Chapter 35
Angela
“Are you sure this isn’t going to come off wrong?” Garrett meets my eyes in the mirror and swipes a hand through his hair. “As far as your family knows, we’re business partners.”
Stretched out in my bed, I roll onto my stomach, propping myself on my elbows and crossing my ankles. “Business partners who do nasty things to each other in the bedroom.”
After what we did, it’s amazing I can move at all. I’m loose. Boneless. Utterly relaxed and completely at ease with this man in my room. All the worries that have been plaguing me have faded to whispers. I’m simply happy in the moment.
I focus on that.
Garrett laughs. “And you think that’s a reason for them to invite me into their home?”
“Just because it happens doesn’t mean they have to know about it.
” I shift into a sitting position and swing my legs to the floor.
“Look. I like being with you and want to soak in as much Garrett time as I can before you go home. If that means you have to endure meeting my giant family, then so be it.”
And the clock is ticking down to his departure so quickly, my heart can’t help but fret. Here I am with my newfound feelings, trying to pretend I can pull off casual while swooning over every move he makes. Every breath. Every touch. Every word.
He calls me his angel and I want that to be true. I want to be his.
Garrett’s face tightens into the unreadable mask that drives me crazy. I couldn’t guess what he’s thinking if my life depended on it. “If your dad finds out what’s going on, it could jeopardize everything.”
And just like that, I lose focus on the moment.
When Garrett says everything, does he mean what’s going on between us? Or is he talking about the business deal? I want to believe it’s the former, but logic says the latter must be involved at least a little.
The pleasantness sours. Sweet satisfaction turns bitter.
I don’t want this, us, to be about business, but I’d be an idiot not to recognize it is. At least on some level. We should talk about it, but now is not the time.
I love having him here and never want him to leave and he can’t know that. He just can’t.
Not yet. Maybe not ever.
Especially because he will leave. Soon.
I stand and cross the room, wrapping my arms around him and resting my cheek against his back. “My dad won’t know anything’s going on. I promise. Everyone’s gonna love you and you’ll see exactly what I mean when I say my family is insane. It’s a win-win.”
Garrett grunts, grasping my hands, his thumb caressing my wrist. “If it’s such a win-win, why do I feel like I’m losing? I think you dropped this family event in my lap on purpose.”
“I did no such thing.”
“Do you really expect me to just take your word for it?” He spins in my arms, brushing my hair out of my face. “That’s not how this works.”
“That might not be how it used to work. But with me? Yes, you take my word.” I slap him on the ass. “Grumpy grump.”
He captures my wrist and pulls me close. “That’s Mr. Grumpy Grump to you. And if anyone is smacking an ass, it’s me.” Heat builds in his eyes as he leans in for a kiss. “What is it about you?” he murmurs. “Have you cast some sort of spell on me?”
It’s no spell. It’s serendipity. The more we’re together, the more I know it’s true.
Fate brought Mom and Dad together in the strangest of ways, but it was right for them from the start—even if they didn’t see it until it was almost too late.
I’m starting to think the same is true for Garrett and me.
He…us…this is right. I see through his grumpy exterior to the amazing man underneath.
If only he didn’t have to leave.
Running my hands through his hair, I press my forehead to his. “The only spell I’m aware of is the one you’re working right now.”
With that, I tip my head back and let Garrett do what he does best, play my body like it was made for him.
We’re the last to arrive at my parents’ house, which means we park at the end of a long line of cars, spilling out of the driveway and onto the street.
Garrett’s eyes go wide. “How many people did you say were gonna be here tonight?”
“If everyone shows up, there’s what? Twenty-seven, twenty-eight of us Huttons? That’s counting Uncle Joe, Aunt Kennedy, and their kids, who aren’t blood related but that doesn’t matter. Plus, there might be wives, husbands, girlfriends, and boyfriends. It’ll be crowded.”
“Twenty-seven or twenty—” He scrubs a hand over his face. “That’s a lot of people.”
“A lot of people who are plain amazing.” I lead him up the lantern-lined walk, towards the door. “We’ll hang out with Nathan and Micah if that makes you more comfortable.”
