Ink Enduring (Montgomery Ink #5)(47)

When Maya came into Border’s arms and kissed him, as well, Border knew that he’d fight for this, fight for what they could have, because nothing had ever felt this right before in his life.

“We must be scaring the neighbors,” Maya said dryly. She looked around the empty street and waved to people who might be staring through their windows. “We’re already the loud house on the block with all those damn inked Montgomerys, and now I’ve kissed you both out here on the sidewalk.”

“Well, I kissed Border already, so it’s a threesome,” Jake said with a grin, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Should we not have done anything in public? I know you said you were fine with this, and we weren’t going to hide anything from your family, but I don’t want it to be an issue.”

Maya shook her head and took both of their hands in hers. “I don’t want to hide anything. It really can’t hurt my job, or yours, Jake, since we’re artists and people think we’re going to do what we want anyway.” She met Border’s eyes. “I know you said you were finding a new career of sorts, though, you know, at some point, you should elaborate on that, but will this hurt it?”

Border shook his head. “I won’t let it.”

Maya studied his face for a moment before nodding. “Okay, then. So we just do what we feel is natural. No making out in front of my family because, gross, but holding hands, kissing, and leaning into one another? That’s normal. My family is very affectionate, and we always hug. And everyone knows I’m with you both, even if they don’t know the particulars.”

Border shook his head, a small smile on his face. “Because you told the girls at your girls’ night?”

Maya nodded. “That was part of it, then I told them some more because I talk to my family when I need to think.”

He couldn’t help the envy that hit him at that thought. He didn’t have a family to talk to about his relationships or his life in general. And the family he’d had at one point wasn’t one he’d ever talk to. Especially not about something as important as this. Jake had his brothers, and Border, in the past, had only had Jake. And when he’d let that go because he’d had to, he’d had no one.

He shook off those thoughts, knowing they wouldn’t lead to anywhere he needed to be, and let out a breath. “So, these family dinners are a common occurrence?”

Maya’s eyes brightened. “Yeah. We tend to try to meet as a group at least once a month, sometimes more. Most of us work with one another, so it’s not like we don’t see each other, but we’re always in each other’s pockets. Today, we have the siblings, their spouses, their kids, and any significant others. Meaning you two are with me. Tabby is there, too, though she’s not dating any of the Montgomerys. She’s part of the family, though since she’s part of the construction company’s heart. If that makes sense.”

Border frowned and reached out with his free hand to trace a finger down her cheek. “What’s wrong?”

Maya sighed. “We usually have an agenda with these meals. Either it’s to plan a holiday or a birthday or something. This time, though, I think it’s about Alex.”

Jake let out a curse. “He’s getting out of rehab soon.”

Maya nodded. “Yeah, and we want a game plan.”

Border kissed her cheek softly and pulled away. “Got it. I’m here no matter what.” Even if he felt awkward as hell being there in the first place.

The relief that passed over Maya’s face—and Jake’s for that matter—told him he’d said the right thing for once. She needed them, even if this was a new and daunting thing, and Border would figure out a way not to be uncomfortable in a group of strangers who all knew each other but not him. He might know Storm and Wes from his past, but it was still going to be awkward.

Border kissed her softly before letting her lead them inside the house. The noise inside wasn’t quite deafening, but it was close. The Montgomery clan wasn’t a quiet one, that was for sure.

For some reason, he thought with this many people, he, Jake, and Maya would be able to show up and blend right in. Not so much. Every single eye in the room landed on them, and people quit speaking—some mid-sentence.

They stared at the trio, and Border felt like pulling at his collar so he could breathe. He wasn’t used to this family thing. He didn’t have one of his own, and Jake’s hadn’t been that big. Jake had his brothers now, though he’d grown up with his parents, as well. The Gallaghers’ mother had died when Jake was a teenager; his father following her only a few short years ago. Nothing could match the sheer size of the Montgomerys at this point. Border could easily tell which ones were related by blood since they all had the same eyes.

And those eyes were measuring him up right then and there.

Jake cleared his throat and leaned ever so slightly toward Border so they brushed shoulders. When Maya did the same on the other side, he relaxed, knowing they were there for him no matter what. Though why he should be acting this way, he didn’t know. They were there for Maya after all, not him.

“Okay, you stared, you glared, and you’ve folded your arms over your chest to prove you’re tough and bad,” Maya snarled. “This is Border, and you already know Jake. Border, this is everyone. Now go back to your food and drinks and stop staring us down like you’re ready to pounce.”