Fall Into Temptation (Blue Moon Book #2)(43)

She yelped and swore, bringing the flesh of her palm to her mouth. Evan snickered at her language.

“Are you okay?” Beckett asked, backing through the door handling his end of a large cardboard box.

“I gotta go,” Gia hissed at Emma. “I’ll call you later.”

“Don’t you dare hang —” Gia cut off her sister’s threat and disconnected.

“What’s all this?” Gia asked, moving the frying pan to the safety of a cool burner.

Jax shuffled in after his brother hefting the other side of the box. “Just go about your business. Don’t mind us,” he said with a wink in her direction.

They moved past the table and stopped next to the island. “Here’s good,” Beckett decided. They let the box slide gently to the floor.

“A dishwasher?” Gia eyed up the box. “You brought me a dishwasher?”

Beckett swiped his hands on his jeans and turned his attention to her. He grabbed her wrist and examined the burn before turning on the cold water in her sink and shoving her hand under the stream.

“Better?” he asked, still holding her wrist.

Gia craned her neck to look up at him. She was still staring into those concerned gray eyes when Phoebe and her father walked in.

“Grampa!” Aurora shouted from the top of the stairs. She thundered down the skinny staircase and threw herself into Franklin’s outstretched arms.

Gia’s heart was thumping in her head and she wasn’t sure if it was stress or Beckett, who was still holding her hand.

She shut off the water and tugged out of Beckett’s grasp, but not before sensing Phoebe’s knowing gaze.

“This is a nice surprise.” She greeted her father with a kiss and offered Phoebe a hug.

“Mama, I’m hungry,” Aurora announced, wiggling out of Franklin’s arms.

“Well that’s perfect timing, because lunch is ready. Can I get you guys a drink?” she asked her as she skirted around the island

Gia studied the outfit her daughter had chosen. Aurora was wearing black leggings under a purple and pink striped dress with little green Crocs. Good enough, she decided.

“I’d love a water,” Phoebe said. “Can I help with anything?”

Gia stepped over Beckett who was kneeling next to the sink and wished to God she’d had time to grab a shower before her house was overrun.

“I think everything is under control for now. We actually have to head out for some birthday parties in a few minutes.” She grabbed a bottle of water and two baggies of sliced vegetables out of the fridge. She passed Phoebe the water and tossed the baggies onto the plates.

“Evan, lunch.”

He was on the floor between Jax and Beckett frowning at a tape measure with them.

Gia deposited the plates on the table. Franklin sat next to Aurora and pretended to eat her sandwich. “No, Grampa! That’s mine,” she giggled.

Evan strolled over and slid onto his chair. “Vegetables again? Jeez, Gia. Haven’t you ever heard of chips?”

“You’re going to a party where you’ll stuff your face with pizza, chips, cake, and ice cream. You can suffer through some cucumbers and carrots now.”

He grumbled, but opened the bag.

Gia ignored her own sandwich and grabbed one of the juices she’d picked up at OJs by Julia. A glance at the microwave clock told her she only had ten more minutes before she needed to herd everyone out the door. Not enough time to change or eat. She unscrewed the lid and drank deeply.

Jax laid a hand on her shoulder. “That’s not Jolly Green, is it?”

She shook her head. “No. It’s a new juice Julia’s doing for fall. I think she calls it Harvest. Why?”

“I had a bad experience,” he said and shuddered.

“Want to try this one?” she offered.

He shook his head. “I think I’m still too traumatized.”

“So you two are a little early for dinner,” Gia said, sliding into the chair next to Evan.

“Well, we had a free afternoon and wondered if we could help out,” Franklin said, taking a bite out of the baby carrot Aurora offered him.

“Help out with what? Dinner?”

“I’m offering up my chauffer and chaperone services and Phoebe here happens to be an excellent amateur organizer,” her dad said waving his hand in the direction of Gia’s bedroom.

Phoebe smiled. “Beckett told me you have a bit of a situation,” she said nodding toward the room. “If you’re okay with it, Franklin can take the kids to their parties this afternoon and I can help you go through some boxes.”

Gia blinked.

Beckett had ratted her out and now everyone knew her dirty little secret. She was going to murder him … after he was done installing the dishwasher.

“It can’t be easy making such a big move. Getting your kids settled while starting a new business. But it doesn’t have to be on your own. You have us,” Phoebe said, smiling cheerfully. “Besides, it’ll help feed my sickness for personal organization.”

“I see,” Gia said primly. “Beckett? Can I see you outside for a minute?”

His head popped up on the other side of the island. “Now?”

“Now.”

She shut the front door behind them and fixed him with her best suspicious mom look. “What are you doing?”