Chapter Four
“It’s not a ball, Cinderella. Just pick something.”
Jill shot her sister a withering glare. “This is my first time meeting Bam and Rachel, so forgive me for wanting to look nice. Especially since they sound legendary.”
To Jill’s relief, Tess gave a cheerful nod. “Wait till you see them. It’s Beauty and the Beast all over again, except you can’t tell who’s taming who.”
“Who’s taming whom,” Jill corrected her, not because she cared about the grammar, but because she needed to keep Tess off balance. The adorable pest was too perceptive for her own good, and there had already been a time or two—once during breakfast, then again when the sisters went for a stroll in the woods with Sean—where it seemed she was dissecting Jill’s happy mood.
Luckily, Tess hadn’t connected it to Jayce. Or sex.
As if to prove it, Tess muttered, “Ugh! Just wear jeans and a Lancers tee. That’s what I’m wearing.”
“I didn’t bring my good jeans. And yours are too short,” Jill reminded her. “It’s just shocking you don’t have more dresses. You’re like a hobo, really.”
“What about this?” Tess held up a pleated denim skirt. “And a Lancer tee, because most of the guys will be Lancers. Johnny and Bam. Sean, obviously. And Coach Riga, who by the way—yum. And our wide-out Ken, who’s a real sweetheart. Unfortunately, he’s married, but still worth meeting.”
The observation made Jill wince. “Please don’t set me up, sissie. I’m not ready.”
To her relief, Tess gave her a hug. “I’d never do that, I promise. I still haven’t forgiven Erica for setting me up.”
Jill laughed, knowing that the guy Erica had set Tess up with was the one and only Sean Decker, AKA her Romeo. “You’re such a nut. And the skirt is perfect, so problem solved. Even though it’ll be short on me, because as we all know—”
“Oh my God, you’re taller. I admit it, so let’s move on. What about the top? A tee? A blouse? Topless? That’s always a hit.”
Jill sighed. “I’m going to miss you so much.”
“Then move to Portland. Sean promised to build you your own house on his property, so think about it. Two roofs, one hive mind. It’s perfect.”
She had no doubt Sean would do exactly that to please Tess. It was so touching. So reassuring. And so bat-shit crazy.
But not as crazy as sneaking off with a half-married man for boathouse sex.
Time to change the subject whether Tess knew it or not. So she asked her, “Remind me again why I’ve never met Rachel and Bam until today? And do I have to call him Bam? Doesn’t he have a real name?”
“It’s Vince. But Rachel’s the only one who calls him that besides his parents. He calls her ‘teach,’ you know. And he calls me ‘Bammie’ because we’re kindred spirits.” Tess’s blue eyes sparkled. “They’ve been in Africa—visiting Rachel’s dad. He runs a clinic there.” Lowering her voice, she revealed, “Dr. Gillette was supposed to come back to the States for Rachel’s wedding last month, but Jayce and Beth messed that up, so it’s postponed indefinitely.”
Jill bit her lip, confused. “How exactly did they mess it up?”
“It’s so tragic,” Tess said with a sigh. “Rachel has been besties with Beth Spurling for years, even before Bam entered the picture. So she wanted Beth as her matron of honor. And Jayce would be a groomsman since he’s beloved by both sides. Then they got divorced and Rachel couldn’t bear the thought of putting them through a formal, romantic wedding. Not to mention how it would affect the little boys. Bam wanted to power through, I think, since he’s hot to have baby Bams, but he’s all about his teach, so they’re waiting for Beth to come to her senses.”
“And will she?”
Tess laughed. “You must not be paying attention. Jayce is a stud. And sweet as they get. She can’t hold out much longer.”
“I hope not,” Jill murmured, and she honestly meant it. Jayce needed his family—not just the children but his wife of ten years. And Bam and Rachel apparently needed the couple to reconcile as well.
And Jill wanted it, too. But only after the X-rated hook-up in the boathouse.
• • •
Jill had heard a lot about the mini-mansion on the lake. How Rachel had fallen in love with certain aspects of it but felt it was too huge, dwarfing the beautiful outdoors that should have defined it. The vegetable garden, the winding path to the boathouse, fruit trees and flower beds—so lovely, but overpowered by the eight-thousand–square-foot edifice.
