Chapter 26 #2
I sucked in a breath, fighting back the lump forming in my throat.
“I’m crazy in love with that man. He’s not going to scare me off.
He did give me quite a bad case of whiplash the first few weeks after I’d met him, but I understand it now.
Grief is something each person has to work through in their own way. ”
“Yeah, I know. And thank you for understanding him the way you do. He talks about you like you walk on water,” she said with a chuckle. “And Easton usually thinks he’s the only one who walks on water.”
My heart raced at her words, and I just shook my head and smiled.
“Oh, boy,” she groaned before breaking into a fit of laughter. “You think he walks on water, too, don’t you?”
“Why do you look like you’re up to no good, evil twin?” Easton said to his sister as he came up behind me and kissed my cheek.
“Oh, were your ears burning?” she asked when Nash took the seat beside her.
Rafe, Axel, and Archer found seats at our table.
“Look at Beefcake teaching Melody how to dance,” Easton said, wrapping an arm around my shoulder.
“I heard Easton took you out on the water this morning,” Rafe said with a smirk, like there was some sort of inside joke there.
“I took her on Mayberry Pass,” Easton said, as Bridger and Clark brought beers to the table for everyone, setting one in front of me before they took the open seats at the table.
“It was great. Pretty uneventful, but fun.”
“You’re still new to the sport,” he said, kissing my cheek.
“You took her on Mayberry Pass? Come on, dude. She played collegiate tennis. She’s an athlete. Mimi and Pops can do Mayberry Pass in their sleep.” Rafe was laughing hysterically.
“You should have her come out and do Rocky Mountain with us in a few weeks for the annual last Rosewood River ride. That gives her some time to get out there a few times before then,” Axel said.
“I personally don’t enjoy it,” Emerson said. “These lunatics love it, and I’m always holding on for dear life.”
“You got soft with old age, Emmy,” Bridger said, shooting her a wink. “It’s not that bad. It’s a grade IV.”
“Although we’ve been out there a few times where I swear it was more grade V,” Rafe said, as he shivered dramatically, and everyone laughed.
“It’s between a four and a five. And she’s not doing it with us. You’ve grown up on that river. She’s new to it.” Easton’s voice was harsh, and he gave me a little squeeze.
“I have rafted before moving here. And I did a more difficult pass than what we’ve done, so I think I’d be fine.
It’s a few weeks away, and we’re going out again next weekend.
So how about we just see how I progress,” I said, my voice all tease.
I’d researched river rafting and was impressed that Easton had been as skilled as he was.
But I was athletic and fairly competitive, so I felt confident that I could handle a lot more than what he’d been doing with me.
“Yeah. I heard the girl smoked you at pickleball.” Emerson was laughing hysterically now.
“I’m just relieved pickleball is done for now, because Coach is working us hard on the ice. I don’t have time for Easton’s antics on the pickleball court right now,” Clark said.
“Hey, the Chad-Six got the gold again. My antics are what keep you guys coming back year after year.”
“I’d like Henley to take my spot next year,” Archer said. “I’ve got too much going on with work and raising Melody. How about I be the sub next year, and you join the Chad-Six?” Archer quirked a brow as he looked at me.
“Well, she’s much better than you, so it would be a good move for everyone. What do you say, baby?” Easton asked.
“I’ll play with you. But only if you agree to take me out on the river on a more challenging pass next weekend.”
His brows cinched, and he studied me before he nodded. “I can do that. Slowly. The river can be a beast.”
“A beast that I believe you referred to as your bitch many times,” Rafe said, and Easton flipped him the bird.
Someone rang a bell, and everyone was on their feet and heading to the buffet table. Easton offered to grab me a plate so I could stay and visit with Emerson.
“Damn. My brother is ridiculously cute with you. He’s never been like this. Not even with—” She stopped herself from saying her name, and I glanced up to see Katrina walking our way.
I groaned internally as she came to stand beside my chair. She crossed her arms over her chest and raised a brow. “Congrats. I heard you and Easton are officially together.”
“Yes. Thank you.” I forced a smile. “But you already knew that, didn’t you?”
“I suspected, but hey, if you weren’t going to claim your man, he’s up for grabs, right?” She chuckled as she took a sip of her beer.
“Well, lucky for me, he’s not up for grabs,” I said dryly, my voice completely lacking any humor.
“Hey, ladies!” Joey walked up behind Katrina and made a face at me as if he were apologizing for her. “Great party, isn’t it?”
“Joey, can you get me a fresh beer, please?” Katrina held her bottle out to him, and he glanced over at me. He was trying to help me, and she was completely using him.
“How about this? I’ll go with Joey to grab that because I think Emerson and I could use another.” I gave Emerson a look that said I needed to get away from this woman, and she thanked me for grabbing us drinks.
When Joey and I walked away, I linked an arm through his. “Why are you being so nice to her? She’s so rude.”
“I’m only doing it to help you and Easton out. You’ve both been really decent to me.” He shrugged.
“Hey, Joey,” the cute woman who appeared to be in her mid-twenties and was working the bar said. I didn’t miss the way her cheeks pinked when she looked at him, and he looked very happy to see her.
“Hey, Pippa!” he said. “I didn’t know you moved back to town.”
“Yes. I just got back two weeks ago. I gave Hollywood a try, but I didn’t have any luck, so I came home with my tail between my legs.” She handed us each a couple of beers. “But I do have that college degree, and I’m ready to put it to work. I just need to find myself a job here in town.”
“This is my friend, Henley,” he said. “This is Pippa. We grew up together.”
“Hi, Henley, it’s nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you, too,” I said. She smiled before turning away when someone came behind the bar with a case of booze.
“We’re hiring,” I whispered to him, and he nodded.
When Pippa turned around, she apologized for the interruption.
“Don’t worry about that. I just had a thought.
We’re hiring at the firm. I’m a lawyer now.
” He shrugged, and it made me chuckle how humble he was about it.
“I don’t know if administrative type of work is what you’re looking for, but Henley here is an attorney, too, and we could put in a good word for you.
Actually, Easton Chadwick runs the office.
I know he was a few years older than us, but you probably remember him. ”
“Yes. Oh, my gosh, I would be very interested. I heard you went to law school. That’s amazing. Um, how should I reach out to you?” she asked, and her cheeks flushed again.
She clearly liked him.
“You can come by the office next week and fill out an application,” he said, and I stepped on his foot, and he startled.
“It might be better to just call Joey directly, and he can set up a time for you to come meet with Easton.”
“Oh. Yes. Here, let me get your number.” Joey was smiling as he handed her his phone, and I glanced around to find Easton standing at our table, looking for me.
Our eyes met at the same time.
He smiled, and I told Joey I’d meet him back at the table.
I hurried back, and Katrina was standing there trying to talk to him, but his eyes were on me.
I didn’t look at her when I handed a beer to Emerson, and Easton wrapped an arm around my waist.
“Hey, Princess. Glad you’re back.”
And then he leaned down and kissed me.
Making sure everyone there knew we were together.
Knew that I was his.
And I loved it.