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“You really don’t miss it?” Kelsey asks, watching TJ from the other side of the hot tub. “I’m practically buzzing to just watch some of those acts. I can’t even imagine the rush it is to actually be on stage and perform.”
Sutton, Sly’s older brother by four years, snorts a boyish laugh. “I think that’s because you’ve had at least three iced coffees today.”
She glares at him through her dark bangs, dipping one hand into the water before cupping enough to splash him. “You know it’s in your best interest to keep your girlfriend well-caffeinated.” He gives her a puzzled look, to which she simply arches a brow in reply.
I knew Sutton Sterling from growing up next door, and I’m glad to see that after a decade of working for their oldest brother, he’s still his sweet, goofy self. Kelsey, on the other hand, I don’t know as well. I’ve only run into her a couple of times at the coffee shop she works at in Wyoming, when I was visiting Grace and TJ. However, something about her seems perfect to balance out Sutton.
“Oh,” he says, making a circle with his mouth, realization spreading over his face. “Yeah, never mind. Shutting up now.”
“You’re lucky you’re so pretty.” She pats him on the cheek, and he nips at her fingertip, prompting her to gasp.
TJ laughs before shaking his head. “I’m glad I still get to watch you two bicker because those moments at Gloria’s and the coffee shop are the highlights of my week, half the time. And honestly, dealing with that potential reunion tour finally got all of that out of my system once and for all. Don’t get me wrong, I still love music and writing, thanks to someone here.” He directs a warm smile at Grace, who playfully rolls her eyes at him. “I just don’t want everything else that comes with it.”
“Yeah, but anything that lets you afford this place can’t be all that bad,” I say, holding up my plastic margarita glass and gesturing around us. Nice is an understatement to describe the house TJ rented. The sprawling mid-century home nestled into the desert landscape is stunning enough, but the heated pool and hot tub we’re currently occupying in the backyard is to die for. Knowing him and his secret—well, formerly secret—billionaire ways, I wouldn’t be surprised if he tried to buy it, if he hasn’t already.
He shrugs in that nonchalant, laid-back-rockstar way. “Eh, yeah. I wanted to make sure we all had a place to hang out before and after the shows. Plus, fancy chef here doesn’t have a van, so we needed some place for him to stay, especially since he graciously fit us into his busy schedule.”
Sutton holds up a finger.
“First, thank you again for renting this place. I will be your charity case any time. Since you’ll be staying in your wife’s van, I will be sure to use every square inch of this place to its fullest. And speaking of my stupid schedule, Slade says ‘hi’ and that he needs to see you in Seattle at ‘your earliest convenience’.”
TJ groans and mutters something under his breath.
“Is he ever going to take a break?” Sly asks in a gruff tone from beside me. “I thought you were bad enough, helping at the garage part-time, and now you’ve got Evergreen in Seattle.” He lets out an exasperated sigh. “He’s downright crazy, though.”
His older brother grimaces. “I’ve tried talking some sense into him, but at this point, he’s not my problem. Once Evergreen opens, I’ll be in Jackson full-time with Gloria’s and the food truck. Frankly, I’m ready for a break from him.” He swirls his cup and looks down when he hears the ice clanking around the empty glass. “And also ready for another drink, apparently.”
Sutton leans over the side of the hot tub and grabs the pitcher of cocktails and refills his glass.
“Can I top off anyone else’s drink before I go check on the grill?” He holds up the pitcher.
Grace and I both hold out our glasses. I look across the steamy water at Kelsey.
“These are so good. I’m going to need your recipe to add to my collection,” I say enthusiastically. Maybe it’s because the drinks are really that good, or maybe it’s the blissful calm I’ve enjoyed from the way Sly has been massaging my thighs beneath the bubbling water since we got in. Either way, I’m not going to question it.
I’ve come to learn that moments like these, surrounded by close friends, are to be cherished. They’re even more special when I get to enjoy them with the man caressing my leg whose touch I’ve openly leaned into, because we never know when they’ll happen again.
“I’ll text it to you,” Kelsey replies.
Sutton tips the pitcher toward Sly. “You’ve been quiet, even by your curmudgeonly standards.”
Sly glares back at his brother and waves him off.
“No, I’m good. But since you brought up Slade…” Sly drapes one of those sinfully muscular arms over the side of the hot tub and grabs his phone. “I think we should remind Slade that you can actually take off work.” I give him a curious look and he huffs a laugh. “I’m sending him a selfie. Now, everyone huddle up.”
Everyone but Sly laughs while he focuses on his phone. I drape myself over the hard muscles of his back, wrapping my arms over his chest. I’m sure we look like we’re having the best time, margaritas in most of our hands, a pitcher in Sutton’s, and Sly still focusing intently as he extends his arm to take the picture.
When we’re done, he sends it to all of us and adds Slade to a group chat.
Sutton laughs. “I’m sure we’ll get a text soon about how much productivity we’re missing out on this weekend.”
TJ snorts. “Yeah, except it’ll be in an email marked urgent.”
“Sounds right,” Sly says before taking a drink of his soda.
I noticed he wasn’t drinking tonight. He said he would drive us back to the campground because he wanted me to be able to have fun, something I appreciate because I never have anyone else to drive for me. I also appreciate how he wraps his arm around me, even if I notice three sets of eyes following the movement. The one exception is TJ, who is too busy staring at his wife’s tits, as always.
No one says anything, but Grace gives me a coy smile, and Sutton eyes his brother curiously. That awkward silence persists for what feels like far too long, accented only by the sound of the bubbling water and the gentle desert evening breeze passing over us, a perfect contrast to the hot water.