So Bam had dismantled it, square foot by square foot, until it was just right. Then with the help of Sean’s carpentry and design skills, he had added wide terraces and walls of glass doors that brought the outside in regardless of the season.
True love, Bam Bannerman style.
When they pulled up in front of the residence, Jill wanted to appreciate the grandeur of its vine-wrapped marble colonnades, but was alarmed instead by the number of vehicles parked there.
“What’s this?” she asked Tess nervously. “I thought it was just your little group of eight or ten people.”
“Bam never does anything small. I think half the team is coming, actually. And a bunch of neighbors, although that’s partially for you, since they’re all lawyers. Or lawyer-esque. Like accountants and tax collectors and dog catchers.”
Sean wrapped his arm around Jill’s shoulders. “Stick with me, babe. I’ll protect you.”
She smiled up at him gratefully. No wonder Tess had fallen for the guy. Green eyes, sandy hair, casual charisma, not to mention a lean, athletic six-foot-two frame and an instinctive need to safeguard Colby females.
Unfortunately, he couldn’t protect Jill if she snuck away to meet a hot date. And with dozens of strangers roaming the premises, the odds of someone crashing the hook-up seemed ominous.
Maybe Jayce won’t come, she worried for the tenth time. It wouldn’t take much, would it? A tearful message from one of his children, calling him “Daddy” and tugging at his heartstrings. Or maybe just a resurgence of responsible behavior. A need to cut his losses, even though he mostly trusted Jill not to go all Fatal Attraction on him.
If he didn’t show, she’d be fine. Grateful, even. But if he did, she was ready in the short, pleated skirt, mid-heeled sandals, and paper-thin white camisole. No underwear, just as instructed, but she had added a cute pink hoodie to cover the sexy top and prevent her nipples from making a scene.
She didn’t blame them for being excited. Jayce had kissed them wildly and often, and even when his mouth was away, his rock-hard chest had kept them amused. And the feel of him inside her—
“Rachel planted these roses last fall,” Sean was explaining as he led her up the path to the front door. “And wait till you see the vegetable garden. Her pride and joy.”
“Sounds like she has a green thumb,” she murmured, only half listening.
He stopped in his tracks and tilted her chin up. “Are you nervous? These guys are the best, honey. I promise. Just don’t take Bam seriously. He’s an animal.”
“I thought he was your best friend.”
“Yeah, but he’s still an animal.”
Feeling more relaxed, she walked with him into the charming entry hall that led directly to a beautiful living room. Beyond that was a sparkling kitchen, where Tess was already chatting with a stunning blonde and a male specimen of heroic proportions.
“Oh, God. That’s Bam?”
“Women,” Sean complained. “You’re always impressed when you should be running away.”
“With you to protect me?” She gave him a sisterly squeeze. “Bring it on, right?”
She thought she was ready, especially when the lovely blonde hostess rushed over to them, gushing, “Are you Jill? Wow, look at you. Just like Tess described.”
Jill laughed. “I can only imagine.”
“It was mostly compliments,” Rachel assured her. “I’m Rachel Gillette, by the way. It’s so fun to finally meet you.”
“You, too.”
She gave Sean a hug. “Are you shocked by how great your designs turned out? We were only gone two weeks, and suddenly, it’s paradise. Thanks again for supervising the contractors.”
“No problem.”
“Hey!” came a booming voice. “What about me?”
“My fiancé,” Rachel explained with a blush. “He’s already fixated on you, so be forewarned.”
“I never saw anyone like him,” Jill admitted, trying not to drool over Bam’s god-like dimensions.
“Me either.”
Sean groaned. “My ears are bleeding. Not that anyone cares.”
Rachel laughed and gave him another hug. “Poor you. Let’s get it over with, shall we?”
As they strolled over to Bam and Tess, Jill remembered some of the stories. How Bam had supposedly stolen Rachel from Sean. How Rachel had been aghast at the gorgeous guy’s bold attitude and outrageous proportions, but had warmed to him quickly, mostly because he was a sweetheart under all the semi-profane bluster.
And so Jill braced herself, but still wasn’t ready when he said bluntly, “Man, you’re better than advertised. Practically twins with Bammie, except you’re taller, right? And breast-ier?”
