Killian #3
Ronan calls to update me that he and Simone have finally honeymooned enough and are on their way back to the States.
Apparently, Chantal’s already volunteered to put together a welcome home party at Callahan House. Something I’d have no part in if I wasn’t filling in as Clan Chief.
That means in the days leading up to their return, we’re planning the logistics of the entire family gathering at the main estate.
I use it as an excuse to drag Jhene with me. For once, she’s not keen on leaving the studio.
“I don’t need to go to this party,” she says for the third time in an hour.
“Already told you. Today’s not the party. It’s the party prep.”
“Same difference. You can still pull a U-turn and take me home. Cian can watch me. You could even put Brady on the fire escape again.”
“Bad news for you—they’re doing party prep too.”
“Then I’ll stay alone at the studio. Promise I won’t sneak out.”
“You promised that last time too.”
“I told you. I didn’t sneak out. I went for a walk around the block. It’s not my fault you came back early.”
I snort, my eyes on the road. “So what you’re saying is, you would’ve gotten away with it if I hadn’t caught you.”
“That’s exactly what I’m saying.”
“Not helping your case.”
She huffs and crosses her arms, slumping against the seat like a sulking teenager. It’s almost cute, if I’m being honest. Not that I’d ever tell her that.
“I just don’t understand why I have to come,” she mutters. “It’s not like I know the Callahans.”
“You’ll get to know them.”
“First you keep me locked up in the studio like some kind of prisoner, and now you’re dragging me to a party. Make up your mind, Killer.”
I’m tempted to grin, barely resisting. “You complained when you were cooped up. Now you want to go back to being cooped up? Sounds like you’re the one who needs to make up your mind, my obnoxious little stray.”
“That’s because I thought you’d take me on exciting mob adventures. You know, shootouts. Car chases. Secret meetings in dark alleys. Not parties and social events. If I’d known socializing was involved, I would’ve never complained about staying home.”
A laugh rumbles out of me before I can stop it. The grin was one thing, but I can only act stoic for so long where Jhene is concerned.
Over the past few days, we still haven’t addressed the lines we’ve crossed.
But we’ve also reached a new place in our relationship. Some sort of middle ground where we’re more playful and lighthearted with each other. Almost like a form of flirtation.
We’re both well aware of what happened. We’re just not… ready to address it head on.
So we settle for the banter. The quips and back-and-forths.
Fine by me. Anything that helps keep me from giving in to those soft lips all over again.
“I’m not a fan of parties either,” I admit, flexing my fingers on the steering wheel. “But sometimes they’re necessary. Ronan and Simone’ll be back from their honeymoon. Chantal’s throwing them a welcome home thing. It would look bad if I didn’t show.”
“Cool. But that brings us back to my original point. I have to be there because...?”
“’Cuz I’ve got nowhere to stash you. Also my original point.” I glance over at her as we turn onto the last street leading to Callahan House. “Don’t fret, my little stray. It won’t be so bad. There’ll be free food.”
She considers the offering for a moment, then releases a dramatic sigh so fake it borders on theatrical.
“Fine. But there better be a nook where I can hide.”
“Callahan House has plenty of those... or large potted plants. You’re small enough.”
She scowls at me as we pull up outside the large red brick home. We head inside to find Lochlan and Chantal waiting for us in the foyer.
The funny thing is, they’re total opposites. Lochlan’s got his hands in his pockets, posture relaxed as if he could take or leave the party prep. Then there’s Chantal who’s vibrating with excitement and releases a happy squeal when she sees us.
“There you are!” she exclaims. “We were waiting on you before getting started. Everybody else is already here.”
I rub the back of my neck. “There was, uh… traffic.”
“You think I can’t spot that white lie a mile away? Do better, Rourke,” she says sassily. She turns to Jhene and rushes forward to give her an embrace.
Jhene goes rigid in her arms, thrown off by the warm greeting.
“Jhene, so glad you made it out okay! But sorry you’ve got stuck with the boneman,” she says, shooting me a good-natured smirk. She takes Jhene’s hand. “Come join us. My cousin Monique and I are having lunch on the terrace. I want to hear everything that’s been going on with you.”
Chantal starts tugging her away. Jhene throws a look at me from over her shoulder—wide-eyed behind her glasses and startled, she’s already overwhelmed. She’s begging to be rescued.
I merely give an encouraging nod. “Go on. She doesn’t bite. I’ll catch up with you later.”
Lochlan waits for them to disappear down the front hall, raising his right brow. “So that’s her. The stray I’ve heard so much about.”
“She’s no stray,” I say. “Not anymore. She’s ours now.”