Garrett rubs his jaw, eyeing the house like it might bite. “You and I weren’t exactly on friendly terms the day I met those two. Hanging out with them might make me less comfortable.”
It’s a glorious evening, with a breeze that flutters my sundress around my thighs and my parents’ house looks stately and welcoming, with the splattering of palms in front and the ocean stretching out forever behind.
The first floor is an enclosed outdoor living area with a bar, a pool, hot tub, and boat dock.
The home’s two bedrooms, kitchen, and living area were built on the second floor to minimize damage from flooding.
“Did you grow up here?”
I shake my head. “We had a much smaller place when I was a kid. They bought this after I went to college. Our old home was, I don’t know, comfortable?
Is that the word? It’s not quite right, but it’ll do.
Anyway, I was sad at first, when they bought this one because it’s more like a piece of art than a home and I couldn’t imagine it would ever feel as welcoming as the one I grew up in.
But, go figure, Mom and Dad managed to—”
Garrett puts a hand on my arm. “Breathe, my Angel. There’s no need to be nervous.”
“Who me?” I squeak. “I’m cool as a cucumber.”
“You ramble when you’re nervous.”
I blink, surprised by how intimate his statement feels…and by how much I like it. “I just…got excited about the house.”
Garrett drops his hand with an understanding smile. “It’s an amazing house.”
“It is. And now, thanks to you and all the wonderful things we can do with the Bliss location together, they’ll get to keep it.” The words were meant as a joke, but they strike a sour note. I hate that Garrett and I came together because of business. It cheapens everything we’ve done.
The feeling dissipates as we step inside, walking in on a heated conversation between Nathan and his girlfriend.
“Hey! There you are.” My cousin straightens and plasters on a smile when he sees us. “We were starting to think Miss Always Early was gonna pull a no show.”
“Are you kidding? And miss a chance to see the whole family in one place?” I give Nathan a quick hug. “This is Garrett Cooper. You’ve met before—”
“Oh, I remember. I’m surprised you’re giving her the time of day after the talking to she gave you at the bar.” Nathan extends his hand. “Nice to meet ya, man. This is Blossom, my girlfriend. Her girls Cathlynn and Carabell are out by the pool.”
Freaking Cathlynn, and Carabell. The names conjure images of toddlers forced into beauty pageants before they can walk—which is exactly what happened with these two.
And, you know, that’s fine…kind of. Though to listen to Blossom talk, the pageant thing has more to do with her ego than anything the girls get out of the experience.
“Good to see you again,” I say to Blossom while Garrett shakes her hand. She murmurs a response and rolls her eyes while I turn to my cousin. “Thank you so much for feeding the kittens while I was gone.”
“Are you kidding me? It was the best part of the day.” Nathan turns to Garrett. “You hear about this? Feeding kittens just because they showed up on her doorstep. She really is the angel of the family.”
Blossom steps between the men before Garret can respond. “We were in the middle of a discussion more important than some stupid feral cats,” she says, then drags Nathan away, chewing his ear off the entire time.
Garrett huffs his disapproval. “She seems pleasant.”
“That’s not the word I’d choose, but sure.”
“Angel!” Micah appears out of nowhere and wraps me in a giant hug before turning to Garrett. “And friend?” He gives me a crooked smile, jerking a thumb Garrett’s way. “You stole his phone, right?”
“I didn’t steal—”
“Whatever.” He dismisses my explanation with a chuckle. “That’s the story I’m telling.”
“No one’s gonna believe that.” I roll my eyes. “I’m the angel of the family, remember?”
“You and I both know Nathan’s the only one who believes that.
Besides, I can be very convincing, especially if this guy backs me up.
” Micah offers Garrett his hand. “Whadaya say? Wanna tell everyone she stole your phone, then bitched you out when you showed up to get it back? I guarantee that’ll get you points with the Hutton clan.
Everyone knows what it’s like to go head-to-head with our Angel here. ”
Before Garrett can respond, Micah whisks him away, leading him into the fray.
Garrett glances over his shoulder, eyes wide as he mouths, “Help.”
I flare my hands because this was out of my control the moment he didn’t correct Micah about the phone mix up.