“She’s not breastier,” Tess protested. “Hers just look bigger because they’re two inches higher off the ground. So you can see them better.”
“And now my ears are bleeding,” Jill whispered to Sean.
“Get used to it,” he drawled.
Bam was grinning from ear to ear. “Bammie says you defend murderers and release them back on the streets. If you weren’t so hot, I’d say that wasn’t cool.”
Jill just shrugged. “No one goes back on the streets. They stay in prison for life without the possibility of parole. Unless they’re actually innocent, which is pretty rare.”
She regretted that last statement, partly because it reminded her that her clients—all of them—had been monsters, at least so far, and partly because Tess seized on it, explaining to her friends, “Jill’s quest is to find an innocent man and help him go free. You approve of that, don’t you?” she challenged Bam.
“Hell, I’d approve of anything, she’s so hot.” He turned back to Jill. “So what should I call you? How about ‘Freebie’ since you set criminals free?”
“I don’t think so.”
“Breast-y?”
Jill glared playfully. “It’s either Jill or Jillie. Take your pick.”
He seemed inspired. “How about Jillie Bean? Like jelly bean, only better.”
Tess jumped in, informing him, “That’s what the little boys called her in grade school. And it always pissed her off. Remember, Jillie? Then their tiny little balls dropped and they got a clue.”
Sean cracked up. “Don’t cross the Colby sisters, dude. They’d kill for each other. Literally.”
“It’s hot as hell,” Bam agreed reverently. Then he told Jill, “I’ll think of something better.”
“Or you could call her Jill,” Rachel reminded him. Then her eyes shifted toward the entryway and she gushed under her breath, “Look who came after all.”
Curious, Jill turned to see Jayce Spurling standing in the doorway, a huge grin on his face. Not only was he tall, dark and darling—again—he radiated masculinity and mischief. And while part of that was clearly for his hostess, Jill knew it was for her, too.
Wow.
Rachel ran to him and he swept her up, swung her around, and half-carried her back to the group. Then he said, “Hey, guys. Good to see you.”
Bam shook his hand briskly. “Thanks for coming, dude. How’s the shoulder?”
“Better every day,” Jayce assured him. “How was Nairobi?”
“Doc Gillette’s a hard-ass, but he’s desperate to marry off his ugly-duckling daughter, so it went pretty well.”
Jayce chuckled and turned to Sean. “Hey, Deck. Nice job turning a castle into a bungalow.”
“Anything for Rachel,” Sean said with a laugh.
Without missing a beat, Jayce said casually, “Hey, Tess. Hey, Jill. How’s the headache?”
“All better, thanks,” she murmured, trying to sound as relaxed as he was.
Rachel hugged him again. “I just can’t believe you’re here. Now it’s the best party ever.”
“What am I?” Sean grumbled. “Chopped liver?”
“Not to me,” Jill said soothingly. “Maybe you could show me the garden I’ve heard so much about?”
“I’ll do it,” Bam offered, then he grinned when everyone—including Jayce—shouted, “No!”
Rachel giggled. “I’d love to give you the tour, Jill. Shall we?” To Jayce she added in an affectionate voice, “Don’t go anywhere, promise? We have sooo much catching up to do.”
• • •
As they wandered through the lovely home, Jill and Rachel compared notes and were surprised to learn they had attended Yale at roughly the same time, although Rachel was a year older and had skipped a grade in high school, and Jill had spent her sophomore year abroad and had a completely different major. Add to that their studious, non-partying natures, and it made sense their paths hadn’t crossed.
“I would have loved having a friend like you back then,” Rachel admitted wistfully. “But better late than never, right?”
“I feel like I already know you,” Jill agreed. “Tess talks about you guys all the time.”
“I’ve heard some hilarious stories about you, too,” Rachel said, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
“Oh, Lord, let me guess. How I searched for the world’s tiniest penis so I could lose my virginity without discomfort?” When Rachel giggled, Jill laughed too. “My sister loves to exaggerate, usually at my expense.”
They were still laughing when they stepped onto the grand balcony outside the second-floor master bedroom and surveyed Rachel’s domain as it spread out before them, a sea of green—grass, trees, gardens—ending in the glistening blue waters of the lake.
“My gosh, you did all this?”
