25. Greedy
Chapter 25
Greedy
Despite the ball of anxiety ping-ponging against my internal organs, I’m trying to keep it together.
Subtly, I slide my phone out of my pocket, pretending to check the time. They’ve been gone for three hours and twenty-five minutes. That’s reasonable, given the distance, the drive, and the seclusion of the isle. Nothing to worry about yet, I tell myself again.
Spence is sitting in the enormous lounge chair to my right. He’s got an iPad in hand, and he’s focused intently on the screen.
Sione’s on my left, eyes closed and breathing slowly. He’s not fidgeting or playing with his phone. In fact, I’m not sure he’s even awake.
I check the time again, then give in to the urge to send Levi a text.
G: You guys okay? ETA?
“Stop stressing,” Spence huffs.
I shoot him a glare, but it does me no good when I discover he’s still staring at the screen in his lap.
“They’ll be here soon enough. They don’t need any additional distractions.”
“Caring about someone isn’t a distraction,” I bite back.
He turns and arches a brow. “Tempting them to read and reply to a text when they’re en route is the definition of a distraction.”
Frowning, I rack my brain for a retort, unwilling to admit, even to myself, that he’s right.
Sione snickers, his lips curving up into a smile while his eyes remain closed. “If you have the tracking software pulled up, at least let Garrett see the screen, too.”
Spence’s eyes flare in indignation. Looks like I’m not the only one obsessing about their whereabouts.
As he tilts his iPad screen toward me, my phone buzzes against my thigh.
Leev: Docking now. We’ll be there in 2 minutes.
Though relief floods my system, I still can’t resist checking the radar on Spence’s device.
On screen, six beacons glow, all in close proximity, rather than the one I anticipate. Three of them are right on top of each other; the other three are approaching the mansion.
The key on the side of the screen reveals who’s who.
Pink for Hunter.
Blue for Levi.
Purple for Sione.
Green for me.
Red for Spence.
The one labeled “Internal” is black. I can only assume it’s the tracker Hunter still doesn’t know about.
At the thought of it, disquiet filters through me. He’s got to tell her.
A minute later, the door to the media center opens, and Hunter bounds into the room.
Instantly, I’m on my feet, sweeping her up in my arms and willing my nerves to finally settle.
“I’m so happy you’re back,” I say into her hair, tears of relief flooding my eyes. I cup her wind-kissed cheeks, warming them with my palms. I kiss each one, then her forehead, her nose, and her lips. Then I pull her in tight once more.
I hadn’t fully realized how keyed up and anxious I was until now.
But they’re here. They played their parts perfectly. They’re home, and now they’re safe.
A few feet behind Hunter, Levi stands, his hands shoved into his pockets.
I drag Hunter with me as I lunge for him. Cuffing the back of his neck, I kiss his forehead and hold him as tight as I’m holding our girl. “I was so worried.”
He slings one arm over Hunter’s shoulder. “It wasn’t all fun and games,” he hedges. “But we did it. It’s over. We don’t have to worry about either of our moms for a while now.”
“Duke didn’t take any shit from either of them.” Hunter’s green eyes glimmer with pride. “He was polite, of course, but I don’t think Magnolia or Patricia will be eager to get together again anytime soon.” She cups the back of his head and gently brings it to mine, then nuzzles into his chest.
“Today was tough, but this girl’s tougher.” Leev plants a kiss on the top of her head. “She was brilliant. Everything went as smoothly as it possibly could.”
Fuck .
The adoration the loves of my life have for one another fills me with tenderness. I’m so damn grateful Levi was there for Hunter today. That they were there for each other. I’m proud of them for facing off with their moms and navigating what had to be a really intense showdown.
“Perhaps if you released them, Garrett, they could be welcomed home by other people also anticipating their arrival?” Spence says.
The three of us share a look, staving off laughter at his expense. Spence may wear armor made up of a prickly attitude and aloof exterior, but deep down, he’s just as fucking soft as me.
Levi breaks away from our trio, strides across the room, and yanks Spence to his feet, capturing his mouth in a searing hot kiss. The Brit’s iPad clatters to the floor, but he doesn’t so much as flinch.
I’m entranced as I watch them, visions of our hot-as-sin night in the hot tub last week flashing in my mind.
Hunter releases a little whimper of approval.
“My thoughts exactly,” I mutter.
When they break apart, Spence starts in with a barrage of questions. He wants a detailed account of the luncheon, down to the lines of questioning from each mother.
While Levi does his best to patiently answer each one, Hunter makes her way over to Si, who stands and gives her a tender, coaxing kiss. He loops his arms around her protectively, and she slots into place against his chest like she was made to be there.
I drink in the moment, reveling in the love swelling in my chest. The ache it causes is new, unexpected, and more than welcome.
Nothing feels as good as this. Being together. Embracing the love, lust, and deeply seated trust we’ve established among ourselves.
I’ve never felt as seen, loved, and whole as I do in this moment.
I’d give anything for each one of the people in this room.
I’ll give everything to ensure we get to live the happily ever after of our dreams.
“Since we’re all here”—Hunter turns in Sione’s arms, casting her gaze to the carpet—“I want to talk about an idea I had. Something that affects all of us.”
Nodding, I return to my seat. Levi joins Spence on the oversized lounge chair. Sione returns to his place as well.
Hunter remains standing.
She inhales deeply, taking her time, then exhales at an even slower rate. She rolls her lips and shifts from hip to hip, surveying each of us.
My gut twists itself into a knot. I can’t help but feed off the anxiety radiating from her.
Finally, just as I don’t think I can stand one more second of waiting, she speaks.
“I think I should get pregnant. For real.”