“What do you mean, you’ve seen firsthand?”
She looks between Reese and me again, then looks over her shoulder to make sure we’re still alone. “I’ve already told you my sister and mom are total bitches. Well, my sister completely fucked me before she went to hide out in a rehab facility. To get back at me for a lifetime of jealousy and cruelty, she gave my name to her drug dealer. He found me and tormented me, threatening everyone I love. It was easy to fall into his trap, and I put myself in a bad position, not sharing with anyone. Unbeknownst to me, Hayes Security was working on a sting to get this man. I was caught up in it, and when it all exploded, I was on the wrong side.”
Reese and I both gasp.
“When the chips fell, I saw their professional world in its entirety. They are excellent at their jobs. I still worry, but knowing they are skilled, knowledgeable, and trained helps me sleep easy at night.”
“Holy Shit! You were in a sting?” Reese bounces. “What happened with that?”
Ember looks at me with a funny face. I roll my eyes and shrug.
“It turns out the drug dealer became fond of me. My name was easily cleared, and I went home. For weeks, I thought I’d lost Robbie, but it all worked out. That same drug dealer paid for my honeymoon.”
“WHAT?” I screech, bolting up from my lounging position. “That’s priceless.”
“Was he hot?” Reese asks shamelessly.
“Yes, but we can’t ever mention it. Robbie’s a little sensitive when it comes to Dane.”
“Ember.” Finn’s sharp voice booms through the room, startling us all. “Robbie’s ten feet behind me. I suggest you shut up.”
He gives me a look that lights a fire inside, raising an eyebrow expectantly. I place my wine on the table and go to him.
“Hey, sweetie.” I lift on my tiptoes and kiss him gently. “Missed you today.”
His arms circle my waist and tug me as close as possible. “Missed you, too.” He leans in to suck on my bottom lip, not caring we have an audience.
There’s a loud throat clearing behind us, and I look over his shoulder at Tripp and Robbie. “Hey, guys! Come on in.”
I give them both a quick hug and take the food out of their hands and into the kitchen. Reese joins me to help get the plates as Ember opens another bottle of wine.
Finn helps me arrange my living room so we can all sit together, and I listen as Ember tells Robbie she’s joining my gym for kickboxing a few days a week. He questions her schedule, and when she says we’ll all be moving to evening classes so we can go together, his eyes turn to Finn.
It’s almost imperceptible, but I catch the non-verbal chin jerk.
“I think it’s a great idea, babe,” Robbie tells her.
She winks at me as Reese starts to quietly cough, hiding her amusement. We don’t mention a man teaches the evening classes.
Reese helps change the subject by telling us about a new project at work involving an endless search for the next ‘urban chic’ dress to fill boutiques. Robbie, Tripp, and Finn all snap their heads to Ember. She starts shaking her head violently.
“Am I missing something?” Reese looks lost.
“My wife is an incredible clothing designer.”
“No, no, no,” Ember chants.
“She’s too humble to tell you, but she’s sought after.” Robbie ignores her protest.
“True story, my mom begs for her designs for most functions,” Finn agrees.
“What? How did I not know this?” Reese huffs.
“Because I do small time things and commissioned work for close family and friends,” Ember shoots back, giving Robbie and Finn the evil eye.
Tripp shoves his phone in Reese’s face, and I lean in to see one of the most incredibly stunning wedding gowns I’ve ever seen in my life. Ember is smiling at Robbie, with the rest of the guys around them in tuxes. My eyes zone into Finn, and I lose my breath. He’s the most handsome man in the group. His blue eyes sparkle bright as he looks at the camera with his hands on his hips like a model.
I lick my lips and steal a glance to see him eyeing me with a sly grin.