“It was mostly here already. But thanks to Vince and Sean, we can see it whenever we want. The original owners had a huge master suite and a small balcony. We just reversed that, and then did the same to the rest of the house. I love it,” she admitted.
“It’s perfect.” Jill sighed. “Should I call him Vince? At least for a while? Bam just sounds so . . .”
“Like a caveman?” Rachel nodded. “Which is why he loves it. And I’m sure he wants you to call him that, but he’d be secretly charmed if you went the other way. So just go with your instincts.” She reached for Jill’s hand. “Like I said, we feel like we already know you—and love you—thanks to Tess. This just seals the deal, as Vince would say.”
“That’s so sweet, thanks.” She tried for a casual tone. “Is that a boathouse out there?”
“Yes. The original owners built it, so all Sean did was add a skylight, which made a world of difference.”
“It’s charming,” Jill assured her, pleased that the building looked so sturdy, not to mention spacious. She had imagined a rickety old shack with barely enough room for her and Jayce to frolic in the bottom of a rowboat. Instead, it was so huge, it probably contained a luxury craft. Maybe even furniture. Not a full-sized bed, of course, but that would ruin the adventure anyway.
Rachel grimaced. “I shouldn’t be monopolizing you like this. Vince wants to quote-unquote maul you, and my neighbors are dying to hear about your criminal practice. They’re lawyers too, but mostly contract stuff. And Noelle Sharpe is here somewhere—”
“Oh! I love her books. And she’s married to Sean’s coach, right? What a cool coincidence.”
“Let’s go find them,” Rachel agreed, then on impulse, she gave Jill a hug. “Thanks for coming. It means a lot to us.”
Touched, Jill murmured, “It means a lot to me, too. But you’re right, your other guests will wonder where you are, so go on. I’ll just enjoy this view for a few more minutes, then track down Noelle Sharpe and get the scoop on her next book.”
• • •
She actually did want to meet the famous author, but as she inched her way along the edge of the property a few minutes later, using the fruit trees for cover, all she could think about was how insane this was. Sneaking away from a party at her age? Making out with a guy she had just met and who was in love with someone else?
“Who are you?” she teased herself under her breath.
It occurred to her he might already be in position, which made her heart pound. She had planned to get to the boathouse before Jayce so she would have time to fix her hair, take off the hoodie, and steady her racing pulse.
Then a crazy thought occurred to her: What if the boathouse was locked? This fancy neighborhood seemed secure, so she doubted it, but still, how frustrating would that be?
He would have thought of that, she reassured herself. He’s been here before, remember?
It made sense, so she quickly left the protection of the trees and dashed to the building’s side door and lifted the latch. It opened easily, and she slipped inside, then gasped in dismay. Because yes, it was a gigantic space, and definitely private enough, but—
Ugh!
It was damp, thanks to a channel of dark, sloshing water that ran the length of it and out into the lake. Worse, there was no boat in which to make love! Just two kayaks on a rack and a wobbly-looking canoe against one wall. The narrow stretches of floor on either side of the gutter were made of concrete, and except for a sink in one corner, and a tiny toilet closet, it was basically uninhabitable despite the beautiful sunbeams streaming through Sean’s skylight.
Forcing herself to think creatively, she realized there really was a boat after all. A big, beautiful sailboat that hadn’t been visible from the balcony since its sails were furled. Unfortunately it was outside the boathouse, moored in the lake, ready for action. Apparently, the purpose of the deep channel was to move the craft inside when the weather was rough, while still being able to use it on a moment’s notice.
What a burn.
Was it possible Jayce could haul it back inside for the occasion? It looked light and graceful, but someone might notice that a twenty-something-foot craft was missing.
Could she and Jayce crawl along the dank floor, careful not to fall into the water, and then climb into the boat without being seen?
Intent on salvaging this insanity, she studied the concrete floor again, but the danger of rolling into the canal in the heat of passion seemed almost laughably obvious.
Which left the canoe. It was barely wide enough, and would rock like crazy, but what other choice did they have?
You could act like adults, she teased herself. But that seemed out of the question, so she walked over to the lavatory area and checked out the toilet stall in frustration. She doubted a big guy like Jayce could fit in there, even alone, without leaving the door open.
