I redirect my attention to the truffles, grab one, and shove it in my mouth, knowing he's won this round.
•—•—•—•—•
"You're doing what!?!" I screech, not caring that it sounds like I'm fifteen years old.
"Surfing." Austin is extremely too smug.
"Like in the ocean?" I reply stupidly.
"Where else would we fucking go? The contractor has a ton of wetsuits and boards. We saw them moving your shit in his garage today. We're hitting the beach tomorrow."
"Stop calling him the contractor! His name is Miller."
"Austin, stop antagonizing her." Andrew sticks up for me, at the same time shoving chips in his mouth.
I slide off the barstool to go find Miller and put an end to this plan right as a loud 'yoohoo' calls from behind. Jill lets herself in the back door, followed by Maya, Cole, and Darby. A few seconds later, Warren, Evin, Pierce, and a man I don't recognize follow with arms loaded down with bags and dishes.
"What in the world?" Mom asks.
My thoughts of finding Miller evaporate as a beautiful older woman sashays through the door, stopping a few feet away and sizing me up. I stay frozen, my skin prickling under the microscope of her gaze.
With all the stories of Annie Graham, I've been warned that she's notorious for her smart remarks. There's no other choice but to wait and see what she throws my way.
"No one told me this was a formal affair."
"That's because it's not," Darby replies.
"Then why is the woman of the house wearing designer jeans and seven-hundred dollar boots? No wonder you like this chick. She's got fancy-schmancy tastes like you."
"Mom!" Darby chides. "Behave or you'll be asked to leave."
There are a couple of snickers, but the ringing in my ears drowns them. Internally, I'm freaking out and not because she called me the woman of the house. This is my test.
I channel my best sass, flipping my hair over my shoulder and kicking my boot in the air. "Actually, they cost nine-hundred, but since I'm an exclusive and preferred client, I received a discount. I could give you the website if you'd like."
Andrew and Austin's jaws drop, while Darby giggles. Annie's eyes light up as she flashes me a complementary smile. "I always knew Miller would land himself a classy broad. You'll do."
The ice is broken, and she comes forward, engulfing me in a hug, and whispering in my ear. "Never lose that sass. You'll need it to keep these boys in line."
"I learned that already."
She steps back, right as Miller comes up behind me, wrapping an arm around my waist.
"You get it out of your system?" he asks her.
"For now. She'll get used to me."
I tilt my head back to him and feel my heart rate pick up. He's fresh out of the shower, his hair still damp, and looking at me with intent in his eyes. His lips sweep across mine in a quick kiss. "Nine-hundred dollar boots?"
I shrug. "I have an obsession with footwear."
"Think I got that when I unloaded fifteen bins labeled shoes today."
"You should have seen my closet before I moved. I forced myself to clean out my collection and gave it to charity. It was a dark and depressing day."
"Good thing your house has so many closets."
"Why do you think I bought the house?"
He throws his head back laughing, hauling me closer to him.
"Yeah, I like this one," Annie throws in, reminding me we have an audience.
"Move over, woman. Stop hogging her." An older version of Evin butts in.
"Edward Graham," he introduces himself.
I free myself from Miller and hug him. "Nice to meet you."
"Whatever you do, no matter how hard she pushes, do NOT give my Annie the website address," he mutters in my ear.
I shift back and wink with a slight nod. "Got it."
The energy in the room picks up as my family swoops in for introductions. With all the attention off me, I tug Miller to the hallway. When we're out of earshot, I spin, ready to state my case, but don't get a chance. He hauls me against his hard body, sliding his hands in my back pockets and squeezing my ass. His mouth crashes down, his tongue tangling with mine with a possessive demand. I have no choice but to follow his lead, holding on to his shoulders to keep standing. Heat and need build low in my spine, slowly trickling its way through my body. His scent surrounds us, lingering in the air and invading my senses. I lose myself in him, savoring the stolen moment of intimacy.
His hips surge upward, the thick bulge pressing into me. I whimper at the sensation, instantly greedy for more. He growls down my throat, curling his tongue around mine once more before tearing away. "I fucking missed you today."
I fight to regain my breath and barely get out, "Missed you, too."
"I like your parents, Princess, but I'll be glad as fuck when you're back in my bed."
"Maybe you could stay in my room tonight?"
He moans, dropping his forehead to mine. "Don't tempt me, Ashlyn. My willpower is only so strong. Two days without you has taken its toll, and we both know what will happen if I come to that hotel tonight."
"I'm an adult, Miller, and they are aware I have a man in my life." I throw his words from Thursday morning back at him.
"Yeah, they're very aware of that fact. I've made it through this far unscathed. Not sure it's smart to test my luck by fucking the hell of out you with them down the hall."
A new kind of electricity courses through my system at the promise in his statement. The thrill is quickly doused when I remember my conversation with Austin earlier. My arms go around his neck, and I lean back to see him. "Speaking of unscathed, you are not taking my brothers surfing tomorrow."
"Why?"
"Because bodies disappear easier in the ocean."
"I'm an excellent swimmer."
"It doesn't matter. I'd like to get to the point where you fuck
