Spencer sighed. Knowing Tatum, she’d let him kiss her on the cheek. Dean was already getting what he wanted: Spencer’s reaction. “Fine.” He forced the word out.
Spencer lost.
As Dean grinned at him, Spencer shrugged him off. His cousin didn’t need to know that he wanted to punch him in the face.
“Come on, boys, they’re about to cut the cake,” his mother said, poking her head in the door. “Honestly, it’s your brother’s engagement party not a pool hall.” She ducked back out, leaving the door wide.
But Spencer lingered, putting the table back to rights before reluctantly heading into the library. It took seconds to find her. Her hair fell over one shoulder, one hand holding a glass of white wine, the other resting on her lap. She was talking to an older gentleman, her hand lifting to emphasize the point she was making. The man said something in return and they both smiled.
She was beautiful.
“Hey,” Lucy said, nudging him. “You’re staring.”
“Yep,” he said. Because she was beautiful.
“Stop,” she said, giggling.
“Do I have to?” he asked, glancing at her with a smile.
“How’s work?” she asked.
“I won’t be visiting your couch anytime soon.” He sighed. “But there’s still no word on Clint Taggart. Gotta feel for his wife and kids.”
“How long has he been gone?” Lucy asked.
“Five days. Maybe six. His wife thought he’d gone on assignment. She didn’t know he’d lost his job.” He finished his beer. Not knowing had to suck. “Anything new with you?”
“Nope. Spending most of my free time with Tatum.” She paused. “Like you. Only without the sex and nakedness.”
He almost choked on his beer.
“No judging here. Two consenting adults. All good.” Lucy took a sip of her wine.
“Um. Thanks?” he said. “When did all the women in this family decide they could say whatever they wanted whenever they wanted?”
Lucy looked up at him. “You’ve been talking to Cady, haven’t you?”
He shook his head. “Everyone has an opinion.”
“Because we all want you happy,” Lucy said.
His attention returned to Tatum. She was looking at him, her green eyes wide. She smiled at him and his heart thudded in his chest.
“Oh my God!” Cady’s voice drew his attention. “This is too much, you guys,” Cady continued, jumping up to hug Bianca and Zach.
Patton was reading the card, surprise clear on his face. “Two weeks in Italy?”
Spencer chuckled. “I got them pots.”
Lucy laughed. “I got them towels. But they’re very nice towels.”
“Sheets,” Tatum added as she walked over, laughing. “Embroidered, Egyptian cotton.”
“Nice,” he said, beyond pleased that she’d joined them.
“But Italy, wow.” She shook her head.
“I know,” Lucy agreed. “Talk about a honeymoon.”