Sighing, she removed the pink hoodie, draped it on the sink, and checked her reflection in a built-in mirror.
“Hey,” came a soft voice from behind her.
She hadn’t heard the door open. Or close. But there he was, and she couldn’t help smiling, mostly in apology. “There’s nowhere to do—well, whatever.”
“We’ll figure something out,” he assured her, his eyes wild with mischief. “Do you want to talk first?”
When she laughed and said, “No,” he pulled her close, then asked in the same teasing tone, “Should I go down on you first?”
A giggle caught in her throat at the silly reference to their first time. Then she suggested softly, “Just kiss me.”
“Yeah.” His mouth covered hers, hot and eager, as his hand slid up under her skirt and caressed her bare bottom. “Nice ass.”
When she pulled his head down for another, deeper kiss, he rewarded her with the swell of his erection against her, indicating both dominance and defeat.
Then his mouth moved to her breasts, feasting on her nipples through the thin fabric of her camisole as he fingered her between her legs. Eager to get going, she wrapped one leg around his hips, and apparently he wanted that too because he stepped back and ripped off his polo shirt, then pulled down his cargo shorts and boxers with one smooth motion before hoisting her up, his strong hips positioning her perfectly.
When he entered her, she moaned out loud, and he pretended to scold her, warning, “Keep it down. There are dozens of strangers right outside.”
To her embarrassed delight, even that aroused her. They were getting it on in the most inappropriate setting imaginable. Mere inches from her baby sister. Within earshot of big, strong football players, including Jayce’s big brother and Jill’s future brother-in-law.
Not to mention Baby Aaron.
Screaming with pleasure, she rocked his massive onslaught, finally burying her teeth in his bare shoulder to shut herself up. Through it all, Jayce chuckled, then groaned, then murmured her name reverently until he finally climaxed with her with long, impassioned thrusts.
Even when they were spent, he continued pumping, more gently now, giving them each a chance to recover.
“Oh God,” she admitted with a final, breathless gasp. “I feel so slutty.”
“You should feel you from the inside.”
Drawing back, even though she was still wrapped around his hips, she asked in disbelief, “Did you actually just say that?”
He winced as if uncertain whether he had offended her. “Am I in trouble?”
“Never,” she assured him, riffling her fingers through his hair. And she meant it. Because he was the most innocent, not to mention hottest, guy she could ever imagine.
Thus humbled, they stared into one another’s eyes, silent, sheepish and adoring.
Then Tess’s voice broke the spell, calling from a distance away, “Jillie? Where are you?”
Panicked, she pulled herself off Jayce and jumped to the ground. “Oh, God. Hide in the canoe.”
“You’re hilarious,” he assured her as he pulled up his shorts.
“I am not.”
“I’m not hiding in a canoe. Just relax.” He donned his rumpled polo shirt and handed her the pink hoodie. “Just act natural. She’ll think we were just talking.”
“Are you serious? Look at you. She won’t believe that for an instant.”
“Because I’m virile?” His tone still teased her, but when he touched her cheek, the tenderness engulfed her, even before he said, “Like I said, you’re good for my ego.”
“You’re good too,” she murmured, moving closer and brushing her lips across his.
Another voice—Rachel’s—now spoke outside the boathouse. “Are you looking for Jill? My neighbors are probably talking her ear off somewhere. They’ve been dying to hear about the death penalty cases.”
“I guess.” Tess heaved an audible sigh. “I just don’t want her to be alone. Which is crazy, right? Because that’s what divorce is all about.”
“Poor you. I get why you’re worried, but she honestly seems happy. Almost blissful, actually.”
“She puts up a good front, but they were together for seven years. Lord, I hate that stupid jerk.”
“We’ll find her someone better,” Rachel promised, her tone soothing. “And I have the perfect matchmaker—Beth Spurling. As soon as she and Jayce are back together, I mean.”
Oh, God . . .
Jill buried her face against Jayce’s chest, hoping to blot out the insanity.
Tess gave a rueful laugh. “The way I heard it, Beth matched you with Johnny, which was a disaster. Then tried to hook Erica up with Sean, right? Then you and Sean. So she’s O for three.”
Rachel laughed too. “If I hadn’t gone to that wedding with Sean, courtesy of Beth, I never would have met Vince. So I give her full credit. And you know how she is. So generous and thoughtful. She’ll find someone good for Jill. And who knows? Maybe we can even introduce them at my wedding.”
