Chapter 1
Chapter One
Maggie
Sitting on the blanket, I close my eyes and tilt my head back. Today was a hot one, but now that the sun has gone down, it’s not so bad. I brought a few blankets down to spread them out for everyone to sit on to watch the show and decided to go ahead and take a seat myself. This has become our tradition, at least according to Maddox and Forrest. Two years in a row is enough to call it a tradition, right? Fourth of July will forever be celebrated at Maddox and Brogan’s place.
It really is the best spot to watch the fireworks, not that any of us will tell them that. We like to tease them, but if I’m being honest, it’s sweet that these men want to make traditions for their kids and wives. I’m just lucky enough to be included as a friend of their wives, and I’d like to think I’m their friend as well.
“How are you feeling?” Brogan asks, taking a seat next to me on the blanket. I’m all spread out and ready for the fireworks show to start.
“Better.” I smile at her. “It must have been something I ate. I made a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich for breakfast. I guess it didn’t agree with me.”
“Well, I’m glad you’re feeling better.”
“Me too. Being sick is the worst.”
“Agreed,” she says, laughing as Maddox and Lachlan head our way. My belly does a flip as Lachlan’s vibrant blue eyes lock on mine. I always thought my eyes were a rare blue, but Lachlan, his are like blue glass or marbles. They’re stunning, just like the man they belong to.
“I see how it is,” Maddox says, smiling. “You ladies wanted to score the best spot.”
“Is there really a bad spot?” Brogan asks him.
“I guess not.” Lachlan chuckles as he takes a seat next to me on my blanket. He leans his shoulder into mine. “Hey, Mags.”
My body heats just from being near him. It’s as if it can’t forget the night we shared. I know I can’t forget. In fact, it keeps me company at night, along with my battery-operated friend, but that’s information that will remain locked inside the Maggie vault, just like the passionate night we shared together.
“Hey,” I finally reply.
“Is everyone else headed out?” Brogan asks Maddox.
“Yeah, they’re wrangling the kids,” he tells his wife.
“And you two skipped out?” she teases.
“Not enough babies,” Maddox grumbles.
“I thought you were working on that, Mad?” Lachlan teases his friend.
“Oh, he’s working on it,” Brogan blurts, slapping her hand over her mouth. We all crack up laughing at her outburst.
“My man.” Lachlan leans over me and Brogan to offer Maddox his fist, which Maddox bumps while wearing a wide grin.
The rest of the gang, their kids, and with more blankets in tow join us. Everyone gets spread out on their blankets, and lie back staring at the night sky. The twins and Lilly chatter away, and Kane babbles as if he’s carrying on a conversation with each of them. I can’t help but smile. These kids may not be related to me by blood, but I will forever be their aunt Maggie.
When the first spark of color hits the sky, the kids ooh and ahh , as do their parents. Kane cries a little, but I can hear his daddy telling him how pretty the sky is, and that there is nothing to be scared of, which calms him down.
For such a small town, Ashby puts on an incredible fireworks display out on the lake, and this really is the best place to watch it. I’m lying as still as I possibly can, because Lachlan is next to me. On the other side, Maddox and Brogan are all cuddled up, and I envy what my friends have.
I want to find that.
I’m shocked when I feel Lachlan link his fingers through mine, giving them a gentle squeeze. I do the same in return, letting him know I felt him. It’s weird, being here with him, acting as if the night we spent together six weeks ago wasn’t the best sex of my life. Hell, the best night of my life with him.
I’m struggling and I didn’t think I would be. I know I’ve never done the one-night stand thing, but I thought since I knew Lachlan, and that he would continue to be in my life, that the emotions wouldn’t take hold of me, but I guess I was wrong.
That night is all that I can think about.
For years, my ex belittled me. He made me feel unwanted and unsexy. I was convinced that no man would ever find me desirable, but unless Lachlan was a good actor, he did. No, I know he did. He showed me with his touch and with his words.
Lachlan Noble is going to be a hard act to follow.
One night is all it will ever be. I knew that before he ever touched me. It was my idea, but now, there’s a part of me that might sort of… kind of wish things were different.
Okay, a big part, but what’s done is done. It doesn’t help that Lachlan has been finding these small, innocent ways to touch me today. Like massaging my shoulders earlier, then whispering in my ear how soft my skin was.
So not helping.
The fireworks finale lights up the night sky, and I worry someone might notice my hand locked in his, but I know they’re all wrapped up in each other, and their kids. As they should be. Once the show is over, everyone starts packing kids and blankets back to the house. I take my time, and to my surprise, Lachlan does as well.
It’s just the two of us when he finally speaks. “You good?”
I smile at him, hoping that it looks reassuring. “Of course.”
“You just seem quiet today.”
“Oh, that. I think I ate something bad this morning. I wasn’t feeling well, but I’m good to go now.”
He nods. “Do you need anything?”
This time, my smile is more genuine. Lachlan is a great guy. “I’m good, but thank you for offering.” I bend over to pick up the blanket, but he beats me to it.
