teammate’s as she tucks her hair behind her ear.
By the looks of it, Rhett’s crush might not be one-sided.
Then Arizona turns to me, holding out her hand for a hearty shake. “Hugster, I presume. I heard your wife is looking to level up her art career. I’ve been told you have a web designer in mind, but if Willow needs a social media manager, I’m your girl.”
A choking sound escapes me. “How did you know that?”
I haven’t even told Willow that I’ve established an LLC in her name and completed the paperwork for a business license. I’ve also coordinated with several website designers and a few graphic designers for potential logos, business cards, etc. The plan was to tell Willow tonight while heating marshmallows over an open flame. Willow can have complete control over her business, but I have a feeling she’d rather paint and let a business manager who specializes in luxury artwork worry about the rest.
“Colton saw your laptop open to designers specializing in artist websites. He told Tenny. Tenny told me.” She taps open a spreadsheet on her phone and shows it to me. “I’ve created a list of content ideas and a sample posting schedule for launching a brand account on every major platform. I also asked Mallory if she’s open to sharing Willow’s portfolio with her celebrity friends. Word of mouth and personal recommendations are still king. Mallory, of course, is happy to help when Willow’s ready for a hard launch.”
I stare, open-mouthed, before glancing at Rhett.
My teammate just raises his brows like, Told ya.
“Nothing is truly private among the Waves, and I make it my business to know everything.” Arizona leans in, lowering her voice. “Dulce’s pregnant with their third.”
“Ari,” Rhett chides.