“It’s beautiful.”
“So is the house,” she murmured. “It’s not too modern. And I love stucco and the adobe-colored roof.”
“Me too. But inside? Lola’s taste is … eclectic. Wait until you see.”
He rang the doorbell once and opened the unlocked door, letting them inside as Lola would expect him to do. “Hello?” he called out.
“Grey!”
Lola ran toward him, a flash of dark hair and cropped top as she jumped into his arms and hugged him tight. “It’s been so long!”
A sharp spike of possessiveness ran through Avery, striking her directly in the heart and taking her off guard.
“Lola, let the guy breathe,” a deep voice said as a large man with dark hair and plenty of muscles joined them. “Otherwise I’m going to have to hit your best friend, and I know you don’t want blood on your freshly painted walls.”
Lola jumped down and laughed. “It’s so good to see you!”
“Same here,” Grey said, immediately reaching for Avery’s hand.
The gesture helped calm her nerves and emotions. A little. She really wanted to give the woman a chance, for Grey’s sake.
“Lola and Rep, meet Avery Dare. Avery, this is Lola, she’s insane, and Rep Grissom.”
“It’s good to meet you,” Rep said, capturing her other hand in his.
She met his blue eyes, struck by how good-looking he was … in a bulked-up, beefy football player way. “I’m sure we’ve been in the same room at a Thunder party, but it’s good to actually be introduced,” she said.
“That’s right, you’re Ian’s little sister.”
“It’s been a burden,” she said, laughing.
Rep glanced at Grey. “I like her.”
“I do too.” Grey pulled Avery close, wrapping one arm tightly around her. She felt his affection and more straight down to her toes.
“I’m so happy you came!” Lola said, still bouncing in excitement, her voice smoky, her Alabama accent obvious. “I’ve heard so much about you for so many years. I wasn’t sure this day would come.”
“Give it a rest, Lo,” Grey muttered.
Avery melted a little at the knowledge that he’d spoken of her at all. “Thanks for having me over.”
“Like I said, it’s a pleasure. Now come on in, and let’s get to know each other.” Lola pulled her away from Grey, and Avery had no choice but to follow the spitfire through her eclectic house, passing a huge set of painted lips on a long hallway wall.
Avery had a feeling she was in for an interesting evening.
Chapter Four
Despite Avery’s brief flare of jealousy, she liked Lola. Her bubbly personality and genuine warmth were contagious, and it was obvious she only had eyes for Rep and a sisterly affection for Grey. And true to his prediction, they were the only couple there.
As Lola explained while the men were outside grilling, “I really don’t have a lot of friends in Miami, but Rep is based here. I’ve met a lot of the football wives and significant others, and I like them, but I’m still looking for my own crowd, if you know what I mean.”
“I totally do. I have my sister and sisters-in-law who I’m close with and my best friend, Ella, but I like doing my own thing. Next time we all get together, you should join us.”
“I’d love to!”
And just like that, a huge rock star was going to hang with Avery and her family. Life had really weird twists and turns.
“Come. Let’s get comfortable.” Lola gestured toward the oversized sofas.