“I’ve got this. Come on.” He nods toward the back of the house where everyone has gathered, and I fall in step beside him. “Is this yours?” he asks, holding up the rolled-up blanket in his arms.
“Yeah.” I reach for it. “I’ll go put it in my car.”
“I’ll carry it,” he tells me.
“You don’t have to.”
“Didn’t think I did. Can’t a guy just do something nice for a pretty girl?” he asks.
“You’ve already had the goods. You don’t have to keep laying on the charm,” I say, keeping my tone teasing as we reach my car. I reach in and pop the trunk so he can toss the blanket inside, before joining him at the back of my car.
“Maggie.” The way he says my name has me looking up to find Lachlan still holding the blanket, his eyes locked on mine. “That’s not what I’m doing. I truly wanted to help you. It doesn’t matter that I know what it feels like to have your pussy choking my cock. I’d still have offered to help you.” He tosses the blanket into the trunk and takes a deep breath, while my body aches for him. “That’s what a man does, Mags. A real man. Not some shallow-minded small dick fuckface that had to put you down to feel superior. All I wanted to do was help you.” He closes the trunk of my car and stalks off toward the house.
My heart drops to my toes as I watch him walk away. He’s almost made it back to the house when I call out his name. “Lachlan!” I take off at a light jog to catch up with him. Thankfully, he stops. His hands are fisted at his sides, but it’s his eyes that truly gut me. The sadness laced with hurt steals the breath from my lungs.
When I reach him, I don’t know what to do, so I step in close and wrap my arms around his waist, burying my face in his chest. His now-familiar scent washes over me, and I allow myself a few extra seconds to just breathe him in.
“I’m sorry,” I mumble against his chest. “I didn’t mean to upset you or hurt your feelings. I’m just not used to men being nice because they want to be.”
Finally, he wraps his arms around me and hugs me back, and it feels right, as if this is exactly where I’m supposed to be. I quickly dismiss that thought, pushing it out of my mind, because that’s not what this is. Lachlan and I are friends.
Friends can hug, right?
“I hate that fucker for what he did to you.”
“I’m a work in progress,” I mutter.
I feel his lips press to the top of my head, and then he’s leaning back, placing his finger beneath my chin, his blue eyes finding mine. “You are not a work in progress, Maggie. You’re perfect just the way you are. Take everything that man said to you and erase it from your mind.”
“That’s easier said than done, especially after three years of almost constant ridicule.”
He mumbles something about five minutes in a dark alley, and I place my forehead against his chest to hide my smile. One day this man is going to make some woman very happy and feel cherished. He just needs to find her.
It takes effort, but I force myself to step back from him. “Come on, stud. Let’s go join everyone else.” I’ll miss the warmth of his arms and the false sense of security they offer. He’s not that person for me, and that’s okay. One day, there will be a man who will come along who loves me fiercely, and when he shows up in my life, I’ll have worked through my shit with my self-esteem that Eric trashed, and I’ll be ready for him.
“You think I’m a stud, huh?” He wags his eyebrows, and I crack up laughing. Lachlan is this macho guy with such a soft heart. It’s a contradiction, and he’s funny, fun to be around, and I’m glad he’s also forgiving. He didn’t deserve my words.
“What’s so funny?” Briar asks as we reach the backyard.
“This guy”—I point toward Lachlan—“thinks he’s a comedian.”
“I’ll show you, comedian.” He lifts me into his arms, tossing me over his shoulder, and takes off as if he’s going to the lake.
“Lachlan!” I half yell, half laugh. “Put me down.” I smack at his back and his ass, but it does nothing.
“Say I’m the funniest guy you know.” He stops walking and waits for me to comply.
“You’re the funniest guy I know.”
“That’s better.” Instead of putting me down, he turns on his heel and heads back to our friends. He doesn’t stop until he’s in front of a vacant chair. He lowers me to my feet and holds on long enough for me to get my balance. I swat at his chest, and he grins, his blue eyes sparkling in the light of the fire.
Yes, it’s July in Tennessee, and we still have a fire. “Now I feel buzzed.” I laugh, patting my hair that I’m sure looks like I just walked five miles in a windstorm from hanging upside down.
“You’re welcome.” Lachlan bows dramatically, and everyone laughs at him.
“Go over there.” I chuckle, pointing to a chair on the opposite side of the fire.
“Uncle Lach, I want a ride,” River says, bouncing on Maddox’s lap.
“Me too!” Rayne declares.
“Isn’t it past your bedtime?” he asks the girls.
“We’re not tired,” River says, covering her yawn.
“How about a story first?” Lachlan suggests.
“Oh, will you do the voices like Daddy does?” Rayne asks.
“I’m not sure I can do it as well as your dad does, but I’ll give it a try. Why don’t we go inside and pick out a book.”
“I wead,” Lilly tells him. She’s sitting on Roman’s lap and was half asleep until all the commotion. She raises her arms in the air, and Lachlan plucks her from her dad's lap, settling her on his hip.
