Sweet Reckoning (The Sweet Trilogy #3)(49)

He wrapped his arms around me, setting his chin on my head.

“I know. I’m sorry. I’ve been a disaster since the Grand Canyon, and cold showers aren’t cutting it. You’re all I think about—and not just the sex. I thought it was bad before, but now . . . I feel you with me all the time. I’m like one of those obsessed lads.”

Giving his handsome cheek a pat, I slid into the driver’s seat.

“Well, I’ve felt like that about you since, like, forever.” He smirked as if he thought I was exaggerating. “Let’s go to the store and hurry back.”

“You know,” Kaidan said as I drove, “if it makes you feel any better about my behavior, Blake and Ginger are going at it in the upstairs bathroom right now.”

“Agh!” I cringed. “Please tell me you’re not listening!”

He laughed and crinkled his nose. “No, I stopped when I realized . . . Gin’s like my sister.” He shuddered. Then I shuddered, and we both laughed.

We were quick at the store, rushing home afterward, where thankfully Blake and Ginger were back with the others. Kaidan and Blake gave each other nods.

In the kitchen it was time to put the toppings on Patti’s myriad of casseroles. Ginger was crushing crackers while Marna grated cheese. Kaidan leaned in the doorway with his arms crossed, watching with a look of contentment. Patti basted the turkey and checked its temperature. I was whipping lumps from the mashed potatoes when Kaidan came up behind me and slipped his hands around my waist, laying his chin on my shoulder.

“No boys allowed,” Patti teased. She reached up to ruffle his hair. “Unless you want to cook.”

He made a pouty face, which made everyone except Ginger giggle. But when they went back to working, he shot me a serious glance from the doorway, looking me up and down with a pained expression before disappearing into the other room with the guys and Zania.

I sighed. My man really needed to stay out of the kitchen.

“I think we should play games tonight,” Patti said. “What do you girls think?”

Ginger smiled. “That sounds lovely!”

It did? Had she been possessed by an angel or something?

Patti bumped her hip to Ginger’s and they both looked happy. Marna smiled from her opposite end of the counter.

“How are you feeling, Marna?” Patti asked her. Ginger stiffened.

“I’m . . . all right. Bit hungrier than usual is all.”

Patti watched her carefully. “And how are you holding up?”

Marna swallowed, and for one second her happy face slipped to reveal the turmoil underneath. “I’m okay,” she whispered. “I don’t want anyone to worry about me.”

“I know you don’t, dear. But everyone loves you. And it’s okay to lean on others when you need.”

“Thank you,” Marna whispered, and with a single sniffle she would say no more. Ginger never looked up. The beaters trembled in my hand. Marna didn’t want us to make a big deal about her circumstances, and I respected that, but we surely all felt the ache inside about what was to come.

Patti leaned in next to me when I finished the potatoes. “Those look great, honey. Time to set the table.” She smacked a kiss on my cheek.

I opened the cabinet and looked at the full set of dishes.

“Did you buy all this?” I asked. They looked fancier than something she would have chosen.

“The entire house was stocked and furnished when I got here.”

I couldn’t place the faraway look on her face, but I knew it had to do with Dad’s thoughtfulness.

I counted plates while Marna took out silverware. Zania came in and got out glassware. Ginger gave the gravy a stir, seeming to enjoy the springy whisk. It was funny how the guys and girls had congregated separately, sort of like Patti gave off feminine vibes that drew us girls under her wings. Laughter sounded from the family room, where the guys were watching something, and Patti’s eyes sparkled. She finally had herself a big family to spoil, even if only for a day.

We brought the dishes to the massive oak dining table in the adjoining room, and Patti showed Marna and Ginger the proper layout. I approached Zania as she was filling a pitcher with ice water.

“How are you feeling?” I asked.

She held out her hand for me to see. “No more shaking. I still crave it. Every day. But I will never drink again.”

I knew that feeling. I nodded and rubbed her back. “I’m proud of you, Z.”

“I have all of you to thank. And your papa.”

“How are things in Boston? Do you like it there?”

Zania bit her lip. Her olive cheeks reddened. “Things are very well in Boston. Brother Kopano is only allowed in the garden area, but he visits every day if he can.”

“I’m so glad,” I said. I wondered about her relationship with Kope, if they’d talked about their future, but I didn’t want to pry, especially with listening ears around. I also wondered if he had told her about the kiss he and I shared, and, with a pang, I hoped he hadn’t.

Together we filled the water glasses and set the feast of food around the table. I could feel myself being watched, and sure enough, when I turned around, I had a perfect view of Kaidan sitting on the love seat, one arm over the back of it, capturing me with a hot stare. Why did he always have to look so dangerous and alluring?