“You’re a dreamer, Rachel Gillette. I guess that’s why we love you.” Tess’s tone grew hopeful. “Have you talked to Beth lately? About Jayce? Getting back together, I mean.”
After a moment of silence, Rachel said, “It has to happen. I visited her a few weeks ago and those poor little boys were so sad. Practically depressed, which is just so heartbreaking since they’re usually so—well, animated.”
“Poor kids.”
Rachel’s tone grew brisk. “I understand why she needed time to think, but really—they were the best family I ever saw. I just know they can be that way again.”
“I hope so.”
“Let’s get back to the house. You can rescue your sister from my nosy neighbors while I check on the quiche.”
“Quiche?”
“Stop it,” Rachel said, laughing. “Vince is barbecuing ribs, so all is right with the world.”
“Thank God. I was about to stage an intervention.”
As the voices faded toward the big house, Jill and Jayce stayed silent, not from fear of being detected, but from simple shock and embarrassment.
“Sorry, Jill,” he murmured finally, his arms corralling her against his chest. “That was brutal.”
She forced herself to look up into his eyes. “Awkward, maybe, but everything she said was true. You and Beth belong together. And I’m not lonely. I just need time to work things through on my own. So please don’t worry about me.” When he still looked guilty, she reminded him, “This was always the plan. Your children need you, and so does Beth, whether she knows it or not. She sounds like quite a character,” she added encouragingly.
“Yeah, she’s one of a kind.”
Relieved, Jill smiled. “Just don’t let her match-make me, okay? I’m not ready, and it would be kind of mortifying.”
“Yeah. I’m really sorry.”
She had run out of reassuring things to say, so she told him bluntly, “You should head back to the party. I’ll follow at a respectable distance after I freshen up in that gawd-awful bathroom.”
“Yeah.”
For an instant, he almost seemed ready to kiss her goodbye, and so it was a relief when he just backed away, apologized one last time, and left without another word.
• • •
To her surprise, the afternoon was lovely despite the earlier disaster. Even the “nosy” lawyers turned out to be charming. And yes, they grilled her on her hard-core cases, but also shared anecdotes about their high-powered clients—also criminals, just with nicer shirts.
She also spent a full hour with author Noelle Sharpe, who along with her coach husband raved about Tess, thereby endearing themselves to the big sister forever.
But no one made more of a fuss than “the McSpurlings,” which was Bam’s nickname for the union of Erica McCall and Johnny Spurling, both of whom insisted Tess had changed their lives. Erica in particular collapsed into a fit of laughter every time Tess cracked a joke, the more off-color the better. If Jill had needed further proof that Portland—and Sean—were a safe and loving environment for her sister, Erica provided it time and again. Not only did she share her adorable baby with her, she actually shared her gorgeous husband.
Platonically speaking.
“You and Erica are so cute together,” Jill whispered to Tess as they moved inside the house since the outdoors had grown too chilly for Baby Aaron. The meal had ended, most of the guests had filtered away, and thanks to Bam’s foresight in hiring wait staff, there were no dishes to do, which allowed the core group to gather in the living room for a final visit.
Bam and Rachel. Sean, Tess and Jill. Johnny, Erica, little Aaron and Uncle Jayce.
It could have felt awkward. Instead, it was cozy and nonthreatening.
Tess served Irish coffees, and when Jill accepted one, Johnny teased her, saying, “I thought your body was a temple.”
Bam seized on that, inventing another round of nicknames until Johnny silenced him with a single look.
The QB.
Which was apparently a big deal, or at least according to Tess.
“That meal was so yummy,” Jill said with a sigh. “Thanks again for including me.”
“You’re family,” Johnny insisted. “For better or for worse. And in Bam’s case, it’s worse. Believe me.”
Bam grinned. “Tell us about Bammie as a kid. She must’ve been cute as hell, right? Bratty but hilarious?”
Jill ignored Tess’s groan and insisted, “Oh my gosh, you should have seen her. Just the most adorable baby girl ever. Big blue eyes, curly hair, chubby cheeks—the works. From the instant Mom and Dad brought her home we were in love. Even my snobby brother. He fell for her like a ton of bricks because really, she was just so cute.”