“What about you, little man?” he asks Kane. The cutest baby boy ever just stares up at him, his eyes heavy. It won’t take much for any of them to be asleep. Lachlan holds his arm out and tells Legend, “Baby me.”
“You sure you want all of them?” Forrest asks. “I can help.”
“Sit, your a— rear end back in the chair, Daddy Forrest. Uncle Lachlan is having story time.”
“Aunt Maggie needs to come too,” River announces. “She’s going to be lonely.”
“Oh, sweetie, I won’t be lonely. I have all my friends here with me,” I tell her.
“But you need someone with you,” Rayne adds.
It’s then that I understand what they’re saying. In their little minds, because I’m not coupled up, they’re worried I’ll be all alone. My heart swells ten times its normal size. At least that’s what it feels like to have their love and worry.
“I promise you, I’ll be okay,” I assure them.
“You might as well come with us,” Lachlan tells me.
“I thought it was Uncle Lachlan’s story time?” Forrest asks, smirking.
“It is. No parents allowed,” he tells Forrest before turning his burning blue gaze my way. “Coming, Mags?”
I can’t very well say no when the twins are bouncing up and down, begging me to come with them. “I guess it’s safer if a responsible adult was with the kids,” I tease, and Lachlan tosses his head back in laughter.
“Come on, trouble.” Lachlan’s face is lit up by his smile.
“Only if I get a baby out of the deal.” I stand and move toward him, holding my arms open. I don’t care who I get, but baby Kane reaches for me. I take him into my arms, and he rests his head on my shoulder.
“Smart man,” Lachlan whispers.
I pretend not to hear him as I follow the four of them into the house. River and Rayne rush to a small bookcase in the corner that’s filled with books. You would think that they still live here, but that just shows you how incredible this family is. They each pick out a book and climb up on the couch.
“We can sit in the middle,” Rayne says.
“And baby Kane can sit with Aunt Maggie and Lilly with Uncle Lach, so the family is all close,” River explains.
“Sounds like a plan, ladies.” Lachlan sits beside River, which leaves me taking the spot beside Rayne. I shift Kane on my lap, and he stays snuggled up to my chest, which is fine with me. I love snuggles from adorable little boys and girls, especially the ones in this family. They feel like my family too.
With all four kids snuggled in, Lachlan begins to read. He speaks softly and changes his voice when the story calls for it, and I find myself just as captivated as the kids. There are so many sides to this man, to all of them, but Lachlan was never really separate from the others for me before. He’s always just been one of the guys. All five are hot as hell, but they were always just my friends’, husbands, and their friends. Something changed that night in the cabin.
I know exactly when that changed, and so does my body. I need to keep reminding myself it was my idea. One night, no strings, scratch the itch, that’s what I wanted, but part of me wishes things could be different. I know that’s not what he wants, and I’m not ready for that either. I still have a lot of self-reflection to do. I can’t be in a relationship when I’m constantly second-guessing everything my partner says.
Does he really think I’m beautiful? Is he really working late? Does he think my ass looks huge in my new skirt? Too many scenarios flash in my mind of my insecurities. I know they stem from Eric and his mental and verbal abuse. Knowing it and training my mind to know he was wrong are two different things.
I’ve got work to do, but in the meantime, I’ll have the memories of our night together to hold me over until it’s time to really venture out into the dating world, and hopefully, I’ll be able to find my forever love.
Shaking out of my thoughts, I tune back into the story and Lachlan’s deep, sexy voice. He finishes the first book, closing it, and placing a tender kiss on Lilly’s head, and that’s when I notice she’s sound asleep. They all are.
“We lost our gang,” he whispers.
“Looks like it. I’ll put Kane in his Pack ’N Play and come back and get Lilly to put her in hers.”
“Okay, then I’ll set the twins here on the couch.”
We work quietly and efficiently as we get all the kids settled. “Should we stay inside and listen for them?” I ask.
“Nah, we’ve got this.” He picks up a baby monitor I didn’t notice from the end table and turns on both units. He keeps one monitor in his hand and places the other empty hand on the small of my back as he leads me back outside.
“Where’s your entourage?” Roman asks.
“All conked out,” Lachlan replies.
“Lilly and Kane are in their Pack ’N Plays and the twins are on the couch. I put lots of pillows on the floor in case they roll off,” I tell them.
“Oh, they’ll be fine,” Briar assures me. “They’re old enough now we don’t have to worry about that.”
“Thanks for that,” Forrest says, nuzzling his wife’s neck. All the wives are on their husband’s laps, and I’m thankful for River and Rayne, whose big little hearts rescued me. I’m happy for my friends, but sometimes being the ninth wheel can be awkward. I guess at least it’s not just me, since Lachlan is still single.
Lachlan grabs a couple of bottles of water, and hands me one before taking the empty chair next to me. We join the easy conversation with our friends, as if our night together never happened. I’m sure there will be a day when I’ll look at Lachlan and not think about his hands and his mouth on my body, but I doubt it will be anytime soon.