Until May (Until Her/Him #11)(29)

In one form or another, they all said he showed up at my house, making it clear he’s not letting me get rid of him so easily. The only thing they all got wrong is his coming over leading to us ending up in bed together. But remembering the way he kissed me not once but twice, I know that could have been the outcome if I hadn’t let that voice in the back of my head freak me out.

On the way to my house, I try to call them like I said I would, but not one of them picks up, and I find out why when I get home ten minutes later and spot a long row of cars parked in front of my house.

Pulling into my driveway, I get out and head up the walkway carrying my bag, and before I even get to the porch, the front door swings open. My sister, April, is watching me with a smile on her face, while her hands rest on her belly, which has grown round the last few months.

“I used the key you gave me to let us in,” she tells me, and I nod as I head up the steps, then give her a long hug. I’ve missed her, and it sucks that I don’t see her as much as I used to, since she got married. Really, that’s the case with all my sisters. We are all still close, but everyone is so busy with husbands and kids now that making time to just hang out isn’t as easy as it used to be.

“Yay, she’s here!” December shouts as I let April go, then June and July come down my hall, with Cooper bouncing at their feet, wanting to get in on the action as they wrap their arms around me.

“We wanted to come help you get ready, and July made margaritas to help you relax,” June tells me, grabbing my hand and leading me down the hall to the kitchen. I drop my bags on the island, then take of my coat as December pours some green slushy liquid into a glass before bringing it over to me. I notice then that there are a few glasses on the counter, meaning they had a drink before I got home.

“I’m not sure that tequila’s smart, but it can’t hurt.” She passes me the glass, and I take a drink, coughing when the burn of alcohol hits the back of my throat.

“Did you use the whole bottle?” I ask July when I can finally speak.

“Not quite.” She laughs, and I shake my head at her.

“We also brought you tons of stuff to look at to wear tonight, in case you didn’t find anything in your closet.”

“You guys didn’t have to do this.” I look through the group of them, feeling choked up.

“Do not start crying.” April sighs, giving me a hug, and I press my lips together to keep from smiling. Being married and now pregnant has definitely softened her up, not that I don’t think she’s still a badass who would put anyone in their place.

“Now tell us how this all came about. We’ve got a bet going,” July says, and I laugh, not even a little surprised.

“Well…” I look between all of them, then take a sip of my very strong drink before I explain Aiden showing up last night and everything that happened after. When I’m finished, all of them are watching me with wide eyes.

“Well, okay, Aiden is a badass.” July laughs.

“I love this for you.” December grins. “And I love that he got all growly and protective when he thought someone hurt you.”

“Exactly my thought,” April agrees, rubbing her stomach.

“Crap,” June breaks into the moment, “bring your drink. We need to get you ready. You don’t have a lot of time to dillydally,” she says, grabbing my free hand to drag me along with her.

“Dillydally,” April repeats, sounding like she’s trying not to laugh.

“Don’t judge me until after you’ve popped that kid out.” June looks at her as we enter my bedroom. “Soon enough, you’ll be saying and doing things you never thought you would.”

“She’s not wrong. I can’t even tell you the number of things I said I would never do if I was a mom. Now, all I can do is laugh at how naïve I used to be,” December tells her while plopping down on the end of my bed where there are piles of clothes along with two very distinct pink-and-black shopping bags.

“Speaking of my nieces and nephews, where are they all right now?” I look between my sisters.

“With their fathers,” July chimes in, then asks, “So what were you thinking about wearing tonight?”

“This.” I look down at myself, and then add, “But I was informed by Toya that I should rethink my choice, which is why I sent you all a message.”

“I knew I liked her,” April says, picking up one of the pink bags. “I knew you would balk at anything I suggested you wear, so I decided to get you a couple of things to wear under whatever outfit you choose.” She pulls out a sheer lace bra and a pair of underwear that match. “Go put this on, then we’ll figure out the rest.”

I take one more sip from my drink before I set it down, then go to the bathroom, leaving the door open. My sisters and I have been getting changed in front of each other since we were old enough to dress ourselves, so there is no need to try to be modest around them. After I strip out of my work clothes, I put on the panties and bra, and bite my lip. The lace bra is low cut, almost exposing my nipples, while the panties are sheer except in one crucial area and cut high around the curve of my hips, making my legs look longer than they actually are. Together, they are sexy—very sexy—especially compared to what I normally wear. Grabbing my robe from the back of my door, I slip it on, then head back into my bedroom.