She knew she should stop, but these memories had been rushing back lately, especially this week, so she couldn’t help herself. “We would run home from school every day to play with her. And she was such a kick. My parents were so logical and academic, and my brother and I followed right along, but Tess? She was creative and zany right out of the womb. Even when she got older and adopted underachievement as a lifestyle choice, we couldn’t get enough of her.”
Tess broke in with an epic eye roll and told her friends, “Now do you believe me? I’m lucky I escaped when I did.”
They all laughed, then Rachel observed gently, “I would have killed for a big sister who adored me that way.”
“Because you’re an overachiever, too,” Tess agreed. “You would have fit right in at our house.”
“You can joke all you want,” Erica murmured. “But all that love? No wonder you’re such a free spirit.”
Jill’s voice caught in her throat. “It’s true, sissie. We were madly in love.”
“In love with doing my homework, you mean,” Tess teased her.
“Ingrate.”
“Smotherizer.”
Bam flashed a rowdy smile. “Pillow fight?”
“Not in front of the baby,” Tess scolded him. “But maybe later. Right, Jillie?”
Erica intervened with a laugh. “Just ignore them, Jill. Do you want to hold Aaron again? He was so taken by you on Sunday.”
Jill smiled sheepishly. “He thought I was his Auntie Tess. But I’m willing to impersonate her again. Because as cute as she was”—she accepted the warm bundle happily—“this little guy might even be cuter.”
She hadn’t held many infants in her day, but this one felt so natural, probably because he really did smile up at her like they were long-lost relatives.
Johnny spoke up, his voice wistful. “This reminds me of when JJ was born,” he told his brother. “Remember, Jayce? We all just sat around and stared at him. Like he might disappear if we weren’t careful.”
“Yeah, I remember,” Jayce murmured. “The best day of my life.”
“JJ is Jayce’s oldest son,” Tess whispered to Jill. “He’s darling. They all are.”
“I’m sure they are,” she said, shifting her focus from the baby to Jayce, just for a moment. Just to let him know there were no strained feelings.
To her relief, he smiled. “Yeah, they seemed like miracles back then.”
“Until they revealed their true nature? As the spawn of Satan?” Bam asked innocently.
Jill did a double take. “Excuse me?”
“It’s true,” Jayce said, chuckling. “But we love them anyway.”
Erica broke in, insisting, “Those boys are perfect. And not just because they’re my nephews.”
“They behave around you,” Jayce agreed. “Because they’re afraid of Uncle Johnny.”
Erica seemed frustrated, and demanded of Sean, “Tell them, Sean. Those boys are angels, right?”
Sean chuckled. “Maybe in Bizarro World.”
The sound of his mamma’s voice must have intrigued Baby Aaron, because he started to fuss. Jill was ready to hand him back when Jayce surprised her by taking him from her arms, saying, “Allow me. This is my specialty.”
As they all watched, Jayce hoisted the baby over his head and crooned, “Hey, partner? Remember me?”
Aaron cooed in response, then the proud uncle cradled him against his chest and murmured under his breath while rocking him gently.
And all Jill could think was: If ever a man needed his family back, it’s this guy.
And once again, she was on board with that. Jayce and Beth. Beth and Jayce. The universe had spoken. But she still didn’t regret their one-night-plus fling because the universe had spoken to her, too, basically ordering her to seek out and enjoy some excellent sex with someone trustworthy but anonymous, since she wasn’t ready for more, at least not for a while.
“I’m gonna take off,” Jayce said suddenly as he handed the baby back to Erica. “Nice seeing you all again.”
“You’re leaving?” Rachel wailed.
“Yeah, I’m meeting some buddies for poker.” He hugged her, then told Tess impishly, “I’ve got my own wheels, courtesy of Erica. So you don’t need to drive John home.”
“It’s no fun with chaperones, anyway.”
Jill felt a pang of regret, wishing she could give him a light kiss on the cheek. A fond farewell, not to mention thanks for such an unexpected bonus to her visit. Unfortunately, it would blow their cover, so she settled for giving him a warm but impersonal smile.
But apparently Jayce didn’t know the rules, because he turned to her and asked cheerfully, “Need a lift?”