Four Seconds to Lose (Ten Tiny Breaths #3)(81)
A deep chuckle erupts from the normally reserved Nate. I’m guessing he knows more than Ben does about what happened between Cain and me last night. That or Ben is really that obnoxious. Either is a possibility. All the same, I blush at the idea of Cain giving Nate too many details.
Ignoring Ben, Cain asks them, “What were you two up to today? You look . . .” His voice drifts off.
“Like we just jumped out of a freaking plane?” Livie’s wide, stunned eyes tell me she’s not kidding.
“And it was one helluva rush!” Kacey throws an arm over her sister’s shoulder, her face beaming as she squeezes her tight. A small cheer erupts around the patio as everyone congratulates them on something I could never do, with my deathly fear of heights. Even the idea has a tremble running through my body. Of course Cain feels it and rubs my leg soothingly.
“Nice work, twisted sisters!” Ben calls out around a mouthful of food, sounding genuinely impressed.
Storm’s eyes are positively twinkling as she gazes up at the two of them. ““You didn’t chicken out! Good for you, Livie. I’m going with you next time.”
“No—no next time.” Livie’s head shakes back and forth adamantly.
“Oh, come on! It was fun! Admit it!” her sister prods.
“No. Not fun. Maybe fun later. Right now . . .” She takes a deep breath and sighs. “I’m going to lie down for a bit. I need to unwind. And plot Dr. Stayner’ s death.”
I wonder who Dr. Stayner is. It sounds like he had something to do with her jumping out of a plane.
“You want help unwinding?” Those deep dimples of Ben’s are in full force.
“No thanks.” The answer comes hard and fast, suggesting she expected his offer and had the rejection ready on the tip of her tongue. Still, Livie’s cheeks turn crimson instantly. Spinning on her heels, she’s gone in a flash.
“Good lord, Benjamin Morris!” Storm tosses her napkin on the table. “You are out of control lately. Do I need to have you fixed?”
Bellows of laughter explode from Nate and Trent. Even Ben and Cain start laughing. I’m thinking there’s an inside joke that only the men are in on, because the women exchange puzzled looks and eye rolls.
I can’t help but envy this group as I listen to the easy conversation flowing—the gentle back-and-forth banter and genuine laughs coating the atmosphere with warmth. There’s a deep connection between everyone here, and I can’t say I’ve ever experienced anything quite like it.
As much as I know I don’t belong, all of them are doing their best to make me feel otherwise. And when the plates are empty and being collected, and people begin dispersing in various directions, a trace of sadness trickles through me.
“That was fantastic, Storm,” Ginger exclaims, standing to stretch as a loud splash comes from the pool. Trent and Kacey, diving in together. “I’m going to go float for a bit before I’m forced to work by my slave-driving employer.” She winks at Cain before sauntering off.
Ben’s eyes trail her as if readying to follow, when Storm reminds him, “The kitchen is the other way.” She flashes him a radiant smile as she banishes him to his punishment, adding sweetly, “And make sure you rinse the plates well before you load them into the dishwasher. I had to get a repairman in here last time.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Ben is on his feet quickly, that grin of his still plastered on as he leans in over her shoulder and plants a kiss on her forehead. “And I’m sorry about earlier, with Mia,” I hear him offer in an unusually soft tone. As much of an ass as he is, Ben isn’t a jerk. Sometimes it’s hard to remember that. Especially now, as I watch him steal a well-angled glimpse of Storm’s cle**age, which is practically spilling out of her dress.
If Storm notices—which I’m guessing she does, because her hand reaches up to gently slap his face—she doesn’t get angry. I don’t think Storm is the type to easily anger.
“Thank you for the meal!” Tanner hollers, ambling toward the house. “Gotta get back to the apartment now.”
“You’re not going to stay for Dan’s cake?”
Rubbing his protruding belly, Tanner mutters, “Oh, no. I need to get back to my, er . . .” His voice fades as he collects his water gun.
To your antisocial tendencies.
Storm just shakes her head and chuckles. “Glad you could make it, Tanner. Next time, why don’t you bring that lady friend of yours?” Her suggestion only speeds his skinny legs as they carry him into the house. “He met someone online.” Storm waggles her brows at me. “I’m trying to get him to bring her to the wedding.”
The heat of Cain’s hand suddenly vanishes from my thigh and a tiny whimper of disapproval escapes my throat before I even realize it. He never did try anything more, and that has left me both relieved and frustrated.
With a dark chuckle, Cain begins gathering up a pile of dishes. When I begin to rise, intent on helping, he urges me back in my seat with a push down against my shoulder. My eyes trail him as he follows Ben into the house, his arms filled with dishes.
“He’s definitely a sight, isn’t he?” A secretive smile touches Storm’s lips as she breaks off a piece of piecrust with her fingers.
I clear my throat as a faint blush creeps into my cheeks. Storm can likely see that. Thankfully, she can’t also see the spike of jealousy in my stomach. I don’t want her looking at him like that, even if her observation is true.