We talk to Uncle Eli and Aunt Hope before moving on to the bar where I introduce Garrett to Uncle Caleb, Aunt Maisie, and their three girls.
We wave at Uncle Joe and Uncle Collin, deep in conversation with Aunt Kennedy and Aunt Harlow.
Garrett frowns, cocking his head as he studies the group. “Is that—?”
“Collin West? Award-winning musician who happens to be my uncle?” Micah says with a twinkle in his eyes.
“That’d be him. Nathan’s dad. And that man right there is the reason Nate is the way he is.
Just all-around good energy. You need a thing?
If Nathan can’t, Collin will.” Micah turns to me, his brown eyes dancing the way they do when he has gossip to spread.
“Did you see him, by the way? Nate? He’s having drama with the single mama. Again.”
I clamp my jaw shut to keep from spewing a few choice words. “She was chewing his ear off when we came in.”
“Collin West,” Garrett murmurs, almost in awe. “My mom loved him when I was a kid.”
“I don’t know what Nathan sees in that woman,” Micah continues, giving Garrett a knowing grin. “He’s too young to tie himself down with kids, especially when the kids are so…I don’t know. Cathlynn and Carabell. Ugh. The whole thing leaves a bad taste in my mouth.”
“Like you’re so wise in the relationship department.” I turn to Garrett, ready to explain that my cousin shares his opinion about dating, but Micha butts in.
“I am very wise in the relationship department. I’ve been in love, unlike others who shall remain nameless around here.
” He jabs a finger my way as if his point wasn’t obvious already.
“Ivy Cole. High school sweetheart. Man. I’ll never find someone like her again.
She was…she was something.” Micah’s face transforms into what we’ve dubbed his Ivy face.
This weird combination of serene and wistful.
They were inseparable in high school, until out of the blue, she broke it off.
Moved away. And Micah? He’s never been the same about women since.
“You haven’t dated anyone since high school?” Garrett doesn’t sound like he believes the story for one second.
“I mean, sure. I’ve been with women.” Micah rubs a hand over his mouth. “I’m only human. But nothing, no one, will live up to Ivy Cole. She was it for me.” He stares into the distance, his Ivy face taking over before he visibly shakes thoughts of her away.
I roll my eyes, laughing as I fold my arms over my chest. “You say that like you’re this great romantic, but you’re not the type to stay celibate your whole life—”
“Now hold on a second. I didn’t say anything about staying celibate.” Micah laughs, elbowing Garrett in the ribs. “She doesn’t know jack shit about men. It’s all about the commitment and the connection for her.”
“Micah!”
“I’m just saying. She dragged you to a family event and you’re not even dating.
If that doesn’t scream commitment crazy, I don’t know what does.
” The twinkle in my cousin’s eyes says he thinks he’s hilarious, but I want to Kung Fu chop him in the balls.
He catches my gaze, notices my murderous intent, and quickly switches tracks.
“I’m kidding, man. Angel is great. A total slut.
No commitment anywhere. You’re gonna love her. ”
“I swear to God, Micah Hutton, I’m going to kill you. No. I’m going to call Ivy Cole and tell her you’re still single because you only have eyes for her.”
“Do it. I dare you. Oh wait, what’s that I hear? I think there’s a more interesting conversation happening over there. Toodlepip, people.” With a laugh, he wanders off towards the pool where Cathlynn and Carabelle are screeching at each other over who gets to use the diving board first.
“So that’s Micah,” I say to Garrett, widening my eyes as I await his judgment. “He thinks he’s very hilarious.”
“I can see that.” Garrett shakes his head, watching Nathan deescalate the disagreement between Blossom’s girls. He’s faraway again. That giant wall of something lowered between us while Micah was talking. It sets my heart pounding.
“He was joking about that commitment thing. And the slut thing. I didn’t drag you here to trap you into anything.” Jesus. I can’t believe those are words actually coming out of my mouth. What kind of insane situation have I gotten myself into?
“I know, Angel. That’s not the way you work.”
And yet, Garrett’s smile seems tight, and his eyes seem off. For the love of everything holy, I am so tired of worrying about where I stand with him.
Maybe I really will Kung Fu chop Micah in the balls.